VehicleVerdict

2017 Toyota Tacoma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Toyota Tacoma sits mid-pack among Tacoma years: 318 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 300, with 5 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (67), engine (36), and other (35), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

318

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Tacoma years?

Tacoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted977 complaints1995: 214 complaints1996: 321 complaints1997: 148 complaints1998: 358 complaints1999: 303 complaints2000: 274 complaints2001: 504 complaints2002: 443 complaints2003: 479 complaints2004: 545 complaints2005: 871 complaints2006: 977 complaints2007: 676 complaints2008: 556 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 343 complaints2011: 226 complaints2012: 406 complaints2013: 169 complaints2014: 133 complaints2015: 140 complaints2016: 416 complaints2017: 318 complaints2018: 275 complaints2019: 299 complaints2020: 124 complaints2021: 113 complaints2022: 77 complaints2023: 65 complaints2024: 182 complaints2025: 89 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Tacoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tacoma years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Toyota Tacoma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission6721%
Engine3611%
Other3511%
Brakes3110%
Body & Structure268%
Fuel System268%
Electrical System248%
Airbags134%
Tires & Wheels113%
Speed Control113%
Seats103%
Visibility & Wipers93%
Lighting83%
Suspension62%
Seat Belts31%
Steering21%

Does the 2017 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

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

20V682000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

18V211000BrakesApril 3, 2018 · 6,046 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.

Consequence

A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.

17V831000OtherDecember 20, 2017 · 649 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

17V356000EngineJune 1, 2017 · 31,824 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0H.

17V285000TransmissionApril 27, 2017 · 227,732 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.

Consequence

If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall June 19, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0G.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I PULLED UP TO PARK THE TRUCK. AFTER PUT IN PARK THE 2017 TOYOTA TACOMA LUNGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A BRICK WALL. THERE WAS ALMOST $5950.00 IN DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. I WATCHED MYSELF CRASH INTO THE WALL AND COULD NOT STOP THE TRUCK.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 13, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ODOR OF BURNING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V285000 (POWER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2016 · fire

“12/9/17 THERE WAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF SNOW ON MY DRIVEWAY. MY DRIVEWAY IS SLIGHTLY ON AN INCLINE AND THEN LEVELS OFF AT THE TOP I PUT MY VEHICLE INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND PROCEEDED UP THE DRIVEWAY WITH NO PROBLEM. I DEACTIVATED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND PLACED MY VEHICLE IN PARK W/O USING THE E BRAKE. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 9, 2017 · crash

“I PULLED UP TO PARK THE TRUCK. AFTER PUT IN PARK THE 2017 TOYOTA TACOMA LUNGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A BRICK WALL. THERE WAS ALMOST $5950.00 IN DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. I WATCHED MYSELF CRASH INTO THE WALL AND COULD NOT STOP THE TRUCK.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 13, 2017 · crash

“TAKATA INFLATORS I WAS STRUCK ON MY FRONT LEFT SIDE . EVERY PANAL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WS IMPACTE SIDE WAS IMPACTED. I WAS TRAVELING BOUT 40MPH. I SPUN AROUND AND ENDED BACK INNONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED A DRANAGE DITCH.I WAS DRIVING IN A STATE HIGHWAY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 29, 2019 · crash

2017 Toyota Tacoma — common questions

Is the 2017 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tacoma: 318 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2017 Tacoma problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (67 complaints), engine (36 complaints), other (35 complaints).

Does the 2017 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Toyota Tacoma. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 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 2017 Toyota Tacoma?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 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.