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Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

2001 Toyota TacomaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 401 owner complaints for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma. Most complaints involve structure (227) and suspension (81). The EPA rates it 16–21 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
16–21mpg
EPA · 9 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Nov 2012
Owner complaints
401
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Tires: temporary

Free remedy

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.

TiresReported Nov 23, 2012NHTSA 12V542000

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Exterior lightingReported Jul 17, 2006NHTSA 06E065000

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Exterior lightingReported Mar 23, 2006NHTSA 06E026000
See all 6 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

401 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2000 – Sep 2025
  1. Structure227
  2. Suspension81
  3. Air bags21
  4. Steering20
  5. Power train15
  6. Tires14
  7. Vehicle speed control11
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic11
  9. Wheels7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Tacoma model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996257
1997134
1998310
1999251
2000221
2001401
2002360
2003372
2004415
2005707
2006782
2007541
2008450
2009520
2010294
2011186
2012295
2013125
201493
2015102
2016324
2017244
2018209
2019219
202090
202181
202259
202354
2024155
2025116
Crashes reported
41
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
36
Deaths reported
7
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

227 reports2 crashes
“We purchased a 2001 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner from a used car lot in Omaha NE. We have had it for 3 months and recently had a mechanic look over the vehicle for repairs. The mechanic indicated the frame is rusted through and the truck is unsafe to drive. The mechanic indicated that there was a recall on the frames possibly, so we followed up with Toyota. Toyota told me that there is no frame recall, but instead they did a "Customer Support Program" in relation to the frame, but it had expired. Toyota told us there is nothing they can do for us. My concern is that Toyota has a known issue, a safety issue, concerning their vehicles but will not rectify it. I would like Toyota to be held liable for their substandard product, no matter how long it has been. A quick Google search about Toyota and recalls is that they are not good at reporting them to you, or their service centers are not good at making sure all recalls are taken care of, and I feel that this is something that needs to be investigated - and in my case, rectified.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2024StructureODI 11616924

Suspension

81 reports8 crashes
“The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact swerved to the left to avoid another vehicle and the steering had stiff. The contact stated that the front driver’s side wheel then collapsed inside the wheel well. The contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle skidded off the highway and onto the right shoulder. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light then illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2023SuspensionODI 11534137

Air bags

21 reports20 crashes
“THE TRUCK WAS IN A FRONT END TO REAR END COLLISION AT OR AROUND 40 MPH THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE TRUCK. THE ACCIDENT REPORT. & WITNESS OF THE VEHICLE. [XXX] *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2019Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11186014
All 2001 Tacoma problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

9 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.7L 4-cyl · 3.4L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tacoma 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192321$2,950423
Tacoma 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192220$3,100444
Tacoma 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172018$3,450494
Tacoma 2WD
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162018$3,450494
Tacoma 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
171918$3,450494
Tacoma 4WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172018$3,450494
Tacoma 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
151817$3,650523
Tacoma 4WD
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
151817$3,650523
Tacoma 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
151816$3,900555
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    19 city · 23 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    19 city · 22 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    17 city · 20 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    16 city · 20 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    17 city · 19 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    17 city · 20 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    15 city · 18 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    15 city · 18 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L
    15 city · 18 hwy · $3,900/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 4291Vehicle 4231
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2001 Tacoma questions

How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Tacoma have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2001 Toyota Tacoma problems?

Owners filed 401 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (227), suspension (81), air bags (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2001 Toyota Tacoma get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Toyota Tacoma at 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026