5 Most Durable Toyota Tacoma Model Years (5 To Stay Away From)
Pickup trucks make up approximately 20% of US passenger vehicle sales, and in this large and competitive segment, the Toyota Tacoma has reigned as America’s best-selling midsize pickup truck for almost 2 decades now. Compared to rival Pickup Truckslike the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier, the Tacoma has been the crown favorite due to the attractive combination of its design, off-road performance, utility, affordability, reliability, low upkeep, and good resale value.
UPDATE: 2026/11/01 13:34 EST BY MARTIN P. WAINAINA
We’ve updated this article with two additional Toyota Tacoma model years from the latest fourth generation, revised reliability rankings, recent recall information, and refreshed used prices to reflect the latest market data.
Reliability is often the most important consideration in a car buyer’s purchasing decision, especially pickup trucks. Vehicle reliability, however, changes across models, model years, and generations. The Toyota Tacoma isn’t an exception, so it’s reasonable to expect that some Taco model years are more durable and dependable than others. Different vehicle assessment groups have varying methods of computing reliability ratings, and different owners have their own praises and gripes as well.
If you’re looking for the best used Toyota Tacoma for sale today, then you’re in the right place. This article will help you filter through the best and worst years, so you can shorten your window-shopping list.
We used cross-referenced vehicle reliability, maintenance, recall, and pricing data from J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, Consumer Reports (CR), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to give you 5 of the most durable (and 5 of the least dependable) Toyota Tacoma models released in the past 20 years.
12
Durable: 2022 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 83/100
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is the 7th model year of the nameplate’s 3rd generation, and in line with Toyota’s model life management strategy, this iteration received only minor trim updates. The 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro and Trail Edition trims get a factory suspension lift (1.5 inches at the front, half-inch at the back) and new exterior color schemes (Electric Lime Metallic for TRD Pro, Lunar Rock for Trail Edition). Two engines provide power for the 2022 Tacoma, namely a 2.7-liter I-4 mill (159 hp, 180 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.5-liter V6 powerplant (278 hp, 265 lb-ft).
2022 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
JD Power gave the 2022 Toyota Tacoma a “great” quality and reliability score of 83/100, while KBB expert reviews returned a convincing 4.6/5 rating. According to J.D. Power’s People Paid data, used examples of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma have recorded transaction prices ranging from roughly $21,795 to $38,900, depending on configuration and vehicle condition.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $478 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 2 (NHTSA)
- Notable Features And Updates: 10-way power seats (standard for SR5 V6 trim) and Multi-Terrain Monitor (optional for TRD Off-Road and standard for TRD Pro)
11
Durable: 2012 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 84/100
As a mid-cycle refresh or facelift model year, the 2012 Toyota Tacoma received a new front-end design, upgraded interior pieces, and updated tech features. Tacoma double-cab V6 trims came with Toyota’s most modern audio, navigation, and entertainment suite of that time — the Entune infotainment system. Two powerplants were offered for the 2012 Tacoma lineup: a 2.7-liter I-4 engine (159 hp, 180 lb-ft) and a 4.0-liter V6 block (236 hp, 266 lb-ft).
2012 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma received an 84/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power and a 4.7/5 consumer review rating from KBB. You can still drive home a pre-owned 2012 Toyota Tacoma for about $8,018 to $15,513 today.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $513 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 7 (NHTSA)
- Notable Features And Updates: Eaton supercharger kit buffs the 4.0-liter V6 engine up to 304 hp and 344 lb-ft of torque
10
Durable: 2026 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 85/100
The 2026 Tacoma is the newest Tacoma available and belongs to the latest fourth generation, introduced in the 2024 model year. The redesign brought a significant departure from its predecessor, introducing a new chassis, sharper styling, updated suspension, a thoroughly revamped interior, and an all-turbocharged engine lineup. Buyers can choose between the 2.4-liter i-FORCE turbo-four, which delivers up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft, and the 326-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid, which produces a muscular 465 lb-ft. Although these powertrains introduce additional complexity compared with the previous generation’s naturally aspirated V6, the early reliability picture is encouraging. Toyota has addressed some initial production issues, while the latest model has maintained a relatively modest number of reported complaints.
2026 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
J.D. Power awards the 2026 Toyota Tacoma a strong 85/100 Quality & Reliability rating, but it’s still too early to establish how well the new powertrains will withstand years of demanding use.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $478 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,932 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Notable Features And Updates: New chassis, sharper styling, updated suspension, a thoroughly revamped interior, and an all-turbocharged engine lineup.
9
Durable: 2015 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 85/100
The 2015 Toyota Tacoma is the last model year for the model’s 2nd generation, and as such, was already past many of the growing pains of earlier model years. The TRD Pro trim made its debut in the 2015 Tacoma lineup, and in good fashion. The 2015 Tacoma TRD Pro came with Bilstein shocks, TRD wheels and springs, and a cat-back exhaust. Horsepower and torque outputs of the 2.7-liter I-4 and 4.0-liter V6 were unchanged compared to the 2012 model year.
2015 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
JD Power’s surveys gave the 2015 Toyota Tacoma an 85/100 quality and reliability score, and KBB’s consumer reviews tallied to a 4.7/5 average rating. Currently, a used 2015 Toyota Tacoma has a residual value of $13,663 to $24,932.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $427 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 4 (NHTSA)
- Notable Features And Updates: Composite inner truck bed liner with an integrated storage compartment and four sliding tie-down cleats come standard on all 2015 Tacoma trims
8
Durable: 2013 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 86/100
Coming immediately after the 2012 mid-cycle facelift, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma carried the nameplate through another year without any updates apart from the addition of a Limited trim. The 2015 Tacoma Limited comes with heated front seats, premium upholstery, the Entune infotainment system, and a JBL premium audio option. The 2013 Toyota Tacoma carries over the 2012 model year’s 2.7-liter I4 and 4.0-liter V6 engines without any changes in power output.
2013 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma garnered an 86/100 quality and reliability rating from JD Power, as well as a 4.7/5 consumer review score from KBB. As of June 2023, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma’s used car price ranges from $8,787 to $16,150.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $509 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 6 (NHTSA)
- Notable Features And Updates: Optional factory-provided supercharger kit and standard composite inner bed liner
7
Durable: 2008 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 87/100
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma didn’t come with any standard powertrain or exterior updates for the lineup, but it did introduce the optional TRD supercharger for the 4.0-liter V6 engine option. Moreover, the 2008 Tacoma offered a TRD Off-Road Package, which includes 16-inch Baja rims, Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, additional skid plates, and black overfenders.
2008 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
JD Power gave the 2008 Toyota Tacoma an 87/100 quality and reliability rating, and KBB consumer reviews resulted in a 4.7/5 overall score. The 2008 Toyota Tacoma is still available on the used car market for $8,787 to $16,150.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $408 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 11 (NHTSA)
- Notable Features And Updates: Available TRD upgrades, e.g. supercharger kit and off-road package
6
Not So Durable: 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 79/100
The 2024 Tacoma marked the beginning of Toyota’s fourth-generation midsize pickup, bringing an all-new chassis, updated technology, revised suspension, and turbocharged powertrains. However, being the first model year of a major redesign came with some growing pains. Some owners reported transmission problems, including failures at relatively low mileage, while others experienced infotainment glitches and electronic issues. Toyota also issued technical service bulletins addressing transmission problems affecting certain automatic and manual models. More recently, an August 2026 recall affected approximately 48,000 2024–2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road trucks over shock absorber reservoir flanges that could corrode and detach. Not every 2024 Tacoma is affected, but the issue adds to the model’s early ownership concerns.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
J.D. Power gives the 2024 Tacoma a Quality & Reliability score of 79/100, placing it in the Average category. Its People Paid data puts used prices between $25,350 and $43,069.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $478 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,932 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 5 (NHTSA)
- Complaints And Reported Problems: 155 complaints
5
Not So Durable: 2017 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 79/100
Except for some minor changes in the crew cab trims’ sliding rear window and the addition of a standard appearance package on the SR5 V6 models, there is only one highlight for the Tacoma’s 2017 model year: the return of the TRD Pro trim. After a 1-year absence, the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro rejoins the TRD Off-Road trim to give Taco fans a more upscale variant for rugged activities. As the 2nd installment of the nameplate’s 3rd generation, the 2017 Tacoma still uses the base 2.7-liter I-4 engine and the 3.5-liter V6 mill.
2017 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
JD Power gave the 2017 Toyota Tacoma an “average” quality and reliability score of 79/100, while KBB consumer reviews returned a lukewarm 4.0/5 rating. Today, a used 2017 Toyota Tacoma sells for $8,787 to $16,150.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $551 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 5 (NHTSA)
- Complaints And Reported Problems: 182 official complaints, problems with the crank position sensor, fuel pump, rear differential leaks, and brake assist vacuum pump failure
4
Not So Durable: 2011 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 79/100
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma was the first model year that paired the base 2.7-liter I-4 engine with an automatic transmission. Moreover, the 2011 Tacoma welcomed the off-road-focused TX and TX Pro trims, which took inspiration from Toyota’s Baja trucks. Airconditioning became standard on all Toyota Tacoma trims starting in 2011.
2011 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma received a 79/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power and a 3.2/5 expert review rating from KBB. You can still drive home a pre-owned 2011 Toyota Tacoma for $8,787 to $16,150 today.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $458 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 9 (NHTSA)
- Complaints And Reported Problems: 168 official complaints, problems with seat occupant sensors, accessory hood scoop, seatbelt screws, seat heater wiring, leaf spring fractures, and tire pressure monitoring system
3
Not So Durable: 2010 Toyota Tacoma
Quality And Reliability Score – 77/100
The 2010 Toyota Tacoma came a year after the model’s refresh in 2009, and thus had no notable changes. The major 2009 updates carried over to 2010, including a rear backup camera, two new ceiling-mounted speakers, a fresh infotainment system, updated interior door panels, side curtain airbags, and an automatic limited-slip differential system. The 2010 Toyota Tacoma still used the 4.0-liter V6 mill as its top powerplant option, but budget-conscious buyers can settle for the base 2.7-liter I-4 engine.
2010 Toyota Tacoma Reliability
JD Power’s surveys gave the 2010 Toyota Tacoma a 77/100 quality and reliability score, although KBB’s consumer reviews tallied to a decent 4.7/5 average rating. Currently, a used 2010 Toyota Tacoma has a residual value of $8,787 to $16,150.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Costs: $447 (RepairPal)
- Estimated Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,420 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 13 (NHTSA)
- Complaints And Reported Problems: 261 official complaints, problems with airbags, driveshaft, seatbelt screws, seat heater wiring, seat occupant sensors, leaf spring fractures, tire pressure monitor, and accelerator pedal entrapment
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