Toyota Tacoma VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Toyota Tacoma you are looking at. Then check its model year against 57 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefix5TE3TM4TA5TF

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Toyota Tacoma

About the Toyota Tacoma

Toyota has sold the Tacoma in the US since the 1995 model year, and there have been four generations. Gen 1 first (1995–2004), then Gen 2 (2005–2015). The Gen 3 arrived for 2016–2023, and the Gen 4 took over for 2024–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 57 vehicle recall campaigns and 8,434 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 2. Its 2006 and 2005 model years alone account for 1,489 of them, with owners bringing up structure and body most often and the suspension after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 16–22 mpg combined, while the Gen 4, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 20–24 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1995–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4

NHTSA recall campaigns57

Owner complaints8,434 at NHTSA

Toyota Tacoma photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Toyota Tacoma generations

Four generations since the 1995 model year. The Gen 2 (2005–2015) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (28).

4 / 4

Gen 4

2024–20264th generation

Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1995200020052010201520202025

2024–2026· Generation 4 of 4

Gen 4 · 4th generation

PlatformTNGA: GA-F

EPA combined mpg20–24

NHTSA recalls7

Engines (EPA)

2.4 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2024–2026
2.4 L 4-cyl (turbo, hybrid) · 2024–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, RWD
automatic (2024–2026), manual (2024–2026)

Known issues to check

Powertrain (transmission, driveline) (77)Structure and body (49)Brakes (39)

Mentions in 257 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 43TMLB5JN?RM······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2024 Toyota Tacoma, built in Tijuana, Baja California

Check a Tacoma VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Tacoma model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 57 campaigns on file for Tacoma model years 1995–2026, and the 2009 and 2010 show up in the most (13 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Toyota Tacoma owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2006 (782 of 8,434). Tap any bar or generation.

8,434NHTSA complaints, 1995–2026

687mention a crash

99mention a fire

467injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 4: 257 complaints · most for the 2024 (151)

Top complaint areas · Gen 4

Mentions in 257 complaints, 2024–2026.

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)77

Structure and body49

Brakes39

Electrical system22

Forward collision avoidance20

Suspension14

Crashes 10Fires 3Injuries 39

2024–2026 (Gen 4)

NHTSA data summary

Its first model year, the 2024, drew more complaints than any other (151 of 257). Owners across the generation name powertrain most often (77 mentions), then structure and body (49).

What Tacoma owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2024–present (4th generation)

Owner reports are still few. NHTSA complaints for the 2024 center on the 8-speed automatic, with hard jerks between first and second gear and when slowing down, plus some hybrids that get stuck in four-wheel drive low. CarComplaints has only about ten reports for 2025, including trouble holding a straight line, a speedometer mismatch and vibration at low speeds. Recalls cover rear brake hoses on 4WD trucks that packed mud can damage and shock absorber flanges that may corrode and fail. [1] [2]

2016–2023 (3rd generation)

Oil leaks lead NHTSA complaints for the 2016, including timing cover leaks on the V6 that some owners call a known and costly repair, and recalls addressed rear differential leaks and a crank position sensor that could stall 2016–2017 V6 trucks. Transmission complaints describe delayed engagement and hard shifts. CarComplaints ranks rodents chewing soy based wiring first for 2016, followed by delayed engagement of Drive when cold and hesitation or hard shifts. [3] [4]

2005–2015 (2nd generation)

Frame rust dominates NHTSA complaints for the 2005–2006 trucks, with owners describing perforated frames, dealers warning against driving and Toyota letters offering repair or compensation. Related recalls replaced leaf springs that could fracture on some 4x4 and PreRunner trucks and fixed a driver air bag clock spring that steering vibration could damage on 2005–2009 trucks. CarComplaints lists a radio that shuts off, overheating parking lights and a slipping clutch as the top 2009 problems. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the leaf spring and air bag clock spring recalls on older trucks and the brake hose recall on 2024–2025 4WD trucks.
On 2005–2015 trucks, inspect the frame for rust and ask whether it was replaced.
On 2016 and later trucks, look for oil at the timing cover and rear differential.
On the drive, check for delayed engagement into Drive when cold and for harsh shifts.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Toyota Tacoma owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Owners of the 2024 and newer Tacoma on Reddit are mostly happy, with many saying it rides smoother, accelerates faster and shifts better than the previous generation, and that their trucks have had no issues so far. Nearly all agree it is too early to judge long-term reliability. The worries they raise are a transmission service bulletin that affected some early 2024 builds, CarPlay and Android Auto connections that drop often, so-so fit and finish and a weak stereo. Some 2024 owners also report a front brake line cut by mud packed inside the wheel, which Toyota later addressed.

Pros

Smoother ride, quicker acceleration and better shifting than the last generation
Many owners report no problems in their first months and miles
Capable on trails

Cons

Transmission bulletin on some early 2024 trucks
Unreliable wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
Average fit and finish and an exposed brake line on early 2024 trucks

2024/25 Tacoma reliable or headache? r/ToyotaTacoma · 2024-12-11
2024-2025 Tacoma owners..what are your biggest annoyances and/or issues? r/ToyotaTacoma · 2025-03-30
2024 owners… any issues so far? r/ToyotaTacoma · 2024-05-07
Mud Sliced the Brake Line in the 2024 Tacoma at 900 Miles. r/ToyotaTacoma · 2024-08-27

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Tacoma complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid Tacoma versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

8,434complaints, 1995–2026

687mention a crash

99mention a fire

467injuries reported

15complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2006 (782), 2005 (707), 2007 (541)

2006 · 782 complaints

Crashes 66 · fires 7 · injuries 31

Structure242

Suspension154

Vehicle speed control147

Air bags76

Power train56

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Tacoma CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 252 Tacoma versions for model years 1995–2026 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 379 g/mi, for the 2024 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 11995–2004

16–22 mpg · CO₂ 404–555 g/mi

Gen 22005–2015

15–23 mpg · CO₂ 390–592 g/mi

Gen 32016–2023

18–21 mpg · CO₂ 422–494 g/mi

Gen 42024–2026

20–24 mpg · CO₂ 379–452 g/mi

Model year2025

23combined MPG

393CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,900EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

5/10Greenhouse gas rating

Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 · OtherEmission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD · Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo — 23 MPG · 393 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier vs Chevrolet Colorado

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2005–2015. NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns for the Tacoma, against 13 for the Nissan Frontier and 18 for the Chevrolet Colorado. Pick a range to compare.

Toyota TacomaGen 4

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 7
NHTSA owner complaints: 257
EPA combined mpg: 20–24
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.4 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 77
Structure and body 49
Brakes 39

Nissan Frontier

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 6
NHTSA owner complaints: 40
EPA combined mpg: 18–21
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.8 L
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 11
Brakes 6
Fuel system 4

Chevrolet Colorado

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 4
NHTSA owner complaints: 164
EPA combined mpg: 16–22
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.7 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 48
Forward collision avoidance 44
Brakes 38

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Toyota Tacoma VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Tacoma

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Black Toyota Tacoma (third generation) double cab pickup, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

Locate the Tacoma's VIN on the dashboard plate through the driver's side windshield. The engine block and cab corner behind the driver's door carry additional stamps. As a body-on-frame truck, the Tacoma carries a frame rail stamp near the front axle on the driver's side. The Gen 4 generation starts with the 2024 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (R for 2024) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Toyota Tacoma VIN questions

Which Toyota Tacoma model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2006 leads with 782, ahead of the 2005 (707) and 2007 (541). Those first two alone make up 18% of the 8,434 Tacoma complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Toyota Tacoma had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 57 vehicle campaigns for model years 1995–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 2 leads with 28. Then come the Gen 3 (15), Gen 1 (8) and Gen 4 (7), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Toyota Tacoma recalls are high risk?

14V-168 covers an air bag inflator module and how it deploys. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 03V-189, 14V-604 and 16V-396. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Tacoma generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 1995–2004 and the Gen 2 2005–2015. Gen 3 spans 2016–2023, Gen 4 2024–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (R is 2024).

What fuel economy does the Toyota Tacoma get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2024–2026 Gen 4 at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 16–22 mpg for the 1995–2004 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Toyota Tacoma compare with the Nissan Frontier and Chevrolet Colorado on recalls?

For 2024–2026 models the Tacoma has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Nissan Frontier has 6, the Chevrolet Colorado 4. Complaints run 257, 40 and 164 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Toyota Tacoma have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Tacoma 4 stars overall. Both rated versions, PU/CC 4WD and PU/CC RWD, get that score. NHTSA lists 4 versions for that year, 2 of them rated.

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Toyota Tacoma VIN Number Check

About the Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma generations