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: structure
11 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Feb 16, 2026
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 September/October 2025 and January 2026 where representatives hung up without escalation or manager follow-up; and no response to mailed complaints. This has caused ongoing cosmetic damage, diminished resale value, rust risk, and significant frustration/time loss. The issue aligns with widespread complaints and the ongoing class action lawsuit [XXX] v. Toyota Motor North America, Inc., Case No. XXX, U.S. District Court, Central District of California), alleging Toyota's knowledge of defective clear coat finishes leading to premature peeling INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 2, 2025
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.
Structure, Aug 5, 2024
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.
Structure, Jul 18, 2022
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.
Structure, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 23, 2020
ALL OF THE HEAT SHIELDS PROTECTING MY FLOOR BOARDS FROM THE HEAT OF THE EXHAUST ARE FALLING OFF. THE HAVE BEEN FALLING OFF ON THE HIGHWAY AND GENERALLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IT SEEMS AS IF THE NUTS THAT HOLD THE SHIELDS ON ARE CORRODING THE ALUMINUM SHIELDS.
Structure, Sep 14, 2020
THE FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED WITH HOLES IN IT.
Suspension, Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 17, 2020, crash
I NEED HELP PLEASE I BROUGHT A TRUCK FROM DEALER AND THEY DIDN'T TELL ME NOTHING ABOUT CHASES I HAVE 45 DAYS SINCE I GOT IT I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY WHEN I FEEL THE TRUCK WAS MOVING LEFT SIDE SO I TAKE TO BODYSHHOP AND THE MECHANIC GAVE A REPORT HE FOUND A LOTS PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK I TRIED TO SPEAK WITH DEALER BUT THEY NOT WANT TO HELP OR CHANGE THE TRUCK I WANT TO RETURN THE TRUCK BECAUSE I CAN'T PAY FOR A TRUCK T'S NOT SAVE TO DRIVE PLEASE HELP
Suspension, Structure, May 7, 2018
THE STEP BUMPER IS RUSTED AND IS UNSAFE TO STEP ON. THE SPRINGS HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE WELDS.
Structure, Sep 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V425000 (STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA OF NORTH CHARLOTTE (13429 STATESVILLE RD, HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
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.
Structure, Oct 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO CLOSE. ON ONE OCCASION, DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE WINDOW FAILED TO CLOSE AND WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW RAIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.