With options for a short bed or a longer cargo bed, the Toyota Tacoma is offered with both an extended cab and crew cab. A 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower is standard at the base of the lineup, but it may be upgraded for extra power and towing capacity. There are both manual and automatic transmissions available, and 4-wheel drive is an extra. It has a 6,800-pound towing capacity and a 1,400-pound hauling capacity. There are five different Tacoma versions available: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
The base Tacoma SR model for 2021 costs $26,150, with prices varying by model and trim. The base Limited model will cost $38,900 in 2021, while the most expensive TRD Pro, which comes with the Toyota off-roading premium package, will cost $44,000.
Considering purchasing a Tacoma on the used market makes sense because Toyotas are built to last. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can frequently find an older, higher-end Tacoma model with little mileage and excellent condition for a lot less money. It might still be under warranty depending on how old it is, but if not, getting an extended warranty from Olive won’t be an issue since the Toyota brand is known for its dependability and dependability. The 2011 to 2020 Tacoma model years’ typical retail costs are listed below.
- $18, 250 | Predicted Reliability: 5 out of 5 2011 $9,850
- 2012 $10,475$20,100 | Reliability Predicted: 5 out of 5
- 2013 $11,425$22,050 | Reliability Predicted: 5 out of 5
- 2014 $12,675$23,250 | 5 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2015 $16,150$26,275 | 5 out of 5 predicted reliability
- 2016 $19,150$31,825 | 4 out of 5 predicted reliability
- 2017 $20,175$38,775 | 4 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2018 $22,175$40,175 | 3 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2019 $24,150$42,925 | 3 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2020 $26,200$45,325 | 5 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
In This Article...
Are Toyota Tacomas Reliable?
Toyota trucks are renowned for their dependability, as are all of the automaker’s products. The Toyota Tacoma receives an above-average dependability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 on RepairPal’s scale and has lower-than-average ownership costs.
Maintenance Costs
Even though the Tacoma is a dependable truck, it will occasionally need to go to a repair shop. Toyota Tacoma owners have to take their cars in for unscheduled repairs on average 0.3 times a year, compared to 0.2 times on average for other midsize trucks and 0.4 times on average for all vehicle models, according to RepairPal.
The Tacoma has a 17 percent chance of having a significant or serious repair issue, compared to a 13 percent average for midsize trucks and 12 percent for all vehicle types. Major repairs are unusual for the Tacoma despite the fact that repairs frequently need to be more extensive than usual due to a small number of problems.
The Tacoma’s average annual repair cost is $478, while the average annual repair cost for other midsize trucks in its class is $548, and the average annual repair cost for all other vehicles is $652.
Common Tacoma Problems
These are the third-generation Toyota Tacoma’s most frequently mentioned issues. the newly built 2016 model years and later came with a new engine and transmission, which as a result had an influence on driveability even though the trucks were newer.
- malfunctioning crank position sensor The car stalls or stutters because the crank position sensor frequently malfunctions and fails to measure the rpms as the crank revolves. As a result, the PO335 probable fault code will appear on the check engine light. The 2016 and 2017 model years are affected by this issue, according to reports. There haven’t been many difficulties reported since 2017.
- leak in the rear differential
- A recall was carried out to at least repair the gasket in the rear differential since oil leaks were possible. The internal components will need to be changed as part of the recall repair if the differential is worse off as a result of the leak or the lube level has dropped below the minimum gear lube threshold.
- The idle surge
- Owners have noted that when the steering wheel is adjusted while the truck is in idle mode, the idling will increase. The truck then stalls, delaying its movement in either direction when it is time to moveeither in reverse or forward. The best course of action is to take your Tacoma to the dealership if you see idle surging in order to have the problem swiftly fixed because Toyota issued a recall for this problem.
- Transaxle difficult shifting
- This problem has only been documented in Tacomas with V6 engines and 6-speed transmissions. The symptoms include stalling or delayed shifting when moving from drive to reverse or from drive to parked. Additionally, owners have reported problems with the transmission shifting incorrectly on the freeway and when attempting to up an incline. The transmission may appear to be struggling to change ratios while traveling at a constant pace on the highway. It may be challenging to accelerate while climbing an incline if the transmission is not downshifting at the appropriate moment. Take your Tacoma to the dealer to have the cause determined; it’s likely just a calibration issue with the engine’s computer.
- defective blower motor
- There have been reports of the blower motor’s cage cracking, which results in dash sounds and insufficient airflow through the vents. Additionally, several owners have mentioned smelling burnt plastic. The above-mentioned symptoms are brought on by the blower not spinning effectively when the blower motor fractures.
Is the Toyota truck the most dependable?
The Toyota Tacoma, which ranks as the third-most durable truck on the list, upholds Toyota’s stellar reputation. 2.8 percent of Tacomas, the Tundra’s smaller cousin, travel more than 200,000 miles. The Tacoma is the oldest pickup truck available that hasn’t undergone a substantial change. Older models often last longer because automakers have had more time to iron out design flaws that reduce reliability. Although Toyota has not announced plans,
Do Toyota trucks have issues with their transmissions?
It’s hard to beat the Toyota Tacoma as an off-roader. The Tacoma is a reasonably priced pickup that is excellent for off-road excursions and rough terrain. One of its most significant flaws is its transmission.
Out of all the Toyota models, the Tacoma’s automatic transmission is among the worst. The truck is much easier to control because to its manual transmission, but it is still far from ideal. The automatic transmission has a tendency to slip, which is really aggravating while driving.
Some Toyota Tacoma vehicles with automatic gearboxes and higher mileage completely lose the ability to effectively shift gears. Steering problems may result from the lower ball joint of the Tacoma prematurely wearing down. The Tacoma can be a fun pickup to own, but it has several issues that are characteristic of Toyota trucks and frequently need to be fixed right away.
Is the Toyota Tacoma a trustworthy pickup?
Breakdown of the Toyota Tacoma Reliability Rating. The Toyota Tacoma is rated as having a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, placing it 7th overall among midsize trucks. It has lower ownership costs than the national average due to the $478 average annual repair cost.
How durable are Toyota trucks?
How important is mileage? That really relies on how well the car has been maintained.
A properly-kept Toyota Tacoma will run far over 300,000 miles, although standard automobiles are known to endure up to 200,000 miles.
According to some sources, Toyota Tacomas have traveled more than 400,000 miles. The equivalent Chevy Colorado has an around 200,000-mile lifespan.
What distinguishes and distinguishes the Toyota Tacoma as the best is its capacity to last hundreds of thousands of miles longer than its rivals. Your brand-new Tacoma today might endure until your kids get their driver’s license in 15 years, provided you take good care of your car.
Which pickup has the fewest issues?
Previously Owned Pickup Trucks with the Fewest Issues
- Chevy Colorado 2020 | GM.
- Ford’s 2020 Ranger model.
- GMC | 2020 Sierra 2500HD.
- Nissan’s 2017 Frontier model.
- Toyota’s 2017 Tacoma pickup truck.
- Toyota’s 2018 Tundra model.
Which trucks have the most breakdowns?
Pickup trucks are popular for a reasonthey’re reliable workhorses. It should be trustworthy and dependable, and it should continue to function well for many years while helping its owner to the best of its ability. And certain pickup vehicles are built to be dependable and durable till the end of time.
Then there are individuals who have reliability problems from the beginning. Purchasing a workhorse that wouldn’t haul or pull and then threw a fit in the middle of the road is killing. Furthermore, kicking these mechanical workhorses in the behind won’t make them rear up and begin to work, and it won’t bring down the wrath of the animal protectors either. The best course of action for anyone shopping for a new pickup is to review reliability ratings and avoid being persuaded by tempting discounts on shoddy pickup trucks like these.
Pickup trucks are some of the most adaptable automobiles. The toughest in this group can tow big trailers or move hefty goods with moderate ease. Additionally, they excel at serving as “lifestyle cars used to transport sporting goods, camping gear, and other stuff in their cargo beds that would sully the interior of a closed vehicle. Luxury sedans and sport-utility vehicles are being replaced by lavishly outfitted four-door “crew cab variants in an increasing number of American homes.
Long-term dependability should be a top priority for anyone purchasing a pickup truck, as it should be for any type of vehicle, especially those who plan to use them for everyday hard labor. Today’s pickup trucks are equipped with sophisticated, high-tech comfort and safety systems, so reliability now extends well beyond mechanical problems.
To estimate the anticipated dependability of the current crop of full-size and mid-size trucks, we looked at two trustworthy sources. We combed through information from the research firm J.D. Power and rankings from the venerable Consumer Reports magazine.
For individuals searching for a new or used pickup, the good news is that most modern vehicles can be counted on to function brilliantly over the period of typical ownership. In each source’s owner polls, some were ranked worse than others. In the slideshow above, we highlight areas of concern for models that received poor scores from both JDP and C.R.
Pickup trucks seem to be moving away from their conventional uses as they become more and more sophisticated. They are consequently getting more and more expensive, which gives potential truck buyers less choices. That’s likely the key factor influencing why the majority of pickup truck buyers now shop around for the best deal. However, buying a secondhand truck has disadvantages. The truck’s bad state and a number of concealed problems that can only be found by a skilled mechanic’s trained eye would be the most visible. We’re sorry, but we can’t assist you with this. On the other side, we can make a list of pickup trucks that have been reported to have problems. So, here are some pickup trucks with reliability problems that you might want to avoid while looking for a secondhand model.
Pickup truck customers depend on their cars for more than just getting around; they also use them for work and recreation. Being delayed at the dealership while a recalled problem is fixed takes time away from all three of these responsibilities. Owners consequently have severe headaches whenever an automaker reports an issue with their truck, which, more often than not, should have been prevented during production. Recalls do nevertheless occur, and as this information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows, some trucks are more prone than their rivals.
Things are a little different now. The average age of cars on the road has increased from 8.5 years in 1995 to 11.5 years. Accordingly, if the average American drives 15,000 miles per year, they will have driven approximately 172,500 miles total over the course of their vehicle, up from the 127,000 miles they were driving in the 1990s.
The good news is that contemporary vehicles and trucks can handle it since they are more durable and dependable than their forerunners and are designed to withstand the increased wear and tear. However, they are still susceptible to the issues that plagued older models, particularly as the odometer reaches that sixth number. And no place makes that clearer than in tough-living pickup pickups. Customers are buying used pickups in greater numbers than ever before because they are both as popular and pricey as ever. Every model has its own peculiarities, even though we recently highlighted ten things to watch out for when buying a used truck.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most well-liked trucks in the U.S., along with some warning signs you should watch out for if you’re thinking about buying a high-mileage pickup.
Many truck owners are either Ford or Chevy people, and it would be difficult to convince them to switch brands. Because of this, the F-150/Silverado competition is the fiercest in America, and both trucks are designed to outperform one another.
However, older Silverados are equally as troubled as their competitors. High oil consumption, broken anti-lock brake sensors, and cold start engine knocking noise are all common issues with older vehicles with high miles.
Check to see if these problems have been resolved in potential used trucks. Be ready to spend a few weekends working on your new-old truck if they aren’t.
Chevrolet appears to be going downhill unabatedly. The 6.0-liter V8 engine in the 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500HD was capable of producing 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, they neglected to install good steering in this vehicle, which contradicts the entire point of a car, particularly a pickup truck. There were numerous faults with the drivetrain and engine as well.
For Silverado, there have been many highs and lows, but it doesn’t always mean that the nine troublesome model years were all poor. We’ll highlight the main problems, but just in case, use additional caution while buying used Silverados. Most pickup truck aficionados are well aware of rusted out brake lines in older Silverados. Additionally, there have been a few engine problems with millennium model vehicles. The majority of issues with the 2004 and 2005 Silverado revolve on the steering, and the most frequent issue is clunking noise.
You should certainly steer clear of the 2007 Chevy Silverado, especially if it has the 5.3L V8. That one also guzzles oil in addition to petrol. Every 1,000 miles or so, owners say they need to add up to two quarts of oil. And nothing has altered that for 2008 either. The more recent Silverados from 2014 and 2015 also have a variety of problems. Only some of them include the bad paint that is peeling off and the broken A/C. More major problems include a suspension that is shaky and noisy and an automated transmission that is inoperable from the start. It also doesn’t help that G.M. views transmission misbehavior as “regular operations.”
See this article about USED TRUCKS TO AVOID.
USED PICKUPS TO EVER ABSTAIN FROM
Which Toyota pickup year is the best?
With a 4 out of 5 rating from Consumer Reports, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has the greatest satisfaction rating out of the group. Even the 2016 model of the Toyota is still somewhat expensive, ranging from $20,000 to $32,675.
What year Toyota Tacoma should I avoid buying?
The Toyota Tacoma models from the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 have a lot of faults, therefore we advise staying away from them. The body, paint, and engine issues on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 models are major difficulties.
Along with several light, body, and engine flaws, the interior accessories of the 2009 model have a tendency to be defective and frequently malfunction.
There are several issues with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, and complaints have been made concerning almost every part. The drivetrain and engine are primarily flawed in the 2012 model, whereas unreliable transmissions are also present in the 2016 and 2017 vehicles.
These two Toyota Tacomas are among the worst you can buy because their transmissions have so many flaws that driving them might be dangerous. However, the 2007 is as unwise to purchase due to its extraordinarily high repair expenses.
What Toyota Tacoma issues are most prevalent?
Owners of Tacoma vehicles have reported the following issues the most frequently over the years:
- Issues with the lower ball joints.
- High-Mileage Toyota Tacomas with a Defective Automatic Transmission.
- Amber front parking light lens with cracks.
- defective air flow meter
- Issues with the throttle position sensor.
- Engine cannot start due to a defective starter.
Why are Toyota Tacomas so durable?
Two of the most well-known characteristics of a Toyota truck are its dependability and resale value. No matter what kind of vehicle it isa Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, 4Runner, or Land Cruiserit all has a same reputation. But why do these Toyota pickup trucks last so long?
Toyota vehicles last so long for a number of reasons. Toyota prefers to concentrate on ways to enhance the production process. Toyota trucks typically have a simpler look than its rivals, and it isn’t altered or updated as frequently. They identify what works and continue doing it.
The legendary Hilux that we all saw the people at TopGear try their hardest to demolish may not be manufactured the same way as contemporary Toyota trucks. Whether you like them or not, modern trucks and SUVs still carry some of that tradition. Although new innovations have their own set of issues, Toyota trucks are still mostly made of sturdy, straightforward materials.