TOYOTA TACOMA · model year

2011 TOYOTA TACOMA

224 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011TOYOTATACOMA carries 224 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 14 crashes, 6 fires, 12 injuries, and 3 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 TACOMA is suspension with 52 filings, followed by exterior lighting (30) and electrical system (20). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2011 TACOMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

224
Complaints
14
Crashes
6
Fires
12
Injuries
3
Deaths

Total Complaints

224 filings

Crashes Reported

14 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION52
EXTERIOR LIGHTING30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
STEERING17
AIR BAGS12
SERVICE BRAKES10
STRUCTURE:BODY10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
STRUCTURE7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
POWER TRAIN6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
ENGINE3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN3

Recalls (9)

14V60400029/09/2014

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,

14V74300019/11/2014

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 affec

13V01400016/01/2013

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 y

13V12300009/04/2013

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, 2010-20

13V33700007/08/2013

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 scre

14V47500004/08/2014

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

11V14800004/03/2011

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

17V42500003/07/2017

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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.

16V39600002/06/2016

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 Priu

Recent Complaints

20260124SUSPENSION

I purchased the truck December 6th 2025 within a thousand Miles within the end of the year I experienced brake failure on the highway I laid under the truck to patch the brake failure and found a cracked leaf spring suspension component which there's already a recall for that exact make and model just not my VIN number for that cracked leaf spring there was a recall for frame rust and just rust in general and my brake lines rusted out but a certified technician from the used car dealership said it was safe and road Worthy I experienced a brake fire on the front calipers shortly after this brake failure the fire caused 7800 worth of damage I got quoted from Toyota to fix it and that doesn't cover the $2,000 worth of leaf springs which there was already an exact recall for this exact model of truck for the exact damage depicted but somehow my VIN is not applicable for this repair.

20260124SERVICE BRAKES

I purchased the truck December 6th 2025 within a thousand Miles within the end of the year I experienced brake failure on the highway I laid under the truck to patch the brake failure and found a cracked leaf spring suspension component which there's already a recall for that exact make and model just not my VIN number for that cracked leaf spring there was a recall for frame rust and just rust in general and my brake lines rusted out but a certified technician from the used car dealership said it was safe and road Worthy I experienced a brake fire on the front calipers shortly after this brake failure the fire caused 7800 worth of damage I got quoted from Toyota to fix it and that doesn't cover the $2,000 worth of leaf springs which there was already an exact recall for this exact model of truck for the exact damage depicted but somehow my VIN is not applicable for this repair.

20251029STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while attempting to have an inspection completed on the vehicle, the contact was informed by the mechanic that the inspection could not be completed due to several holes in the underbody frame of the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Mileage: 168,000

20250826ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Blower Fan had been cutting off. Only running intermittent on High. Took to Toyota dealer June 2025. Was told it was a Cabin Air Filter Clogged. Paid for replacement and clean out of system. Continued to not work. Called a mechanic and asked for a diagnostic. Was told it was a “known issue” with Toyota Tacomas. Had been a recall in later years. I ordered the blower motor resistor and wiring harness from Toyota parts department. It was on back order due to the issue being widespread. July 2025 parts came in. Returned truck to the shop. The techichian replaced the motor blower resistor and the new wiring harness. However, he cut the burnt wires off and spliced the new wires into old wires back to the motor. Aug 2025 motor has stopped working again. Back to the Toyota shop. The truck needs a new blower motor. The labor will be 1200. Plus the labor I’ve already paid for three other shop visits plus parts. The motor blower is on back order till mid September. The motor ha

20250611FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The underside of my 2011 Toyota Tacoma is experiencing tremendous rust. Dealer said since there was not perforation, nothing to be done. Brackets holding wiring, body panels and now gas tank have rusted and failed. The gas tank strap is a major concern. It is available for inspection. The gas tank is held up now by one unrusted strap and rubber bungee cords I applied. Dealer or independence service center has not seen it. Nearest dealer is a ferry ride away, I live on an island. No inspection by manufacturer etc. No warning lights or messages.

20250611STRUCTURE:BODY

The underside of my 2011 Toyota Tacoma is experiencing tremendous rust. Dealer said since there was not perforation, nothing to be done. Brackets holding wiring, body panels and now gas tank have rusted and failed. The gas tank strap is a major concern. It is available for inspection. The gas tank is held up now by one unrusted strap and rubber bungee cords I applied. Dealer or independence service center has not seen it. Nearest dealer is a ferry ride away, I live on an island. No inspection by manufacturer etc. No warning lights or messages.

20250523SUSPENSION

I am the third owner of a 2011 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 2.7L. I purchased it in Oct. 2024 in NY. At that time, there were no visible signs of frame rust. Within 6 months, it developed severe corrosion, including deterioration at the suspension mounts. The vehicle is no longer safe to drive and is available for inspection. Toyota previously recalled earlier Tacomas for the same issue, but for 2011–2017 models, they issued a Limited Service Campaign (K0D) and Customer Support Program (ZKA), which expired after only 12 years (vs. 15 years previously). This was not classified as a recall, despite serious safety concerns. The prior owner appears to have driven zero miles from 2020–2022, when the campaign was active. The vehicle was registered in Vermont, where statewide COVID restrictions closed dealerships and suspended non-essential services. No extension or accommodations were provided by Toyota. I discovered the corrosion on [XXX], during a frame inspection immediately after investi

20250523UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am the third owner of a 2011 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 2.7L. I purchased it in Oct. 2024 in NY. At that time, there were no visible signs of frame rust. Within 6 months, it developed severe corrosion, including deterioration at the suspension mounts. The vehicle is no longer safe to drive and is available for inspection. Toyota previously recalled earlier Tacomas for the same issue, but for 2011–2017 models, they issued a Limited Service Campaign (K0D) and Customer Support Program (ZKA), which expired after only 12 years (vs. 15 years previously). This was not classified as a recall, despite serious safety concerns. The prior owner appears to have driven zero miles from 2020–2022, when the campaign was active. The vehicle was registered in Vermont, where statewide COVID restrictions closed dealerships and suspended non-essential services. No extension or accommodations were provided by Toyota. I discovered the corrosion on [XXX], during a frame inspection immediately after investi

20250510Carry Handle, Shell, Base

The locking mechanism, the vechile was park we put the child in to turn it rear facing and it wouldn’t lock into place, so we turned it forward facing and it still wouldn’t lock into place. The child’s seat will not lock into position. Then we noticed where the lock off is the plastic is bent upward from the seat belt itself. The chest clip is also Magnetic and had to be replaced all ready by manufacturer due to it not latching. This will not let me upload the video

20250510Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

The locking mechanism, the vechile was park we put the child in to turn it rear facing and it wouldn’t lock into place, so we turned it forward facing and it still wouldn’t lock into place. The child’s seat will not lock into position. Then we noticed where the lock off is the plastic is bent upward from the seat belt itself. The chest clip is also Magnetic and had to be replaced all ready by manufacturer due to it not latching. This will not let me upload the video

20241122UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Severe Frame rust

20240514STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while working underneath the vehicle, he noticed a hole in the frame rail, passenger's side, rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected under a Service Bulletin however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was no longer under Warranty for the repair and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20240224CrashSTEERING

Steering shaft u- joint seizure causing loss of vehicle steering. Very dangerous.

20240130UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The horn on my truck no longer works. Cruise control is intermittent at times. Vehicle was taken to my independent repair shop I've been told it is the clock spring in my steering wheel. My concern is the air bag would quit working. Been told same vehicle from 2012 and newer was fixed by Toyota for same problem.

20231118EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1.) Headlights are yellowing. 2.) Hard to see at night. 3.) Everyone has the same problem. The government should mandate going back to glass headlights for safety reasons. Buffing them only lasts a short period of time and the elderly can't afford to buy new OEM headlights every 6 years as they are very, very expensive. This is a safety issue, as yellow lenses equal more nighttime accidents, fact. This should have been addressed years ago.

20230824STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle for repair, the contact was made aware of rust on the steering shaft and the support arms and the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no fix for the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Mileage: 144,000

20230824SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle for repair, the contact was made aware of rust on the steering shaft and the support arms and the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no fix for the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Mileage: 144,000

20230118SUSPENSION

My vehicle failed the state of Maine safety inspection due to a broken leaf spring. I had the vehicle further inspected at a Toyota dealership and they reported the same issue. They gave me an estimate to replace the rear springs for a total cost to me of $2321.00. This an expense that I do not believe should have to bare, as this vehicle is only used for personal use. The heaviest load this vehicle has carried is a few bags of fertilizer.

20221229POWER TRAIN

Vehicle was brought to dealer to replace ROTTED transmission cooler lines. During inspection it was noticed that the vehicles rack & pinion steering tube is almost completely ROTTED through as well, this is a complicated and expensive repair, which if it completely fails will render the vehicle unsafe for the road, a danger to myself and others on the road. The vehicle has only 127,000 miles. I was also informed that the vehicle no longer qualifies for frame replacement under recall ' because I waited too long '

20220920SUSPENSION

Toyota Tacoma was sprayed in 2020 for frame rust. Rust has began again on the frame. Also the suspension and behind the two rear wheels rust is rampant. Lots and lots of rust but no new holes since was sprayed. Pictures attached of the 2011 Toyota Tacoma with 68,000 miles.

Compare 2011TOYOTATACOMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
The 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA has 224 NHTSA complaints, 14 crashes, 6 fires, 12 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Yes, the 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The most-complained component for the 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA is SUSPENSION with 52 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include EXTERIOR LIGHTING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.