NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 47 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is supported by the federal crash-test results and the inclusion of a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. The presence of four active recall campaigns and 47 unverified owner complaints temper the overall rating.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 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 | 83 / 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 | 47 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 73 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma posts a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, a one-point gain over the 2022 model year's 82/100, both sitting in the Strong band. That incremental improvement is modest but consistent. The index breakdown reveals where the year earns its score and where it leaves points on the table: crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology scores a maximum 10 out of 10 reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component delivers 12 out of 20, the weakest segment. That defect record score reflects the weight of four recall campaigns, including the axle shaft separation recall covering 2022-2023 Tacoma trucks and two separate steering column campaigns that swept up this model year alongside other Toyota vehicles. The child seat LATCH anchor weld recall, originating in mid-2022, also carries into this model year. Together these campaigns define what is distinctively different about the 2023 Tacoma's safety profile compared with a clean-record year. The 5-star side crash result is the single strongest crash-test data point and stands out against the 4-star frontal and rollover ratings.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Toyota Tacoma perform in crash tests?
For the 2023 model year, the Toyota Tacoma was awarded an overall 4 out of 5 stars by NHTSA, with its side-impact performance standing out at a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each garnered 4 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Tacoma is 19 percent, though dynamic tip testing concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18618
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2023 Tacoma. Two address steering column issues across a broad Toyota lineup. A third targets the axle shaft sub-assembly on 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles, where the axle shaft may separate, a serious powertrain concern. A fourth involves child seat LATCH anchor welds on 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
STEERING:COLUMN25V040000
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Reported 2025-01-29
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY24V152000
Risk: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB05 and 24TA05.
Reported 2024-02-27
STEERING:COLUMN23V480000
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Reported 2023-07-12
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR22V520000
Risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TB09/ 22TA09.
Reported 2022-07-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
Owners have filed 47 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2023 Tacoma. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (10 reports), Steering (8), Engine (8), Air Bags (7), and Powertrain (6). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include reported allegations of 4 crashes and 4 injuries.
47 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
Four recall campaigns affect the 2023 Tacoma, a notable figure for a single model year. Shoppers considering a used unit should use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to confirm the status of these open recalls. These include campaigns addressing axle shaft separation and LATCH anchor issues. Each campaign should be verified as completed by a dealership before purchase.
- The 2023 Tacoma carries four NHTSA recall campaigns, including an axle shaft sub-assembly recall where separation during driving is the stated risk, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential for this model year.
- The defect record component of the 2023 Safety Index scores 12 out of 20, the lowest of the three index segments, directly reflecting the volume and nature of recall activity unique to this model year.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for the 2023 Tacoma, a specific data point relevant to a body-on-frame truck with a 19 percent measured rollover risk.
- Forty-seven unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include alleged issues concentrated in the Electrical System, Steering, and Engine categories, with the most recent report logged in mid-2026, indicating ongoing consumer activity around this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Toyota Tacoma places
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Toyota Tacoma safety questions
Was the 2023 Toyota Tacoma crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2023 Toyota Tacoma crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Toyota Tacoma have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 47 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18618), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tacoma 2023.
- 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 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.