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.
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What issues are there with Toyota Tacoma?
High-Mileage Toyota Tacomas with Faulty Automatic Transmission The Toyota Tacoma has known transmission issues that affect vehicles with anywhere between 125,000 and 150,000 miles on the odometer. These problems, which hinder the car from shifting properly, have been documented in Tacoma models made between 1995 and 2015.
Toyota Tacoma engines are they dependable?
You’ll have an unforgettable off-roading experience with the Toyota Tacoma. That is, provided you get one of the numerous reliable pickup truck models from past years and stay away from the problematic ones. We advise you to buy a used Toyota Tacoma from the years listed below without worrying about potentially dangerous flaws.
The most reliable year models of Tacoma:
- Toyota Tacoma from 1995
- Toyota Tacoma 1996
- Toyota Tacoma ’97
- Toyota Tacoma ’98
- Toyota Tacoma (1999)
- Toyota Tacoma (2000)
- Toyota Tacoma y 2001
- Toyota Tacoma (2002)
- Toyota Tacoma from 2003
- Toyota Tacoma from 2004
- Toyota Tacoma year 2005
- Toyota Tacoma 2010
- Toyota Tacoma 2013
- Toyota Tacoma 2014
- Toyota Tacoma 2015
- Toyota Tacoma year 2018
- Toyota Tacoma for 2019
- Toyota Tacoma 2020
Toyota Tacomas from 1995 to 2004 are incredibly dependable, with hardly any complaints ever being filed. A majority of the reported faults are minor defects and don’t become a problem until after 100,000 miles on average. It’s possible that a problem will surface in the truck’s first 50,000 miles, but even then, repairs should only cost about $500.
Although less dependable than the earlier models, the Tacoma models from the years 2014, 2018, and 2019 are still a good pick. Similar amounts of problems exist in each of these, although they manifest significantly sooner.
Under 40,000 miles, problems like premature seat wear or a busted A/C unit have been recorded, and both the 2018 and 2019 versions have vibration issues right away. Although they should be simple to solve, you should be aware of them. Similar vibration and drivetrain issues, as well as more complaints, are present in the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, making it less reliable.
There are a fair amount of complaints about the 2005 model, but the majority are about the paint peeling and chipping after 80,000 miles, so there is little need for concern. With the 2010 and 2015 year models, there is a minor chance you might have some early engine or braking problems, like squeaking or worn pressure plates, but the chances are low enough that it shouldn’t be an issue.
It would be wise to buy any of these year models, but the 2020 would be the safest overall because it has no concerns. Regardless, CoPilot endorses each of these Toyota Tacoma model years.
To compile this list of the top used SUVs available for less than $10,000, we took into consideration factors such as cost, dependability, features, and more. Look closely; some of the best used SUVs have been largely forgotten or overlooked.
How far can a Toyota Tacoma travel?
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.
Is the Tacoma the most dependable pickup on the market?
iSeeCars examined more than 14.9 million used car transactions in 2021 for their report. They only considered car models that were widely produced from this starting point, eliminating models that were no longer in production.
After narrowing down the list of automobiles, they conducted a statistical analysis to determine how frequently each vehicle model reached 200,000 miles.
In addition to lists for certain automobile categories, such as SUVs or midsize pickup trucks, iSeeCars’ findings were presented in a list of the most dependable cars overall. Toyota topped the overall list, capturing eight of the top fifteen slots, as was predicted.
According to iSeeCars, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the car with the longest lifespan; more than 18% of Land Cruisers reach 200,000 miles.
Toyota occupied two of the top 11 slots in the ranking of light-duty pickup trucks. The Honda Ridgeline, however, triumphed over the Toyota Tacoma.
Which Tacoma year is the best?
The first Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 and produced for three versions, ending in 2005. While the tough truck has never exactly been recognized for being quiet or smooth, its value has held through the years.
The 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004 Tacomas from the first generation received the highest ratings. However, 2004 received less praise overall.
There are many models available if the second generation is of interest to you. 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 all received flawless dependability verdict ratings from MotorBiscuit.
For purchasers looking for an all-purpose vehicle that can handle tough terrain, the 20122015 series is ideal. These Tacomas had a significant renovation and now have a stylish interior.
This second generation is more expensive than other used trucks on the market, even with higher mileage.
A 2005 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Access Cab PreRunner with 200,000 miles was posted on Autotrader for $9,000, as were a Tacoma 4WD Double Cab with 75,000 miles and a 2015 Tacoma with the TRD package and 6,000 miles.
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 Toyota’s current generation costs between $20,000 and $32,675. But if you’d prefer a more recent design, the Toyota Tacoma from 2019 is your best alternative. The 2019 model received a 4 out of 5 rating for dependability and owner satisfaction.
Tacoma versus Ford Ranger: which is superior?
When compared to the Tacoma’s V6, the Ranger’s EcoBoost is by far the superior engine. The Ranger’s EcoBoost engine outperforms the Tacoma’s V-6 in terms of towing capacity, torque, and fuel efficiency.
The Ranger has established itself as the best-in-class for towing because to its 7,500lbs of towing capacity on each model (XL, XLT, and Lariat). The ordinary Tacoma SR package can only tow 3,500 pounds, which is more than 50% less than what the base model of the Ranger can tow, but the Tacoma TRD Off-Road can tow 6,400 pounds.
The Ford Ranger benefits from the Ford EcoBoost engine’s fuel efficiency, which is 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined in RWD. Only a small drop in fuel economy is seen in the 4WD Ranger model, which gets 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg overall. The Tacoma only achieves 18 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined mpg in the V6 variant. This drops to 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the interstate, and 20 mpg overall in the 4WD variant.
With 278 horsepower and 270 horsepower, respectively, the Tacoma’s 3.5L V-6 engine marginally exceeds the Ranger’s 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Ranger offers 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tacoma’s 265 lb-ft of torque, making up for the Ranger’s lack of horsepower.
Appearance
The Ranger and Tacoma look remarkably similar to one another from the outside. Both trucks have a well-established, slick-yet-rugged appearance that makes them excellent choices for both on- and off-road driving. Their outside measurements are likewise incredibly close, with every dimension being within a few inches of the other. The interior of each vehicle is where the two really diverge, with the Ranger outperforming the Tacoma.
Compared to the Tacoma, the Ranger’s interior offers a more upscale look and feel. The Tacoma’s interior doesn’t quite live up to expectations given its pricing point; instead, it seems to emphasize the vehicle’s gruff character. While this might be the best option for drivers searching for a car specifically for off-roading, it’s not the best option for those looking for a daily driver. The Ranger, on the other hand, is designed with an interior more like to a crossover cara vehicle you can use to get to work during the week and go off-roading on the weekends.
Additionally, the Ranger has greater room. Choose the Ranger’s SuperCrew over the Tacoma’s DoubleCab if you need a family car or will be transporting people in the backseat. The Ranger offers its passengers much more room and legroom in addition to plush back seats for a more pleasant ride in tough terrain. The Ranger boasts high-mounted seats with 8-way power adjustments for the optimal position in the driver’s seat, where the relaxation continues.
Is Tacoma maintenance expensive?
Cost. A Toyota Tacoma’s total yearly cost for repairs and maintenance is $478, whereas the average for midsize trucks is $548 and the average for all vehicle types is $652.
Tacomas are inexpensive to maintain.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma was chosen for Kelly Blue Book’s 5-year Cost to Own Awards. Vincentric, a market research organization, estimates that Tacoma owners will spend $2,875 annually on auto maintenance. This works out to roughly $0.30 per mile, which is considerably cheaper than rivals.
This model’s elegance lies in its simplicity. This vehicle has drawn criticism for lacking modern conveniences, but fewer features also mean less maintenance. The optional V6 engine is capable and trustworthy, but the base 4-cylinder engine feels inadequate.
A clean and contemporary entertainment system can be found inside the cabin of the 2019 Tacoma. The high-gloss black surround and 7.0-inch color touch screen have an appealing bevel. The system is simple to use and has a modern vibe. Drivers may charge items on the fly using the 2 USB ports.
Toyota trucks: are they really that dependable?
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 covered by warranty depending on how old it is, but if not, getting an extended warranty from olive will not be a problem since the Toyota brand is renowned for its 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
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% chance of having a serious or severe repair issue, compared to a midsize truck average of 13% and a vehicle model average of 12%. 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.