Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Toyota Tacoma model year (1995–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 481 complaints
13 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 525
5 recalls · 432 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 453
6 recalls · 346 complaints
17 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 408
Best Toyota Tacoma Years to Buy
0 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 8
2 recalls · 39 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 55
3 recalls · 51 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 62
Found the right year? Verify that specific Tacoma with a free VIN report.
Toyota Tacoma — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 4 | 71 | 9 | — | 101 | Good |
| 2024 | 4 | 95 | 2 | — | 111 | Good |
| 2023 | 3 | 42 | 6 | — | 63 | Good |
| 2022 | 2 | 39 | 5 | — | 55 | Good |
| 2021 | 0 | 64 | 15 | 2 | 104 | Good |
| 2020 | 1 | 66 | 4 | — | 77 | Good |
| 2019 | 3 | 166 | 3 | — | 181 | Good |
| 2018 | 3 | 155 | 3 | — | 170 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 158 | 11 | — | 189 | Caution |
| 2016 | 2 | 204 | 2 | — | 214 | Caution |
| 2015 | 4 | 78 | 12 | — | 114 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 51 | 1 | — | 62 | Good |
| 2013 | 4 | 67 | — | — | 79 | Good |
| 2012 | 6 | 208 | 3 | — | 232 | Caution |
| 2011 | 7 | 122 | 9 | — | 161 | Good |
| 2010 | 8 | 197 | 5 | — | 231 | Caution |
| 2009 | 8 | 304 | 2 | — | 332 | Caution |
| 2008 | 7 | 289 | 17 | 2 | 354 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 6 | 346 | 17 | 2 | 408 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 6 | 481 | 13 | — | 525 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 5 | 432 | 3 | — | 453 | Avoid |
| 2004 | 2 | 280 | 16 | — | 318 | Caution |
| 2003 | 3 | 263 | 20 | — | 312 | Caution |
| 2002 | 3 | 219 | 26 | — | 280 | Caution |
| 2001 | 4 | 268 | 25 | 3 | 345 | Avoid |
| 2000 | 3 | 142 | 9 | — | 169 | Good |
| 1999 | 3 | 158 | 31 | — | 229 | Caution |
| 1998 | 3 | 166 | 16 | 1 | 212 | Caution |
| 1997 | 2 | 75 | 3 | — | 87 | Good |
| 1996 | 3 | 167 | 12 | 2 | 210 | Caution |
| 1995 | 3 | 113 | 11 | 1 | 149 | Good |
All 32 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Toyota Tacoma Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Tacoma models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 8 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2014Mid-decade Tacoma units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Tacoma models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Tacoma should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2006 Toyota Tacoma if possible. It has 6 recalls, 481 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 525 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Tacoma to buy?+
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 8. It has only 0 recalls and 8 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Tacoma has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2022, 2014 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Toyota Tacoma Research
Check a Specific Toyota Tacoma VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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