These are the best and worst Toyota Tacoma models of the year to buy used
summary
- The Toyota Tacoma is known for its amazing reliability, but some model years have had major issues, including rust and engine problems.
- The worst Toyota Tacoma years to avoid are 2005-2010, 2011-2012, and 2016-2017, according to consumer complaints and recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The best Toyota Tacoma years to consider are 2013-2015 and 2018-2021, with fewer recalls and complaints and higher reliability ratings, according to JD Power and Car Complaints.
If you’re looking to buy a used midsize pickup, the Toyota Tacoma is probably on your radar. It is one of those reliable trucks that can outlast any other truck. However, nothing is perfect Used car world, and Tacoma, despite its reputation, has had a tough few years for its name.
Buying a used one isn’t necessarily a bad idea, especially if you find an all-new 2024 Tacoma with an inline-4 engine and a sophisticated, tech-focused hybrid powertrain. Brand loyalists still prefer the old-school V6-powered stuff. But unfortunately, it is not without problems. It is important to research before purchasing one of these Small trucksas some of the worst years of the Tacoma are known for rust problems and engine problems.
Of course, this is not surprising Toyota And reliability goes hand in hand. But in rare cases, they sometimes fail to deliver results. The Tacoma is a solid truck, there’s no denying that. However, while most model years have lived up to their names, others have not. We give you a closer look at the best and worst years of the Toyota Tacoma.
Updated August 2023: Tacoma has a cult following. One of the main reasons is the amazing reliability of this Toyota truck. But there are a few model years of this popular Toyota pickup that you should stay away from. We’ve updated this article with more options you can choose from when you’re in the market for a used Toyota Tacoma truck.
What years of Toyota Tacoma should you avoid buying used cars?
2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
If you’re looking for a used Toyota Tacoma, avoid third-generation trucks and early model years between 2005 and 2010. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)From 2005 to 2010, Tacomas received double-digit recalls as well as several hundred complaints. Truck leaf springs are also a cause for concern. More than 700,000 Tacomas have been recalled due to a potential hazard where the springs could break. Car complaints I think the 2005 model, in particular, is the worst Tacoma you can buy used.
From 2005 to 2010, Toyota Tacomas received reports of severe rust, rot, and corrosion. Recall and service campaigns were issued but were region-specific and did not cover all affected models. Only after the owners filed suit did Toyota agree to reimburse the costs. Another recall addressed the defective driver’s side airbag. A design flaw in the second-generation Tacoma also resulted in a stuck throttle.
- Average annual maintenance costs: $447 (Repair Pal)
- EST. Maintenance costs during the first ten years: $6,420 (carriage)
- He remembers: 13 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Worst year to buy a used Toyota Tacoma: The 2005 Toyota Tacoma also happens to have all of the sparse issues that plagued many first-generation Tacomas from 2005 to 2010.
2011-2012 Toyota Tacoma
These Tacoma model years are less problematic than the 2005-2010 years. However, due to the large number of consumer complaints regarding the 2011 and 2012 Tacoma models, it is best to avoid them when purchasing a used Toyota pickup. According to the NHTSA, the 2011 Tacoma has 169 complaints, and the 2012 model has more than 280. Frequent complaints often include clicking noises in the engine compartment, headlight problems, and alarming levels of vibrations from the truck while in motion.
- Average annual maintenance costs: $458 (Repair Pal)
- EST. Maintenance costs during the first ten years: $6,420 (carriage)
- He remembers: 9 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Worst year to buy a used Toyota Tacoma: It is recommended to stay away from both the 2011 and 2012 Tacomas. The 2011 model has nine recalls, which is a high number for a reliable truck like the Tacoma. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2012 model has numerous problems, evidenced by 283 registered consumer complaints.
2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma
Now come the 2016 and 2017 model years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2016 and 2017 Tacoma models have problems with the transmission and engine stalls. V6 models get a faulty crankshaft position sensor. If it fails, the engine will stop. Toyota had a recall due to the problem. However, the NHTSA is still receiving complaints about the sensor, which leads us to believe that the issue is very common and not just limited to these recall units.
- Average annual maintenance costs: $478 (Repair Pal)
- EST. Maintenance costs during the first ten years: $6,420 (carriage)
- He remembers: 5 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Worst year to buy a used Toyota Tacoma: Of the two vehicles, the 2016 Tacoma has a better track record, with more than 280 complaints compared to just under 200 for the 2017 model.
What are the best Toyota Tacoma model years?
2013-2015 Toyota Tacoma
If you’re looking for the most reliable Toyota Tacoma to buy used, it’s best to consider the late 2nd or 3rd generation models. In terms of reliability, the 2013-2015 Tacoma scored exceptional ratings.
for every Energy dinarThe 2013 model received a score of 86 for reliability, while the 2015 model received a score of 85, with overall scores of 82 and 81, respectively. Model years 2018 and up aren’t bad either.
In fact, this Tacoma comes better equipped with fewer complaints and recalls. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the late third-generation Tacoma is significantly better than the notoriously problematic 2016 and 2017 models.
- Average annual maintenance costs: $479 (Repair Pal)
- EST. Maintenance costs during the first ten years: $6,420 (carriage)
- He remembers: 4 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Best used Toyota Tacoma to buy this year: The 2015 Tacoma is the best car you can buy, with only four recalls, one investigation, and fewer than 80 complaints. This also puts it on the list of most reliable used pickup trucks.
2018-2021 Toyota Tacoma
Car complaints You can also find 2018 and up Tacoma models more reliable. It has only three recalls and one investigation, according to the NHTSA. The reliability quotient is also similar to the 2019 Tacoma, as it has only four recalls and one investigation.
In all of the Tacomas mentioned above, the number of complaints is less than 200, which is impressive. For example, the 2020 Tacoma received just under 60 complaints, and the NHTSA only had one recall on file against it. For perspective, the 2016 model has four recalls and nearly 300 complaints.
But among this group, the best is the 2021 Tacoma, which has no recalls or investigations. Complaints are also lower than for the 2020 model, with only 38 complaints listed on the NHTSA website.
- Average annual maintenance costs: $478 (Repair Pal)
- EST. Maintenance costs during the first ten years: $6,420 (carriage)
- He remembers: 0 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Best used Toyota Tacoma to buy this year: Toyota Tacoma 2021, as it does not face any significant problems with no recalls or investigations.
How much does a used Toyota Tacoma cost?
In terms of price, a used 2013 Tacoma starts at $16,000, while good examples sell for an average of more than $25,000, according to Classic.com. Prices for 2014 and 2015 models range between $19,000 and $35,000, depending on mileage and condition. If you’re looking at 2018 and newer model years, things can get pricey, with early case models topping the $50,000 mark. These trucks have significantly improved their design and are better equipped, which commands a significant premium.
In terms of equipment, the third-generation Tacoma, while not loaded with technology, is much better than its predecessors. Standard features on the Tacoma include brake assist, traction control, and a slew of airbags. As for amenities, there’s a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, and wireless charging. Newer models also offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the longest-lasting trucks
If you didn’t know, Toyota Tacomas are minivans that can last a lifetime. They are arguably among the most reliable, if not the most reliable, trucks sold in America. By comparing NHTSA records, it’s easy to deduce how powerful this midsize pickup is. Even the Tacoma’s worst years are better than some of its best competitors.
Yes, having an engine and transmission problem is a concern, as is corrosion. But despite all this, at the end of the day, it’s still a Toyota Tacoma. They are designed to last and are inexpensive to maintain. Additionally, the issue value is among the best in the industry. So don’t let these problems scare you into purchasing one of the most reliable pickup trucks available today.
