2013 Toyota Tacoma Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)2214.4%
- Driver assistance2013.1%
- Brakes1811.8%
- Suspension149.2%
- Electrical138.5%
- Steering138.5%
- Body & structure117.2%
- Airbags106.5%
- Engine74.6%
- Fuel system63.9%
- Other / unspecified53.3%
- Interior & seats42.6%
- Exterior lighting32.0%
- Visibility32.0%
- Tires & wheels21.3%
- Seat belts10.7%
- Heating & air conditioning10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the unoccupied vehicle was parked on a slightly inclined driveway. The contact later noticed that the vehicle had rolled across the street into the neighbor's yard, causing the rear end of the vehicle to crash into a pine tree. There were no injuries sustained. The tree branches were damaged. The contact stated that both taillights were damaged, the tailgate was pushed into the bed tonneau cover, there was a significant dent on the bumper, and the vehicle sustained other unknown damages. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. The contact stated that after the incident, the contact noticed that the vehicle could shift into gear while the brake pedal was not depressed, and the gear shifter could be moved out of park(P) while the vehicle was turned off. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL LETTER FOR THE CHASSIS, WHERE IT WAS COMPLETED AT LOCAL DEALER ANTWERPEN TOYOTA (12420 AUTO DR, CLARKSVILLE, MD 21029: (410) 531-5700). THE CONTACT STATED SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, WHILE DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED AND NOTIFIED THE LOCAL DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the ABS activated at approximately 35 MPH while making a turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V054000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while in reverse and attempting to park the engine RPMs suddenly increased while pressing the brake pedal and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the steering. During the incident, the vehicle crashed into two separate vehicles and a restaurant building serving outside diners. The contact was eventually able to switch gears causing the vehicle to drive forward before turning the engine off and stopping. The contact indicated that the brake pedal was being pressed at the time of the failure but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The driver sustained a mild head injury and one diner was also injured. No further information was available. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The power brake booster failed while driving with my [XXX] and [XXX] old. Fortunately I was in a school zone with no traffic. This particular part is known to fail with Toyota's (recalled on a few models). The vehicle is 13 so Toyota will not back their product. The dealer charged $3,000.00 for the repair. There were no warnings this was going to happen. The vehicle was bought brand new, and always well maintained. ALL work besides oil changes/new tires was completed at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the ABS activated at approximately 35 MPH while making a turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V054000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
2013 Toyota Tacoma rear leaf spring is broken in half 3 leaf set up exactly like the recall up to 2011. Why didn’t the recall go up to 2013. Truck would bottom out easily for years on bumpy back roads
The rear leaf springs are rusted and corroded, and make a noise when I drive the vehicle.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,817.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH THE HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER UNIT BECAME INOPERABLE AS SMOKE WAS ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE WIRES WERE MELTED AND DISCONNECTED THE WIRES FROM THE COUPLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF KINGSPORT (2525 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37660) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR OVERHEATED]. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
my lower [ntermediate steering shaft has to be replaced repair is pending the u joint was so rusted steering was very difficult i noticed that the vehicle steering wheel would not return to normal straight it was a gradual process at least 3 months of minor to very hard steering while having some routine work done it was pointed out to me that it might need to be replaced vehicle is a 2013 tacoma 2wd base
This issue has been ongoing. Taken into local Toyota dealer and was told they needed to replace entire rack and pinion at a cost of nearly $1500. Three days after picking up it is doing same thing. While steering around corner it will temporarily lock and suddenly it feels like it has no power steering. I am getting nothing but the run around from Wooster Toyota. My wife very nearly was in an accident because of this. This truck only has 80000 miles. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am filing this consumer complaint against Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (Toyota Motor North America, Inc.) for unfair and deceptive business practices related to a known paint peeling defect on my 2013 Toyota Tacoma (VIN identified in form, paint code 040 Super White). The vehicle exhibits severe peeling on the passenger side rear door, engine compartment, and other areas due to primer adhesion failure from sunlight exposure—not accident damage—matching symptoms addressed in Toyota's Customer Support Program ZKG and related Technical Service Bulletins for 2009–2015 Tacoma models. Despite multiple contacts with Toyota's Customer Experience Center (1-800-331-4331), Stevens Creek Toyota dealership, and formal letters (dated October 5, 2025, and January 15, 2026), Toyota has failed to provide a remedy, acknowledgment, or inspection under applicable programs. Key interactions include: initial notice in April 2024; dealer inspection in July 2024 denying coverage; phone calls in September/October 2025 and January 2026 where representatives hung up without escalation or manager follow-up; and no response to mailed complaints. This has caused ongoing cosmetic damage, diminished resale value, rust risk, and significant frustration/time loss. The issue aligns with widespread complaints and the ongoing class action lawsuit [XXX] v. Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Case No. XXX, U.S. District Court, Central District of California), alleging Toyota's knowledge of defective clear coat finishes leading to premature peeling INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The frame was “repaired” by the spray foam, not replaced. This foam has been falling off since I purchased the vehicle and there is much rust on the frame. I have gone into Toyota for this to be inspected and they said that the foam that was applied to the frame and was sufficient enough to meet the standards. I don’t find this to be safe especially on vehicle that is 12 years old. There was rust that was clearly repainted in spots.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle involved in a head on collision resulting in a total loss. Frontal airbags did not deploy. Occupant (driver) sustained bilateral wrist injuries requiring surgery.
The horn started malfunctioning recently at around 200k miles, sometimes working sometimes not (regardless of steering wheel positioning). As prior complaints have stated; the suspect was likely the clockspring, but all the steering wheel controls were functioning with no issues and no warning lights illuminated. Also, I've continously found myself in the 3rd gear multiple times after very lighy taps (mainly from a drink falling/bumping into it) as the cupholders in the front are very small and/or not stable for anything other than small disposable containers.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
FAULTY SECONDARY AIR PUMP OR SECONDARY AIR INJECTION VALVE. LOST POWER IN MOTION ON CITY STREET
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE VEHICLE ACTS AS IF IT'S NOT GETTING CORRECT POWER AND FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER IS LAGGING THE THE VEHICLE BACK. THIS ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS AT 40 MPH AND FEELS AS IF VEHICLE MY DIE GOING 40MPH DOWN THE ROAD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I STARTED TO APPLY GAS THE FOOT PEDAL ACCELERATOR MOVED TO THE FLOOR ON ITS OWN LEAVING THE BOTTOM OF MY FOOT AND LAUNCHING ME THROUGH A CYCLONE FENCE. AT 1 CAR LENGTH AWAY FROM FENCE IS WHEN THE PEDDLE WHEN TO FLOOR. I STOMPED ON THE BREAK AND STOPPED THE TRUCK. PLEASE NOTE. THE MAT DID NOT MAKE THE PEDDLE STICK IT MOVED ON ITS OWN TO FULL THROTTLE. *TR
FAULTY SECONDARY AIR PUMP OR SECONDARY AIR INJECTION VALVE. LOST POWER IN MOTION ON CITY STREET
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, WITH THE FLAT BED COVER OPEN, THE BOLTS THAT FASTENED THE COVER FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE COVER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ON DATE OF SERVICE I WAS INFORMED BY ADVISOR [XXX] THAT ALL 24 WHEEL FASTENERS (LUGS) HOLDING ON THE WHEEL STUDS DID NOT HAVE AMPLE THREADS. I WAS ESCORTED TO SERVICE AREA OF MY VEHICLE AND SAW WHAT HE WAS DESCRIBING TO ME. IT WAS THE WRONG LUGS NUTS INSTALLED. THERE WAS NO ENOUGH AMPLE THREADS TO TIGHTEN THE LUGS TO THE WHEEL STUDS 1-3 THREADS DEFINITELY NOT TO VEHICLE SPECIFICATION TO MAINTAIN THE TIRES ON FOR SAFE DRIVING, IT COULD HAVE CAUSE THE TIRES RIP OFF AND APART. MY LIFE WAS IN THERE HANDS AND TOYOTA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT MY SAFETY AND SAFETY OF OTHERS HAD THE WHEELS COME OFF. PHOTO'S WAS TAKEN BY ME AND THE WRONG LUG NUTS WAS OFFERED BACK TO ME. THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASE AT LUGOFF TOYOTA IN SOUTH CAROLINA ON 08/23/13 THE FIRST SERVICE WAS DONE AT DICK DYER TOYOTA IN SC ON 05/07/14 MY SERVICE COPY UNDER LABOR AND PARTS SHOWS TIRE ROTATIONS. IF IN FACT THIS SERVICE WAS DONE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NOTICE BY DICK DYER TOYOTA ON 05/07/14 THIS ISSUE WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] . I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE TRUCK BACK TO WHERE I PURCHASE IT. THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while closing the hood, the hood prop rod unexpectedly fell behind the latch, ceasing to securely latch the hood. While driving at 80 MPH, the hood suddenly opened and fractured the windshield. There was no injury sustained. The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, closed the hood, and continued driving. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Insurance Provider was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
DRIVERS SEAT HEATING STOPPED WORKING - PLUG BURNT IN CONNECTOR UNDER SEAT. ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL WHEN SEAT STOPPED WORKING. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HELP WITH A CLEAR FIRE HAZARD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE AND TRAC OFF WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE FOR VARIOUS DURATION TWO DAYS OR MORE THEN SHUT OFF AFTER DRIVING SOMETIMES.
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ARE MELTING THE LENS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
REPORTING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA VIN [XXX]: ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN VERY RELIABLE OTHERWISE, THERE ARE THREE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH MY VEHICLE: 1. THE VEHICLE CAN EXPERIENCE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, NOTED ESPECIALLY WHILE IDLING. THE SET IDLE SPEED, WHICH THE DEALER HAS TOLD ME CONFORMS TO MANUFACTURER'S GUIDELINES, IS VERY HIGH, AND WHEN AT A STOP SIGN OR OTHER STOP, IT CAN SUDDENLY LURCH FORWARD. THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, WHICH MAY BE LINKED TO IDLING WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON, IS VERY ALARMING. IN ONE INSTANCE, LINKED TO WHAT I DESCRIBE IN ITEM 2, I BELIEVE THIS WAS A CONTRIBUTOR TO A CRASH INTO MY GARAGE, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. 2. THE FLOOR MATS, WHICH WERE A MANUFACTURER'S ACCESSORY FOR THE VEHICLE, CAN EASILY BECOME DETACHED FROM THEIR EYELET HOOKS, AND MAY THEN SLIP UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS WAS ALSO A LIKELY CONTRIBUTOR TO THE ACCIDENT DESCRIBED ABOVE. 3. THE SUN VISOR RETAINING BRACKET NO LONGER WORKS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, AND IT NO LONGER HAS THE REQUIRED TENSION TO HOLD IT UP. THE BRACKET ASSEMBLY IS A CHEAP PLASTIC BRACKET. I?M SURE TOYOTA CAN COME UP WITH SOME FIX AND CHANGE THIS FOR FUTURE MODELS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I WAS GOING TO VISIT A FRIEND IN LANCASTER SC WHEN I NOTICED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THIS CRACK APPEARED AND NOTHING HAD FAILED ON IT. IT STARTS AT THE BOTTOM, JUST SLIGHTLY TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FROM CENTER AND IT GOES UPWARD ABOUT 7"-8", THEN GOES TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 12"-15". THERE WAS NOTHING THAT FELL ON IT WHEN IT WAS NOTICED. IT APPEARS TO BE EITHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR A CRACK WHICH HAS RESULTED FROM SOMETHING SHIFTING ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA EQUIP WITH NITTO TIRES, TIRE LINE: GRAPPLER G2 ALL TERRAIN, TIRE SIZE: 265/70/17, (DOT UNAVAILABLE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATE 60 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE ALSO EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2019 AT SIMPLE TIRE ONLINE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF CONSUMER STATED SECOND TIRE BLEW OUT AND PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES AFTER THAT.*JB
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TRAIL T/A TIRES, SIZE P265/70/R16. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD VISIBLE CRACKS AND WERE DRY ROTTED IN BETWEEN THE TWO EXTERIOR TREADS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,647.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SRS AIRBAGS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENDER SIDE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON 1/23/2025 AT 6:06 PM RIGHT AFTER I GOT HOME FROM WORK. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO TURN OFF WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS FASTEN TO THE SEATBELT BUCKLE. WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS IN PLACE AND REMOVED FROM HOLSTER, THE INDICATOR LIGHT LIT UP AND A BELL SOUND ALERTED ME AS THE OPERATOR OF THE TRUCK, THE SEAT BELT WARNING ALSO TRIGGERED THE AIR BAG LIGHTS TO TURN ON WITH A INDICATOR SRS AIRBAGS OFF. THE INDICATOR RESUMES AS THE AIRBAG OFF LIGHTS REMAIN ON UNTIL THE CAR ENGINE IS OFF. WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED BACK ON, THE WARNING LIGHTS OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS ON.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. *DT *DT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .