The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular contenders in the midsize-pickup segment. However, there are a handful of model years, 2005-2010 and 2016-2017, to avoid due to rusted, rotting frames, and rear differentials that can leak and cause the wheels to seize.
Key Points
- Toyota Tacomas from 2005 to 2010 were recalled for excessive rust and rot impacting the structural integrity of the frame, and airbags that may not deploy.
- The 2016 and 2017 models scored low across the board for a host of problems, with the most common being a quirky transmission.
- Overall, the Toyota Tacoma is one of the best midsize pickups in its class, and if you avoid the worst years you should end up a happy owner.
Toyota’s Tacoma Has a Solid Reputation for Reliability, with Just a Few Problem Years, Including 2005-2010’s Struggles with Rusty Frames, Faulty Leaf Springs & Sticky Accelerator Pedals
The Toyota Tacoma debuted in 1995 as a more compact alternative to larger half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150. While it’s now one of Toyota’s most popular models, there have been a few speed bumps along the way, with some years having issues with rusting frames, breaking leaf springs, and faulty transmissions.
Here, we’ll review the second-generation Tacoma onwards, as those are more likely to be found for sale online or on dealers’ lots.
From 2005 to 2010 the Tacoma held a double-digit recall count each year, as well as thousands of combined complaints, many of which pertain to premature rusting issues that could eat holes through the frame, or braking leaf springs.
Faulty Frames Could Leave the Pickup with Severe Rust that May Eat Holes Through the Frame
Tacomas from 2005 to 2010 Toyota received a number of complaints from drivers who reported their frames had severe rust, rot, and corrosion. Some owners reported their trucks would not pass inspection due to extensive frame damage from rust eating holes into the frame, and extending to other components.
Ultimately, Toyota handled the recall well and was pretty transparent with the information. More importantly, the brand settled the rusted-frame issue with drivers in a $3,000,000,000 settlement. Again, the most affected models were Tacomas from 2004 to 2010.
Corroded Leaf Springs Can Brake and Puncture the Fuel Tank, Possibly Causing Leak or Fire Risk
One recall with the NHTSA involves the leaf springs above the rear axle. Over 710,000 trucks were recalled because of a potential hazard where the springs could break, increasing the risk of a fire. Should a leaf spring fracture due to stress or corrosion while being driven, it could move, contact surrounding components, including the fuel tank, and possibly puncture the fuel tank and cause a leak. Toyota installs new rear leaf spring assemblies on all impacted vehicles and extended the frame-corrosion warranty to 15 years.
Other Issues Include Loose Seatbelt Screws, Airbags that may not Deploy, and a Gas Pedal that May Stick
One issue that affects only certain Access Cab models involves seatbelt screws that can loosen over time, possibly causing the pre-tensioner to detach if too much pressure is applied. This problem reportedly affected over 342,000 Tacomas,
Another recall concerns Toyota Tacomas with a driver’s side airbag that may not deploy in an accident due to a faulty flexible flat cable that could prematurely wear down when turning the steering wheel.
The Tacoma was also part of a widespread recall affecting nearly 4.5 million Toyota vehicles in which the gas pedal could become stuck in the full-throttle position due to an improper design.
Transmission Woes Were the Most Commonly Reported Complaints for 2016 and 2017 Tacomas
Tacomas from 2016 and 2017 had real issues with their automatic transmission, including delayed engagement of the “Drive” mode in cold climates, hesitating, hard shifts, and lurching.
One registered NHTSA complaint shows the owner experiencing most of these issues, stating “[The transmission] fails to shift correctly (hunting for gears) on the highway and hesitates to accelerate when needed, Also the transmission sometimes has a delayed engagement when putting it into reverse or drive from a standstill.”
Sadly, no recall has been issued yet to resolve the transmission woes, so the repair costs are likely at the owner’s expense if it’s not covered under an extended warranty.
Car Complaints shows a total of 44 mentions about the powertrain, which includes the transmission, in 2016 models, and 24 in 2017, making them the most commonly reported issues for those years.
Of the Nine Total Recalls Between 2016 and 2017, Two Were Severe and Could Be Hazardous
As for recalls, the NHTSA only issued four in 2016 and five in 2017. Of these, two are more concerning, including one affecting just under 32,000 units where the crank position can fail and cause the vehicle to stall while driving.
The next is more widespread, a rear differential leak in almost 228,000 2016 and 2017 Tacomas. The issue is that if a leak is present, the rear differential can’t function, which may make it seize and cause loss of control, increasing the chances of an accident.
The Toyota Tacoma is a Reliable, Safe Bet in the Midsize Pickup Market, but 2005-2010 and 2016 & 2017 Models are Best Avoided
So, is the Toyota Tacoma a safe bet? Yes, it is. Provided that you are looking at model years 2011 to 2015, or 2018 to current. 2005 to 2010 models were riddled with recalls and thousands of complaints, while 2016 and 2017 had a number of transmission complaints and two slightly alarming recalls.
Avoid the worst years of the Toyota Tacoma and you should remain a happy owner. Regardless, overall the Tacoma is a reliable vehicle, and if a trusted mechanic gives the go-ahead, even the years to avoid could be worth considering.
Photos: Toyota