Last updated: 2026-03-04

Toyota Tacoma

2 Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota Tacoma average of 63/100

The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid are 2024, 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2024 with a reliability score of 55/100. The best Toyota Tacoma year to buy is 2025 70/100.

Verdict

The 2024, 2019 Toyota Tacoma score significantly below the model average of 63/100. The weakest year is 2024 with a score of 55/100 due to power train (50) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 65/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota Tacoma average of 63/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202455/100Mixed4126Power Train (50)
2201955/100Mixed4203Power Train (36)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

55
MixedReliability score: 55 out of 100, rated Mixed

2024 Toyota Tacoma

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has mixed reliability. There are 4 recalls and 126 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (50), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (15), Unknown Or Other (12).

4 recalls126 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (50), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (15), Unknown Or Other (12), Service Brakes (11), Electrical System (8), Structure (4)

View full 2024 reliability report →
55
MixedReliability score: 55 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Toyota Tacoma

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma has mixed reliability. There are 4 recalls and 203 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (36), Fuel Propulsion System (35), Service Brakes (31).

4 recalls203 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (36), Fuel Propulsion System (35), Service Brakes (31), Electrical System (20), Fuel System, Gasoline (19), Engine (14)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota Tacoma Problems?

Top reported issues across all Toyota Tacoma model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

153 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

121 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

78 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

64 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

46 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL SYSTEM

46 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

Best Toyota Tacoma Year to Buy Instead

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 81 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel Propulsion System (14), Power Train (13), Service Brakes (10).

Score: 65/100 (Good)1 recalls81 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Toyota Tacoma Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Toyota Tacoma Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota Tacoma years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Toyota Tacoma years: 2024 (score: 55/100), 2019 (score: 55/100). These model years score significantly below the Toyota Tacoma average of 63/100.
What is the best year for the Toyota Tacoma?
The best year for the Toyota Tacoma is 2025, with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 33 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Toyota Tacoma have?
Across all years in our database, the Toyota Tacoma has a total of 23 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Toyota Tacoma worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 70/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 63/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Toyota Tacoma problems?
The most common Toyota Tacoma problems are power train (153 complaints), service brakes (121 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (78 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable long-term?
The Toyota Tacoma has an average reliability score of 63/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Toyota Tacoma generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota Tacoma generation is the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330) with an average score of 63/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota Tacoma?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Toyota Tacoma is $478 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Toyota Tacoma a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 70/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 33 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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