Are Gen 3 Tacomas as unreliable as Tacomaworld makes them seem?

Hello everyone,

I am a new to Tacomaworld, but a long time forum member on various enthusiast sites. I am a die hard BMW M fanatic, and originally was very big into the VW scene growing up. I just sold my 2018 M2 Performance package, and have put a deposit on a 2020 Tacoma TRD Sport Premium which is scheduled to arrive between July 18-24th. As much as I love sports cars, life gets in the way, and a medium sized pickup would better suit my needs as an avid woodworker.

This is where I can really use your honest opinion. The Tacoma has always appealed to me visually, along with the reliability and resale value. However, in the short time I have been on this forum, I have noticed a lot of documented "flaws," which seem to be ongoing without resolve. In the month that I have been browsing, I have come across the following known issues;

-Rear diff leaks (if considered sweating Toyota will not repair)
-Noisy rear diff (sounds like a kazoo)
-Rear main seal leaks
-Leaf spring noises
-Vibration from unbalanced driveshaft
-Vibration from rear drums warping
-Composite beds cracking
-Interior noises from panels being installed incorrectly
-Frame prone to rusting
-Paint issues (Cement is what I ordered and from what I read, white is the main concern)
-etc

I didn't expect to feel this way, but I almost want to cancel my order. I ordered this truck to keep for a long time with my wife and I starting a family, and eventually when the finances make sense, I would like to make this Tacoma my own with some tasteful modifications. I am starting to reconsider my options and possibly look elsewhere. Does the Tundra have the same wrap sheet as the current Gen Tacoma? I prefer the size of the Tundra having had a GMC Sierra Crew cab previously, but the fuel economy/operating costs made me lean towards the smaller option. I never tow, and basically always transport lumber in the bed. I guess I could use some reassurance as I'm really on the fence now. I appreciate your time guys,

Jeff

 

I rarely make repairs to any of those complaints, they are rare but well documented so you read more about them now.

Best news is, all of those issues are covered under warranty, and Toyota has the best standards in the industry.

Buy it, enjoy it.

 

It's a good reliable mid sized pickup. But it will not "wow" you in any way other than its looks

 

My 2016 is 4 1/2 years old now, and she’s still a fantastic truck. Toyota will make anything right in the (very rare) chance that something happens.

Get it, love it, make it yours

 

Lol! Yes if you ask TW these trucks Fucken suck.. but If you actually drive it and love it then it’s amazing!! I love my truck and have had 0 issues in 35k km to lazy to convert to miles. My truck has done everything I have asked and more! Most people who complain bought it to join a club but should of bought a Ridgeline! Those who bought a truck to do little truck things adore the Rig! Never regretted this thing never will!

 

Welcome to the forum.

I don’t have a convincing argument as to why you should go ahead and get the Tacoma.

The thing is, if I joined TW before the purchase, I would probably be driving a Frontier right now, and I am really happy with my four year old 50k mile pretty much flawless truck.

fwiw

 

I am going to add to this. I dont really think you should get one. With your vehicle history, you would probably be better suited with a ford

I don't mean this sarcastically at all. But the f150 rides smooth, shifts smooth, can tow decently and is all around a truck that is more oriented towards someone with your history.

The tacoma is a rough ride, has weird programming shift logic, and has few creature comforts that barely work (looking at you entune).

But if you are sure you want a long lasting mid sized pickup, the tacoma is just that.

 

As with anything on the internet, reality is never as bad as it seems on here.

 

Minus the Tacoma lol!!!

 

If you collected every complaint for any product you'd end up in the same situation.


Truck is fine.

 

Buy it and enjoy it. I've had mine for almost 2 years and 25k miles and love it. Glad I got it.

 

You forgot about the rear third brake light that is on it’s third part number

 

I've owned one of each generation. Would never consider anything else.

 

In all honestly, I’ve seen these trucks with all these issues, but VERY few with multiple of them. Good news is you have a warranty and most of the major (by major I mean expensive, not big necessarily) have a long enough warranty that you will probably notice them if they are actually defective.

I mean, if the rear main leaks at 200k, I wouldn’t count it as a failure on Toyota’s part.

I am just taking a quick look at the “problem” areas at each oil change. I am at just under 50k miles and have only had the brake light, so I wouldn’t really consider it as something major

 

I owned a 2017 Tacoma. Great truck!! The only reason I had to trade it in was due to growing family.

 

welcome aboard Jeffrey

I'm very happy with my SR AC 2.7 and 5 speed manual. If I were you I would cancel the order and move on.

 

I've got a 2016, its never broken down on me in 52,000 miles but...the transmission shifting is pretty damn annoying on any sort of grade...and its at the dealership now having a timing cover leak fixed. Just a slow leak that's covered under the powertrain warranty. If i were you I'd take a look at the Tundras again. The v8 seems more reliable from my research. Drive a few different trucks and see how you like them.

 

@Ilove2dubb, bear in mind that this forum serves largely as a repository for people's complaints and bullsh!t advice. I doubt a reputable manufacturer like Toyota would put out a vehicle of questionable quality, let alone one that is straight garbage. Heed @boynoyce's advice and don't let the peanut gallery discourage you.

Tacomas are outstanding vehicles. The 3rd gen is relatively young and needs to have a few kinks worked out. Thankfully, with Toyota's customer service, you won't be fixing many of these kinks on your dime.

And if you're really, genuinely worried... there's always Certified Pre-Owned 2015s around. That's the route I went and regret nothing.

 

Every car sucks on the Internet, I'm not kidding.

 

At least until the transmission and infotainment system go bad.