BestCarRank
Toyota

2020 Toyota TACOMA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Toyota TACOMA has 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 182. The most common issue is fuel system problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: the vehicle smelled of gasoline. after driving the vehicle, whether it was 2 miles or 20 miles, once reaching the destination you could smell gasoline. the smell lingered for at least 30 minutes after the vehicle was parked.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 7 injuries

124

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

FUEL SYSTEM

23 complaints
19%
  • THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHETHER IT WAS 2 MILES OR 20 MILES, ONCE REACHING THE DESTINATION YOU COULD SMELL GASOLINE. THE SMELL LINGERED FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.
  • VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO START WITH NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURES. VEHICLE'S IGNITION DELAYS NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURES SOMETIMES ALLOWING THE KEY TO BE HELD SYSTEMATICALLY FOR AN ABNORMAL PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE VEHICLE STARTING. IF VEHICLE FAILS TO START IN THE FIRST TRY WITHIN 3-5 SECONDS VEHICLE WOULD CR
  • VEHICLE STALLS WHEN OPERATING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. HAS STALLED OUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND IN PARKING LOTS. HAS BROKEN DOWN AND REGISTERED FUEL TROUBLE CODES FOUR TIMES IN LESS THAN 90 DAYS. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLS IT HAS REGISTERED THE P08700 AND P0017100 CODES FOR LOW FUEL PRESSURE. DEALER HAS REPLA
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHETHER IT WAS 2 MILES OR 20 MILES, ONCE REACHING THE DESTINATION YOU COULD SMELL GASOLINE. THE SMELL LINGERED FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Toyota TACOMA

Based on 65 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 5K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
60
30-60K
4
60-100K
0
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 4K mi · 12 reports
0-30K
11
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 4K mi · 9 reports
0-30K
9
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 9 reports
0-30K
9
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
8
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 6K mi · 7 reports
0-30K
6
30-60K
1
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 6K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP04/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Above-average theft risk

#25 most stolen in 2025

The Toyota TACOMA was the #25 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 3,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Midsize truck; catalytic converters + wheels

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Toyota TACOMA

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,286
Per month
$191
Per mile
19.1¢
MPG
21
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,527/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Toyota TACOMA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,669
Full coverage / month
$139
Liability only / year
$598
vs US avg
0%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.06x
× safety rating0.98x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1669

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota TACOMA Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
5K mi
Brake fluid
30 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
120K mi
Cabin air filter
30K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 150K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2020 TACOMA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 124 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • FUEL SYSTEM: THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHETHER IT WAS 2 MILES OR 20 MILES, ONCE REACHING THE DESTINATION YOU COULD SMELL GASOLINE. THE SMELL LINGERED FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: RE: 2020 TOYOTA TACOMA, ENGINE FAILURE ON 12/20/19 CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE ON HIGHWAY, TOWED TO DEALER. ENGINE SEIZED WITH 1400 MILES. NO VEHICLE ACCESS, NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CORRESPONDENCE NOR ANSWER FROM TOYOTA FOR ALMOST ONE MONTH

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO START WITH NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURES. VEHICLE'S IGNITION DELAYS NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURES SOMETIMES ALLOWING THE KEY TO BE HELD SYSTEMATICALLY FOR AN ABNORMAL PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE VEHICLE STARTING. IF VEHICLE FAILS TO START IN THE FIRST TRY WITHIN 3-5 SECONDS VEHICLE WOULD CR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT PULSATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. DAYTONA TOYOTA (51 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114 (386) 222-6757) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
124
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
5
Injury reports
7
Segment avg
182

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2020 Toyota TACOMA