These Are the Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid
You can save big when finding a used truck like the Toyota Tacoma. Overall, the Tacoma has a great reputation for being durable and long-lasting. But unfortunately, not every model year was created equally, and a few lemons exist. Watch out for the worst Toyota Tacoma years.
This truck was introduced in America back in 1995 to provide drivers with a mid-size truck that was practical, yet more comfortable and refined. It features a rugged body-on-frame construction and ideal size for off-roading and tight city areas.
The Tacoma still manages to lead the mid-size truck segment today and has flourished with four generations. The latest redesign launched in 2024.
1. 2019 Toyota Tacoma
According to Engineering, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is one of the worst model years available. The rankings are based on reports from Kelley Blue Book, the NHTSA, Edmunds, and J.D.Power. It falls flat with critics across the board.
The 2019 Tacoma received a mid-cycle refresh with better off-roading packages and modern tech. However, the transmission seems to be the source of a few significant problems. It’s a little sluggish and clunky.
There are reports of the transmission jerking and vibrating. The truck may lurch forward or suddenly lose speed without warning. The truck seems to slip gears and suddenly accelerate or lurch forward too.
There are also reports of fuel system issues. Fuel pump failure may cause the engine to stall without warning. It seems to impact braking as well.
2. 2016 Toyota Tacoma
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is another model year to watch out for. This is when the third generation debuted with suspension and engine upgrades. But sometimes, the first year of a new generation has a few issues to correct.
Transmission problems strike again with loud knocking sounds, vibrations, lurching forward, sudden speed loss, slipping gears, delayed acceleration, and a loud howling noise. The transmission can get violently loud and shaky at speeds around 45 mph as well.
There are also tons of electrical problems listed. Some drivers found that some of the heaters failed early on, the radio would freeze or turn off, indicator lamps suddenly illuminated, a heated seat burned a hole in the upholstery, and all the lights randomly stopped working.
3. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is one of the worst model years, but it rocks a refreshed style and a few tech upgrades. Engine problems caused this truck to randomly enter limp mode. The check engine lights would light up, and they would be limited to 25 mph.
Sudden bursts of acceleration may occur, the air injectors could fail, the ECM computer could be bad, the fuel injector is prone to failing, the traction control system may randomly turn off, and the engine would vibrate.
Drivers reported brake problems too. Some owners experienced a sudden loss of braking power and ended up in a ditch. This combined with sudden acceleration creates dangerous problems.
Sometimes these trucks would lock up and slide as releasing the gas pedal would lock one wheel up. Plus, the lights would go out, or they would become super grabby.
4. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
Holy moly, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma has 13 recalls despite arriving in the middle of the second generation. The recalls are related to leaf spring problems, incorrect tire information, electrical problems, airbag issues, seatbelt problems, and a sticking accelerator pedal.
Luckily, all of these problems should have been corrected by Toyota at no costs to owners. However, there are plenty of problems for drivers to be aware of. Owners complained about the radio failing and a faulty passenger seat.
Body problems also plague this Tacoma year. Drivers struggled with the paint pealing and tons of rust. Along with reports of the frame prematurely rusting, owners discovered rust around the windows and doors as well. Plus, there are examples of water leaking into the interior.
People faced suspension problems, steering issues, metal on metal scraping sounds, braking problems, and tons of electrical issues.
5. 2007 Toyota Tacoma
The 2007 Toyota Tacoma could drain your wallet. It’s another model year with tons of issues and complaints, including 10 recalls. Some of the recalls are related to minor issues like the incorrect labels. But others are for dangerous issues like the acceleration pedal getting stuck, faulty airbags, fuel tank leaks.
Many drivers complained about a sudden acceleration, vibrations from the rear, four-wheel drive randomly engaging, rear differential slippage and grading, and drive share carrier bearing failure. Also, some people lost control while switching out of four-wheel drive.
Unfortunately, if you come across this used model year, then you should provide a close inspection for rust. This early model is known for rusting frames, metal piping, and breaks. It can lead to oil and transmission leaks. Plus, the brakes could suddenly fail.
There are reports of engine failure, drive train issues, suspension problems, clutch issues, faulty brakes, steering issues, and tons of electrical problems that impact the lights and radio.
6. 2004 Toyota Tacoma
The 2004 Toyota Tacoma is a rare and cool find at this point. That is at least if you can find one in good condition. It faced five recalls due to spare tire carrier failure, side reflector problems, side reflex reflector problems, ball joint failure, and mislabeled seatbelts.
This is one of the biggest offenders or premature rust. The issue is so bad that it doesn’t even matter if this model survived in the south where cities don’t regularly salt the roads. Drivers complaints about premature frame rust, frame rot, pealing paint, and poor quality paint. this also lead to body and structural problems.
The engine is prone to cutting in and out with a sudden loss of power. Plus, the valves often need to be replaced prematurely. Some folks struggling with the vehicle speed control and the accelerator pedal faced faulty sensors.
Other problems include issues with the transmission, engine cooling, electronics, suspension, fuel system, steering, lights, windshield, windows, tires, and exhaust system.
7. 2002 Toyota Tacoma
Last but not least, we have the 2002 Toyota Tacoma. It also faced five recalls for issues related to the spare tire carrier, amber side reflectors, amber side reflective reflectors ball joint failure, and leaking fuel that could increase the risk of fire.
This is another model year that plagues drivers with excessive and premature rust problems. The frames and undercarriage often need to be replaced, and that’s probably not cheap. It can cause structural damage to the bumpers, doors, hinges, and hood.
There are a massive amount of complaints related to the suspension due to problems with the wheel bearings, rear spines, leaf spring assembly, front and rear shock absorbers, and front control arm lower ball joints.
Other problems are related to the seatbelts, air bags, wheels, drivetrain,, steering, engine, interior accessories, exterior accessories, and brakes.
But on the plus side, there are only seven model years on this list to avoid. Due your due diligence before buying a used Toyota Tacoma. These trucks are built with a robust body-on-frame structure to provide durability while conquering the wild, which is why they remain popular today.
