- Most common Toyota Tacoma problems
- Is the Toyota Tacoma a reliable pickup truck?
- Are new Tacomas still reliable?
- Best versus most reliable: Which do you prefer?
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most trusted, reliable, and well-loved midsize trucks in the entire market. While the rest of the midsize trucks packed up and left, the Tacoma (and Nissan Frontier) stood tall and carried the class. Even though this Toyota truck has been the torch-bearer of the class for many years, it has some issues of which you should be aware.
Most common Toyota Tacoma problems
2023 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
To learn about the most common Toyota Tacoma problems, we turn to the experts at RepairPal. Its list of the top three issues for this midsize Toyota truck are:
- Recall for lower ball joint issue
- Automatic transmission may not shift correctly at high mileages
- Amber running/parking lights melted, cracked, and burned the lens directly in front of them
Of these three issues, the lower ball joint problem is the only one that caused Toyota to issue a recall. That said, experiencing any of these three problems could be worrisome.
Is the Toyota Tacoma a reliable pickup truck?
2023 Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition | Toyota
According to RepairPal, the Toyota Tacoma’s reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5.0. Unfortunately, this puts the Tacoma at the bottom of the list, ranking 7th out of 7 midsize truck models. Typically, we’re led to believe all Toyota vehicles sit at the top of the reliability lists. Here’s why the Tacoma is at the bottom of RepairPal’s list.
Cost
The average annual cost to repair and maintain a Toyota Tacoma is $478. This is lower than the average for midsize trucks of $548, which is certainly in favor of this Toyota truck.
Frequency
Tacoma owners bring their vehicles to the repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.3 times per year. This is compared to the average of 0.2 times per year for midsize trucks. Could these visits be for some of the most common Toyota Tacoma problems? Possibly.
Severity
This is where the Toyota Tacoma’s reliability rating takes its biggest hit. The probability of unscheduled repairs being severe for this Toyota truck is 17% compared to 13% for midsize trucks. That’s a significant difference.
Are new Tacomas still reliable?
New Toyota Tacoma models seem to have lost their long-time reliability ratings. It’s possible Toyota has rested on its laurels, and newer models of this midsize Toyota truck aren’t as trustworthy as they once were. New electronics, more trims, and stiffer competition have pushed the reliability ratings for the Tacoma down the list, as you can plainly see here.
Best versus most reliable: Which do you prefer?
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota
Kelley Blue Book ranks the 2023 Toyota Tacoma as the best midsize truck in its class. That’s not too surprising; this Toyota truck has been a stalwart of the class and continues to offer trims, equipment, and the capabilities many consumers desire.
“The Toyota Tacoma is our Midsize Truck Best Buy of 2023. It’s tough, well-built, retains its value better than any rival, and it’s a rock star off-road.” – Kelley Blue Book
If you’re more concerned with reliability, you may wish to turn to the list from iSeeCars.com, which lists the top 2023 midsize trucks for reliability as:
- Honda Ridgeline
- Toyota Tacoma
- Nissan Frontier
- GMC Canyon
- Chevrolet Colorado
Can you live with your truck landing second on this list? If so, the Toyota Tacoma could bring the reliability and quality you want during your time on and off the roads.
Next, check out why Toyota won’t make a larger Tacoma or learn more about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma in this video below:
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Keyword: 3 Most Common Toyota Tacoma Problems Reported by Hundreds of Real Owners