Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2023 Toyota TacomaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. Most complaints involve electrical system (12) and steering (9). The EPA rates it 18–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
18–21mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Jan 2025
Owner complaints
54
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Steering: column

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

SteeringReported Jan 29, 2025NHTSA 25V040000

Power train: axle assembly

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.

Power trainReported Feb 27, 2024NHTSA 24V152000

Steering: column

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

SteeringReported Jul 12, 2023NHTSA 23V480000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

54 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2023 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system12
  2. Steering9
  3. Air bags8
  4. Engine8
  5. Power train7
  6. Service brakes5
  7. Vehicle speed control2
  8. Exterior lighting2
  9. Visibility/wiper2

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
2004414
2005707
2006782
2007541
2008449
2009519
2010294
2011186
2012295
2013125
201493
2015102
2016324
2017244
2018209
2019219
202090
202181
202259
202354
2024155
2025116
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

12 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel was firm, the brake pedal was firm, and the vehicle was violently vibrating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message “Pull Over – Do Not Drive” was displayed before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the battery and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2026Steering, Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical systemODI 11754727

Steering

9 reports
“While checking wiper fluid levels for 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, noticed power steering fluid was below minimum line. No leaks were noticed on the ground where the vehicle is normally parked, underneath the reservoir or along the hoses related to the power steering system. Upon inspecting the tie rod boots, it was noticed that they appeared to be holding fluid, due to signs of moisture on the exterior of the boots. Vehicle was taken to the dealership where purchased. Vehicle was purchased November 2022 and now has approximately 52,000 miles). The dealership service department determined the steering rack seals failed and power steering fluid was dripping into the tie rod boots. Vehicle was out of the 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty and this known issue is not covered by the power train warranty, so 100% of the cost to repair falls upon the owner. Dealer stated that this is a known issue but could not state why a recall was never initiated to alleviate the issue and prevent this costly repair from falling upon the vehicle owners. If not repaired the issue could cause sudden, dramatic increases in steering effort and total loss of vehicle control. Low fluid…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2026SteeringODI 11744147

Air bags

8 reports5 crashes
“Only the side window airbags deployed during a collision. There was no protection from the front impact. Insurance representatives have the vehicle and we are waiting to hear about the outcome. While in the car pool lane traveling approximately 65mph, a Honda civic left the lane to the right of us and veered directly into our lane. I applied the brakes as hard as I could, but did not swerve due to fear of rolling into the opposite direction of traffic. His back driver side came into my front passenger side at the immediate collision and then we flipped onto the driver side and slid for quite a few feet. Only the airbags on the doors/windows deployed. There was very little reaction time to apply the brakes due to the speed and closeness of the Honda coming into our lane. The airbags in the front console would have protected us from the whiplash we received.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11747822
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 2.7L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-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 3, 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
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192421$3,050431
Tacoma 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202321$3,050423
Tacoma 4WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
182220$3,200448
Tacoma 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
192220$3,200441
Tacoma 4WD
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
172118$3,550481
Tacoma 4WD D-CAB MT TRD-ORP/PRO
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
172018$3,550483
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    19 city · 24 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    20 city · 23 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 22 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    19 city · 22 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 21 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD D-CAB MT TRD-ORP/PRO
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 20 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.1%
Overall
4 / 5
Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.7%
Overall
4 / 5
Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.1%
Overall
4 / 5
Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 18618Vehicle 18617Vehicle 18616
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

2023 Tacoma questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Tacoma have?

4 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.

What are the most common 2023 Toyota Tacoma problems?

Owners filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (12), steering (9), air bags (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Toyota Tacoma get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Toyota Tacoma at 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Toyota Tacoma 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026