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2025 Toyota Tacoma: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2025 Tacoma has 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1], and 5 recalls[2]. One recall, on the shock absorbers, still has no final repair[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts. Four mention a crash, two a fire and six injuries, and one reports a death[1]. The counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.
Here are the component groups with the most complaints:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure[6] | 44 |
| Power train[7] | 21 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 14 |
| Steering[9] | 10 |
| Suspension[10] | 9 |
Structure. In a sample of 12 structure complaints we read, 10 describe an inside door handle that broke, so the door would not open from inside[6]. Owners say they got out by rolling the window down and pulling the outside handle. Some say the replacement part was back-ordered[6].
Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 6 come from owners who got the driveshaft recall notice and say repair parts were not yet available, or that the wait was long[7]. A few describe a driveshaft or axle that broke. Three of the 12 describe rough shifting, a loud clunk or an overheating warning from the transmission[7].
Steering and suspension. In a sample of 9 steering complaints, 5 describe poor alignment, a truck that felt unstable, or tire wear soon after purchase[9]. The same kind of story shows up in 5 of the 8 suspension complaints we read[10]. Two of the 9 steering complaints describe a broken axle or driveshaft[9].
Two smaller groups stand out for what they involve, not for volume. Forward collision avoidance has 5 complaints, with 4 crashes and 5 injuries[11]. Electrical has 6 complaints, including 1 fire[12]. With counts this small, they do not show a pattern.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2025 model year[2]. Newest first:
- Remedy pending
Shock absorbers (26V514). Filed 2026-08-06[3]. The metal flange on the front and rear shocks can corrode and fail. The outside oil reservoir can then detach, which creates a road hazard. That is a road hazard and raises crash risk[3]. The planned fix is for dealers to inspect and replace the front and rear shock assemblies as needed, free of charge. The remedy is not yet available. Interim letters went out September 30, 2026, and the final remedy is expected in March 2027[3]. The recall lists 48,280 potentially affected units[3]. - Load label (26V179). Filed 2026-03-24[13]. The label that shows how much weight can be added to the truck may list wrong values. That can lead to overloading and raises crash risk[13]. Dealers replace the label free of charge. Owner letters went out May 26, 2026[13]. The recall lists 8,230 potentially affected units and covers several Toyota and Lexus models[13].
- Front driveshaft (25V656). Filed 2025-10-01[14]. A constant-velocity joint on the front driveshaft can deform and break. A broken driveshaft can affect steering. On trucks with full-time 4WD, the truck could also roll away while parked without the parking brake[14]. Dealers check the front driveshafts and replace both assemblies if needed, free of charge. Owner letters went out August 11, 2026[14]. The recall lists 5,960 potentially affected units[14]. Some owners in the complaints we read say parts were not available when they called their dealer[7].
- Instrument panel software (25V595). Filed 2025-09-11[15]. A software error at startup can leave the speed, brake and tire pressure warning lights off the instrument panel. Missing warnings raise the risk of a crash or injury[15]. For vehicles that are not plug-in hybrids, dealers update the software over the air, free of charge. This is a phased recall, and it covers many Toyota and Lexus models[15]. The recall lists 591,377 potentially affected units[15].
- Rear brake hoses (25V058). Filed 2025-02-06[16]. On 4-wheel drive Tacomas, mud and dirt packed inside the rear wheels can damage the rear brake hoses[16]. A hose can leak brake fluid, which cuts braking ability and raises crash risk[16]. Dealers replace both rear brake hoses free of charge. Owner letters went out August 1, 2025[16]. The recall lists 221,846 potentially affected units[16].
Recall 26V514 has no final repair yet[3]. Recall 25V595 is described as phased[15].
Fuel economy
EPA lists several versions of the 2025 Tacoma, all with a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo that uses regular fuel[17]. Combined ratings run from 20 to 23 MPG[18][19].
| Version | City / hwy / combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD, automatic (S8)[20] | 20 / 26 / 23 | $2,900 |
| SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD, automatic (S8)[4] | 21 / 26 / 23 | $2,900 |
| SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD, automatic (S8), lower rating[17] | 20 / 24 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 4WD, automatic (S8)[21] | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,200 |
| SR5/Sport/Off-Road/Limited 4WD, automatic (S8)[22] | 19 / 23 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 4WD MT, manual 6-spd[18] | 18 / 23 / 20 | $3,350 |
| Hybrid 4WD, automatic (S8)[19] | 22 / 24 / 23 | $2,900 |
EPA lists more than one 4WD rating for the same version name. For example, a second SR5/Sport/Off-Road/Limited 4WD rating is 20 / 23 / 21[23], and a third is 19 / 24 / 21[24]. A second Hybrid 4WD rating is 23 / 24 / 23[25]. Two of the 2WD ratings and the Hybrid 4WD tie at 23 combined[4][20][19]. The manual 4WD is lowest at 20 combined[18].
Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new[17].
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star ratings for the 2025 Tacoma are listed by body style and drive type[26].
- PU/CC 4WD: frontal 3 stars and side 5 stars[26]. A separate listing for the PU/CC 4WD Hybrid shows overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars and rollover 4 stars, with rollover risk of 18.5%[5].
- PU/CC RWD: frontal 3 stars and side 5 stars[27].
- PU/EC 4WD: rollover 4 stars, rollover risk 18.5%[28].
- PU/EC RWD: rollover 4 stars, rollover risk 19.8%[29].
The frontal rating of 3 stars is the lowest star count in this list[26][27]. Side protection is rated 5 stars wherever NHTSA lists it[26][27].
Engine and size
EPA's test list shows the 2025 Tacoma with a 2.4L 4-cylinder rated at 228 to 278 hp, depending on version[30]. The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.
How 2025 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 |
NHTSA has 111 complaints and 5 recalls on file for the 2025 Tacoma[2]. The 2024 model year has more of both, with 154 complaints and 6 recalls[2]. The 2023 year has 54 complaints and 4 recalls, and 2022 has 59 complaints and 3 recalls[2]. The 2026 year shows 11 complaints and no recalls so far[2].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales. Recall 26V514 names both 2024 and 2025 Tacomas, and recalls 25V058 and 26V179 do as well[3][13][16].
Should you buy a used 2025 Tacoma?
Shorten to 5 sentences, for example by merging the door handle sentences and moving the fuel economy and safety sentences out, since both are covered in their own sections. One of them, for the shock absorbers, has no final remedy yet, so a truck with that recall open would not be repaired today[3]. Ask the seller which recalls are done and which are still waiting on parts.
In the complaints we read, broken inside door handles stand out in the structure group[6]. That is a small sample and not a count of all trucks. It is still worth testing every door handle from inside before you sign. Fuel economy is 20 to 23 MPG combined, depending on version[20][18][19]. NHTSA gives frontal protection 3 stars, where side protection earns 5 stars[26].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
- NHTSA has 111 complaints[1]. Structure leads with 44[6]. In the 12 structure complaints we read, 10 describe a broken inside door handle[6].
- Does the 2025 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2025 model year[2]. They cover shocks, a load label, the front driveshaft, instrument panel software and rear brake hoses[3][13][14][15][16].
- What gas mileage does the 2025 Toyota Tacoma get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 20 to 23 MPG depending on version[20][18][19]. The Hybrid 4WD is rated 23 combined[19].
- How is the 2025 Tacoma rated for safety?
- NHTSA gives the PU/CC versions 3 stars for frontal and 5 stars for side crashes[26][27]. Rollover is rated 4 stars[28][29].
- Is the 2025 Tacoma recall on shocks fixed yet?
- The final remedy is not yet available. Toyota expects it in March 2027[3].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma (4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 6 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Tacoma model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V514, filed August 6, 2026: Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Tacoma SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 44 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V179, filed March 24, 2026: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V656, filed October 1, 2025: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V595, filed September 11, 2025: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V058, filed February 6, 2025: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Tacoma SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD MT, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma Hybrid 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 24 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma SR5/Sport/Off-Road/Limited 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma SR5/Sport/Off-Road/Limited 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma SR5/Sport/Off-Road/Limited 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Tacoma Hybrid 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 24 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2025 Toyota Tacoma with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 228 to 278 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE CAB HYBRID: length 213 in, width 77 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 132 in, curb weight 5,104 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE CAB L/BOX 4WD: length 226 in, width 77 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 145 in, curb weight 4,718 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE CAB S/BOX 4WD: length 213 in, width 77 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 132 in, curb weight 4,484 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA XTRA CAB L/BOX 4WD: length 213 in, width 77 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 132 in, curb weight 4,374 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov