In the market for a truck that’s highly dependable and can withstand all kinds of terrain? Look no further than the Toyota Tacoma. Manufactured by a company that’s known for producing vehicles that last, you know you’ll get the best value for your money with the Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma promises top-tier performance, seamlessly combining power and great fuel economy. While it has good features and an even better reputation online, is the Toyota Tacoma actually a reliable vehicle?
Are Toyota Tacomas Reliable?
The Toyota Tacoma is generally a reliable vehicle. It remains a staple of the mid-size pickup segment, doing better than most of its competitors on the market—and for good reason. Several owners online swear by their Tacomas, with some joking that the incredibly hardy truck would most likely outlive them.
While the Toyota Tacoma has a lot of satisfied owners, it also has its skeptics. Some drivers lament that the Tacoma is too large to drive around in places with limited parking, and that it’s not worth the ruckus of being judged when trying to squeeze in smaller spaces.
For a nuanced look into the Toyota Tacoma’s reliability, here’s what popular review sites rated the latest Tacoma model:
- Car and Driver: 9.5/10
- JD Power: 82/100
- RepairPal: 3.5/5
- Edmunds: 7.6/10
RepairPal notes that the Toyota Tacoma’s annual repair cost is only around $478, which means repair costs are lower than the average truck. According to CarEdge, it will depreciate 28% after five years.
Overall, the Toyota Tacoma is a reliable vehicle with good resale value.
What Are the Most Common Issues with the Toyota Tacoma?
Although the Toyota Tacoma is generally reliable, it still has occasional issues. Here are some of the most common problems associated with the Toyota Tacoma and the affected model years:
Improper Shifting
One of the most commonly reported issues of the Toyota Tacoma involves shifting. Some owners shared that their vehicles had issues shifting at higher mileages. As a result, most owners have also complained about poor gas mileage.
Some experts suggest this may be caused by the throttle position sensor being out of adjustment or a shift solenoid needing to be replaced. Often, this issue can be solved without completely replacing the transmission.
Affected Model Years:
- 1995
- 1996
- 2004
- 2006
- 2009
- 2017
Paint Peeling
Quite a number of Toyota Tacoma owners online complain about paint peeling off the hood of their trucks. Some owners share that aside from the paint issue, the bare metal was susceptible to rust and corrosion, and there is speculation that continuous sun exposure may have contributed to the peeling and oxidation damage.
For owners of the 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma with Super White paint (code 040) on the exterior door window frames and front inner fender edges, Toyota has a Customer Support Program (CSP) addressing paint peeling for free.
Affected Model Years:
- 2005
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
Lower Ball Joint Issue
The lower ball joint snapping off from the suspension is common among older Toyota Tacomas (and Tundras). This is a significant safety issue, so it’s no surprise that Toyota issued a recall to address this problem.
Toyota recalled certain 2001-2004 Tacoma 4WD and PreRunner vehicles to have the front suspension lower ball joint replaced.
Affected Model Years:
- 1995
- 1996
- 1998
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
Differential Leaks
First generation Tacomas have been widely reported to have differential leaks due to blocked vents, and second generation owners have reported similar complaints. But third generation Tacomas have been reported to have differential leaks due to manufacturing defects or damage to the unit. This is somewhat abnormal for rear wheel drive vehicles overall.
Affected Model Years:
- 1995-2023
Faulty Leaf Springs
Some Tacomas have experienced broken or faulty leaf springs from wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or heavy usage. This is unusual and doesn’t typically happen on other rear wheel drive pickups and SUVs.
Affected Model Years:
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2016
- 2017
Transmission Issues
Another issue that plagues Toyota Tacoma owners involves the truck’s automatic transmission. Some owners complain that the transmission revs high as if in neutral when the accelerator is pressed. Others have reported transmission “shuddering” during acceleration.
In some instances, the Tacoma even loses power or enters limp mode. Others report several dash warning lights illuminating before their truck lost power completely.
Although Toyota has not issued an official recall, a technical service bulletin (TSB) was communicated to affected 2024 Tacoma owners. The TSB instructs dealers to replace the automatic transmission and the torque converter on models experiencing transmission issues.
Affected Model Years:
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2006
- 2007
- 2024
What Are the Best Model Years for the Toyota Tacoma?
Not all Toyota Tacomas are created equal, with some model years standing out from the rest. These models are known to be the most reliable, with fewer reported issues and recalls, making them the best options for value-conscious buyers.
The model years of the Tacoma considered to be among the best include:
- 2010
- 2014
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
FAQ
Where are Toyota Tacomas made?
Where the Toyota Tacoma is made depends on its year model. Second generation Tacomas are assembled in Tijuana, Mexico and Fremont, California. As for third generation Tacomas, they are made in Tijuana and San Antonio. The Toyota Tacoma's truck bed is produced separately at the Toyota Auto Body California (TABC) in Long Beach.
How long can a Toyota Tacoma last?
Known for its reliability, it’s no surprise that the Toyota Tacoma reportedly lasts around 20 to 25 years. This translates to 200,000 to 250,000 miles or more, assuming the truck receives regular maintenance, oil changes, and tire rotations.