CSR

Toyota · NHTSA safety record

2011 Toyota Tacoma

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

185

Complaints

8

Crashes

6

Fires

7

Injuries

2

Deaths

Owners of the 2011 Toyota Tacoma have filed 185 safety complaints with NHTSA between February 2011 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the suspension, named in 60 of them (32%). The typical failure was reported at 65,141 miles, the median across the 130 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 9 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (9)

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

17V425000 · July 3, 2017

The defect
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.
The risk
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
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.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 3,547 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

16V396000 · June 2, 2016

The defect
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
The risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 7,749 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

14V743000 · November 19, 2014

The defect
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
The risk
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
The remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 3,233 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF

14V604000 · September 29, 2014

The defect
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
The risk
If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The remedy
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 710,711 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

14V475000 · August 4, 2014

The defect
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."
The risk
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.
The remedy
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.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 20,000 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS

13V337000 · August 7, 2013

The defect
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
The risk
If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
The remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · up to 342,451 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

13V123000 · April 9, 2013

The defect
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."
The risk
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.
The remedy
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.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 7,525 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

13V014000 · January 16, 2013

The defect
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
The risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
The remedy
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC · up to 3,235 vehicles across all model years covered

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

11V148000 · March 4, 2011

The defect
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
The risk
FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy
FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · up to 22,000 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 185.

SUSPENSION 60 32%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 32 17%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22 12%
STRUCTURE 21 11%
STEERING 17 9%
AIR BAGS 16 9%
SERVICE BRAKES 10 5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 10 5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9 5%
POWER TRAIN 8 4%
ENGINE 3 2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2017 at 33.

2011 2017 2026
2011 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 death · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY APPROXIMATELY 6-8 FEET FROM THE RESIDENCE WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE RESIDENCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND THE FIRE WAS EVENTUALLY EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE OWNER OF THE RESIDENCE WAS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS ALSO UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/04/12

NHTSA complaint 10439930, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

1 death · crash · 20,000 miles

TL* 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA. AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE INTO A FIELD AND OVER A DRAIN DITCH, AND THEN CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST IN A CORN FIELD. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000...UPDATED 08/11/14 *BF UPDATED 10/28/14 *BF

NHTSA complaint 10616933. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 injured · crash · towed · 63,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED APPROXIMATELY 18 FEET BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V014000 (AIR BAGS, SEATS). THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint 10881533. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

2 injured · crash · 386 miles

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE RIGHT REAR OF THEM. THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN. THE FRONT PASSENGER STRUCK THEIR HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE REAR PASSENGER STRUCK THEIR HEAD ON THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT. THEY WERE BOTH INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE SEAT BELTS WERE FURTHER EXAMINED BY A TOYOTA ENGINEER WHO ADVISED THAT THE SEAT BELT OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 386 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,800. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN UPDATED 09/21/11

NHTSA complaint 10407681. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. While inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact discovered that the vehicle was only equipped with three leaf springs instead of four. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall for the failure associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint 11756486. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

88,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that over time the horn intermittently became inoperable; however, the horn operated while in the middle of making a turn. The contact was concerned about the failure because the horn and the air bag in the steering wheel were connected by the clockspring. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The local dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA complaint 11751917. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE

200,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while performing a routine engine oil change, extensive corrosion was observed across the entire undercarriage. The severe rust damage fully compromised the vehicle's structural frame, control arms, and several underbody components. The dealer was not notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA complaint 11748620. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Chassis recall under Toyota Recall Program ZKA/LSC K0D. While the window of this recall closed in 2017, my vehicle was sold to me several years after 2017. The vehicle chassis is in a critical state and is likely to snap in half. I have sent a letter and photos to: Toyota Motor Corp., Federal Highway Admin, Toyota Clearwater, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, FL House of Rep and BBB Natl Programs. All of the above were sent via trackable and signature required USPS. The vehicle should have been prohibited from any resale if the recall can be closed. As i understand it, technically there should be no expiration date on a significant failure. I do not have $13,000 to get a new vehicle and

NHTSA complaint 11742973, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
2011 Tacoma, 4x4. Leaf spring is broken on the passenger side. 130,000 miles. According to Toyota my vin is not included under recall 14V-604. I do believe this is either an error or deliberate oversight to avoid responsibility. Manufacturer date 05/11 so according to the recall notice it falls within the date range but not the effected Vins.

NHTSA complaint 11741784. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
I purchased the truck December 6th 2025 within a thousand Miles within the end of the year I experienced brake failure on the highway I laid under the truck to patch the brake failure and found a cracked leaf spring suspension component which there's already a recall for that exact make and model just not my VIN number for that cracked leaf spring there was a recall for frame rust and just rust in general and my brake lines rusted out but a certified technician from the used car dealership said it was safe and road Worthy I experienced a brake fire on the front calipers shortly after this brake failure the fire caused 7800 worth of damage I got quoted from Toyota to fix it and that doesn't

NHTSA complaint 11713113, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Toyota Tacoma

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 82 5 1
2024 142 5
2023 52 4
2022 57 3
2021 78 0 1
2020 86 1
2019 212 4
2018 202 3
2017 237 5
2016 323 4
2015 100 4
2014 93 4
2013 124 6
2012 294 7
2010 291 13

Other 2011 Toyota models

Every Toyota on this site — 272 vehicles, 370 recall campaigns and 3 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst