Toyota Tacoma
Problems & Worst Years
Every reported problem for the Toyota Tacoma, model year by model year — ranked from 427 federal NHTSA complaints across 2011–2019.
Rust and structural durability define the oldest Tacoma year in this data, 2011: rear leaf spring failure leads at 41 of 144 total complaints, and frame rust and corrosion adds another 28 — a combination that points toward long-term body and suspension durability rather than a single point failure. Daytime running light malfunctions (29) and steering intermediate shaft failure (20) round out the year, under recalls 13V123, 14V475, and 14V604.
By 2016, the complaint list shifts toward drivetrain and administrative frustration: leaking power train components (19 reports) and transmission issues causing jerking and stalling (18) sit alongside 22 complaints about improper recall handling and 19 more about recall repair delays, plus a rear differential leak (15).
2017 is smaller in volume (73 total) but stands out for safety severity, with three of its top five problems rated safety: heated seat malfunction, brake fluid leak from the master cylinder, and engine misfire paired with power loss. The single largest complaint that year, though, is an air conditioning blower motor failure at 27 reports. Four recall campaigns apply, including 17V356 and 18V211.
Fuel system trouble dominates 2018 and 2019 alike. In 2018, engine stall at idle tied to fuel pump failure draws 21 reports and general stalling during driving another 17, reinforced by a fuel pump recall issue (12); recalls 18V888, 20V012, and 20V682 apply. 2019 adds brake fluid leaking into the driver's footwell (23) and cabin water intrusion (19) to a similar fuel pump stalling complaint (19), under recalls including 18V888 and 19V244.
A buyer should match inspection priorities to the specific year: frame and suspension for 2011, transmission and recall-completion history for 2016, the air conditioning and brake systems for 2017, and fuel pump behavior plus brake fluid leaks for 2018 and 2019. These are, as always, owner-filed complaint counts rather than a measured defect rate, so a lift inspection and full service history remain the most reliable evidence for any individual truck.
Toyota Tacoma problems by year
Complaint volume by model year (bar = relative to the worst year). Theworst yearsare the most-complained-about, weighted by safety-risk problems.
| Year | Complaint volume | Problems | Safety / High | Most common problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 95 | 7 | 0/3 | Rear leaf spring failure Suspension · 41 complaints |
| 2016worst | 109 | 15 | 0/7 | improper recall handling Other · 22 complaints |
| 2017worst | 67 | 7 | 3/2 | Air Conditioning Blower Motor Failure Electrical · 27 complaints |
| 2018worst | 82 | 12 | 0/6 | Engine Stall at Idle Due to Fuel Pump Failure Fuel system · 21 complaints |
| 2019 | 74 | 19 | 0/6 | Brake Fluid Leaking into Driver Footwell Brakes · 23 complaints |
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls, 2011–2019. Problem clustering and year rankings are derived from the complaint record; complaint volume reflects reports filed, not total incidence or fault rate. Vehicle image is illustrative.