Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Toyota Tacoma Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 81 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 received a facelift update for the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
Recalls
1
Complaints
81
Complaint Rate
47.3
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$478
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
17%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
1 recall on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 received a facelift update for the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
- Changes: Exterior updates; New technologies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto.
- Year 5 in this generation (2016–2023).
- 3rd generation Tacoma (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330)
Should You Buy the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 received a facelift update for the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
Its complaint rate (47.3 per 10k sold) is above the Truck segment average of 12.2. The most common reports involve fuel propulsion system (14).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to fuel propulsion system (14). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2019 Toyota Tacoma for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $70 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize trucks
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low recall count
Cons
- Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues reported (14 complaints)
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (13 complaints)
Compare 2020 Toyota Tacoma With
2020 Honda Ridgeline
Score: 70/100
2020 Ford Ranger
Score: 71/100
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 81/100
2020 Jeep Wrangler
Score: 61/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (14)
- POWER TRAIN (13)
- SERVICE BRAKES (11)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- ENGINE (5)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
- AIR BAGS (4)
- STRUCTURE (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- TIRES (2)
- STEERING (2)
- SEATS (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
47.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
7
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 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.
2020 Toyota Tacoma NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.1%
Safety Technologies
Toyota Tacoma Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect fuel pump for signs of failure or recall status
- Test for transmission shudder at steady speeds of 30-40 mph
- Check for oil leaks around the timing chain cover
- Verify brake fluid levels and inspect for leaks from the master cylinder
- Test infotainment system for intermittent failures
- Inspect wiring for rodent damage, especially in high-temperature areas
- Check airbag system functionality, especially if involved in a prior crash
Check Any 2020 Toyota Tacoma's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Tacoma in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Tacoma with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Toyota Tacoma Common Problems by Component
81 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
14 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the fuel pump, with symptoms including stalling, loss of power, and difficulty starting. These problems often occur while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, posing a potential safety risk due to sudden loss of vehicle control. Complaints commonly mention that these issues arise around 8,000 to 55,000 miles. Several owners express frustration that their vehicles are not covered under existing recalls, despite experiencing symptoms similar to those described in recall notices. Additionally, a few reports describe a persistent gasoline smell after driving, which may indicate a separate or related issue.
POWER TRAIN
13 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues related to the power train, with a common problem being a vibration or shudder during steady-speed driving, often attributed to the automatic transmission torque converter lock-up behavior. This symptom typically occurs at moderate speeds around 30-40 mph. Other complaints include unintended acceleration or loss of power, with some vehicles entering "limp mode" unexpectedly, which can be alarming during highway driving or merging into traffic. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 7,800 miles. Safety implications noted by owners include potential loss of control and unexpected vehicle behavior, though no accidents are mentioned in the complaints.
SERVICE BRAKES
11 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder and inconsistent braking performance. Symptoms include brake pedals going to the floor, rear brake pads locking, and a lack of braking power that sometimes requires the use of the emergency brake. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with several owners describing near-miss situations due to sudden loss of braking power or brakes locking unexpectedly. These patterns suggest potential risks for buyers considering this model, especially if the vehicle has not been inspected or repaired for these specific brake issues.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the electrical system, with common complaints involving problems with the vehicle's microphone, infotainment system, and battery. Symptoms described include non-functional microphones leading to distracted driving, infotainment systems turning on and off independently, and battery failures causing further electrical damage. Some owners report these issues occurring around 5,000 to 50,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in cases where electrical failures lead to vehicle shuddering, sudden loss of acceleration, and potential crashes. Additionally, multiple owners mention issues with soy-based wiring insulation attracting rodents, resulting in costly damage and potential driving hazards.
ENGINE (5 complaints)
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma report several engine-related issues, with some indicating oil leaks from the timing chain cover, leading to potential engine inoperability at around 84,000 miles. Another common issue involves engine stalling while driving, sometimes without warning lights, occurring as early as 5,000 miles. Some complaints describe catastrophic engine failures, including engine seizure and the need for replacement, with incidents happening at low mileages like 1,200 and 1,400 miles. Safety concerns are evident, as these problems can result in loss of control, particularly when the vehicle stalls or the engine seizes while driving at highway speeds. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider the associated repair costs and safety risks.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma report issues with the vehicle's speed control, particularly involving the cruise control and collision avoidance systems. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle unexpectedly braking or decelerating, sometimes without any warning lights, while others describe unintended acceleration when cruise control is activated. These incidents often occur at highway speeds, with some owners noting occurrences around 20,000 miles. Safety concerns arise as these malfunctions could lead to potential rear-end collisions or loss of control, especially when the vehicle abruptly changes speed. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially if considering a used model with similar mileage.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma report issues with airbag deployment during accidents. Complaints frequently mention airbags failing to deploy in significant crashes, as noted in two incidents where occupants were injured, one involving a T-bone collision at 35 mph and another at 50 mph in foggy conditions. Another report details a side curtain airbag deploying at an unusual angle during a low-speed incident, causing injury to the driver. These incidents occur at varying mileages, from as low as 3,600 miles to around 45,000 miles. Safety implications include injuries from the lack of airbag deployment and improper airbag deployment, which potential buyers should consider when evaluating this vehicle.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma report two main structural issues. Multiple owners describe water leakage through pressure release vents mounted on the rear of the cab during rainstorms, leading to mold buildup in the carpet. Another complaint involves the hood vibrating at higher speeds, which can reflect sunlight and create a strobe light effect that potentially blinds the driver. These issues are reported without specific mileage, but the symptoms suggest potential safety implications, particularly with the hood vibration affecting driver visibility. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these structural concerns.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma report issues with the vehicle's collision avoidance systems, specifically in scenarios involving backing up. Complaints frequently mention the backup pre-collision system failing to issue warnings or automatically stop the vehicle, as expected, when an obstacle is present. Two reported incidents involve crashes, with one resulting in injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. These issues do not specify mileage, suggesting they may occur at various points in the vehicle's lifespan. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported failures in the collision avoidance features when considering this model.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering on the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, primarily involving the steering wheel pulling to one side. One complaint describes the steering wheel turning permanently to the left even when driving straight, with alignment service only temporarily resolving the issue before it reoccurs, typically after about 500 miles. Another owner notes that when reversing and turning the steering wheel, the engine surges, making the vehicle difficult to control in tight spaces. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as difficulty maintaining vehicle control, but no crashes or injuries are reported.
When Do 2020 Toyota Tacoma Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Tacoma Years
Best Toyota Tacoma Years to Buy
The 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
4 recalls · 126 complaints
2019
4 recalls · 203 complaints
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 2020 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Tacoma have?
Is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma expensive to maintain?
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.
Browse More Toyota Models
Browse More 2020 Vehicles
2020 Mazda CX-5
Score: 86/100
2020 Lexus RX
Score: 86/100
2020 Lexus UX
Score: 84/100
2020 Lexus IS
Score: 83/100
2020 Toyota 4RUNNER
Score: 82/100
2020 Lexus NX
Score: 82/100
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 81/100
2020 Lexus GX
Score: 81/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue