NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
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 involving a fractured rear leaf spring on Pre-Runner and 4x4 models that can puncture the fuel tank and cause a fire, and a seat heater fire risk on vehicles equipped with certain aftermarket heated seat accessories.
The leaf spring concern affects Pre-Runner and 4x4 trims, where stress or corrosion can cause one of the rear leaf springs to crack and break. A broken spring can drop low enough to pierce the fuel tank beneath it, leading to a fuel leak that raises the risk of fire. The seat heater issue is separate and limited to vehicles fitted with aftermarket heated seat elements: if the copper heating element inside the seat is damaged, it can short circuit and also ignite a fire.
On the safety restraint side, this recall only affects Access Cab models. Repeatedly slamming the rear access doors can gradually loosen the screws that hold the seatbelt pretensioner to the retractor assembly. If those screws back out far enough, the pretensioner separates from the belt system entirely and cannot tighten the belt during a crash, leaving occupants with less protection when they need it most.
The lowest-severity recall covers vehicles where a dealer-installed hood scoop was affixed using adhesive that can weaken over time. If the scoop breaks free at highway speed, it becomes a road hazard for vehicles behind.
At a glance
What can fail
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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 →
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.
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.