Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% | 5,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% | 384,000 miles |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% | 22,000 miles |
| 2016 | 17 | 5% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2013 | 3 | 2% | 46,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% | 10,000 miles |
| 2011 | 32 | 17% | 58,000 miles |
| 2010 | 25 | 9% | 57,000 miles |
| 2009 | 105 | 20% | 45,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 3% | 79,000 miles |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% | 44,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% | 2,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% | 149,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% | 163,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% | 175,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The high mount rear stop lamp leaks water into the cab. The water channels in through a cheap gasket, down the inside of the frame, destroying the cushions and plastic through moisture and mildew. Toyota Corporation and Precision Toyota of Tucson (service) AZ, both say the problem is only covered by the regular 36,000 mileage, 3 year warranty. They want to charge me $575 to replace the light. However, the known issue doesn't occur because of miles driven or even age of the vehicle. I live in the desert and it has not rained significantly since I bought the truck new in 2017, according to the National Weather Service. This year, with record rains, water is freely seeping in to the cab. Toyota should recall Tacomas with this issue and replace the cheap gasket it used to manufacture these trucks.
I had to have a leaking third brake light assembly replaced for water pouring into the cab. The total cost for repairs were 496.00. My truck has only 40,000 miles and it has been leaking for a long time from the previous owner. It would have been replaced by Toyota if under 36,000 miles. There is multiple complaints on the website and a Toyota service bulletin involved with this repair. I think a recall should be introduced and a refund issued. I had the local Toyota dealer fix the leak with genuine parts.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, the driver's side fog light housing melted. There was an abnormal odor of smoke. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,749.
Just like with the other double cab Tacoma recalls I am hearing about, the third rear tail light is leaking water into my access cab. The interior smells like mildew. I'm not sure why my truck is not covered by the recall, but it is experiencing the exact same situation. Water leaking through the deteriorated seal of the break-light. I think with accompanying mold build up.
The instrument panel light is too dim on sunny days for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The instrument panel is very dim at all times during the day, but disappears during bright sunlight. This is very unsafe because drivers during bright sunlight cannot determine their speed.
The brakes are real touchy after it rains or really high humid days. I found moisture in the license plate maker lights and housings were full of water. After cleaning it out the brakes seem to work normal again. It seems that the lights do not have to operate switched on , for this situation to occur.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight failed to illuminate properly and the light was distorted. The vehicle was taken the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer stated that there was no defect with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side headlights were inoperable. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the headlight assemblies were extremely hot and had melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's and passenger's side headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.
NHTSA investigations
Turn signal failures
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Tacoma years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (105), 2011 (32), 2010 (25), 2016 (17) and 2008 (15) model years. Headlight complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Toyota Tacoma headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Toyota Tacoma model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota Tacoma headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 51% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (11 mentions), followed by the turn signal (2).
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.