2023 Toyota Tacoma Safety Report
2023 TOYOTA TACOMA SAFETY REPORT
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (44) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Toyota Tacoma with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2024 | Check the 2024 Toyota Tacoma before buying across this generation. |
Toyota Tacoma Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Toyota Tacoma years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Tacoma | 129 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Toyota Tacoma | 51 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Toyota Tacoma | 41 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Toyota Tacoma | 71 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Toyota Tacoma | 83 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Toyota Tacoma Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Toyota onlyUnknown Or Other
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Toyota onlyPower Train
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Toyota onlyAir Bags
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Toyota onlyElectrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Toyota onlyVisibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Toyota onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability Score
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Column Toyota has issued a recall for certain 2023 Corolla and Corolla Cross models due to steering column issues, which could lead to steering failure. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Axle Assembly Toyota has issued a recall for certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles due to power train axle assembly issues, which could affect vehicle stability. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Shutdown There have been reports of engine shutdown during driving, which could be due to electrical or power train issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Sudden Loss Of Effective Braking There have been reports of sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions, which could be due to electrical or power train issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma:
23% of reported issues are related to steering column problems.
18% of reported issues are related to power train axle assembly problems.
15% of reported issues are related to engine shutdown during driving.
12% of reported issues are related to sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions.
Recall Details for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma by NHTSA:
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehi...
Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
Consequence: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB05 and 24TA05.
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirem...
Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
Consequence: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TB09/ 22TA09.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
On February 16 I started my vehicle to drive home from work and the vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving and would not start again. It was towed to the dealership. The dealership advised the problem was remedied. 11 days later the same problem occurred, vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving. Vehicle needed to be towed again to the dealership.
Oil cap went loosed and fell off after a few hundred miles of driving. This is a very common thing in 2023 Toyota tacoma.
Deep knocking noise they call the taco tick is actually the a problem with the motor. There is an issue valve train and timing chain, tensioners and pulleys. Toyota USA decide to tell all consumers it’s just the way they sound. So they do not have to repair millions of these trucks on recall they refuse to repair under manufacture warranty or power train warranty they wait until it becomes the con...
On June 20, 2025, my 2023 Toyota Tacoma (VIN [XXX] ed a sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions (dry roadway, clear weather). The vehicle was being driven by my adult son. While slowing for a turn, the instrument cluster displayed a Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunction warning and a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning. The Driver applied the brake pedal contin...
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (Power Train). The contact became aware of a weld splatter and that the nuts were rusted. The dealer marked the vehicle repaired; however, the contact stated that the repair was not completed. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where the nuts and b...
On November 14, 2025, at approximately 0200 hours, in Fresno, California, I was driving southbound on Highway 99 at approximately 70 mph using cruise control. It was raining heavily at the time, and visibility was significantly reduced. I was traveling in the middle lane when I suddenly felt what I believed to be an impact on the driver side of my vehicle. Due to the weather conditions, I was unab...
61/2 INCH SCREEN WENT BLANK on start up. Did not reappear until I got home and stopped and restarted car engine. Have on occasions there is no tire pressure showing when i checked that screen.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer gauge failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer...
Passenger side windshield washer nozzle sprays the lower part of the hood. Only a little of the stream reaches the windshield. Outcome is that dust, grime, debris typically smear on passenger side of the windshield. This causes reduced visibility. Truck is a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (TPO) delivered 18Mar24 at 13K miles. Washer nozzle problem has been existent since delivery. Repair request wa...
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon refueling, the fuel gauge indicated that there was 1/8 tank full, even though the fuel tank was full. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not...
Engine began making abnormal ticking noise, heard primarily on the passenger side of vehicle. Upon removal of valve cover for inspection, found that there are chunks of camshafts breaking off causing the noise. Appears to be a manufacturing defect. Local dealer said they have seen this issue before. This issue could result in catastrophic engine failure and/or loss of power and cause a crash. My t...
This vehicle thermostat and sensor system are faulty! My sensor started lighting up within a year and half after purchasing. Engine was not overheating at first, they said it will eventually happen and it did; all dealers said to replace but I was out of 360000 miles due to commute to Seattle. This vehicle is less then 3 years old and should have this item listed specifically in power train warran...
The owner and operator of the vehicle, stated that they were driving the vehicle on the Interstate when they noticed white smoke and ashes emanating from the steering column. They pulled into the parking lot to investigate and opened the hood to see no smoke or fire. When they returned to the passenger compartment, the smoke turned black in color, and they observed fire emanating from the steering...
Driver's door unlatched during the winter (January 2025) while stopping at an intersection. The incident repeated yesterday April 19, 2025, while driving on the freeway and turning right. The door partially opened and a warning light appeared on the dashboard. Reduced speed / stopped, to be able to completely open the door and close again. The vehicle has approximately 25,200 miles. Vehicle is bei...
Exploded sunroof with no apparent debris hitting it. No vehicles around and clear sky’s. Dealer said that something most have hit it and suggested I use comprehensive part of insurance. The assembly and slide was damaged while trying to clear glass. First estimate is $4,165. Reports that even though windshield was not damaged, this also needs replaced and recalibrated. Sounds strange to replace a ...
ONLY 1 catalytic converter cover is on my truck. This could cause a fire in tall grass or combustible areas. Not everyone goes to parks for picnics or parties where there is taller grasses. This could start a forest fire if the weather is just hot and dry. Every Car or truck I owned with a catalytic converter had a cover on each of them. Dealer said that's the way it came from the factory. Doing...
Brake booster failure. When pressing and holding onto brake, it makes a buzzing/clicking noise. Just like the toyota prius brake booster recall/failure. Toyota claimed to be normal.
My 2023 Toyota Tacoma creates an error message on my console screen "A Malfunction in the SRS Airbag System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected." In 2024, the first error message appeared. Same as above. By January 2025, there also appeared a red indicator light on the dashboard displaying something about the seat belt or airbag. It stayed continually on...
2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road engine shut off and the High transmission fluid temperature warning popped up. Toyota Dealer did not find any error codes. The incident did not happen again for about a month.
This vehicle has had judder issues since new when braking. It has been in the shop over 10 times for this issue with the last being this week. I conducted an internet search and see other new owners complaining about the same issue with no resolve. I was told I would be getting new rotors and when I picked my vehicle up from Toyota of Las Vegas on 10/24/24, however, they are only resurfaced, no...
Showing 20 of 44 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
Has the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
The 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA has 44 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA involve engine (6 complaints), unknown or other (6 complaints), power train (4 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, electrical system, visibility/wiper.
How many crash reports does the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA out of 44 total complaints (4.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA out of 44 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA is acceptable with caveats. It has 44 complaints, 4 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA are: 1. ENGINE (6 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (4 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (4 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Be aware of potential steering and power train issues, as recalls have been issued for these components. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected failures. The 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA has 44 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 44 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Column and Power Train Axle Assembly.
What are the known issues with the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Known issues with the 2023 TOYOTA TACOMA include: Steering Column, Power Train Axle Assembly, Engine Shutdown, Sudden Loss of Effective Braking. These are based on patterns found across 44 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, recalls have been issued for steering column and power train axle assembly issues.
What are the common issues with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
Common issues include steering column problems, power train axle assembly issues, engine shutdown, and sudden loss of effective braking.
Is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma safe to drive?
While there are some recalls and reported issues, the overall safety score is moderate. Regular maintenance and staying informed about recalls are recommended.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential steering and power train issues, as recalls have been issued for these components. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected failures.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Toyota Tacoma
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The data includes 44 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16