2013 Toyota Tacoma recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma and 125 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (22), service brakes (18), steering (14). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2013 ranks #8 of 14 Tacoma model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (154). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
Recalls 6
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Structure · body · hood · hinge and attachments
Problem: 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. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: 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 tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
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 is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
Risk: If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Tires · temporary/emergency spare tire
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.
Risk: If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Over the past two weeks the steering effort on my 2nd generation Tacoma has become progressively harder to turn the wheel past certain points in both directions. I initially thought it was a steering pump problem, but based on reporting on the TacomaWorld site, it appears very likely this is a problem with the universal joints at the bottom of the Steering Intermediate Shaft.…
2013 Toyota Tacoma rear leaf spring is broken in half 3 leaf set up exactly like the recall up to 2011. Why didn’t the recall go up to 2013. Truck would bottom out easily for years on bumpy back roads
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while closing the hood, the hood prop rod unexpectedly fell behind the latch, ceasing to securely latch the hood. While driving at 80 MPH, the hood suddenly opened and fractured the windshield. There was no injury sustained. The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, closed the hood, and continued…
Safety ratings
2013 Toyota Tacoma PU/RC 4WD
2013 Toyota Tacoma PU/RC 2WD
2013 Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 4WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma.
Tacoma 2WD
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.7 L
Regular
Tacoma 2WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Tacoma 4WD
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.7 L
Regular
Tacoma 4WD
Auto 5-spd · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, most recently for structure · body · hood · hinge and attachments (07/03/2017). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?
Based on 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (22), service brakes (18), steering (14).
Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma safe?
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Toyota Tacoma?
The 2013 ranks #8 of 14 Tacoma model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (154). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma range from 18 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2013 Toyota Tacoma in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TACOMA, Tacoma.