Most common 2013 Toyota Tacoma problems
Share of the 125 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Tacoma complaints by model year
Best Tacoma years: 2014, 2015, 2020. Years to avoid: 2024, 2016, 2025, 2012, 2017. Compare all years →
2013 Toyota Tacoma recalls (6)
Equipment
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.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
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.
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.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014.
Engine
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove…
Equipment › Other › Labels
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…
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 Toyota Tacoma:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2013 Toyota Tacoma owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 22 →
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the unoccupied vehicle was parked on a slightly inclined driveway. The contact later noticed that the vehicle had rolled across the street into the neighbor's yard, causing the rear end of the vehicle to crash into a pine tree. There were no injuries sustained. The tree branches were damaged. The contact stated that both taillights were damaged, the tailgate was pushed into the bed tonneau cover, there was a significant dent on the bumper, and the vehicle sustained other unknown damages. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. The contact stated that after the incident, the contact noticed that the vehicle could shift into gear while the brake pedal was not depressed, and the gear shifter could be moved out of park(P) while the vehicle was turned off. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated he received an unknown recall letter for the chassis, where it was completed at local dealer antwerpen Toyota (12420 auto dr, clarksville, md 21029: [phone]). The contact stated shortly after the recall repair was performed, while driving over a speed bump he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called and notified the local dealer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the ABS activated at approximately 35 MPH while making a turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V054000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The power brake booster failed while driving with my [redacted] and [redacted] old. Fortunately I was in a school zone with no traffic. This particular part is known to fail with Toyota's (recalled on a few models). The vehicle is 13 so Toyota will not back their product. The dealer charged $3,000.00 for the repair. There were no warnings this was going to happen. The vehicle was bought brand new, and always well maintained. ALL work besides oil changes/new tires was completed at the dealership.
Suspension
2013 Toyota Tacoma rear leaf spring is broken in half 3 leaf set up exactly like the recall up to 2011. Why didn't the recall go up to 2013. Truck would bottom out easily for years on bumpy back roads
I need help please I brought a truck from dealer and they didn't tell me nothing about chases I have 45 days since I got it I was driving on freeway when I feel the truck was moving left side so I take to bodyshhop and the mechanic gave a report he found a lots problem with the truck I tried to speak with dealer but they not want to help or change the truck I want to return the truck because I can't pay for a truck t's not save to drive please help
2013 Toyota Tacoma engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 25 / 23 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 21 / 19 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD | 18 / 21 / 19 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 18 / 21 / 19 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma a good car?
Based on 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Tacoma rates average: 31% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Tacoma at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?
The transmission & drivetrain — 22 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about driveline. Next are the brakes (18) and suspension (14).
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, the most recent from July 3, 2017 (equipment). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Tacoma?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2016, 2025, 2012 and 2017. See the full Toyota Tacoma years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Tacoma problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 40,000 miles; 58% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.