Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2013 Toyota Tacoma
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.1/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.9/10, while Technology at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.9/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $18,760–$25,129, 10 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tacoma sits in the budget-friendly tier of the truck market. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2013 Toyota Tacoma sits in the middle of the field. Until its value and performance and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma ranks #381 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $18,760 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 47%.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Tacoma Year Should You Buy?
Across the Tacoma model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Toyota Tacoma (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Structure / Body / Hood / Hinge and attachments 03/07/2017 · 17V425000
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 12/02/2014 · 14V054000
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…
Equipment / Other / Labels 04/08/2014 · 14V475000
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…
Engine 07/11/2013 · 13V557000
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.
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…
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2013 Toyota Tacoma that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2013 Toyota Tacoma
Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
We rate the 2013 Toyota Tacoma's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma worth buying?
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #381 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma cost?
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma starts at $18,760 and ranges up to $25,129 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Tacoma years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Tacoma years we've rated are 2017 (7.5/10), 2015 (7.5/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.0/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have?
The documented issues for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Structure, Service brakes, hydraulic, Equipment, Engine (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Tacoma
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Similar Truck to Consider
Other trucks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
