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Toyota Tacoma: common problems & condition

44
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
61/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100
53%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 52%



Across 44 used Toyota Tacomas we inspected, this model scores about average — average condition 61/100 vs 60 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.

What we found

Most common faults

Oil leaks · Engine
36%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
32%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
23%
Abnormal noise · Engine
23%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
18%

Share of inspected Toyota Tacomas where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 23% Good 30% Mediocre 34% Poor 14%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

75%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
7%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
9%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a Tacoma stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 20–40k mi: 100% in good shape (5 cars) 40–60k mi: 80% in good shape (5 cars) 60–80k mi: 83% in good shape (6 cars) 100–120k mi: 20% in good shape (5 cars) 120–140k mi: 20% in good shape (5 cars) 140–160k mi: 20% in good shape (5 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it

Share of Toyota Tacomas in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.

What else does ~$24k buy? A used Toyota Tacoma typically sells for around $24,276 — compare the odds of getting a good truck across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on Toyota
RAV4 47 cars · 75% good Highlander 38 cars · 61% good Prius 57 cars · 58% good Sienna 47 cars · 57% good Corolla 98 cars · 49% good Tundra 47 cars · 47% good Camry 96 cars · 46% good 4Runner 62 cars · 45% good Avalon 26 cars · 42% good

Other Toyota models we've inspected — or see the full Toyota profile.

Straight from recent Toyota Tacoma reports

2021 Toyota Tacoma · 85k mi — flagged: tires condition & wear, worn suspension joints. Inspected Jun 26.
2009 Toyota Tacoma · 182k mi — flagged: vibration, wheel bearings, brake fluid. Inspected Jun 20.
FAQ
?
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?
53% of the 44 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 61/100 — it scores about average.
?
What are the most common problems on a used Toyota Tacoma?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (36%), fluid leaks (32%), tires condition & wear (23%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 9% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Toyota Tacoma? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 44 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026