NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
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 being a combination of fire, drivetrain, and unintended acceleration risks that can cause loss of vehicle control or a crash.
Two recalls involve drivetrain concerns that affect four-wheel-drive models: the driveshaft can develop cracks over time and eventually separate, dropping onto the road and causing loss of control. This issue was filed under multiple campaigns but describes the same underlying problem. Related to this, a rear leaf spring can fracture from stress or corrosion on Pre-Runner and 4x4 trims, and if the broken spring punctures the fuel tank, a fuel leak and fire can follow. On the fire side, vehicles equipped with aftermarket heated seat elements face a separate risk: a damaged copper heating element can short circuit and start a fire in the seat itself.
The accelerator pedal recall covers a well-known issue where an unsecured or incompatible floor mat can trap the pedal in the fully open position, making it very difficult to slow the vehicle down. On the safety systems side, a flexible cable inside the steering column assembly that connects to the driver's airbag can wear and lose its connection, leaving the airbag unable to deploy in a crash. This recall applies to certain model years within the Tacoma lineup.
The final recall affects Access Cab models specifically: repeatedly slamming the rear access doors can gradually loosen the screws holding the front seatbelt pretensioner to the retractor, and if the pretensioner detaches entirely, it cannot tighten the belt during a crash, raising
At a glance
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
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.
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.
