2019 Toyota Tacoma Safety Report

2019 Toyota Tacoma: Strong crash ratings, but significant fuel pump and brake recalls, and numerous owner complaints.

205Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
9Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Fuel/Propulsion System (35)Service Brakes (28)Power Train (19)Fuel System, Gasoline (16)Engine (10)Steering (7)Unknown Or Other (7)Structure (5)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (5)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (5)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of complaints and several significant recalls. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall 4-star safety rating, with 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover. This indicates solid protection in most collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 205 total complaints, including 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries, suggesting areas of concern outside of direct crashworthiness. A significant pattern of issues revolves around the fuel system and brakes, which are critical safety components. Four recalls have been issued, directly addressing these areas, including two for fuel pump failures that could lead to engine stalling and increased crash risk, and one for a brake master cylinder defect that could reduce braking performance.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Pump Failure
Multiple recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 19V881000, 20V012000) address defective fuel pumps that can cause engine stalling while driving, increasing crash risk. Several complaints describe repeat failures even after recall repairs.
High Common unknown miles
Brake Master Cylinder Leak
A recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V503000) and numerous complaints detail brake fluid leaking into the cabin from the master cylinder, leading to reduced braking performance and increased crash risk. Some owners report being denied recall-related repairs despite exhibiting the same symptoms.
High Common unknown miles
Water Intrusion (Cabin Leaks)
Complaints indicate water leaking into the rear cabin through defective vents or the third brake light assembly, leading to mold growth, electrical corrosion, and an unsafe driving environment.
Medium Common unknown miles
Steering Rack Leak/Failure
Owners report steering rack leaks requiring expensive replacement, posing a potential safety issue due to compromised steering.
Medium Occasional 29000-52000 miles
Engine Misfire/Damage
Complaints describe engine misfires, clattering sounds, and internal damage, with some linking issues to the defective low-pressure fuel pump recall.
High Occasional 59000-70000 miles
Paint Chipping/Delamination
Reports of paint chipping and delamination on multiple body panels, exposing primer/metal and potentially leading to corrosion.
Low Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Toyota Tacoma:

Fuel/Propulsion System 17% of complaints

Frequent issues with fuel pump failures leading to engine stalling, and general fuel system malfunctions.

Service Brakes 14% of complaints

Problems with brake master cylinder leaks, reduced braking performance, and brake fluid leaking into the cabin.

Power Train 9% of complaints

Issues including transmission cooling line failures and general power train malfunctions.

Fuel System, Gasoline 8% of complaints

Specific complaints related to the gasoline fuel system, often tied to the fuel pump recalls.

Engine 5% of complaints

Reports of engine misfires, internal damage, and check engine light illumination.

Steering 3% of complaints

Complaints regarding steering rack leaks and other steering system issues.

Structure 2% of complaints

Issues such as water leaks into the cabin and differential skid plate rubbing the fuel tank.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Toyota Tacoma

Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side crash). However, it has 205 owner complaints, 9 crashes, and 5 injuries reported, along with 4 recalls, primarily for critical fuel pump and brake master cylinder issues that can increase crash risk. While crash protection is good, the reliability of key safety components has been a concern.

What are common problems with the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma are related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (35 complaints) and SERVICE BRAKES (28 complaints), often involving fuel pump failures and brake master cylinder leaks. Other common problems include water intrusion into the cabin, steering rack leaks, and engine misfires.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?

Yes, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma has 4 recalls. Two significant recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 19V881000 and 20V012000) address defective fuel pumps that can cause engine stalling. Another recall (19V503000) is for an improperly machined brake master cylinder that can reduce braking performance. A fourth recall (19V601000) concerns incorrect load capacity labels.

How does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma received an Overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for Frontal Crash, an excellent 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Toyota Tacoma?

When considering a used 2019 Toyota Tacoma, ensure all 4 recalls, especially those for the fuel pump and brake master cylinder, have been completed. Inspect for signs of brake fluid leaks in the cabin, water intrusion (mold, dampness), and listen for unusual engine noises. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but significant recalls and numerous complaints regarding critical components like the fuel pump and brakes, prioritize verifying all recall repairs are completed and conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection for leaks or engine issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Toyota Tacoma

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The data includes 205 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Toyota Tacoma an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.