Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid

Why 2009 made the avoid list

2009 Toyota Tacoma

AvoidTop issue: powertrain · 27% of complaints · median 1,000 miles

Owners describe headlight assemblies where the daytime running light lens melts, bubbles, or cracks, plus a transmission that hesitates and then lurches when pulling out of turns or stops. Some also report the truck surging or racing on its own, with dealers often unable to duplicate it.

Full 2009 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Toyota Tacoma years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2009 Tacoma drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical Tacoma year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2008, 2010, 2016 and 2017 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Toyota Tacoma?

The 2020 Tacoma drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.5× the rate of a typical Tacoma year), followed by the 2014 and 2021. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Toyota Tacoma?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (25% of complaints), followed by the brakes (14%) and speed control (12%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Toyota Tacoma been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 44 recall campaigns covering Tacoma model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in September 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.