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: other or unspecified
13 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2026
whenever we need to use the horn there isnt one to use. we have changed the fuse more than once still nothing.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2025
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
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2020
AC IS GOING ON AND OFF WHEN AC IS TURNED ON
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 2, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE VEHICLE ACTS AS IF IT'S NOT GETTING CORRECT POWER AND FEELS LIKE TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER IS LAGGING THE THE VEHICLE BACK. THIS ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS AT 40 MPH AND FEELS AS IF VEHICLE MY DIE GOING 40MPH DOWN THE ROAD.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2018
CODE 2443-AIR INJECTION SYSTEM. AIR INJECTION SYSTEM SWITCHING VALVE IS COMMANDED OPEN AND THE SENSOR IS DETECTING NO EXHAUST PULSE INDICATING THE VALVE IS STUCK CLOSED
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2018
SUN VISORS FAIL TO STAY IN THE UP POSITION. WITH NORMAL USE, THE SUN VISORS BEGIN TO STAY ABOUT HALFWAY DOWN AND FALL FURTHER WITH TIME. EVENTUALLY, THEY NO LONGER GO UP AT ALL AND MAY POSE A RISK TO THE DRIVER'S VISION.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Oct 10, 2016
2013 TACOMA, FROM PARKED POSITION, STARTED TRUCK, RELEASE PARKING BRAKE, FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED TO DRIVE, ACCELERATED, MOVE ABOUT 5-10 FEET TRUCK ACTED AS IF BRAKES HAD BEEN APPLIED, WOULD NOT MOVE. I PLACED TRUCK IN PARK POSITION SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND PROCEEDED AS NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES THAT SAME DAY ABOUT 20 MINUTES APART.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2016
SUN VISOR HOLDING MECHANISM HAS BROKEN INTERNALLY. THIS CAUSES THE VISOR TO FLOP DOWN BLOCKING MY VISION. THERE IS NO STABLE POSITION THAT DOES NOT BLOCK ABOUT A THIRD OF THE WINDSHIELD. THIS FAILURE IS COMMON ON SEVERAL AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS ON THE WEB. IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY AS FAR BACK AS 2008. THIS IS LONG STANDING SAFETY PROBLEM IN TOYOTA VEHICLE. PERHAPS TOYOTA COULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DEAL WITH IT.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2015
MY 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 TRD'S FRONT WHEELS ATTEMPT TO LOCK UP ONE AT A TIME AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT'S LIKE I'M TAPPING JUST ONE OF MY FRONT BRAKES. IF I'M NOT HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL THE TRUCK WILL VEER OFF THE ROAD. BEAVERTON TOYOTA HAS REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING, HUB AND A WHEEL SENSOR, CALIBRATED THE STEERING SENSOR AND REALIGNED IT. I BELIEVE THE REASON THE ALIGNMENT WAS SO FAR OFF IS DUE TO THE STRESS OF JUST ONE FRONT WHEEL LOCKING UP REPEATEDLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON OVER A YEAR NOW AND BEAVERTON TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS ONLY HAS HAPPENED ON STRAIGHT STRETCHES OF HIGHWAY ABOVE 65MPH AND OCCURS MORE OFTEN ON HOT DAYS.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 6, 2015
DRIVING TO WORK TRAVELING AT BETWEEN 55-60 I WAS GOING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE MY FOOT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR AND OUT OF NO WHERE THE ABS OR STABILITY CONTROL OR SOMETHING CAUSED MY TRUCK TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES CAUSING THE FRONT TO DIVE DOWN AND A TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. NO CRASH JUST SPOOKED. I DRIVE THE ROUTE EVERY DAY THE SAME WAY NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. THE SKID INDICATOR WAS FLASHING BUT NO NOTICEABLE SKID. I AM SENSITIVE TO THAT FEELING AND THERE WAS NONE DETECTED PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. *TR