MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
76Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE TOYOTA TACOMA

The Toyota Tacoma is one of America's best-selling midsize pickups, a segment fixture that draws loyal buyers ranging from work-site professionals to weekend off-road enthusiasts. Built as a body-on-frame truck in extended and crew cab configurations, the Tacoma competes squarely against the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado, offering a blend of rugged capability and everyday usability that has defined the nameplate for decades.

VERDICT

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the Tacoma for its commanding presence in the midsize truck segment and strong off-road capability. Most find the ride comfort adequate for a body-on-frame design, though some note the cabin materials and refinement fall short of newer rivals. Driving dynamics are described as truck-like rather than car-like, and most reviewers position it as a strong value for buyers who prioritize utility and segment reputation.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 19.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15856

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma at NHTSA as of 2026-07-03. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

76 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

9reported crash
0reported fire
15reported injuries
1reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 13Unknown Or Other 12Service Brakes 11Engine 10Electrical System 9Forward Collision Avoidance 8

Other Tacoma years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15856), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota Tacoma 2021. Class rank 61 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure