This page covers 7 recalls, 289 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Toyota Tacoma.
15–19 mpg combined
12.4–15.7 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Suspension-related complaints dominate owner reports for the 2010 Tacoma by a wide margin, and the issue owners describe most consistently is frame corrosion. Across many complaints, owners report discovering significant rust and structural deterioration on the frame, in some cases with holes developing through the metal. This pattern appears frequently in trucks operated in northern and coastal regions, though owners across various areas report it. The vehicle speed control and powertrain systems each draw a smaller but notable share of complaints, with owners reporting unintended behavior and drivetrain irregularities. A single report describes airbags failing to deploy in a collision, though that concern does not appear as a recurring pattern in this complaint set. The frame corrosion complaints are the clear standout here, with many owners describing trucks that are otherwise mechanically sound but showing severe structural rust well before the vehicle reaches end-of-life mileage.
289
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Toyota Tacoma has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the drive shaft on four-wheel-drive models, which can crack and separate, dropping onto the road and causing loss of control, and a leaf spring that can fracture and puncture the fuel tank, raising the risk of a fire.
A separate fire risk exists on vehicles with aftermarket seat heaters, where the copper heating element can short circuit. On four-wheel-drive models, the floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal in the wide-open position, making the vehicle difficult to slow or stop. On the safety equipment side, a flexible flat cable inside the steering column can wear and cut power to the driver's airbag, disabling it before a crash can trigger it. Access Cab models have two additional concerns: screws anchoring the seatbelt pretensioner can loosen over time from repeated hard door closings, leaving the pretensioner unable to pull the belt tight in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A rear leaf spring may crack from stress or corrosion. If it breaks while driving, the fractured piece could shift and puncture the fuel tank, causing a fuel leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear leaf spring assembly with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible flat cable in the steering column that connects to the driver's airbag can become damaged when you turn the steering wheel due to its retainer design and position.
What the fix does
The steering column assembly will be inspected and repaired or replaced to prevent the cable from being damaged during steering wheel operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Repeated forceful closing of the access doors can loosen the screws securing the seat belt pre-tensioner to the retractor. If screws fully loosen, the pre-tensioner and retractor spring cover may detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly and either replace it or install new pre-tensioner screws with thread-locking sealant and a modified spring cover to prevent loosening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front propeller shaft may have developed cracks during manufacturing. These cracks can grow over time and cause the shaft to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the front propeller shaft at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The joint part of the drive shaft may have developed cracks during manufacturing. These cracks can eventually cause the drive shaft to separate and contact the road, risking loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the front drive shaft if cracks are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal can become stuck in the fully open position when trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and floor surface shape, replace floor mats with redesigned versions, and install brake-override software on certain models.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
