Makes›Toyota›Tacoma›2010

2010 Toyota Tacoma

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Toyota Tacoma
Pictured: Toyota Tacoma (N300) TRD 1X7A2438. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD/V6, Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box RWD, Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto), Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual)
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
236 hp
Transmission
5-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 26 hwy
Length
208.3–221.3 in
Curb weight
3,455–4,129 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2010 small pickup truck (19.2 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 236 hp, versus about 310 hp for similar 2010 models.
  • Many owner complaints173 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 28 for similar models — most often about the suspension.
  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Toyota Tacoma is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 208 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 128-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,949 lb (Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD/V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway), 15% better than the 2010 small pickup truck average of 19.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 173 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

What changed for 2010

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Tacoma — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Tacoma →

Trims, performance & features

Engine236 hp4.0L 6-cyl
Transmission5-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

TRN240L/TRN245L/GRN245LTRN265L/GRN265L

Built in: Fremont, California

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2010 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD/V6208.3 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,949 lb58/42
Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box RWD208.3 in72.4 in65.7 in128 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,455 lb58/42
Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)221.3 in74.8 in70.1 in140.6 in63.4 / 63.4 in4,129 lb58/42
Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual)208.7 in74.8 in70.1 in128.3 in63.4 / 63.4 in4,050 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+15%$3,050404
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21+9%$3,200423
Tacoma 4WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+8%$3,550468
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18-6%$3,700494
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 18+2%$3,700494
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 18 / 16-17%$4,200555
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15-15%$4,450592
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.2 MPG2010 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Toyota Tacoma under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Toyota Tacoma (this car)22 MPGNot rated12
2010 Ford F-15017 MPGNot rated1
2010 Chevrolet Colorado21 MPGNot rated2
2010 GMC Canyon21 MPGNot rated2
2010 Nissan Frontier21 MPGNot rated4
2010 Honda Ridgeline17 MPGNot rated9
2010 Hummer H3T16 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (12)

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Nov 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Leaf · Sep 29, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V604000 · 710,711 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
Risk
If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Aug 4, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V475000 · 20,000 vehicles

Problem
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 list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk
If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Apr 9, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V168000 · 1,486,413 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Risk
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Fix
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Seat Belts · Aug 7, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V337000 · 342,451 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
Risk
If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Mar 4, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V148000 · 22,000 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
Risk
FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Feb 18, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V042000 · 8,000 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCKS. THE PROPELLER SHAFT MAY DEVELOP CRACKS DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. OVER TIME, THE CRACKS MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE SEPARATION OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT.
Risk
THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT PROPELLER SHAFT ON AFFECTED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

173Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
75,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Suspension84
Unknown Or Other24
Structure › Body15
Steering13
Exterior Lighting10
Air Bags9
Seat Belts6
Structure › Frame And Members5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/09: 323/10: 223/12: 224/01: 124/03: 124/04: 224/08: 124/09: 124/10: 124/11: 124/12: 125/03: 125/04: 125/05: 225/06: 125/07: 125/09: 125/10: 126/01: 226/02: 126/04: 126/06: 126/08: 326/09: 123/0924/0124/0824/1125/0425/0726/0126/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 84 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Structure › Body — 15 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Steering — 13 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tacoma years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Tacoma23213 inNot rated013
2025 Tacoma23213 in★★★★★5114
2024 Tacoma24226.4 inNot rated6154
2023 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★454
2022 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★359
2021 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★081
2020 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★190
2019 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★4219
2018 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★3209
2017 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★5243
2016 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★4324
2015 Tacoma22208.3 in★★★★★4100

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →