Last updated: 2026-03-04

2025 Toyota Tacoma Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 33 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
33
Complaint Rate
17.6
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
4 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
Its complaint rate (17.6 per 10k sold) is above the Truck segment average of 2.7. The most common reports involve steering (7).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering (7). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2026 Toyota Tacoma. See also the 2024 Toyota Tacoma for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $70 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize trucks
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- STEERING issues reported (7 complaints)
Compare 2025 Toyota Tacoma With
2025 Honda Ridgeline
Score: 85/100
2025 Ford Ranger
Score: 74/100
2025 Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 83/100
2025 Ford Maverick
Score: 77/100
2025 Jeep Wrangler
Score: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- STEERING (7)
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
- STRUCTURE (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- SEATS (1)
- TIRES (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- Carry Handle (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
17.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 2.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles. The front driveshaft constant-velocity (CV) joint may deform and break.
Consequence
A broken driveshaft can impair steering. Vehicles with full-time 4WD may experience a vehicle rollaway while parked without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace both front driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed November 14, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB11 and 25TA11.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
Consequence
An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the instrument panel software for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB08 and 25TA08. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB05 and 25LA05.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel drive vehicles. The rear brake hoses can be damaged if mud and dirt builds up inside the rear wheels. This can result in a brake fluid leak.
Consequence
A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 1, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB04 and 25TA04.
2025 Toyota Tacoma NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.8%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 18.5%
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 2025 Toyota Tacoma
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test transmission for overheating during normal driving
- Inspect steering alignment and stability at various speeds
- Verify Apple CarPlay connectivity with multiple devices
- Check for structural integrity of door handles and windows
- Ensure hood is secure and does not bounce at highway speeds
- Confirm recall repairs have been completed, especially for power train and brakes
Check Any 2025 Toyota Tacoma's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 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.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Common Problems by Component
33 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
7 complaintsOwners report steering instability and alignment issues in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, with multiple complaints describing directional instability, off-center steering, and difficulty maintaining straight-line travel. Symptoms frequently include abnormal tire wear, excessive body roll, and vibrations, with some vehicles exhibiting asymmetrical vehicle height and unequal wheelbase measurements. Complaints typically arise within the first few thousand miles, with some owners noting issues from the first day of ownership. Safety implications are significant, as several reports highlight the potential for loss of control, particularly during turns or emergency maneuvers. These issues may indicate structural or assembly defects, as suggested by repeated unsuccessful repair attempts and unresolved alignment discrepancies.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2025 Toyota Tacoma's power train, particularly involving transmission overheating and shifting problems. Complaints frequently mention the transmission overheating warning light activating under normal driving conditions, such as on a freeway, even at low mileage around 1,500 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe harsh shifting between gears, notably from 2nd to 3rd, and slipping acceleration when idling, with some reports occurring around 5,000 miles. Safety implications include reduced vehicle control and unexpected acceleration changes, especially when towing or during gear shifts. These issues could affect the driving experience and safety, which is important for potential buyers to consider.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma report several distinct issues, with driveline vibrations and transmission problems being notable. Complaints frequently mention vibrations occurring during acceleration, coasting, or braking between 25-45 mph, and transmission issues described as slipping and clunky even at low mileage, such as 1,800 miles. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the sunroof spontaneously shattering without external impact, which poses a safety risk due to potential glass injuries and water ingress. Other concerns include the absence of a trailer brake controller option, leading to safety worries when towing, and intermittent XM radio signal loss. These issues appear early in the vehicle's life, with some reported within weeks of purchase and low mileage, providing important considerations for potential buyers.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma report several issues related to the vehicle's structure. One common complaint involves the door handle mechanism breaking internally, preventing the door from being opened from the inside unless the window is rolled down. This issue is noted at around 7,000 miles. Another issue involves the rear passenger side window shattering unexpectedly when the door is closed with normal force, with one owner noting this occurred shortly after purchase. Additionally, the hood reportedly bounces while driving, particularly at highway speeds, raising concerns about potential visibility obstruction if it were to open. These issues are associated with safety risks, particularly in scenarios involving emergency egress or visibility while driving.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the Apple CarPlay system in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, where it disconnects or fails to connect consistently. This problem occurs both at startup and randomly during driving, affecting multiple iPhone models and using different cables. Complaints frequently mention that the issue persists even after updating the phone and vehicle software. The symptoms include CarPlay dropping connection, system freezes, and CarPlay not appearing as an available input for extended periods. These disconnections cause drivers to manually interact with their phones, potentially creating a safety hazard, especially since dealerships acknowledge the issue but lack a permanent fix.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma report issues with the service brakes, specifically mentioning malfunctions related to the parking brake and system alerts on the vehicle display. One owner describes the vehicle behaving as if it is dragging and not maintaining the correct speed, accompanied by error messages indicating parking brake and system malfunctions. Another owner notes involvement in a recall for the service brakes, with parts for the repair not yet available, although they have not experienced a failure themselves. These reports do not specify mileage ranges, and there are no mentions of crashes, fires, or loss of control in the complaints.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owned a 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, a Semi Truck attempting to merge onto the highway crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control of the steering and cross three lanes of traffic before crashing into the concrete median. During the crash, no air bags in the vehicle deployed, the collision avoidance systems did not operate, and twelve error messages were activated, including a brake error, a Four Wheel Drive error, and an ABS error. The driver sustained a concussion from the head contacting the steering wheel and lacerations from shards of glass entering the vehicle during the crash. The front seat passenger sustained lacerations to the legs and arms, the rear driver side passenger sustained fractured ribs and lacerations to the arms leg, and face. The rear passenger side occupant sustained lacerations to the arms and legs. All occupants in the vehicle were transported to the hospital with injuries, along with the semi-truck driver. No further information was available. A Police report was taken, and the vehicle was towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. A representative from the manufacturer was sent to inspect the vehicle and deemed no failure had occurred. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 4,000.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintRight Front Seat cushion appears to be collapsed / defective. Was present at 29 miles. Dealer looked at it, and dismissed it as not there problem. Started a case with toyota North America, and they're refusing to acknowledge any problem. The passenger seat is noticeably collapsed compared to drivers seat. I have since parked the vehicle as I feel it is unsafe to drive. I bought this truck new the week of Thanksgiving 2025. I fear that the seat may structurally fail during an accident, thus injuring any passenger in that seat.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintTIRE SIZE IS 245/75R17, NORAML DRIVING SPEED @ 70MPH AND GOT FLAT. THIS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 8000 MILES AND ALREADY HAD (2) FLAT TIRES IN THE SPAN OF LESS THAN 6 MONTH, 1ST INCIDENT HAPPENED ON 9/08/2025 AND 2ND INCIDENT ON 12/10/2025.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintI was driving to work when after running across a minor pothole I heard a clunking sound. It turns out it's the top cap for the front coil-over Bilstein shocks had broken allowing the shaft and the bump stop to protrude through the upper mounting plate. The coil did its job of keeping the vehicle suspended, but the shock piston has no ability to alleviate any stresses put upon the coil. Dealer states that because there was an outside contribution, i.e. a pothole, which had been driven around and over many times before, wasn't warrantable. There was no more than standard bump and sway than when driving around as usual. There was no shudder as though I was going too fast for the defect in the road. I dont know if there was pre existing stress damage from a recent collision(opposite corner of truck) or if the was a defect with the part. The top cap is made out of aluminum rather than steel, which I find disturbing after learning this is not the first to have broken. This vehicle has only been off pavement in gravel driveways and parking lots. I hope you can investigate this thoroughly.
When Do 2025 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).
2025(this page)
4 recalls · 33 complaints
2021
0 recalls · 69 complaints
2023
4 recalls · 42 complaints
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
2025 Toyota Tacoma Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 33 | 3 | 2 | 4 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 out of 5 |
| Total | 33 | 4 | 2 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
How many recalls does the 2025 Toyota Tacoma have?
Is the 2025 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.
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