Named after Mount Rainier in the state of Washington, the Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck produced by the well-known Japanese carmaker since 1995. This vehicle is known for its durability and reliability and is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States. With its versatility and ability to handle challenging terrains, this truck is aimed at car buyers who are looking for a dependable vehicle for work or recreation. It is a well-received Toyota vehicle with an 83/100 rating for quality and reliability on JD Power (for the 2023 model), plus an excellent 95/100 rating for its resale value.
The Toyota Tacoma’s Lifespan
The Toyota Tacoma has an estimated useful life of over 200,000 miles. Based on the average annual car mileage for vehicles in the United States (13,476 miles), this translates to a lifespan of nearly 15 years. These figures can be expanded with proper maintenance, especially for the major components.
Warranty
The purchase of a brand-new Toyota Tacoma comes with a standard warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers all parts of the vehicle subjected to normal wear and tear.
Toyota also provides a rust-through coverage of five years notwithstanding the mileage. This warranty against corrosion damage, however, is only applicable if the vehicle suffers a rust-induced perforation.
When it comes to the powertrain, Toyota also provides a five-year or 60,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. The powertrain coverage applies to the engine, transmission, 4WD system, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts, and airbags.
Major Components
Most Toyota dealerships indicate that their engines can last for 150,000 to 250,000 miles of distance traveled. Some owners say that their vehicles make it through 300,000 miles and beyond.
The Tacoma’s transmission is similarly expected to provide satisfactory service within the same period as the engine. However, it may require servicing after the odometer hits 150,000 miles.
The suspension also has a lifespan that is comparable to that of the engine and transmission. With proper care and maintenance, it can last considerably longer.
Will a Toyota Tacoma Last 200,000 Miles?
It is not unusual for Tacomas to log 200,000 in their odometers and still run at their near-optimum performance. However, owners of this vehicle should be mindful of maintenance routines to avoid problems.
Will a Toyota Tacoma Last 300,000 Miles?
Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity and reliability. As such, it would not be surprising to find Tacomas that hit the 300,000-mile mark. They need more maintenance and the replacement of various parts at this point, though.
Maintenance to Extend Toyota Tacoma Lifespan
The Tacoma has great longevity, but you cannot maximize its lifespan without proper maintenance. Here’s a rundown of the most important maintenance routines for this vehicle.
Preventive Maintenance Service Intervals: When to Do Routine Checks
The first visit to a service center for the Toyota Tacoma’s preventive maintenance is upon hitting a mileage of 5,000. At this point, all vehicle fluid levels need to be checked, the tires have to be rotated, and the brakes inspected. An examination of the windshield wiper is also in order.
By the time the odometer reads 10,000, an inspection of the cabin air filter is necessary, and the engine oil and oil filter need replacement. All inspections for the 5,000-mile maintenance also have to be repeated.
Upon reaching 15,000 miles, the driver’s floor mat needs to be examined for proper placement and the rest of the previous recurring maintenance steps conducted. Retorquing the propeller shaft bolt is also required. Additionally, the ball joints, brake lines and hoses, steering gear, steering linkage and boots, radiator, exhaust pipes, engine coolant, and cabin air filter need to be inspected.
The preventive maintenance tasks for the 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000-mile readings are repeated until the next 5,000-mile intervals. The next major inspection is upon hitting 30,000 miles, wherein the automatic transmission needs a thorough inspection for possible defects like leakage, and lubrication is required for 4WD versions of the Tacoma. Additionally, the front differential oil needs replacement and the driveshaft boots need to be inspected.
Other Components That Need Replacement
The Toyota Tacoma battery has a useful life of three to five years. Toyota batteries that die or become defective within two years may be replaced by the dealer since they are usually covered by the standard warranty.
For the brake pads, replacement is usually needed after 30,000 to 70,000 miles of driving. However, you need to check or possibly replace the brake pads if you notice the following: grinding or screeching noises upon brake application, burning smell, and pulsation or vibration felt in the steering wheel and brake pedal.
When it comes to the timing belt, the scheduled replacement is usually within the 60,000 to 90,000 mileage. Replacement is necessary within this interval even without perceivable issues.
The fuel pump is another component of the Tacoma that needs replacement, but there is no specific schedule for changing it. It is usually replaced because it has already failed and the car does not start, stalls, or has difficulties restarting. Also, a whirring noise from the fuel tank is an indication that the fuel pump should be inspected and possibly replaced.
Adaptive Cruise Control Problem and Other Common Issues
There are reports of adaptive cruise control defects in the Toyota Tacoma 2018 through 2021 year models. There are also complaints about frame rusting, defective underbody shields, and other parts of the vehicle’s body. Additionally, a number of owners complain about suspension, powertrain, and equipment problems.
Maximize Your Toyota Tacoma’s Reliability
The Toyota Tacoma is an excellent midsize pickup truck known to be reliable and long-lasting. It can continue running without issues even past 300,000 miles, but you need to make sure that you are doing the necessary maintenance routines. Also, expect some parts to require replacement before issues affecting the engine and other major components emerge.
