UsedScore

2010 Toyota Tacoma: Use caution

Owners filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota Tacoma in its first five years on the road, about 102 for every 100,000 sold: 1.6× the rate of a typical Tacoma year. That's above average, so use caution.

The biggest problem area, counting serious complaints more, is the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (22% of complaints, median 5,000 miles).

Complaint index
1.6×
per vehicle sold, vs. a typical Tacoma year
Rank
11th of 14
1st = fewest complaints
Complaints
110
first five years; 102 per 100,000 sold
Recalls
13
campaigns
2nd generation, 2005–2015 · Updated September 24, 2026 · How we rate
2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab

Photo: 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab · HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Problem areas

Ranked by severity-weighted complaints · share · median miles
  1. Powertrain22% · 24 complaints · median 5,000 miles
  2. Brakes13% · 14 complaints · median 4,000 miles
  3. Speed control25% · 28 complaints · median 3,000 miles
  4. Lights14% · 15 complaints · median 45,000 miles
  5. Air bags4% · 4 complaints
  6. Electrical6% · 7 complaints · median 21,000 miles
  7. Engine5% · 6 complaints
  8. Steering5% · 6 complaints · median 46,000 miles
  9. Body and structure5% · 5 complaints
  10. Suspension6% · 7 complaints · median 9,000 miles

Bars rank problem areas by complaints weighted for severity (crashes, fires, injuries and deaths count more). A complaint can name more than one area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

What owners describe

Brakes

Owners of this Tacoma describe brakes that sometimes feel soft or fail to stop the truck as expected, occasionally leading to minor collisions. Some also report corroded or damaged brake lines, and dealers frequently couldn't reproduce or fix the problem.

Warning signs:
Some report a soft or hard-to-depress pedal, an illuminated ABS light, shuddering felt through the floor, or a pedal that kicks back before losing stopping power.
What shops did:
Dealers often could not replicate or diagnose the issue and left it unrepaired; a few had rotors or a transmission replaced without resolving the complaint, and one was told a recall had expired.
Mileage:
most between 5,000 and 60,000 miles, among 19 complaints that give it

“As the brakes were engaged, the vehicle did not respond and the vehicle rolled to a stop”

“My brake pedal kicked back, got hard to depress as the ABS took over and I had no brakes at all and could not stop”

Powertrain

Owners describe the truck hesitating or slipping out of gear at low speeds and in turns, then suddenly lurching forward once it catches, with some also reporting clutch slippage or drive shaft failures. Dealers frequently couldn't reproduce or permanently fix the issue, leaving many owners frustrated with repeat visits.

Warning signs:
Owners notice engine RPM rising without forward motion, a delay of a few seconds when pressing the gas, shuddering through the floor or steering column, or a hard jerk as the truck suddenly engages.
What shops did:
Dealers often could not duplicate the issue, said the truck was operating as designed, applied a software update, ground the brake rotors, or in a few cases replaced the transmission or clutch without lasting resolution.
Mileage:
most between 0 and 20,000 miles, among 28 complaints that give it

“While slowing and making right or left turns, my 2010 tacoma v-6 4x2 automatic transmission will slip into either neutral or first gear for several seconds”

“Clutch started slipping during acceleration in 4th gear. First occurrence happened at 10700 miles.”

Speed control

Owners describe their Tacomas suddenly accelerating or surging on their own, especially while braking, parking, or coming to a stop, sometimes requiring shifting to neutral or park to regain control. Dealers frequently couldn't reproduce the problem, and some owners say a related recall repair didn't resolve it.

Warning signs:
Many note engine RPMs suddenly rising, tires spinning while braking, a delayed or 'hunting' response when accelerating, or a lurching feel from a stop.
What shops did:
Dealers often could not duplicate or diagnose the issue; some removed floor mats or performed the accelerator pedal recall modification, though several owners report the acceleration continued afterward.
Mileage:
most between 0 and 20,000 miles, among 30 complaints that give it

“The driver also stated that she had both feet on the brake pedal but the vehicle would not stop.”

“Depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop or roll includes a "delay" in response from the vehicle, then the unexpected surge is noticed.”

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints shown on NHTSA's site and checked against them; quotes are word for word.

Recalls (13)

Check a VIN on NHTSA ›
  • NHTSA 16V396000June 20167,749 vehicles

    Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

    Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory.

  • NHTSA 14V743000November 20143,233 vehicles

    Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

    Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

    Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge.

  • NHTSA 14V604000September 2014710,711 vehicles

    Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.

    Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.

    Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies.

  • NHTSA 14V475000August 201420,000 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

    Risk: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard.

  • NHTSA 14V168000April 20141,486,413 vehicles

    Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

    Risk: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.

    Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners.

  • NHTSA 13V337000August 2013342,451 vehicles

    Seat belts

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.

    Risk: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.

    Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies.

  • NHTSA 13V123000April 20137,525 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

    Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation.

  • NHTSA 13V014000January 20133,235 vehicles

    Seats · Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

    Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

    Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary.

  • NHTSA 11V148000March 201122,000 vehicles

    Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 fj cruiser, land cruiser, tacoma, sequoia and tundra vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, "tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)." when factory-installed wheels and tires were replaced with toyota authorized accessory wheels and lt tires prior to first sale, the tire pressure monitoring systems were not re-calibrated correctly and therefore do not start illuminating the low tire pressure warning telltale at the required minimum activation pressure.

    Risk: Failure to warn of tire deflations is a non-compliance with fmvss 138 and could lead to tire failure increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: For the land cruiser, sequoia, tacoma and tundra vehicles, the dealer will re-calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system on affected vehicles and install an updated tire and loading information label at no charge.

  • NHTSA 10V042000February 20108,000 vehicles

    Power train: driveline: driveshaft

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 toyota tacoma pickup trucks. The propeller shaft may develop cracks during the manufacturing process. Over time, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the propeller shaft.

    Risk: This may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front propeller shaft on affected vehicles free of charge.

  • NHTSA 10V035000February 2010271,417 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

    Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.

    Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge.

  • NHTSA 10V036000February 2010153,418 vehicles

    Equipment: other: labels

    Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

    Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge.

  • NHTSA 09V388000October 20094,445,056 vehicles

    Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

    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.

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal.

A recall only helps if the repair was done. Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup before you buy.

Service bulletins

Toyota sent NHTSA 365 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2010 Tacoma. These are repair instructions, not recalls. Warranty extensions and bulletins about its top problem areas:

  • TSB003220 · August 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
  • TSB011219 · August 2023TSB: Some 2005 ?
  • TTT063620 · March 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
  • T-SB-0014-22 · March 2022TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly.
  • T-TT-0636-20 Rev · March 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
  • T-TT-0636-20 · December 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
  • T-SB-0112-19 · August 2019TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No.
  • T-SB-0134-16-Rev · July 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ?

All 2010 Tacoma bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2010 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Owners filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota Tacoma in its first five years on the road, about 102 for every 100,000 sold: 1.6× the rate of a typical Tacoma year. That's above average, so use caution. Ratings compare Tacoma years with each other using complaints filed with NHTSA; they don't measure every problem owners have.
What are the most common 2010 Tacoma problems?
Owners' complaints most often involve the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (22%), the brakes (13%) and speed control (25%). A complaint can name more than one area.
Has the 2010 Toyota Tacoma been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2010 Toyota Tacoma, the most recent in June 2016 (seats). Enter the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the repairs were done.

Sources

Owner complaints, recalls and manufacturer communications from NHTSA's public data files, as of September 24, 2026. Complaints are counted once each, over the model year's first 60 months on the road. UsedScore is not affiliated with NHTSA or Toyota. The 2010 Toyota Tacoma on NHTSA.gov · How we rate