This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Toyota Tacoma engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Tacoma | 14 |
| 2011 Tacoma | 5 |
| 2012 Tacoma | 91 |
| 2013 Tacoma (this page) | 5 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 4 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 4 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 18 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 20 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 5 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 nothing they can do about it right now ,and they recommend to use premium gas and I did that but still the same problem…
Faulty secondary air pump or secondary air injection valve. Lost power in motion on city street
I am professional fire investigator assigned to investigating the origin and cause of a fire involving the subject vehicle identified. The evidence revealed to date supports that the cause of the fire was the result of the failure identified in NHTSA campaign number: 13v557000. My concern involves the consequence section listed in the campaign. Specifically the consequences section does not…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Toyota Tacoma?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 38,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Toyota/Tacoma.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.