NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 186 owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma. Most complaints involve suspension (60) and exterior lighting (32). The EPA rates it 16–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tacoma model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 257 |
| 1997 | 134 |
| 1998 | 310 |
| 1999 | 251 |
| 2000 | 221 |
| 2001 | 401 |
| 2002 | 360 |
| 2003 | 372 |
| 2004 | 415 |
| 2005 | 707 |
| 2006 | 782 |
| 2007 | 541 |
| 2008 | 450 |
| 2009 | 520 |
| 2010 | 294 |
| 2011 | 186 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 125 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 102 |
| 2016 | 324 |
| 2017 | 244 |
| 2018 | 209 |
| 2019 | 219 |
| 2020 | 90 |
| 2021 | 81 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 155 |
| 2025 | 116 |
“The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. While inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact discovered that the vehicle was only equipped with three leaf springs instead of four. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall for the failure associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown.”
“1.) Headlights are yellowing. 2.) Hard to see at night. 3.) Everyone has the same problem. The government should mandate going back to glass headlights for safety reasons. Buffing them only lasts a short period of time and the elderly can't afford to buy new OEM headlights every 6 years as they are very, very expensive. This is a safety issue, as yellow lenses equal more nighttime accidents, fact. This should have been addressed years ago.”
“Blower Fan had been cutting off. Only running intermittent on High. Took to Toyota dealer June 2025. Was told it was a Cabin Air Filter Clogged. Paid for replacement and clean out of system. Continued to not work. Called a mechanic and asked for a diagnostic. Was told it was a “known issue” with Toyota Tacomas. Had been a recall in later years. I ordered the blower motor resistor and wiring harness from Toyota parts department. It was on back order due to the issue being widespread. July 2025 parts came in. Returned truck to the shop. The techichian replaced the motor blower resistor and the new wiring harness. However, he cut the burnt wires off and spliced the new wires into old wires back to the motor. Aug 2025 motor has stopped working again. Back to the Toyota shop. The truck needs a new blower motor. The labor will be 1200. Plus the labor I’ve already paid for three other shop visits plus parts. The motor blower is on back order till mid September. The motor has been let unplugged due to “risk of fire”. But I’ve been given the vehicle again to drive. It has had a risk of fire since June. The wires have been overheating and smelling. This should have been…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Tacoma 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Tacoma 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Tacoma 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 20 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Tacoma 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Tacoma 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Tacoma 2WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Tacoma 4WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 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.
Owners filed 186 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (60), exterior lighting (32), electrical system (22). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Toyota Tacoma at 16–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Toyota Tacoma 4 out of 5 stars overall.