2006 Toyota Tacoma
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Body, Seats & Latches
Body, Seats & Latches leads by volume: 245 of 782 complaints (31%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Driver Assistance & Speed Control include more reported injuries (19) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 707 in 2005 to 782 in 2006.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | vs. 2006 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | 2,850–3,900 | 2,850–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–22 | 16–21 | 16–21 | 16–22 | 16–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–20 / 18–25 | 14–18 / 18–25 | 14–18 / 18–25 | 15–20 / 18–26 | 15–20 / 18–25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–555 | 423–555 | 423–555 | 404–555 | 404–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 414 | 707 | 782 | 540 | 445 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 27 | 47 | 66 | 65 | 48 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 6 | |
| Injuries reported | 23 | 16 | 31 | 31 | 27 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Tacoma have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2006 Toyota Tacoma?
Body, Seats & Latches: 245 of 782 NHTSA complaints (31%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Toyota Tacoma get?
EPA rates it 16–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2006 Toyota Tacoma?
EPA estimates $2,950–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (7)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 45 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 56 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 25 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 51 | 11 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 40 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 181 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 83 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 147 | 45 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 245 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 54 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER · Campaign 16V396000 · Jun 2, 2016
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER · Campaign 14V743000 · Nov 19, 2014
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF · Campaign 14V604000 · Sep 29, 2014
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
SEAT BELTS · Campaign 13V337000 · Aug 7, 2013
Defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
Consequence: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 12V092000 · Mar 7, 2012
Defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVERS AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE MAILED TO OWNERS DURING APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 10V035000 · Feb 3, 2010
Defect: GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 10V036000 · Feb 3, 2010
Defect: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL · Campaign 09V388000 · Oct 6, 2009
Defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 09V223000 · Jun 15, 2009
Defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 06V096000 · Apr 3, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Show 1 earlier campaign
TIRES:BEAD · Campaign 06V061000 · Mar 2, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE BEAD OF THE TIRE MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TIRES ONTO THE WHEELS.
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A BULGE MAY BE FORMED ON THE SIDEWALL AND AIR MAY LEAK FROM THE AREA OF THE DAMAGED BEAD AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 27, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.