Avoid 2011 Tacomas?

I'm starting to shop for a used truck, and I've pretty well decided on a Tacoma double cab. Based on my budget and what's available around me, it looks like all of the trucks I'm interested in are 2011 models.

Consumer Reports has the 2011 model on their list of used cars to avoid. I know from searching these forums that many of you have strong feelings about Consumer Reports, and I agree with some of them, but I'm still curious why they have just the 2011 model on this list.

There must be a specific reason, but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere. Does anyone know?

Thanks very much!

 

I have a 2011 and it's fantastic. I actually like consumers reports.
I've owned an 89,98,2008 and now 2011. I can't find much reason to Avoid a specific year like 2011. I wouldn't put much weight into them singling out this particular year.

Az

 

I put 40k on the one I just sold. The only issue I had in those miles was a blower motor chirp.

The truck was wheeled, towed 2000 lb trailers and a 2500lb boat nearly every weekend of its life and was generally worked hard.

The only reason it was sold was because my toys were getting bigger and heavier and I couldn't help but upgrade to a half ton.

 

I don't know why Consumer Reports would have singled out the 2011 in the 2005 thru 2013 production. If anything the 2005 would be the one to avoid because I believe it had a weak engine mount, then some of the early 2nd Gens had a weak tailgate but I believe that was corrected by 2009. There were also some other revisions in 2009 such as the removal of the mechanical LSD. In 2011, I believe the only change was the grille design.

 

I have a 2011, 50K on it without any problem!

 

They gave it a down check because it made a lousy family vehicle, but said they didn't consider the off road features in their review...

Howard

 

2005 was first year of the new gen, and 2009 was first year where they added all the extra electronics, took out the LSD and made electronic LSD etc.

Not sure if that affected anything, and there are a lot of happy 2005 and 2009 owners out there, but those are the only years I would personally avoid because I love giving manufacturers a year to work out the bugs from new changes.

There haven't been any issues on the 2011 model that does not exist in the 2010 model.

Maybe they just want you to avoid it since in 2012 they did a minor sheet metal change/facelift and you could probably get one for a similar price?

No idea.

 

Consumer Reports is garbage. If you want to research a Tacoma, read up on the threads on this website.

 

Yes, because impartial surveys from thousands of owners about major repairs and problems or lack thereof is trumped by everyone's opinion on a Tacoma forum

 

I would not have any problem buying 2011 or any other year for that matter.

 

Maybe because it was that last year before the minor facelift?

I love my 2011 and see no reason to avoid them specifically

 

Thanks for all of the replies. It's definitely not scaring me away from a 2011, I guess I'm just curious why that particular year would be singled out.

I sold my truck (2000 Tundra) several years back, before my daughter came along, and now I'm really excited about going back to one.

 

CR is strange sometimes. I take what they have to say with a grain of salt. In 2010 when I bought my truck, the Tacoma was a recommend truck.

Now fast forward 3 years and with no redesign to any of the trucks the ridgeline is now the recommended truck, and the tacoma has fallen to last place???

When I'm shopping for a car I use many different sites to find the right vehicle for me.

 

2011 is when they changed manufacturing from Fremont CA to San Antonio TX. There was a lot of news leading up to the factory closure, and a lot of angst. EDIT - as I've thought about it later - I think the last trucks to roll off the Fremont line were actually 2010 models, not 2011 models. Then the 2011 models came from San Antonio...

Then the 2011s were also the very first trucks off the new San Antonio line.

It wouldn't surprise me to find out that statistically 2011s had more repairs per mile because the new factory was still working out the bugs. But you'd need a big data set to see that.

That said - I've got a 2011. Only non-self-inflicted problem I've had:

Radio randomly shuts off sometimes, especially if it's a really hot day.

Front Diff actuator went bad not long after I replaced the front differential. Hard to say whether that's a pure mfg defect though vs some weird side effect of the changes I was making.

 

40k on my 2011 4x4 and it runs like the day I drove it brand new from the dealer.

 

After consideration - I've decided they just don't like the distinctive 2011-only grill

 

Strange logic @ CR. Ridgeline did not change since 2006. Tacoma had several improvements since it has been introduced in 2005. Yet, Ridgeline overtakes Tacoma?

I like 2011 grill. Nicest 2nd gen OEM grill so far.

 

I think I have one of the bad 2011's. Front bumper loose and rattling and drooping and ripping plastic out of wheel liner. Horn does not work. All wheel liners actually falling out. Had to do lower ball joint on drivers side. Also had to have inner tie rod end replaced. Weakest paint in the world. I have about a 1000 rock chips on my truck and have had the stock mudflaps and Toyota running boards since new. Fan blower squeak. Poor fuel economy. Weird front tire wear. Worlds weakest suspension. This is in all then less than 90,000 kms. Aprox 55,000 miles. More stuff I am sure, but I forget all the stuff wrong with my truck. I have a love hate relationship with my truck. I do like my truck, but I hate all the stuff that is always wrong with it!

 

Avoid the 2011's at all cost!

 

+1 ! It's the ONLY year with this style of grille. Makes it unique

The only complaint I have with my 2011 in 50,000+ kms is the weak paint durability.