CarBrief

NHTSA has 243 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma[1]. The model year also has 5 recalls, so it is worth checking each one before you buy[2].

243owner complaints[1]
5recalls[2]
18–21MPG combined (EPA)[3]
4★NHTSA overall rating[4]

Reported problems

Complaints are reports owners send to NHTSA. They are not verified, and one complaint can name more than one part of the truck. Of the 243 on file, 12 mention a crash, 6 a fire and 9 injuries[1]. None report a death[1].

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries
Power train[5] 68 3 1 1
Unknown or other[6] 37 1 1 0
Engine[7] 36 0 3 0
Brakes[8] 32 2 0 1
Structure[9] 27 1 0 1
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 23 0 0 0
Electrical system[11] 22 0 2 0
Air bags[12] 13 9 0 9

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the larger groups. These are the themes that showed up. They describe what some owners wrote, not how often a problem happens.

Air bags have the fewest complaints in the table, but 9 of the 13 mention a crash and injuries[12]. That is a small group, so treat it as a flag to read the details, not as a trend.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Several of these recalls say "certain" vehicles, so they may not apply to every truck. Toyota customer service is listed at 1-800-331-4331 for three of the recalls[15][16][17].

Fuel economy

EPA lists 7 versions of the 2017 Tacoma[3][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Combined ratings run from 18 to 21 MPG[3][18][19][20][21][22][23]. The EPA annual fuel cost estimate uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.

Version City / hwy / combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6)[3] 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6)[18] 19 / 23 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[19] 17 / 21 / 18 $3,700
4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6)[20] 18 / 23 / 20 $3,350
4WD Double Cab Off-Road, 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[21] 17 / 20 / 18 $3,700
4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[22] 19 / 21 / 20 $3,350
4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6)[23] 19 / 22 / 20 $3,350

All versions use regular gasoline[3][18][19][20][21][22][23]. The 4WD versions are rated part-time 4-wheel drive[19].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rated two body and drive combinations in full. The PU/CC 2WD earned 4 stars overall, 4 for frontal crashes, 5 for side crashes and 4 for rollover[4]. The PU/CC 4WD has the same four ratings[24].

NHTSA also lists rollover ratings for other combinations. PU/EC 2WD and PU/EC 4WD both get 4 stars for rollover[25][26]. The rollover risk is 14.7% for the 2WD versions[4][25] and 19.1% for the 4WD versions[26][24].

Engine and size

The EPA lists two engines for this model year. The 2.7L 4-cylinder is rated 159 hp[27]. The 3.5L 6-cylinder is rated 278 hp[28].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so they can differ slightly from trucks sold in the US. Sizes are in inches and weight is in pounds.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Access Cab, long box, 4WD[29] 212 75 70 128 4,129
Access Cab, long box, 4WD V-6[30] 212 75 70 128 4,248
Access Cab, long box, RWD[31] 212 74 70 128 3,913
Double Cab, long box, 4WD (auto)[32] 225 75 70 141 4,354
Double Cab, short box, 4WD (manual)[33] 212 75 70 128 4,374

How 2017 compares with other years

1995: 177 complaints, 2 recalls19951996: 253 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 131 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 300 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 249 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 211 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 396 complaints, 4 recalls2002: 333 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 360 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 414 complaints, 3 recalls2005: 707 complaints, 10 recalls2006: 782 complaints, 11 recalls2007: 541 complaints, 10 recalls20072008: 449 complaints, 11 recalls2009: 519 complaints, 13 recalls2010: 294 complaints, 13 recalls2011: 186 complaints, 9 recalls20112012: 295 complaints, 7 recalls2013: 125 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 93 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 101 complaints, 4 recalls20152016: 324 complaints, 4 recalls2017: 243 complaints, 5 recalls24320172018: 209 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 219 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 90 complaints, 1 recalls2021: 81 complaints, 0 recalls2022: 59 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 54 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 154 complaints, 6 recalls2025: 111 complaints, 5 recalls2026: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tacoma model year. The 2017 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951772
19962531
19971310
19983001
19992490
20002110
20013964
20023333
20033603
20044143
200570710
200678211
200754110
200844911
200951913
201029413
20111869
20122957
20131256
2014934
20151014
20163244
20172435
20182093
20192194
2020901
2021810
2022593
2023544
20241546
20251115
2026110

The 2017 model year has 243 complaints and 5 recalls on file[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so these numbers only make sense when you compare years of the same model.

Against its neighbors, 2016 has 324 complaints and 4 recalls, 2018 has 209 and 3, and 2019 has 219 and 4[2]. Among those four years, 2017 has the second highest complaint count and the highest recall count[2].

Some older years have far more complaints, such as 2005 with 707 and 2006 with 782[2]. Some years from 2013 to 2015 have far fewer, with 125, 93 and 101[2].

Should you buy a used 2017 Tacoma?

The record is mixed. Power train is the largest complaint group at 68 of 243[5][1], and owners in our sample describe shifting problems, rear differential trouble, a leaking roof light and brake issues[5][8][9]. Check that the rear differential[17], crank position sensor on six-cylinder trucks[16] and fuel pump[13] recalls were done, since each lists a free remedy. Ask the seller for proof, or ask a Toyota dealer. Complaint counts are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so use them as a guide to what to check, not as a score. Owners in our sample describe shifting problems and rear differential trouble. Others describe a leaking roof light and brake issues[5][8][9].

Check that the recalls were done, especially the rear differential recall[17], the crank position sensor recall on six-cylinder trucks[16], and the fuel pump recall[13]. Each lists a free remedy. Ask the seller for proof, or ask a Toyota dealer. Complaint counts are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so use them as a guide to what to check, not as a score.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Toyota Tacoma?
Power train has the most complaints in NHTSA's data with 68 of 243[1][5]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe shifting problems and rear differential trouble[5]. Among named parts, engine, brakes and structure follow with 36, 32 and 27 complaints[7][8][9].
How many recalls does the 2017 Tacoma have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover the fuel pump[13], the brake vacuum pump[14], load labels[15], the crank position sensor[16] and the rear differential[17].
What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Tacoma?
EPA combined ratings run from 18 to 21 MPG depending on version[3][18][19][20][21][22][23]. The 2WD automatics are rated 21 combined[3][18], and the 4WD 6-cylinder manuals are rated 18[19][21].
What safety rating did the 2017 Tacoma get?
NHTSA gave the PU/CC 2WD and 4WD versions 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for side crashes[4][24].
Is the 2017 Tacoma better or worse than other years?
It has 243 complaints and 5 recalls[2]. 2016 has more complaints at 324, while 2018 and 2019 have fewer at 209 and 219[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 243 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma (12 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Tacoma model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 68 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 37 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 36 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,375). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 32 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,850). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 27 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 23 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 22 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 13 complaints name the air bags component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,350). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 20V682, filed November 4, 2020: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V211, filed April 3, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 17V831, filed December 20, 2017: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 17V356, filed June 1, 2017: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 17V285, filed April 27, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD Double Cab Off-Road, 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 21 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 22 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 2WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Toyota Tacoma with 2.7L 4-cylinder: rated 159 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Toyota Tacoma with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 278 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA ACCESS CAB L/BOX 4WD: length 212 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,129 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA ACCESS CAB L/BOX 4WD V-6: length 212 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,248 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA ACCESS CAB L/BOX RWD: length 212 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,913 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE CAB L/BOX 4WD (AUTO): length 225 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,354 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE CAB S/BOX 4WD (MANUAL): length 212 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,374 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.