Common Issues in New Tacomas?

Howdy folks. As a few of my recent posts probably indicate, I'm considering a new Tacoma for my next vehicle and am trying to learn as much as possible.

I am wondering what problems seem to be common in newer Tacomas. Ideally I want a truck that gives me a good chance of zero issues beyond normal maintenance, because I plan to spend the extra money to get exactly what I want and drive it until the wheels fall off.

So what issues beyond normal maintenance seem to be trending in new V6 4x4 Tacomas? Are they serious enough to sway me to the Nissan Frontier (locking tailgate, Utili-track system, and the fact that the 2013 is comparable to the Tacoma for creature comforts has my attention)?

Thanks in advance!

 

There will probably be a whistling noise caused by the windshield or grill.

 

This^

And also my leaf springs squeek when going over small bumps. I have a 12 DCLB Sport.

 

I have had 2 Tacomas over the last 18 years. Bought them both new .NO issues at all . Go with the Toyota Tacoma ! You will be very happy.

greenpants....mike

 

I checked at the Nissan Frontier myself before buying my Tacoma. And I heard bad stuff around Nissan's, and bad reviews...

For the locking tailgate, I had my dealer install a Pop & Lock as part of the deal. With the rear camera it looks like its right from Toyota, except the locking barrel doesn't seem top quality.

You could search the forum for TSB's. You won't find a lot for 2013, but you'll fin plenty of info for the 2012 .

Good searching, you are the right place!

 

Frontier's aren't even on the same planet as Tacoma's... my 2 cents

 

Had mine for 2 years. Only been in the dealership once. Line going to the a/c condenser was barely leaking. Only issue I have with mine is the blower motor "chirp" every once in a while when the fan is set to medium. I'm just too lazy to fix it and it doesn't do it all the time. I've been pretty lucky and haven't had some of the other problems that others have had (wind noise, squeaking springs). "Most" of the problems come from aftermarket stuff that we add to our trucks. The stock truck is pretty sound as is. If it were me, I would pick the Tacoma over the Nissan but I am biased. Resale value and reliability are the main reasons... though I will admit that the current body style is getting pretty long in the tooth even though I still like it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

This is still happening? My '05 does it too, has ever since they put in the new leaf pack under the TSB I had done back when it first came out.

Outrageous that it still hasn't been addressed and fixed on newer models.

 

Money is my biggest issue with my 2012 so far. I'm constantly catching myself mid way through the "checkout" process on websites to order shit for my truck. End up not ordering stuff though, since I'm a poor bastard, and all. Don't get the nissan. Frontiers want to be Tacomas when they grow up

 

Issues reported with stock trucks:
- Rain water getting into heater air intake in the cowl, causing leak on passenger floor.

Issues reported with modded trucks:

- Whistling around the windshield seal at highway speeds -> sometimes seen when you install a lift and lose the factory rake, solved by applying more sealant
- Front differential bearing rumble -> sometimes seen when you install a lift, solved by replacing bearing with ECGS bushing
- Shortened wheel bearing life -> when you get wheels with less backspacing for a wider stance

Statistically the Frontier has more issues, some of which are major (radiator leak causing coolant to contaminate and kill transmission, weak rear diff due to small ring gear, etc.) Under Renault mgmt, Nissan reliability nowadays is about mid-pack with American brands. The Frontier, being 300 lb heavier, has worse acceleration and braking performance than the Taco.

 

Truck payments...

 

My 13 does NOT do this. I have over 9k on the odometer...

 

Yes...this is the worst part.

 

It's fixed with larger rubber pads between leafs:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/98055-diy-squeaky-leaf-fix-12.html

My leafs don't squeak anymore when I installed the kit ($48 for two packs from Toyota of Dallas), but my Icon shocks still do. (Solvable by transferring a shim from the stock Bilsteins, but I'm too lazy to bother with it. )

 

2013 DCSB TRD Sport - that stupid smog pump noise when you shut off the engine.

 

I bought a new 05 4 cylinder extended cab right off the lot with 11 miles on it. It never made an appearance at the dealer for any warranty work. At around 75k miles it needed front wheel bearings. And the A/C compressor died shortly afterwards. I sold it and bought a double cab (another 05) that needed wheel bearings right when I bought it at 112k miles. So badly one of the wheels couldn't be turned by hand with the tire off the ground. Probably needed them for a while. Sold that one last fall and just bought another 05 double cab which had the front wheel bearings replaced at 72k miles. And it just broke a rear leaf spring. I would say front wheel bearings are a common problem.... They have their issues but honestly I still think they are a way better truck than the competition. But I am a bit biased as this is now my 15th Toyota truck.

 

Surprised nobody has mentioned the shaky shake. Toyota cant or wont fix the low speed vibrations on the DCSB.

 

^This

 

Nice. Mine does but only around 45-55 mph and it seems to only be in the morning or night when the air is cooler.

Hasn't bugged me enough yet for a trip to the dealership.

 

Interior trim rattles, which can be fixed, other than that I have had no issues. Smog pump spooling sound at engine shut off and squishing sound when braking, only if the radio is off can you hear it, both are normal for the tacoma.
5500 miles