NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 125 owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. Most complaints involve power train (22) and service brakes (16). The EPA rates it 17–23 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
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 | 414 |
| 2005 | 707 |
| 2006 | 782 |
| 2007 | 541 |
| 2008 | 449 |
| 2009 | 519 |
| 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 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the unoccupied vehicle was parked on a slightly inclined driveway. The contact later noticed that the vehicle had rolled across the street into the neighbor's yard, causing the rear end of the vehicle to crash into a pine tree. There were no injuries sustained. The tree branches were damaged. The contact stated that both taillights were damaged, the tailgate was pushed into the bed tonneau cover, there was a significant dent on the bumper, and the vehicle sustained other unknown damages. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. The contact stated that after the incident, the contact noticed that the vehicle could shift into gear while the brake pedal was not depressed, and the gear shifter could be moved out of park(P) while the vehicle was turned off. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.”
“The power brake booster failed while driving with my [XXX] and [XXX] old. Fortunately I was in a school zone with no traffic. This particular part is known to fail with Toyota's (recalled on a few models). The vehicle is 13 so Toyota will not back their product. The dealer charged $3,000.00 for the repair. There were no warnings this was going to happen. The vehicle was bought brand new, and always well maintained. ALL work besides oil changes/new tires was completed at the dealership.”
“Over the past two weeks the steering effort on my 2nd generation Tacoma has become progressively harder to turn the wheel past certain points in both directions. I initially thought it was a steering pump problem, but based on reporting on the TacomaWorld site, it appears very likely this is a problem with the universal joints at the bottom of the Steering Intermediate Shaft. Their site shows this problem being reported as early as 2008 however, it doesn't appear Toyota ever addressed this with maintenance recommendations, an extended warranty, or safety recall.”
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 | 23 | $2,800 | 390 |
| Tacoma 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 407 |
| Tacoma 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,400 | 474 |
| Tacoma 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,400 | 457 |
| Tacoma 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,400 | 460 |
| Tacoma 2WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 489 |
| Tacoma 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 498 |
| Tacoma 4WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,800 | 516 |
| 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 |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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 125 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (22), service brakes (16), steering (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Toyota Tacoma at 17–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4 out of 5 stars overall.