Years to avoid
Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2018, 2024, 2020 model years stand out as the weakest in this Toyota Tacoma dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 65/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 203
- Recalls, weakest year
- 4
55/100 reliability
27-point range
9 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Toyota Tacoma ranks last
The 2019 scores 55/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 65/100. NHTSA data contains 203 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Power Train (36), Fuel Propulsion System (35), Service Brakes (31), Electrical System (20). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Toyota Tacoma record →Evidence by year
The weakest Toyota Tacoma model years compared
2019 Toyota Tacoma
- Complaints
- 203
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 9
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Power Train (36), Fuel Propulsion System (35), Service Brakes (31)
View 2019 details →2018 Toyota Tacoma
- Complaints
- 190
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Service Brakes (31), Fuel Propulsion System (29), Power Train (25)
View 2018 details →2024 Toyota Tacoma
- Complaints
- 126
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 4
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Power Train (50), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (15), Unknown Or Other (12)
View 2024 details →2020 Toyota Tacoma
- Complaints
- 81
- Recalls
- 1
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Fuel Propulsion System (14), Power Train (13), Service Brakes (10)
View 2020 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Toyota Tacoma years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Toyota Tacoma data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Toyota Tacoma research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Toyota Tacoma research FAQ
Which Toyota Tacoma years should I avoid?
2019, 2018, 2024, 2020 score materially below the strongest Toyota Tacoma years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 55/100, with 203 owner complaints and 4 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Toyota Tacoma year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Toyota Tacoma year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2025 (70/100), 2021 (70/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Toyota Tacoma you are considering.