2011 Toyota Tacoma
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto), Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual), P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD, P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6
- Engines
- 2.7L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 21 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 208.3–221.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,558–4,189 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 9 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2011 small pickup truck (19.1 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 221 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 141-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,189 lb (Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (21 city / 25 highway), 15% better than the 2011 small pickup truck average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 149 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2011
- New body dimensions: 13.0 in longer, wheelbase +12.6 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Tacoma →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto) | 221.3 in | 74.8 in | 70.1 in | 140.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,189 lb | 58/42 |
| Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual) | 208.7 in | 74.8 in | 70.1 in | 128.3 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,050 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD | 208.3 in | 74.8 in | 70.1 in | 128 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 3,955 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6 | 208.3 in | 74.8 in | 70.1 in | 128 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,043 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Access Cab L/Box RWD | 208.3 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 128 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,558 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 22 | +15% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 21 / 19 | +7% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 20 / 19 | +7% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -6% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 18 | +2% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -10% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma.
Similar 2011 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Toyota Tacoma (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Silverado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Toyota Tundra | 18 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Suzuki Equator | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (9)
Equipment · Jul 3, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V425000 · 3,547 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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 · Nov 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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 · Sep 29, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V604000 · 710,711 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Aug 4, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V475000 · 20,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
- Risk
- If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Seat Belts · Aug 7, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V337000 · 342,451 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
- Fix
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
- Risk
- If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Fix
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Mar 4, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V148000 · 22,000 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
- Risk
- FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2011 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 53 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Exterior Lighting — 23 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Steering — 16 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,855 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tacoma years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2025 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 114 |
| 2024 Tacoma | 24 | 226.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 154 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 90 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 219 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 209 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 243 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 324 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 22 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 100 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →