2015 Toyota Tacoma Safety Report

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma presents a mixed safety picture, with a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, but notable concerns in specific areas. While it achieved a perfect 5-star rating in side crash tests and a 4-star rollover rating, its frontal crash test performance was only 3 stars. The vehicle has accumulated 95 total complaints with NHTSA, including 14 crashes, 1 fire, and 10 injuries, but no reported fatalities. A significant portion of complaints, 17 out of 95, fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER,' indicating a broad range of issues, but 'STRUCTURE' (8 complaints) and 'AIR BAGS' (7 complaints) are also prominent. Common complaint patterns reveal issues with paint peeling and rust, particularly for 'Super White' models, despite Toyota having customer support programs for similar issues in other years/models. There are also reports of unexpected acceleration and braking issues, with 6 complaints related to 'SERVICE BRAKES' and 3 to 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.' Engine-related complaints, though fewer (3), include hesitation and secondary air injection system failures. The single fire complaint involved an explosion after the vehicle was parked, resulting in 8-degree burns. The recall history for the 2015 Tacoma includes four separate campaigns. Two recalls, issued by Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET), address accessory hood scoops and other accessories that could detach, increasing crash risk. Another recall by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing focused on improperly inflated tires, also a crash risk. Finally, Gulf States Toyota issued a recall for incorrect labels that could lead to vehicle overloading and increased crash risk. These recalls highlight potential manufacturing or accessory installation defects that could compromise safety. In summary, while the 2015 Tacoma performs well in side-impact and rollover scenarios, its 3-star frontal crash rating is a concern. The complaint data points to recurring issues with paint quality, potential structural rust, and some critical powertrain/braking anomalies. The recalls address specific component failures that could lead to crashes. Prospective buyers should be aware of these documented issues and the vehicle's average frontal crash performance.

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should be aware of the 2015 Tacoma's 3-star frontal crash rating and investigate the vehicle's undercarriage for rust and paint condition, especially if it's a 'Super White' model, due to recurring complaints and potential structural integrity concerns.