UPDATE: 2026/07/24 11:38 EST BY SEAN MCMANUS
The Most Reliable Tacoma Model Years are 3rd Gens
We added a section to discuss the best and worst Tacoma model years for reliability.
The fourth-gen Toyota Tacoma brought a new platform, called the TNGA-F, an overhauled suspension setup with a cushier ride, and a revised trim lineup. The 2024 Tacoma also introduced a new range of powertrain options, which has proven to be, if not quite controversial, at least divisive. It’s hard to complain about the truck’s new 323-horsepower hybrid four-pot, but the loss of the naturally-aspirated V6 has some longtime Taco fans simply rejecting the latest offering.
We’re seeing an interesting scenario where the third-gen Tacoma, particularly the V6 version, is actually appreciating in value like a fine wine. Usually, the launch of a new generation drives used prices down for the outgoing model, but the loss of the six-cylinder powerplant is contributing to the opposite effect this time around. Here’s what you need to know.
The 2023 Tacoma’s V6 More Than Got The Job Done
2023 Toyota TacomaToyota
The V6 Tacoma’s relative simplicity is a big part of its appeal. With 278 horsepower, and no turbos or electrification, the result was pure naturally-aspirated power. Buyers could choose a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to rear- or four-wheel drive.
We don’t need to tell you that a Toyota is reliable, but the third-gen Tacoma was a standout even by Toyota standards. The 2023 model scored an 83/100 in J.D. Power‘s Quality & Reliability rating, a 4.4 out of 5 for reliability from Kelley Blue Book users, and has just 4 reports on file with CarComplaints.
The V6 Tacoma Is Mostly Bulletproof
One of those CarComplaints reports is pretty serious, with a driver reporting an engine repair at just 4,300 miles, owing to lash adjuster problems. That is, the lash adjusters get stuck, allowing excessive clearance between the cam and rocker, resulting in potentially engine-destroying chaos. The situation is usually identified by a rapid ticking noise, and while the problem is definitely concerning, the fault is not incredibly common and is unlikely to occur in a used 2023 model if it hasn’t already. Still, keep your ears open on the test drive.
The Most Reliable Tacoma Model Years are 3rd-Gens
2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro White Front Angle Off-Road DrivingToyota
We can’t reasonably call any Tacoma model year “unreliable,” but some are better than others. When taking each model year’s JD Power quality and reliability score, the number of customer complaints to the NHTSA, and recalls, the best Tacoma model years for reliability include 2021, 2020, then 2015. We also give an honorable mention to MY2023.
Starting off, the 2021 Tacoma is the best, since it earned an 87/100 for initial quality and reliability from JD Power, it has zero recalls, and only 76 complaints that mostly have to do with unserious issues. The 2020 model year wasn’t rated by JD Power, but it only has one recall and 85 complaints. In third place is the 2015 model year, which is a late second-gen model that uses the 4.0-liter V6. JD Power gave it an 85 out of 100; it also has four recalls and 100 complaints.
Model years we would avoid include 2016, which launched the third generation with an automatic transmission that hunted for gears at highway speeds, or aggressively downshifted when driving downhill. The 2012 model year had a flawed Secondary Air Injection System failure. This model year’s issue could destroy the injection pump or completely freeze the associated plastic valves when condensation builds up.
These Trucks Are Refusing To Depreciate
2023 Toyota TacomaToyota
Currently, Kelley Blue Book puts a V6-powered 2023 Tacoma’s fair purchase price at just a few hundred bucks below MSRP, but if we look at actual listings on the CarBuzz Marketplace, there are a few examples selling for near and in some cases over the original MSRP.
Based on our findings, branded titles and high-mileage models are the only way to get your hands on a significantly below-MSRP 2023 V6 Tacoma right now. Even with these considerations, tracking one down is not a sure thing, as some salvaged trucks are listed at well above sticker price.
Sure, some of these listings are unlikely to find a buyer, but, based on 11 listings and four sales over the last year, Classic.com puts a 2023 Tacoma at an average price of $48,750. The lowest and highest prices range from $41,000 to $57,500. The latter figure is more than you would have paid for a brand-new Tacoma three years ago, unless you spared no expense on options and upgrades.
The 2024 Tacoma’s Transmission Troubles May Be Affecting These Prices
2024 – 2025 Toyota Tacoma exteriorToyota
The 2023 model’s appreciating prices seem to be the result of the stars aligning perfectly, which doesn’t happen every day. First off, it’s a Tacoma, which has a history of holding its value fairly well. Second, it packs a naturally aspirated V6 engine, which Toyota dropped with the launch of the fourth-gen model. Those points have played a part in keeping prices high, but the final piece of the puzzle may be that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma had a somewhat embarrassing rollout (or at least embarrassing by Toyota standards), owing to issues with its eight-speed transmission.
Early buyers suffered transmission failure, sometimes before hitting 1,000 miles. Right away, this made a bad first impression for the fourth-gen Tacoma, and Toyota’s perceived slow response only made matters worse. The 2024 Tacoma launched in 2023, while Toyota didn’t get around to issuing an official statement on the matter until the next summer.
Toyota Is Doing Right By Affected Buyers, But The Truck’s Reputation Has Already Taken The Hit
2024 – 2025 Toyota Tacoma interior view of the automatic shift leverToyota
It would be misleading to suggest that the Tacoma’s overall sales have been seriously hurt by the 2024 model year’s transmission issues. In 2025, the automaker sold 249,563 Tacomas, just a few hundred trucks shy of an even quarter-million, and an all-time record for the nameplate.
But the type of buyer who is willing to pay extra for a V6 engine is the type of buyer who reads about problems with a new gearbox and doubles down on their devotion to the outgoing model. The Tacoma attracts a fair share of drivers who value reliability above all, and who would gladly drive an out-of-date model if it means fewer trips to the dealer for repairs.
First-year issues are to be expected anytime an automaker rolls out a new generation. Even Toyota isn’t immune to that. But when you pair the slow response with the cancellation of the V6 engine option, you have a perfect storm of reasons for some folks to ignore the new model and go for the old one, even if you have to pay MSRP, or slightly more, for a three-year-old pickup.
Sources: Toyota, JD Power, CarComplaints, CarEdge, Classic.com
