TOYOTA TACOMA · model year

2013 TOYOTA TACOMA

168 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013TOYOTATACOMA carries 168 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 10 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 4/5 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 2013 TACOMA is power train with 21 filings, followed by service brakes (16) and steering (13). 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 6 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 2013 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.

168
Complaints
16
Crashes
10
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 TOYOTA TACOMA - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 4.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

168 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 4/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN21
SERVICE BRAKES16
STEERING13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
SUSPENSION12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
STRUCTURE:BODY11
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)11
AIR BAGS10
ENGINE7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
WHEELS3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
SEATS3

Recalls (6)

13V49400017/10/2013

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

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 nut

14V05400012/02/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

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

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

13V55700007/11/2013

ENGINE

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.

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

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.

Recent Complaints

20260217LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

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.

Mileage: 107,000

20260216STRUCTURE:BODY

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 Se

20260201CrashAIR BAGS

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.

20260118UNKNOWN OR OTHER

whenever we need to use the horn there isnt one to use. we have changed the fuse more than once still nothing.

20251221AIR BAGS

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.

20251221UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20251221SERVICE BRAKES

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)

20250924UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown, The Horn failed to work suddenly when driving. It only works when I turn the wheel then press which I've been told is a clock spring failure in steering wheel which can also affect air bag. Thank You

20250624CrashPOWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 275,000

20250502STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20250502UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20250123AIR BAGS

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.

20250123SEAT BELTS

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.

20240805STRUCTURE:BODY

While backing in camper to my driveway after a 3.5 hr return trip, the back part of the frame which holds the rear bumper and the trailer hitch let go from a rusted frame. See attached pic. I inquired with a Toyota dealer who said my vehicle is out of warranty for the CSP from Toyota for rusting frames. They indicated there was a recall that wasn't repaired on my vehicle but I don't recall seeing a recall for rusting frames. They also said this wasn't a safety recall which I have a hard time understanding. If this happened while on the highway and not in front of my house the entire camper would have completely let go from my vehicle. Any information would be appreciated.

20240324SUSPENSION

The rear leaf springs are rusted and corroded, and make a noise when I drive the vehicle.

20231115AIR BAGS

Within 1 month of buying a 2012 and 2013 tacoma the clockspring goes out. This repair is incredibly expensive and has happened with every single Tacoma I have ever bought. Toyota needs to do something about this, this is unnaceptable that my horn/clockspring goes out almost immidiately.

20230608SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 92,000

20230608ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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.

Mileage: 92,000

20220718STRUCTURE:BODY

1. Fuel door hinge broke. Checked on Tacoma forums, this is a common problem with 2005-2015 model. 2. Not a safety risk. 3. Toyota does not acknowledge this is as a problem for the 2005-2015 model. 4. Vehicle has been inspected for repair estimate. 5. Prior to hinge breaking, the fuel door was not mating properly.

20211105STEERING

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

Compare 2013TOYOTATACOMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
The 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA has 168 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 10 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 4/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Yes, the 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The most-complained component for the 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA is POWER TRAIN with 21 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and STEERING.
Is the 2013 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 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. 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.