Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 519 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Toyota Tacoma, and it carries 13 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 101 | 19% |
| Exterior lighting | 81 | 16% |
| Power train | 57 | 11% |
| Vehicle speed control | 44 | 8% |
| Structure | 38 | 7% |
| Steering | 31 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 19 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 15 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 12 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 12 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My truck has experienced a major coolant leak, but it's not the radiator nor the water pump. After replacing both the radiator and water pump, the leak remains. Upon further investigation, the hose connecting to the cool
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the frame on the driver’s and passenger’s side was severely rusted. The dealer was contacted about the failure and about the warranty enhancement program ZH6
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Unknown.no accident ,Steering is tight. Started noticing it May 12 2026.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Real bumper assembly rotted off the frame was dragging behind the truck I'm at 60mph luckily nobody was behind me pulled over and removed it all both frame rails was rusted in half Hanging On by a little piece every plac
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,619. It wa
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the chassis was rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that an unkn
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after maintenance service on the vehicle, it was discovered that the front subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an indepen
NHTSA complaint: Structure
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND HOLES ARE UNSAFE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE. THE SAFETY OF ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD I AM TRAVELING ARE AT RISK. I WENT TO LIBERTY TOYOTA IN BURLINGTON, NJ AND THEY REFUSED
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affec
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven,
Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module
Risk: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically nece
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. To
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. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold
Risk: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. The recall
| Reliability | 50 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 93 | excellent |
| Performance | 71 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 519 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and suspension is the most reported area with 101 of them (19%). There are 13 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 50/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2009 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.