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Toyota · Pickup Truck · 2005–2015

Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen is available with 2 engine variants — from 159 to 249 hp.

2.7L 4-Zyl · Benziner· 159 PS
2005 2015
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
4.0L V6 · Benziner· 236 PS
2005 2015
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

The Toyota 2.7L 4-Zyl (Benziner, 159 PS) has the 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 4.0L V6 (Benziner, 236 PS) has the 1GR-FE (4.0L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖C-Kanal-Rahmen sammelt Schlamm und Salz in Hohlräumen. Hinterer Querträger und Blattfederaufhängungen besonders betroffen. Toyota-Settlement: bei >10mm Durchrostung Rahmenaustausch oder Rückkauf zu 150% Marktwert.

C-channel frame collects mud and salt in cavities. Rear crossmember and leaf spring mounts especially affected. Toyota settlement: frame replacement or buyback at 150% market value for rust >10mm.

Symptoms: Visible rust-through on frame, flaking, structural weakening
from 80,000 km
Ad Tacoma frame rust treatmentframe replacement Tacoma 2nd gen
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
3,766 complaints · 2005–2015
Body Structure
808 ⚠ 21
Suspension
754 ⚠ 8
Cruise Control
544 ⚠ 168
Powertrain
365 ⚠ 14
Steering
287 ⚠ 15

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Body Structure (808 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (754 complaints)
⚠ Cruise Control (544 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen (2005–2015) — 9 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Body, Brakes. Considered reliable: 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl).

Tacoma (1GR-FE, 2005–2015) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure at high mileage, Thin cylinder liners cannot be bored out, Water pump fails prematurely at 65,000–80,000 km. Power: 236 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota Tacoma? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen have? +
The Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen has 9 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl). The most reliable engine is the 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 1GR-FE (4.0L V6).
Which Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen — rated: "Decent". {description} 236 hp V6, manual: the classic Tacoma. Engine virtually indestructible (250k miles documented). Frame rust settlement (.4B): 2005-2010 worst affected, free frame replacement if rust >10mm OR buyback at 150% market value. Inspection program expired — used buyers rely on own inspection. Salt belt = high risk, sunbelt = often pristine. TRD Off-Road is the community recommendation — TRD Sport for city.
Is the Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen worth buying used? +
The Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen? +
The Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen is available with engine variants from 159 to 249 hp. Petrol: 1GR-FE (4.0L V6), 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee