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ProblemsByVin File / 2013-TOYOTA-TACOMA NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2013 · Toyota

Toyota Tacoma problems

124 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Tacoma?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
19 reports · fails ~55,737 mi · avg $2,500
severe
suspension
14 reports · fails ~44,894 mi · avg $900
severe
steering
13 reports · fails ~58,931 mi · avg $700
moderate
electrical
12 reports · fails ~71,151 mi · avg $850
severe
brakes
9 reports · fails ~45,465 mi · avg $450
severe
body
8 reports · fails ~121,667 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
airbags
7 reports · fails ~99,500 mi · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
5 reports · fails ~38,238 mi · avg $600
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2013 Tacoma's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2013 Tacoma?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2013 Tacoma · electrical Crash
We hit black ice and spun flipped into a ditch onto the passenger side of the truck airbag deployed on the passenger side the airbag caught on fire catching the whole truck on fire.
12/31/2015 · at 70,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10817278.0 · see electrical pattern →
2013 Tacoma · wheels
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…
12/29/2014 · at 7,779 mi · NHTSA ODI #10668861.0
2013 Tacoma · powertrain
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…
12/28/2020 · at 100,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385280.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2013 Tacoma · engine
Truck will making a rattle or knocking noise under load usually I can hear at 25 MPH sometime 45 MPH even at 65 MPH at high way speed . That sound come from front of the engine, sound like timing chain losing tension . Took to dealer the tech also heard that noise but they said…
12/28/2013 · at 13,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557513.0 · see engine pattern →
View all 124 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2013 Toyota Tacoma? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 13V494000 October 17, 2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels

If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.
severe NHTSA 14V054000 February 12, 2014

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Common questions

Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 19 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 55,737 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 55,737 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota Tacoma has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Toyota Tacoma?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 124 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Toyota/Tacoma. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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