2013 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 125 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 11 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, hood, hinge and attachmentsJul 3, 2017
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.
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Campaign 17V425000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsAug 4, 2014
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 tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V475000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleFeb 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. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 14V054000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineNov 7, 2013
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.
If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 13V557000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireOct 17, 2013
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 nuts were not provided with the vehicle.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V494000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsApr 9, 2013
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, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
13 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, May 10, 2021
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.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2020, fire
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.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 30, 2019
ON AUGUST 17, 2019, I HAD BEEN STOPPED AT A DRIVE THROUGH FAST FOOD RESTAURANT WHEN I HEARD A HISSING SOUND AND WHAT LOOKED LIKE STEAM COMING FROM THE REAR UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY TRUCK. IT WAS NOTICEABLE ENOUGH TO HAVE ME GET DOWN AND PHYSICALLY LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. I DID NOT SEE ANY OBVIOUS SIGNS OF DAMAGE OR ERROR, SO I WENT ABOUT MY DAY AS USUAL. I HAVE NOTICED SINCE THEN, THIS NOISE HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND THE A/C IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I PARKED THE TRUCK FOR THREE WEEKS AND WHEN I WENT TO START THE TRUCK, A BUNCH OF INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING, WIPERS WERE WIPING AND INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE FLASHING OFF AND ON. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO START AGAIN, BUT IT WOULD NOT START SO I HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY CHARGED. NOW THE VEHICLE'S REAR BLINKERS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY AND STEREO WILL NOT TURN ON. FUSES SEEM ALRIGHT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE THAT CONTINUOUSLY POPS WHEN REPLACED (FUSE FOR STEREO).
Electrical system, Seats, Feb 28, 2019, fire
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
Electrical system, Nov 1, 2018
I HAVE HAD 8 ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAIL IN THE LAST THREE YEARS
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Sep 21, 2018
ISSUE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING, ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE HORN WHEN VEHICLE IN ONCOMING LANE CROSSED IN TO MY LANE. HORN WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. THANKFULLY OTHER DRIVER COURSE CORRECTED IN TIME. COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO HAS BEEN REPORTED TO ME BY TOYOTA AS SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE CLOCK SPRING OR SPIRAL CABLE. HORN FAILED APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AFTER VEHICLE HAD JUST PASSED AN ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION. WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS SOMETHING "THAT HAPPENS" WITH TIME AND FORCED TO PAY $700 TO HAVE REPAIRED. WAS WARNED THAT PART THAT FAILED WAS ALSO IN CONTROL OF AIRBAGS, CRUISE CONTROL AND OTHER ELECTRONICS EMBEDDED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS AN ITEM WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN VOLUNTARILY RECALLED ON OTHER MODEL YEARS OF TOYOTA TACOMA'S AND OTHER MODELS.
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2018
I'VE HAD 5 DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAIL ON MY 4 DOOR TACOMA. BOTH PASSENGER SIDE LOCKS WERE INOPERATIVE AT THE SAME TIME. WHEN THE DOOR LOCKS FAIL, THE ELECTRONIC LOCKS AND KEYLESS ENTRY DO NOT WORK. THE PASSENGER-SIDE DOORS DO NOT HAVE A KEY-HOLE BACKUP, MEANING THAT ITS NOT POSSIBLE TO UNLOCK THOSE DOORS WITHOUT HAVING TO CRAWL THROUGH THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE. IF I NEEDED TO GET A CHILD OUT OF THE BACK-SEAT QUICKLY, THAT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2016
MY HORN STOPPED WORKING AND WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE DEALER HE SAID THAT IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING CABLE INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SERVICE AGENT DANIEL ARVIZA AT NORTH BAKERSFIELD TOYOTA IN BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA ADVISED ME THAT IF I DIDN'T GET IT FIXED THAT THE AIRBAG COULD FAIL TO DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS SEEMS LIKE A IMPORTANT PART OF THE TRUCK TO FAIL AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. IT'S GOING TO COST ALMOST 500 DOLLARS, BUT BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Dec 31, 2015, crash, fire
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.
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2015
THE HORN CEASED TO WORK IN THE STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. TOYOTA CHARGED ME $530 TO REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE. I CONSIDERED IT A SAFETY ISSUE. CONSIDER DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE NEXT TO YOU TRIES TO MOVE INTO YOUR LANE. I WROTE A LETTER OF COMPLAINT TO TOYOTA USA. THEY RESPONDED ONLY THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Electrical system, May 26, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER OPENING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES PRIMARILY ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2014
DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ARE MELTING THE LENS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Electrical system, Jul 26, 2013
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT IS TOO DIM ON SUNNY DAYS FOR THE 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS VERY DIM AT ALL TIMES DURING THE DAY, BUT DISAPPEARS DURING BRIGHT SUNLIGHT. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE DRIVERS DURING BRIGHT SUNLIGHT CANNOT DETERMINE THEIR SPEED. *TR