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2013 Toyota Tacoma

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Toyota Tacoma
Pictured: Toyota Tacoma (N300) TRD 1X7A2438. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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
Horsepower
236 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 25 hwy
Length
208.3–221.3 in
Curb weight
3,624–4,220 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2013 small pickup truck (19.8 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 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 4,220 lb (Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 25 highway), 16% better than the 2013 small pickup truck average of 19.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Tacoma — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Tacoma →

Trims, performance & features

Engine236 hp4.0L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Delux

Built in: San Antonio, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)221.3 in74.8 in70.1 in140.6 in63 / 63.4 in4,220 lb58/42
Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual)208.3 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63 / 63.4 in4,160 lb58/42
P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD208.3 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63 / 63.4 in4,019 lb58/42
P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6208.3 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63 / 63.4 in4,101 lb58/42
P/U Access Cab L/Box RWD208.3 in72.4 in65.7 in128 in61 / 61 in3,624 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 23+16%$2,900390
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+6%$3,200407
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 19-4%$3,550474
Tacoma 4WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 21 / 19+6%$3,550457
Tacoma 4WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 21 / 19+6%$3,550460
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-9%$3,700489
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 180%$3,700498
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 19 / 17-6%$3,950516
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.8 MPG2013 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma.

Similar 2013 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Toyota Tacoma (this car)23 MPGNot rated6
2013 Chevrolet Silverado21 MPGNot rated7
2013 Toyota Tundra17 MPGNot rated5
2013 GMC Sierra21 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (6)

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.
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.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Feb 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V054000 · 261,114 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine · Nov 7, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V557000 · 3,795 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
Risk
If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Oct 17, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V494000 · 979 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.
Risk
If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

87Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
63,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other13
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)11
Electrical System11
Suspension10
Structure › Body10
Service Brakes9
Steering9
Air Bags9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/02: 320/03: 120/05: 220/07: 120/09: 220/12: 221/03: 121/05: 421/08: 121/11: 122/07: 123/06: 123/11: 124/03: 124/08: 125/01: 125/05: 125/06: 125/09: 125/12: 226/01: 126/02: 326/05: 126/09: 120/0220/0721/0321/1123/1125/0125/0926/02max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 11 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  3. Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Suspension — 10 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 63,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tacoma years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Tacoma23213 inNot rated012
2025 Tacoma23213 in★★★★★5114
2024 Tacoma24226.4 inNot rated6154
2023 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★454
2022 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★359
2021 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★081
2020 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★190
2019 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★4219
2018 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★3209
2017 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★5243
2016 Tacoma21212.2 inNot rated4324
2015 Tacoma22208.3 inNot rated4100

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →