Used Car GuideBased on NHTSA recall & complaint data

Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid

The Toyota Tacoma has a troubled reliability history. 14 of 16 model years we track show elevated recalls or complaints — shop carefully.

Avoid These Years

20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012

Use Caution

None

Best Years to Buy

20112026

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Recall and complaint counts from NHTSA bulk data. Reliability score is DBB's composite of NHTSA signals, EPA data, and brand-tier adjustments.

Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints	Safety	Reliability
2026	GOOD	0	10	—	97/100
2025	AVOID	92	103	—	0/100
2024	AVOID	91	188	—	9/100
2023	AVOID	25	70	★★★★☆	0/100
2022	AVOID	10	79	★★★★☆	0/100
2021	AVOID	0	114	★★★★☆	20/100
2020	AVOID	2	125	★★★★☆	6/100
2019	AVOID	7	301	★★★★☆	0/100
2018	AVOID	6	281	—	0/100
2017	AVOID	6	318	★★★★☆	0/100
2016	AVOID	5	417	—	30/100
2015	AVOID	6	140	★★★★☆	0/100
2014	AVOID	5	133	★★★★☆	0/100
2013	AVOID	8	169	★★★★☆	0/100
2012	AVOID	10	406	★★★★☆	0/100
2011	GOOD	0	0	—	100/100

How We Rate Each Year

AVOID

4+ NHTSA recalls, 30+ owner complaints, 2+ critical recalls, or overall reliability below 50/100. Statistically higher risk of costly repairs or safety issues.

CAUTION

2–3 recalls, 15–29 complaints, or reliability below 65/100. Inspect carefully before buying. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is especially important.

GOOD

Fewer than 2 recalls, under 15 complaints, and reliability of 65/100 or better. These years represent the Toyota Tacoma at its most dependable.

Data sourced from NHTSA bulk recall and complaint dumps. Recall severity (critical/high/medium/low) is classified by NHTSA. Reliability score is DBB's composite index.

Found the right year? Check the actual car.

Enter the mileage and asking price and we'll give you a BUY, NEGOTIATE, or WALK verdict in seconds — based on the same NHTSA data above, plus market pricing.

Check This Car →

Run a Decision on the Best Years

2011 Toyota Tacoma →2026 Toyota Tacoma →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota Tacoma years should I avoid?▾

Based on NHTSA data, the 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 model years have the most elevated recall and complaint counts. The 2025 in particular had 2 critical recalls, 103 NHTSA complaints, low reliability score (0/100).

What is the most reliable Toyota Tacoma year?▾

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma scores highest in our reliability index with the fewest recalls and complaints in the years we track. The 2026 are also strong choices.

How is this data calculated?▾

We use recall and complaint data from the NHTSA bulk data dumps (updated weekly), combined with EPA fuel economy data and brand-level reliability adjustments. Unlike press-opinion rankings, our scores are based entirely on government-reported safety and reliability signals. Our full decision engine also factors in your specific mileage and asking price to produce a BUY, NEGOTIATE, or WALK verdict.

Should I avoid a Toyota Tacoma with recalls?▾

Not necessarily. Recalls are often free fixes performed by dealerships — if the previous owner had the recall work done, the issue is resolved. What matters more is whether the recall was safety-critical and whether it was completed. Always check the NHTSA VIN lookup to confirm recall status on any specific vehicle before buying.