NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 76 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma distinguishes itself with zero recalls on file, a notable achievement that reinforces its NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100. This score places the vehicle firmly in the Strong safety band. Its competitive NHTSA crash-test results, alongside a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology, position the 2021 Tacoma as a robust safety option within the used midsize truck market.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma ranks 61 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 | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 76 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 61 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
For the 2021 model year, the Toyota Tacoma earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, mirroring its 2020 predecessor. This score reflects a consistent performance in federal evaluations. The Tacoma's crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, while its standard avoidance technology receives a perfect 10 out of 10 points. The vehicle's defect record, scoring 14 out of 20, prevents a top-tier overall rating. This is primarily due to owner complaints, as the 2021 model year has zero recall campaigns. Of the 76 reported complaints, the powertrain and service brakes are cited as leading concerns. In crash testing, the Tacoma achieved a 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection, outperforming its 4-star ratings in frontal crash and rollover assessments. A 19 percent rollover risk is noted, which is consistent with body-on-frame trucks; however, the dynamic tip-test concluded with a "No Tip" result. Standard features include forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Tacoma perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma achieved a notable 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection from NHTSA. Its overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. In frontal crash tests, the Tacoma also received 4 out of 5 stars. Rollover protection matched this, earning 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 19 percent and a No Tip result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15856
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive directive applies to this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check against the NHTSA database, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has received 76 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Tacoma. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Power Train (13 reports), Unknown Or Other (12), Service Brakes (11), Engine (10), Electrical System (9), and Forward Collision Avoidance (8). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
76 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
Zero recalls are on file for the 2021 Tacoma, a notable distinction. However, prospective buyers entering the used market should still run a specific VIN through the NHTSA database before purchase. While no campaigns have been issued to date, remedy completion on any future recalls falls to the owner. Confirming a current VIN check is thus a prudent final step in any transaction for this model year.
- The 2021 Tacoma is the only recent Tacoma model year in this dataset to carry zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a distinction that directly supports its 14 out of 20 defect-record sub-score.
- The side-impact star rating of 5 out of 5 is this model year's highest individual crash-test result, outperforming the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores recorded by NHTSA.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the sixth most frequently alleged complaint component with 8 unverified reports, a detail worth noting given that the system is listed as standard equipment and contributes to the perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- The Safety Index held flat at 85 out of 100 from the 2020 to the 2021 model year, indicating no meaningful change in the federal safety data profile between those two consecutive years.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Tacoma places
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Tacoma safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Tacoma crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Toyota Tacoma crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Toyota Tacoma have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 76 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15856), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tacoma 2021.
- 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 61 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.