Owners filed 125 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
04032040,320 milesMedian miles at failure
98 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train
17
2
0
0
Steering
13
0
0
0
Service Brakes
12
2
0
0
Structure › Body
10
1
0
0
Air Bags
10
4
1
6
Suspension
8
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
7
0
0
0
Electrical System
7
0
2
0
Engine
6
0
1
0
Vehicle Speed Control
5
1
0
2
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Equipment17V425000
Filed Jul 3, 20173,547 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc
Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk. If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Equipment › Other › Labels14V475000
Filed Aug 4, 201420,000 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk. If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)14V054000
Filed Feb 12, 2014261,114 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk. If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine13V557000
Filed Nov 7, 20133,795 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
Risk. If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire13V494000
Filed Oct 17, 2013979 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc
Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.
Risk. If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.
Equipment › Other › Labels13V123000
Filed Apr 9, 20137,525 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc
Defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy. Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Sep 8, 2026NY
Over the past two weeks the steering effort on my 2nd generation Tacoma has become progressively harder to turn the wheel past certain points in both directions. I initially thought it was a steering pump problem, but based on reporting on the TacomaWorld site, it appears very likely this is a problem with the universal joints at the bottom of the Steering Intermediate Shaft. Their site shows this problem being reported as early as 2008 however, it doesn't appear Toyota ever addressed this with maintenance recommendations, an extended warranty, or safety recall.
Suspension
Filed May 15, 2026MI
2013 Toyota Tacoma rear leaf spring is broken in half 3 leaf set up exactly like the recall up to 2011. Why didn’t the recall go up to 2013. Truck would bottom out easily for years on bumpy back roads
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Feb 17, 2026107,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while closing the hood, the hood prop rod unexpectedly fell behind the latch, ceasing to securely latch the hood. While driving at 80 MPH, the hood suddenly opened and fractured the windshield. There was no injury sustained. The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, closed the hood, and continued driving. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Insurance Provider was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 16, 2026CA
I am filing this consumer complaint against Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (Toyota Motor North America, Inc.) for unfair and deceptive business practices related to a known paint peeling defect on my 2013 Toyota Tacoma (VIN identified in form, paint code 040 Super White). The vehicle exhibits severe peeling on the passenger side rear door, engine compartment, and other areas due to primer adhesion failure from sunlight exposure—not accident damage—matching symptoms addressed in Toyota's Customer Support Program ZKG and related Technical Service Bulletins for 2009–2015 Tacoma models. Despite multiple contacts with Toyota's Customer Experience Center (1-800-331-4331), Stevens Creek Toyota dealership, and formal letters (dated October 5, 2025, and January 15, 2026), Toyota has failed to provide a remedy, acknowledgment, or inspection under applicable programs. Key interactions include: initial notice in April 2024; dealer inspection in July 2024 denying coverage; phone calls in September/October 2025 and January 2026 where representatives hung up without escalation or manager follow-up; and no response to mailed complaints. This has caused ongoing cosmetic damage, diminished resale value, rust risk, and significant frustration/time loss. The issue aligns with widespread complaints and the ongoing class action lawsuit [XXX] v. Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Case No. XXX, U.S. District Court, Central District of California), alleging Toyota's knowledge of defective clear coat
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 1, 2026NH
Vehicle involved in a head on collision resulting in a total loss. Frontal airbags did not deploy. Occupant (driver) sustained bilateral wrist injuries requiring surgery.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 18, 2026CA
Whenever we need to use the horn there isnt one to use. we have changed the fuse more than once still nothing.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 2025VA
The horn started malfunctioning recently at around 200k miles, sometimes working sometimes not (regardless of steering wheel positioning). As prior complaints have stated; the suspect was likely the clockspring, but all the steering wheel controls were functioning with no issues and no warning lights illuminated. Also, I've continously found myself in the 3rd gear multiple times after very lighy taps (mainly from a drink falling/bumping into it) as the cupholders in the front are very small and/or not stable for anything other than small disposable containers.
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 21, 2025MA
The power brake booster failed while driving with my [XXX] and [XXX] old. Fortunately I was in a school zone with no traffic. This particular part is known to fail with Toyota's (recalled on a few models). The vehicle is 13 so Toyota will not back their product. The dealer charged $3,000.00 for the repair. There were no warnings this was going to happen. The vehicle was bought brand new, and always well maintained. ALL work besides oil changes/new tires was completed at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 24, 2025RI
Unknown, The Horn failed to work suddenly when driving. It only works when I turn the wheel then press which I've been told is a clock spring failure in steering wheel which can also affect air bag. Thank You
Power TrainCrash
Filed Jun 24, 2025275,000 milesOH
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the unoccupied vehicle was parked on a slightly inclined driveway. The contact later noticed that the vehicle had rolled across the street into the neighbor's yard, causing the rear end of the vehicle to crash into a pine tree. There were no injuries sustained. The tree branches were damaged. The contact stated that both taillights were damaged, the tailgate was pushed into the bed tonneau cover, there was a significant dent on the bumper, and the vehicle sustained other unknown damages. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. The contact stated that after the incident, the contact noticed that the vehicle could shift into gear while the brake pedal was not depressed, and the gear shifter could be moved out of park(P) while the vehicle was turned off. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.
Structure › Body
Filed May 2, 2025PA
The frame was “repaired” by the spray foam, not replaced. This foam has been falling off since I purchased the vehicle and there is much rust on the frame. I have gone into Toyota for this to be inspected and they said that the foam that was applied to the frame and was sufficient enough to meet the standards. I don’t find this to be safe especially on vehicle that is 12 years old. There was rust that was clearly repainted in spots.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 23, 2025GU
THE SRS AIRBAGS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENDER SIDE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON 1/23/2025 AT 6:06 PM RIGHT AFTER I GOT HOME FROM WORK. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS FASTEN TO THE SEATBELT BUCKLE. WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS IN PLACE AND REMOVED FROM HOLSTER, THE INDICATOR LIGHT LIT UP AND A BELL SOUND ALERTED ME AS THE OPERATOR OF THE TRUCK, THE SEAT BELT WARNING ALSO TRIGGERED THE AIR BAG LIGHTS TO TURN ON WITH A INDICATOR SRS AIRBAGS OFF. THE INDICATOR RESUMES AS THE AIRBAG OFF LIGHTS REMAIN ON UNTIL THE CAR ENGINE IS OFF. WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED BACK ON, THE WARNING LIGHTS OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS ON.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 5, 2024MA
While backing in camper to my driveway after a 3.5 hr return trip, the back part of the frame which holds the rear bumper and the trailer hitch let go from a rusted frame. See attached pic. I inquired with a Toyota dealer who said my vehicle is out of warranty for the CSP from Toyota for rusting frames. They indicated there was a recall that wasn't repaired on my vehicle but I don't recall seeing a recall for rusting frames. They also said this wasn't a safety recall which I have a hard time understanding. If this happened while on the highway and not in front of my house the entire camper would have completely let go from my vehicle. Any information would be appreciated.
Suspension
Filed Mar 24, 2024WA
The rear leaf springs are rusted and corroded, and make a noise when I drive the vehicle.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2023WA
Within 1 month of buying a 2012 and 2013 tacoma the clockspring goes out. This repair is incredibly expensive and has happened with every single Tacoma I have ever bought. Toyota needs to do something about this, this is unnaceptable that my horn/clockspring goes out almost immidiately.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 8, 202392,000 milesOR
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the ABS activated at approximately 35 MPH while making a turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V054000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 18, 2022NJ
1. Fuel door hinge broke. Checked on Tacoma forums, this is a common problem with 2005-2015 model. 2. Not a safety risk. 3. Toyota does not acknowledge this is as a problem for the 2005-2015 model. 4. Vehicle has been inspected for repair estimate. 5. Prior to hinge breaking, the fuel door was not mating properly.
Steering
Filed Nov 5, 2021NY
My lower [ntermediate steering shaft has to be replaced repair is pending the u joint was so rusted steering was very difficult i noticed that the vehicle steering wheel would not return to normal straight it was a gradual process at least 3 months of minor to very hard steering while having some routine work done it was pointed out to me that it might need to be replaced vehicle is a 2013 tacoma 2wd base
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 16, 202175,000 milesCO
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while in reverse and attempting to park the engine RPMs suddenly increased while pressing the brake pedal and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the steering. During the incident, the vehicle crashed into two separate vehicles and a restaurant building serving outside diners. The contact was eventually able to switch gears causing the vehicle to drive forward before turning the engine off and stopping. The contact indicated that the brake pedal was being pressed at the time of the failure but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The driver sustained a mild head injury and one diner was also injured. No further information was available. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Steering
Filed May 20, 2021OH
This issue has been ongoing. Taken into local Toyota dealer and was told they needed to replace entire rack and pinion at a cost of nearly $1500. Three days after picking up it is doing same thing. While steering around corner it will temporarily lock and suddenly it feels like it has no power steering. I am getting nothing but the run around from Wooster Toyota. My wife very nearly was in an accident because of this. This truck only has 80000 miles. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 3, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.