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, a 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 2026-08-17. 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 2026-08-17. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15856), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota Tacoma 2021. Class rank 61 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure