This page covers 4 recalls, 180 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma.
16–19 mpg combined
12.4–14.7 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Structural corrosion is the dominant theme in 2011 Tacoma complaints, with frame rust and underbody deterioration appearing across a large share of reports. Owners describe holes forming in the frame, rusted suspension mounts, and corroded brackets that secure wiring, body panels, and fuel tank straps, in some cases to the point where the tank is no longer adequately supported. Suspension complaints, the highest-volume named system, frequently tie back to this same corrosion problem, with owners noting the rust compromises mounting points rather than describing mechanical wear in isolation. Exterior lighting draws the next-largest complaint volume, with owners reporting headlight and taillight failures, though these reports are less detailed in the representative sample. The frame corrosion pattern is reported across vehicles in varying geographic conditions and ownership histories, and several owners note the deterioration progressed rapidly once it appeared.
180
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a rear leaf spring that can fracture and puncture the fuel tank, and an aftermarket seat heater whose copper heating element can short circuit.
Both fire-related issues only affect certain configurations: the leaf spring concern applies to Pre-Runner and 4x4 models built within a specific production window, and the seat heater issue is limited to vehicles with aftermarket heated seat equipment distributed through Southeast Toyota dealers. On the safety restraint side, this recall only applies to Access Cab models: slamming the rear access doors repeatedly can loosen the screws anchoring the seatbelt pretensioner to the retractor, leaving the pretensioner unable to tighten the belt in a crash. There is also a concern with accessory hood scoops installed by Southeast Toyota dealers on certain Tacomas, where weakening adhesive can allow the scoop to detach and become a road hazard for other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive bonding certain aftermarket hood scoops to the hood may weaken over time, causing the scoop to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will mechanically fasten the hood scoop to the hood using mechanical fasteners instead of adhesive.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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
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
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.
