Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 186 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, and it carries 9 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 | 49 | 26% |
| Exterior lighting | 26 | 14% |
| Structure | 14 | 8% |
| Steering | 11 | 6% |
| Air bags | 6 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 3% |
| Power train | 6 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I purchased a vehicle from a car dealer "as is" with a clean title. About two months after purchase I took it to a mechanic after I got an airbag light and he told me the vehicle was missing airbags and was in a hard eno
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. While inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact discovered that the vehicle was only equipped with three leaf springs instead of four. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that over time the horn intermittently became inoperable; however, the horn operated while in the middle of making a turn. The contact was concerned about the fai
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while performing a routine engine oil change, extensive corrosion was observed across the entire undercarriage. The severe rust damage fully compromised the
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
Chassis recall under Toyota Recall Program ZKA/LSC K0D. While the window of this recall closed in 2017, my vehicle was sold to me several years after 2017. The vehicle chassis is in a critical state and is likely to sn
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
2011 Tacoma, 4x4. Leaf spring is broken on the passenger side. 130,000 miles. According to Toyota my vin is not included under recall 14V-604. I do believe this is either an error or deliberate oversight to avoid respons
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
I purchased the truck December 6th 2025 within a thousand Miles within the end of the year I experienced brake failure on the highway I laid under the truck to patch the brake failure and found a cracked leaf spring susp
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while attempting to have an inspection completed on the vehicle, the contact was informed by the mechanic that the inspection could not be completed due to s
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2011 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 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000.
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.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Priu
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact
| Reliability | 63 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 93 | excellent |
| Performance | 71 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 186 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and suspension is the most reported area with 49 of them (26%). There are 9 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 63/100 (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 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 72/100. 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.