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2010 Toyota Tacoma: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2010 Toyota Tacoma has 294 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1]. It also has 13 recalls, tied with 2009 for the most of any Tacoma year in our data[2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 294 owner complaints for the 2010 Toyota Tacoma[1]. Ten mention a crash, 7 a fire, 9 injuries, and none a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. Counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.
Here are the eight component groups with the most complaints.
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension[4] | 95 | 44,946 |
| Speed control[5] | 34 | 6,300 |
| Structure[6] | 30 | 104,000 |
| Power train[7] | 29 | 7,606 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 27 | 59,038 |
| Exterior lighting[9] | 25 | 56,965 |
| Brakes[10] | 20 | 21,500 |
| Steering[11] | 19 | 53,176 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts in four of these groups. Here is what owners describe in that sample.
- Speed control. In the sample, 11 of 12 complaints[5] describe the truck surging or speeding up on its own at low speed, often while stopping or parking with a foot on the brake. Some owners say the dealer could not reproduce it. The group has 2 crashes and 2 injuries[5].
- Structure. In the sample, 7 of 12 complaints[6] describe rust on the frame or underbody, and some owners say they were told the truck might not be safe to drive. Two others[6] describe tailgate trouble. The median mileage at failure is 104,000[6].
- Power train. In the sample, 9 of 12 complaints[7] describe an automatic transmission that slips, hunts for a gear or waits a few seconds before engaging, then lurches forward. The group has 1 fire[7].
- Suspension. In the sample, 6 of 12 complaints[4] involve a broken rear leaf spring or waiting for the leaf spring recall repair. Three others[4] describe harsh bouncing, swerving or a clanging noise from the front end.
Among the groups listed above, exterior lighting has the most fires, 5 of the 7 total[9][1]. Brakes have 3 crashes and 1 injury among 20 complaints[10]. We did not read complaint texts for those groups, so we cannot say what owners describe there.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 13 recalls for this model year[2]. Some cover only certain trucks, such as those built in a date range, with an Access Cab, or fitted with dealer accessories. Newest first:
- Seat heater accessory (16V396). Aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, which could short circuit and raise fire risk. Dealers disconnect the heaters and refund the accessory price. The recall began July 14, 2016[12].
- Seat heater accessory (14V743). A similar problem. Compressing the seat cushion may damage the heater wiring, which could short and burn the seat. Dealers disconnect the heaters and refund the price. When the fact was recorded, the recall was expected to begin in January 2015[13].
- Rear leaf spring (14V604). A rear leaf spring may break from stress or corrosion. The broken piece could hit the fuel tank and cause a leak, which raises fire risk. Dealers install new rear leaf spring assemblies. It covers certain Pre-Runner and 4x4 trucks built from September 14, 2009 to October 11, 2010, and began January 29, 2016[14]. Owners in our complaint sample describe waiting for parts in 2015[4].
- Tire placard (14V475). Trucks with accessory wheels and tires installed before sale may show the wrong spare tire size or pressure on the placard. Using the wrong pressure could cause tire failure. Correction stickers are mailed or applied by dealers. The recall was expected to begin in September 2014[15].
- Driver airbag cable (14V168). A ribbon cable in the steering column can be damaged when the wheel turns, which could switch off the driver airbag. It covers 2009 and 2010 Tacomas. Toyota sent an interim letter in May 2014 and planned a second letter when parts were ready. The recall began October 27, 2014[16].
- Seat belt pretensioner (13V337). Slamming Access Cab doors repeatedly can loosen screws holding the seat belt pretensioner, so it may not work in a severe crash. Dealers inspect, then replace the belt or add new screws with thread-locking sealant. The recall began in February 2014[17].
- Tire label (13V123). Labels on some trucks were not accurate to within one percent of the weight added, so an owner could overload the tires. Dealers provide a corrected label. A small group needs other remedies that were still being developed. The recall began May 28, 2013[18].
- Passenger airbag sensor (13V014). Trucks modified by a distributor with accessories may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensor calibration checked. The passenger airbag might not deploy, or might deploy wrongly. Dealers test and recalibrate the sensors. The recall began March 21, 2013[19].
- Tire pressure monitor (11V148). On trucks that had accessory wheels and LT tires fitted before sale, the low tire pressure warning light did not come on at the required pressure. Dealers recalibrate the system and install an updated label. The recall began March 31, 2011[20].
- Propeller shaft (10V042). The propeller shaft in certain 2010 Tacoma trucks may develop cracks during manufacturing. Over time it could separate, which could cause loss of control. Dealers inspect and replace the front propeller shaft free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2010 and lists 8,000 potentially affected trucks[21].
- Load label (10V036). Some vehicles were sold without the required load carrying capacity label, so a driver might overload them. Dealers mail or install the corrected label. The recall began May 27, 2010[22].
- Load label (10V035). Another label recall for vehicles sold without the required load label. Dealers mail or install the label and correct the owner's manual. The recall began May 27, 2010[23].
- Accelerator pedal (09V388). A pedal can get stuck wide open when trapped by an unsecured or incompatible floor mat, which may cause very high speeds and make the vehicle hard to stop. Dealers modify the pedal, and redesigned pedals were to be available from April 2010. Dealers also replace certain all-weather floor mats[24].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on engine, transmission and drive. All variants use regular gas. The annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.
| Variant | City / Highway / Combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, manual 5-speed[3] | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, automatic 4-speed[25] | 19 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, manual 5-speed[26] | 17 / 22 / 19 | $3,550 |
| 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, automatic 5-speed[27] | 17 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
| 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, automatic 5-speed[28] | 16 / 20 / 18 | $3,700 |
| 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, manual 6-speed[29] | 15 / 18 / 16 | $4,200 |
| 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, manual 6-speed[30] | 14 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 |
Combined ratings run from 15 MPG to 22 MPG. The four-cylinder 2WD manual is the most efficient[3], and the six-cylinder 4WD manual the least[30].
Engine and size
EPA's test car list shows ratings of 159 hp and 236 hp for 2010 Tacoma entries listed with an electric motor[31][32], and 236 hp for a 4.0L 6-cylinder[33].
Size numbers below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks[34]. They cover four body and drive combinations in the Canadian data.
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab, short box, rear-wheel drive[35] | 208 in | 72 in | 66 in | 128 in | 3,455 lb |
| Access Cab, short box, 4WD V6[34] | 208 in | 75 in | 70 in | 128 in | 3,948 lb |
| Double Cab, short box, 4WD manual[36] | 209 in | 75 in | 70 in | 128 in | 4,050 lb |
| Double Cab, long box, 4WD automatic[37] | 221 in | 75 in | 70 in | 141 in | 4,129 lb |
How 2010 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 177 | 2 |
| 1996 | 253 | 1 |
| 1997 | 131 | 0 |
| 1998 | 300 | 1 |
| 1999 | 249 | 0 |
| 2000 | 211 | 0 |
| 2001 | 396 | 4 |
| 2002 | 333 | 3 |
| 2003 | 360 | 3 |
| 2004 | 414 | 3 |
| 2005 | 707 | 10 |
| 2006 | 782 | 11 |
| 2007 | 541 | 10 |
| 2008 | 449 | 11 |
| 2009 | 519 | 13 |
| 2010 | 294 | 13 |
| 2011 | 186 | 9 |
| 2012 | 295 | 7 |
| 2013 | 125 | 6 |
| 2014 | 93 | 4 |
| 2015 | 101 | 4 |
| 2016 | 324 | 4 |
| 2017 | 243 | 5 |
| 2018 | 209 | 3 |
| 2019 | 219 | 4 |
| 2020 | 90 | 1 |
| 2021 | 81 | 0 |
| 2022 | 59 | 3 |
| 2023 | 54 | 4 |
| 2024 | 154 | 6 |
| 2025 | 111 | 5 |
| 2026 | 11 | 0 |
The 2010 Tacoma has 294 complaints and 13 recalls[2]. Its 13 recalls tie 2009 (13) for the most of any Tacoma year in our data[2]. The next highest are 11 for 2006 and 2008[2].
Among model years 2005 to 2012, 2010 has fewer complaints than 2005 to 2009, from 449 in 2008 to 782 in 2006[2]. It also has one fewer than 2012, which has 295[2]. Only 2011 has fewer, with 186[2]. Recall counts include recalls that cover many models, so a high count does not mean 13 separate defects in this truck[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales.
Should you buy a used 2010 Tacoma?
This year has 13 recalls[2], including a leaf spring recall with a fire risk that began in 2016[14]. In the complaint sample, owners describe frame rust, low-speed surging and transmission slipping[6][5][7]. Combined fuel economy runs from 15 to 22 MPG depending on version[30][3]. Before buying, check the VIN for open recalls, especially the leaf spring and propeller shaft recalls[14][21], and look closely at the frame and underbody for rust. Our data cannot tell you whether any single truck was repaired or has had these problems.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Toyota Tacoma?
- Suspension has the most complaints, 95 of 294[4][1]. In a sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe frame rust[6], surging at low speed[5] and transmission slipping[7].
- How many recalls does the 2010 Toyota Tacoma have?
- NHTSA lists 13 recalls for this model year[2]. They include a rear leaf spring recall with a fuel leak and fire risk[14] and a propeller shaft recall[21].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2010 Toyota Tacoma?
- EPA combined ratings run from 15 MPG to 22 MPG depending on engine, transmission and drive[30][3].
- Is the 2010 Tacoma a better year than 2009?
- It has fewer complaints than 2009, 294 against 519, and the same number of recalls, 13[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 294 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Toyota Tacoma (10 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Tacoma model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 95 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,946). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,300). NHTSA vehicle records
- 30 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 104,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,606). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,038). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,965). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,176). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 16V396, filed June 2, 2016: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V743, filed November 19, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V604, filed September 29, 2014: Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Leaf. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V475, filed August 4, 2014: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V168, filed April 9, 2014: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V337, filed August 7, 2013: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V123, filed April 9, 2013: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V014, filed January 16, 2013: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 11V148, filed March 4, 2011: Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V042, filed February 18, 2010: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V036, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V035, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 09V388, filed October 5, 2009: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2010 Toyota Tacoma with electric motor: rated 159 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2010 Toyota Tacoma with electric motor: rated 236 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2010 Toyota Tacoma with 4.0L 6-cylinder: rated 236 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA ACCESS P/U EXT CAB S/BOX 4WD/V6: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,948 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA ACCESS P/U EXT CAB S/BOX RWD: length 208 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,455 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE P/U EXT CAB S/BOX 4WD (MANUAL): length 209 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,050 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE P/U EXT CAB L/BOX 4WD (AUTO): length 221 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,129 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov