Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Toyota Tacoma Reliability Report
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). With 4 recalls and 203 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
4
Complaints
203
Complaint Rate
120.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$478
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (36)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (35)
- SERVICE BRAKES (33)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 4 of the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
- Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2020.
- 3rd generation Tacoma (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2016: Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 4 of the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
A 55/100 score puts the 2019 Toyota Tacoma in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2019 is year 4 of the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
Complaint volume sits above average at 203 owner complaints alongside 4 recalls. Issues in power train (36) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put power train (36) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, which scored 10 points higher. See also the 2018 Toyota Tacoma for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +$70 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize trucks
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Moderate recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (36 complaints)
Compare 2019 Toyota Tacoma With

2019 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability: 65/100

2019 Nissan Frontier
Reliability: 80/100

2019 Ford Ranger
Reliability: 64/100

2019 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability: 78/100

2019 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability: 62/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (36)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (35)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
120.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.4
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
EQUIPMENT
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Buying a used 2019 Toyota Tacoma? Check its history first
Every 2019 Toyota Tacoma has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Toyota Tacoma NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Toyota TacomaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$478
vs $548 avg for midsize trucks
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
17%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
18–21 MPG
Running cost: $3,350–$3,800/yr
Fuel + repair
17–20 city / 20–24 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Tacoma 2WD 2.7L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 23 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Tacoma 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Tacoma 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 22 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Tacoma 4WD TRD PRO 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 | 22 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Tacoma 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Tacoma 4WD Double Cab Off-Road 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Tacoma 4WD TRD PRO 3.5L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Toyota Tacoma.
Inspect steering rack for fluid leaks
Verify fuel pump recall completion
Test brakes for firmness and check for fluid leaks
Check for water intrusion in rear passenger compartment
Test adaptive cruise control for unexpected braking
Inspect engine for ticking noises or stalling issues
2019 Toyota Tacoma Common Problems by Component
203 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
36 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the transmission, including jerking, hesitation, and improper shifting. Symptoms often described include the vehicle struggling to accelerate, especially uphill, and a noticeable vibration when slowing down, typically between 40 to 0 mph. Many complaints mention these issues occurring at relatively low mileages, such as around 12,000 to 44,000 miles. Some owners also report safety concerns, such as unintended acceleration and loss of power, which could potentially lead to dangerous driving situations. Prospective buyers should consider these reported issues, particularly if purchasing a used model within this production year.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
35 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the fuel pump, which often fails at various mileages, including as low as 7,084 miles and up to 63,000 miles. Common symptoms include stalling at high speeds, rough idling, hard starting, and the vehicle being unable to restart after stalling. Some owners mention receiving recall notices but face delays in obtaining repairs due to parts unavailability, leading to extended periods without the use of their vehicle. Safety concerns are evident, with reports of near-miss collisions and vehicles stalling in traffic, though only one incident involved a crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and assess whether the fuel pump has been replaced or if the vehicle is still awaiting recall service.
SERVICE BRAKES
33 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with brake fluid leaks, particularly from the brake master cylinder into the driver-side cabin, leading to a loss of braking power. Complaints describe symptoms such as the brake pedal going to the floor, the ABS and traction control lights activating, and in some cases, the vehicle failing to stop unless the emergency brake is engaged. These issues often emerge around 22,000 to 64,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three reports involving crashes due to brake failure. Buyers should be aware of potential master cylinder defects that may not be covered under existing recalls, despite similarities in symptoms.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
20 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the Bluetooth connectivity and fuel gauge inaccuracies. Many complaints describe Bluetooth devices disconnecting during calls and the head unit rebooting, which can distract drivers. Fuel gauge problems are noted, with incorrect readings and warnings about fuel levels, often at mileages around 30,000 to 40,000 miles. Safety implications are evident in reports of sudden deceleration and loss of control, with one incident involving a fire causing injury. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding reliability and safety.
FUEL SYSTEM (19 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
19 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly concerning delays in recall repairs for fuel pump replacements. Many complaints highlight that parts needed for these repairs are unavailable, causing extended wait times. Symptoms associated with these fuel system issues include stalling while driving, rough idling, and unintended acceleration, often occurring at low mileages around 6,000 to 14,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the stalling and acceleration problems pose potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these issues and confirm recall repairs have been completed before purchasing.
ENGINE (14 complaints)
ENGINE
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report engine stalling issues, often occurring while driving at various speeds. Symptoms include sudden stalls and hesitation, with some owners mentioning these issues starting as early as 8,000 miles. Another common problem involves engine noises, such as ticking and abnormal lifter sounds, typically reported after multiple stalls. A few owners also describe engine damage linked to fuel pump issues, with one case involving a crash due to unintended acceleration. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, including loss of power and control, which may be of concern to prospective buyers.
STEERING (9 complaints)
STEERING
9 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering rack in the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, frequently mentioning fluid leaks that require replacement of the entire steering rack. Complaints often describe fluid visible on the steering boots and diminishing power steering fluid levels, with some owners noting this problem at mileages as low as 29,000 to 78,000 miles. Symptoms include rattling noises from the front end, knocking, and grinding when turning. Safety implications are noted, as loss of power steering could pose a risk, particularly at highway speeds. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially since repairs are costly and may recur.
STRUCTURE (7 complaints)
STRUCTURE
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with water intrusion into the rear passenger compartment due to faulty rear cabin pressure vent seals. Symptoms commonly include leaks during rainy conditions and a musty or mildew odor, with some owners concerned about potential mold development. These issues are often noted at varying mileage, with one report indicating a failure at 80,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with paint flaking or chipping, particularly on white vehicles, which are not covered by existing recalls. While one complaint involves a crash due to brake failure, it is unrelated to the structure issues but highlights a potential safety concern for buyers to consider.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly related to unprompted acceleration and problems with adaptive cruise control. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly even after the gas pedal is released, sometimes resulting in the need for immediate braking to regain control. Additionally, several owners mention the adaptive cruise control system applying brakes abruptly when other vehicles are detected nearby, which can pose a risk of being rear-ended. One complaint includes a crash incident during parking where the vehicle accelerated into a wall, resulting in two injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. These issues are reported at low mileage, with one specific case occurring at approximately 2,000 miles.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma report issues with air bag deployment in crash situations. Complaints frequently mention that in two separate crash incidents, the air bags failed to deploy, with one incident involving non-deployment of the front driver-side air bag and another involving all air bags. Both crashes resulted in the vehicles being deemed total losses and one incident involved a back injury requiring hospital transport. Additionally, there is a report of a passenger airbag system malfunction where the airbag is indicated as off despite a buckled passenger, raising concerns about airbag readiness. These issues are reported at mileages of approximately 1,000 and 47,000, suggesting potential variability in occurrence. Safety implications include the risk of air bags not providing protection during collisions, which is a critical consideration for potential buyers.
When Do 2019 Toyota Tacoma Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Tacoma Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Toyota Tacoma Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Toyota Tacoma year is 2025 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (70/100) and 2023 (68/100).
Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid
The worst Toyota Tacoma year is 2024 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to power train (50) issues. Also avoid 2019 (55/100).
2024
2019
(Current Model)
Toyota Tacoma Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Tacoma reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 63/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 70/100 | Good |
Toyota Tacoma Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma have?
Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Toyota Tacoma without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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