VehicleVerdict

2013 Toyota Tacoma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 6 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 169 owner complaints run below the Tacoma median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (25), transmission (22), and brakes (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

169

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Tacoma years?

See all Tacoma years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Toyota Tacoma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2515%
Transmission2213%
Brakes1811%
Suspension159%
Other159%
Steering138%
Body & Structure117%
Airbags106%
Speed Control85%
Engine74%
Fuel System64%
Tires & Wheels53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Seats42%
Lighting32%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V425000OtherJuly 3, 2017 · 3,547 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.

14V475000OtherAugust 4, 2014 · 20,000 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

14V054000Electrical SystemFebruary 12, 2014 · 261,114 units

Defect

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

Consequence

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

13V557000EngineNovember 7, 2013 · 3,795 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.

Consequence

If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

13V494000Tires & WheelsOctober 17, 2013 · 979 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.

Consequence

If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.

13V123000OtherApril 9, 2013 · 7,525 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT OVERHEATED WHEN THE SEAT HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT ALSO DETECTED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 1, 2019 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A NEARBY TREE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 28, 2014 · crash

THE VEHICLE HAS EXTREMELY GRABBY BRAKES AND I FEEL THAT THEY CONTRIBUTED TO THE LOSS OF CONTROL I EXPERIENCED ON SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACES. AS I ATTEMPTED TO GENTLY SLOW DOWN BY APPLYING THE BRAKES I LOST THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 20, 2013 · crash

2013 TACOMA, FROM PARKED POSITION, STARTED TRUCK, RELEASE PARKING BRAKE, FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED TO DRIVE, ACCELERATED, MOVE ABOUT 5-10 FEET TRUCK ACTED AS IF BRAKES HAD BEEN APPLIED, WOULD NOT MOVE. I PLACED TRUCK IN PARK POSITION SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND PROCEEDED AS NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED TWO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 8, 2016

I NEED HELP PLEASE I BROUGHT A TRUCK FROM DEALER AND THEY DIDN'T TELL ME NOTHING ABOUT CHASES I HAVE 45 DAYS SINCE I GOT IT I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY WHEN I FEEL THE TRUCK WAS MOVING LEFT SIDE SO I TAKE TO BODYSHHOP AND THE MECHANIC GAVE A REPORT HE FOUND A LOTS PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK I TRIED TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 5, 2020 · crash

2013 Toyota Tacoma — common questions

Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 169 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tacoma year, with 6 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2013 Tacoma problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (25 complaints), transmission (22 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Tacoma years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tacoma years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among Tacoma years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.