NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 85 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects solid crash-test performance and a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. A single recall campaign was issued for this model year. The overall safety profile for the 2020 Tacoma is genuinely favorable.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma ranks 65 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 85 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 65 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2020 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Tacoma in MotorCaliber's scoring framework. The Safety Index climbed from 81 in 2019 to 85 in 2020, a four-point gain within the same Strong band, driven primarily by the defect record component landing at 14.25 out of a possible 20. The crash-protection score of 61 out of 70 anchors the index, supported by that perfect 5-star side result from NHTSA. Equally notable is the avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this year's truck. The single recall, centered on the fuel pump within the gasoline delivery system, is the primary defect-record drag on the score. With 85 total owner complaints and a relatively high concentration in the Fuel and Propulsion System, that recall's real-world footprint appears reflected in the complaint data. The year-over-year index improvement, combined with a complete avoidance-tech package and strong side-crash protection, makes 2020 a notably cleaner safety year for this nameplate than its immediate predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Toyota Tacoma perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma earned a 5 out of 5 stars rating in NHTSA's side-crash test, a strong result. Its overall safety rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal protection also rated 4 stars. Rollover risk is 15 percent, with dynamic tip testing returning a No Tip result, and rollover protection rated 4 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14733
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma carries one federal recall campaign, targeting the fuel system, specifically the gasoline delivery fuel pump. The campaign covers a range of Toyota models including this Tacoma. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN through the NHTSA recall database.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
Owners have filed 85 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel and Propulsion System (21 reports), Power Train (14), Engine (14), and Service Brakes (13). Six crashes and seven injuries are alleged among those reports. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
85 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
A significant safety concern for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma centers on its fuel pump. Shoppers should prioritize verifying the recall status for this component through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. If the recall remains open, confirmation from a Toyota dealer is essential to ensure the necessary remedy has been applied before purchase.
- The 2020 Safety Index of 85/100 represents a four-point improvement over the 2019 Tacoma's score of 81/100, the largest single-year gain reflected in MotorCaliber's available index history for this nameplate.
- NHTSA's side-crash test produced a perfect 5-star result for this model year, making side-impact protection the strongest individual crash-test category for the 2020 Tacoma.
- The one active recall targets the gasoline fuel-delivery pump and was issued covering this model year alongside several other Toyota products; used-market buyers must confirm VIN-level remedy completion.
- All three primary crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2020 Tacoma, contributing a full 10 out of 10 points to the Safety Index avoidance-tech component.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Toyota Tacoma places
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Toyota Tacoma safety questions
Was the 2020 Toyota Tacoma crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2020 Toyota Tacoma crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Tacoma have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 85 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tacoma years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14733), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tacoma 2020.
- 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 65 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.