This Is The Best And Worst Toyota Tacoma Model Year To Buy Used

Jul 23, 2023

If you're in the market for a used Toyota Tacoma, beware of certain second-gen and third-gen model years. They are notoriously problematic.

If you’re looking to buy a used midsize pickup truck, chances are a Toyota Tacoma is on your radar. It's one of those uber-reliable trucks that can potentially outlive itself. However, nothing is perfect in the used car realm, and the Tacoma, despite its reputation, has had a few rough years in the past.

Buying one used is not necessarily a bad idea, especially if you find the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma tech-focused and complicated. Loyalists of the brand still prefer the old-school V6-powered items. But unfortunately, they are not without problems. It's important to do your research before buying one of these trucks, as some of the Tacoma's worst years are known for rust issues and engine problems.

Of course, it's no surprise that Toyota and reliability go hand-in-hand. But on rare occasions, they do sometimes fail to deliver. The Tacoma is a solid truck—there's no denying that. However, while most model years have lived up to their name, some haven't. So without further ado, here's a closer look at the Toyota Tacoma's best and worst years.

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If you’re looking for a used Toyota Tacoma, avoid early third-gen trucks and model years between 2005 and 2010. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tacomas, from 2005 to 2010, received double-digit recalls in addition to several hundreds of complaints. The truck's leaf springs are also a cause for concern. Over 700,000 Tacomas were recalled because of a potential hazard where the springs could break.

2005-10 Toyota Tacomas had reports of severe rust, rot, and corrosion. Recalls and service campaigns were issued but were region-specific and didn't cover all the affected models. Only after owners filed a lawsuit did Toyota agree for reimbursements. Another recall addressed the faulty driver's side airbag. Also, a design flaw in these second-gen Tacomas led to the accelerator pedal getting stuck.

Car Complaints reckon the 2005 model year, in particular, is the worst Tacoma you could buy used. Now comes model years 2016 and 2017. Per the NHTSA, Tacomas from 2016 and 2017 are troubled with transmission issues and engine stalls. The V6 models get a faulty crankshaft position sensor. If it fails, the engine will shut down. Toyota had a recall against the problem. However, the NHTSA still receives complaints about the sensor, leading us to believe that the problem is quite common and not just limited to those recall units.

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If you’re looking for the most reliable Toyota Tacoma to buy used, it's better to consider late second-generation or third-gen models. Reliability-wise, 2013-2015 Tacomas have scored exceptional ratings. Per J.D. Power, model year 2013 scores 86 for reliability, while 2015 scores 85, with overall scores of 82 and 81, respectively. Model years 2018 and up aren't bad either. In fact, these Tacomas come better equipped, while having fewer complaints and recalls. Per the NHTSA, late third-gen Tacomas are way better than the notoriously problematic 2016 and 2017 models.

Car Complaints also find 2018 and up Tacoma model years to be more reliable. The 2020 Tacoma, for example, has received just 50 complaints, and the NHTSA has only a single recall registered against it. For perspective, the 2016 model has four recalls and close to 300 complaints.

Price-wise, used 2013 Tacomas start from $16,000, while decent examples are north of $20k. 2014 and 2015 models range between $19,000 and $35,000, depending on the mileage and condition. If you’re looking for 2018 and newer model years, prices can be a bit expensive. These trucks have noticeably improved styling and come better equipped, demanding a significant premium.

In terms of equipment, the third-gen Tacomas, although not tech-laden, are far better than their predecessors. Standard features include brake assist, traction control, and a slew of airbags. As for amenities, a six-speaker audio system is available, along with Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, and wireless charging. Newer models also offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

If you didn't know, Toyota Tacomas can last a lifetime. It's arguably among the most reliable, if not the most reliable, truck sold in America. Just by comparing the NHTSA's records, it's easy to conclude how robust this midsize pickup is. Even the Tacoma's worst years are better than some of its competition's best.

Yes, having a troubled engine and transmission is worrying, as is corrosion. But despite all this, at the end of the day, it's still a Toyota Tacoma. They are built to last and are inexpensive to maintain. Plus, release value is among the best in the industry. So don't let these problems scare you away from buying one of the most reliable pickup trucks available today.

Sources: NHTSA, Car Complaints, J.D. Power

Cars have had a profound impact on Kiran ever since he was a toddler. This grew with age, ballooning to such an extent that he graduated with a degree in automotive engineering and now devotes himself to penning down all things motoring.