NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 209 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Four recall campaigns and a defect record score of 10 out of 20 temper an otherwise solid crash-test and avoidance-tech profile. It is a reasonable safety choice, provided its defect history is verified.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma ranks 73 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 209 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 73 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
An 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index places the 2019 Toyota Tacoma in our Strong category. This score is notable given the defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20, which acts as the clearest drag on the overall Index. This low sub-score is driven by four recall campaigns and 209 owner-reported allegations. Of the recalls, two address issues with the fuel pump, initiated in 2020, and span multiple Toyota nameplates. A more specific concern for Tacoma owners is the late 2018 recall for the brake master cylinder, impacting 2018-2019 models due to improper machining of a critical hydraulic component. Owner complaints align with these issues, with Fuel and Propulsion System and Service Brakes being the leading categories. In contrast, the crash-protection sub-score stands at 61 out of 70. The Tacoma also achieves a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard features. Crash-test results show a 5-star side rating and a "No Tip" dynamic rollover result, both genuine strengths for a pickup in this class.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Toyota Tacoma perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma earned a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Notably, it achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-crash protection. Both frontal crash and rollover resistance tests yielded 4 out of 5 stars. The Tacoma’s rollover risk is assessed at 19 percent, and dynamic tip testing concluded with a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13223
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover this model year. Two separate campaigns target the fuel pump in the gasoline delivery system, one covers improper machining of the brake master cylinder in 2018-2019 Tacoma vehicles specifically, and one involves equipment labels from Gulf States Toyota. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive is recorded in the data provided, but all four campaigns warrant VIN verification.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2020-11-04
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V012000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Reported 2020-01-13
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS19V244000
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Reported 2019-03-27
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER18V888000
Risk: Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.
Reported 2018-12-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has logged 209 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported components are the Fuel and Propulsion System with 55 alleged incidents and Service Brakes with 51. Reported allegations also include 10 crashes and 5 injuries, all unverified consumer claims, not established facts.
209 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old truck should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All four recall campaigns, particularly the brake master cylinder and fuel pump actions, must be confirmed as remedied. An unresolved recall on a used vehicle transfers with ownership.
- Two separate NHTSA fuel-pump recall campaigns were issued for this model year, both initiated in 2020, making fuel system remedy verification a priority for any 2019 Tacoma transaction.
- A brake master cylinder recall specific to 2018-2019 Tacoma vehicles cites improper machining and was initiated in December 2018, meaning some trucks entered the used market before the remedy was completed.
- The defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20 is the single largest factor preventing a higher Safety Index, directly reflecting the four recall campaigns on record for this model year.
- The 2019 Tacoma's avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10 because forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this model year, not optional add-ons.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Toyota Tacoma places
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Toyota Tacoma safety questions
Was the 2019 Toyota Tacoma crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Toyota Tacoma crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Toyota Tacoma earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 209 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tacoma years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13223), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tacoma 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 73 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.