If you look at the landscape of the small pickup truck stateside, you would think that domestic-branded trucks like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado would reign supreme. After all, the Ford F-150 has been both the best-selling truck and vehicle in the United States for ages. However, when we go down a size category, you’ll find that Toyota’s Tacoma has been the sales darling for 20 years now – and for good reason.
- Base Trim Engine
-
I-FORCE 2.4L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Four-Wheel Drive
The Tacoma is a byword for reliability, and Toyota knows that. The truck has constantly been named the best small truck by organizations like J.D. Power and KBB, and even though the truck has been slower to innovate on certain features like hybrid drivetrains, the Tacoma has been able to capture the cultural truck zeitgeist unlike any other truck in its class. So, let’s take a look at the most reliable generations of Tacoma, go over some of their best years to buy, and take a look at what goes wrong with these “indestructible” trucks.
This analysis is based on consultation of a variety of reputable sources for reliability, while also taking into account the number and severity of consumer complaints and recalls. J.D. Power quality and reliability ratings have been included, if available. However, it must be noted that these ratings are an assessment of initial reliability, not long-term reliability. We rank these generations from least to most reliable.
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Toyota Tacoma: Generations And Key Specs |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Generation |
Model Years |
Engine Options |
Transmission |
Key Features |
|
1st Gen |
1996 – 2003 |
2.4-liter 4-cylinder 2.7-liter 4-cylinder 3.4-liter V6 |
4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
First generation of Tacoma built from the ground up away from the Hilux that preceded it, released alongside side 3rd generation 4Runner. |
|
2nd Gen |
2004 – 2014 |
2.7-liter 4-cylinder 4.0-liter V6 |
4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
Larger truck with more engine and transmission options, as well as special trims like the X-Runner and TRD Pro. |
|
3rd Gen |
2015 – 2023 |
2.7-liter 4-cylinder 3.5-liter V6 |
5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic |
Slight redesign from the 2nd generation, V6 gets smaller, and the 4-speed transmission gets dropped. |
|
4th Gen |
2024 – Now |
2.4-liter 4-cylinder 2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
6-speed manual 8-speed automatic |
First Tacoma with a hybrid powertrain, V6 gets dropped altogether with the introduction of an 8-speed automatic option. |
4
4th Generation (N400): 2024 – Present
Although this entry is right at the top of this list, it’s important to note that it’s not here because it’s the least reliable. The fact is that the latest generation has been with us for only two years, so long-term reliability has yet to be established. Still, the N400 generation does seem to be headed in the right direction reliability-wise, however, with some indication of improved reliability.
However, some concerns come with this current generation Tacoma. For one, the high compression turbos used in the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder i-Force Max engines have been called into question. Here are some of the most prevalent reports regarding the latest-gen Tacoma:
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Common Issues: Fourth-Gen Tacoma
- Engine failure due to failing valve lash adjuster
- Unresponsive acceleration
- Brake booster issues/master cylinder failure
J.D. Power quality and reliability rating: 79/100
It’s worth noting that the common issues mentioned above are limited in number, which is a positive indication. What doesn’t bode so well is that the reliability rating has dropped from a high 83/100 to 79/100 since this generation was launched.
Looking at recalls, there are various recalls listed for that initial year too, for issues as minor as an incorrect weight capacity label, and as serious as child seats that may not secure properly, a driver’s airbag that won’t deploy, and rear axle shaft separation. These affect the 2023 model year, while 2024 and 2025 models have fewer recalls. The incorrect label issue carries over, but the other recalls mentioned for 2023 models seem to be dealt with as those don’t crop up again. Instead, the NHTSA issued recalls for a potentially leaky rear brake hose on 2024 and 2025 models. At the time of writing, however, only four complaints are listed with the NHTSA for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma.
3
3rd Generation (N300): 2016 – 2023
In third place, we have the 3rd-generation Tacoma, manufactured from 2015 to 2023. Although closely related to the second-generation model, the N300 debuted with more technology, as well as a larger slew of off-road trims, while keeping a similar style and engine selection to the previous N200 generation.
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The 2016 model year has, by far, the most complaints, with 163 listed on CarComplaints and 308 at the NHTSA. There have also been a number of recalls for this model year for issues ranging from a crank position sensor malfunction which may cause a stall, to a leaky rear differential, and a driver’s knee airbag module with loose bolts. Some of these carry over to 2017, but there is a decrease in complaints to less than 100. Things improve from 2018 onward, with only one complaint in 2021 (and no recalls), and 14 in 2020.
Common Issues: Third-Gen Tacoma
- Brakes not engaging
- Excessive suspension squeak
- Low temperature affecting drive engagement
- Hesitation, hard shifts, or rough shifting from the transmission
- Vibration and engine noise
- Oxidation and cracking paintwork
Highest J.D. Power rating: 87/100 – 2021MY; Lowest J.D. Power rating: 75/100 – 2018MY
It’s worth noting that the 2018 model year has the lowest J.D. Power rating of this generation, although there are a few later model years in this generation that weren’t rated by the authority at all.
“The most-reported problem is with the 2017 Toyota Tacoma for not shifting properly.”
2
1st Generation (N140/N150/N160/N190): 1995 – 2004
Next up is the original Tacoma – the very first generation. If you’re looking for the most basic, most bare-bones Tacoma generation, this is it. As for reliability concerns and issues, this generation was built like a rock. However, there are a few things you may need to look out for.
Common Issues: First-Gen Tacoma
- Bodywork and paint issues, including rust
- Braking concerns with vibrations, uneven brake wear, and pedal going to the floor
- Check engine light remaining illuminated
There are no J.D. Power ratings for early models of the Toyota Tacoma.
According to the NHTSA, a recall was issued on 1996 model year Tacomas for a potential problem with the front differential failing, leading to a loss of control with the vehicle. While this is a pretty major concern, it was the only major recall that Toyota did for this generation Tacoma outside of issues with reflector lamp fatigue. According to owner forums, the 1st generation Tacoma is prone to heavy frame and wheel well rust in parts of the country where rust is prevalent, so check that before picking up a first-generation model.
After 2000, recalls pertaining to failing spare tire carriers and mislabeled driver-side seat belts are noted. According to the NHTSA, there are over 400 complaints listed for the 2004 model Toyota Tacomas, but it’s worth taking into account that these are complaints for a vehicle that has been around for over two decades. There are younger models with the same number of complaints that are far less reliable.
1
2nd Generation (N220/N240/N250/N260/N270): 2005 – 2015
The second-gen Tacoma, which was produced for ten years from 2005 to 2015, may sound like a mixed bag when it comes to reliability, but there’s a reason this generation tops our lists for most reliable. The second-gen Tacoma has a reputation for dependability, with durable engines and transmissions that seemed bulletproof at the time. This is evident in J.D. Power ratings that, for the most part, are high across all generations. In fact, most are above 80, with the lowest rating being 77 for 2010 examples.
Highest J.D. Power rating: 87/100 – 2008MY; Lowest J.D. Power rating: 77/100 – 2010MY
That latter rating coincides with a high number of recalls – 13, according to the NHTSA. The issues prompting these include problems with airbags not deploying, leaf springs that may fracture, seat heater wiring problems, loose screws on seatbelts, tire pressure monitoring issues, and driveshaft failure, to name just a few.
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Despite this, there are fewer complaints listed online for earlier model years, while after the 2000s, there were a few more – peaking in 2009 with 124 complaints. These were the most common reported issues across the ten-year lifespan of the Tacoma.
Common Issues: Second-Gen Tacoma
- Rust and peeing paintwork on the body
- Slipping clutch and a leaking clutch master cylinder
- Noisy idle and acceleration
- Overheating parking lights
- Headlights not working properly
- Engine surge in high gears and throttle control failure
The biggest issue with the second-generation Tacoma is that nearly 4.5 million Tacomas (2004 – 2010 models) were affected by a pedal entrapment.
“Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat.
A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury, or death.”
– NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V3888000
This is a big recall, sure, but it’s not as a result of the mechanical bits or the car itself, and was rather a problem with the design of the floor mats.
Summary: Shop Carefully
Toyota as a brand has a reputation for producing cars that will simply go for decades, so its no surprise that we rate an older generation as most reliable – granted, that’s with the caveat that the current generation is still relatively fresh and needs to do its time before we can really tell. If you’re shopping for a used Toyota Tacoma that’s reliable, the most important advice is to ensure that you buy a model with recall work already carried out, and a good maintenance and service history.
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That being said, if it were up to us, we’d hedge our bets on a low-mileage model from around 2008 onwards. We’d also be willing to give the current generation the benefit of the doubt, as it is shaping up to follow in the second-generation Tacoma’s footsteps.
Sources: Toyota, JD Power, NHTSA, KBB, TacomaWorld
