Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 218 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, and it carries 4 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 36 | 17% |
| Service brakes | 33 | 15% |
| Power train | 19 | 9% |
| Fuel system | 16 | 7% |
| Engine | 10 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 9 | 4% |
| Steering | 7 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 3% |
| Structure | 5 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I wrecked my truck in a snowstorm, and the front airbags did not deploy. The crash had me and 2 others in my vehicle. I have permanent injuries
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The brakes failed, out of nowhere, no codes and no warning. The vehicle was taken to lithia Toyota of [XXX] on XXX for inspection and they say they couldn’t recreate the issue. 5 days later the vehicle was taken to Grant
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered, stalled, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted t
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
My car had a lamp seal replaced (00948-CHMSL Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp Seal) in 01/2020. When it rains, water is getting into my car. I can't determine if the same seal or a new seal is failing to keep the water out.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Brake Master cylinder. The brakes lose all pressure and do not stop the truck all of a sudden. This is an open recall on many of these trucks but apparently my specific truck isn’t included in this. Because it just hap
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the A/C, and the cool air setting was inoperative. No warning lights were illu
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
Brake master cylinder failed on 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Vehicle had ~40000 miles at time of failure summer of 2025. Out of pocket expense was over $2000.00.
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
Brake pedal started sinking to the floor. Inspected and no fluid leaks present. If brake pedal is pumped, it will build pressure. Then the check brake system light comes on. That is a sign of brake master cylinder failur
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2019 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 20
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting Janu
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300,
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer servic
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.
Risk: Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyot
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800
| Reliability | 79 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 83 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 79 | good |
| Depreciation | 100 | excellent |
| Performance | 62 | average |
| Efficiency | 39 | 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 218 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel/propulsion system is the most reported area with 36 of them (17%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 79/100 (good) 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 83/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 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 78/100. 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.