
NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 66 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid achieves a Safety Index of 76/100, positioning it in the Average safety band. This represents an 8-point improvement over the 2024 model, which rated 68/100 and fell into the Below Average category. This improvement is largely attributed to stronger crash-test results published by NHTSA. However, four active recalls for the 2025 model temper this positive assessment; prospective buyers should confirm that all necessary remedies have been completed prior to acquisition.
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma ranks 84 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 | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 66 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 84 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid achieved an Average Safety Index rating of 76 out of 100, an 8-point increase over its 2024 predecessor. This improvement is primarily driven by stronger crash protection, contributing 56 of a possible 70 points. The truck earned a 5-star side impact rating and a 4-star overall crash-test score. Its avoidance-tech sub-score reached a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control in the tested configuration. However, the defect record introduces a notable area of concern, scoring 10 out of 20. Four recall campaigns are active for the 2025 model. The recall concerning the driveshaft constant-velocity joint is particularly significant, as a failure could compromise vehicle control. An additional brake hose recall impacts 4WD variants. The 66 unverified owner complaints, with a substantial volume alleging powertrain and structural issues, align with the identified recall patterns. While the 2025 Tacoma Hybrid demonstrates improved crash-test performance, its defect record prevents a higher Safety Index ranking.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Toyota Tacoma perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Tacoma Hybrid achieved a 4 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its side-impact protection is rated at a perfect 5 stars, frontal crash protection is notably weaker, receiving 3 out of 5 stars. The vehicle's rollover resistance is rated at 4 stars, with a 19-percent risk of rollover and a dynamic no-tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20282
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The most safety-critical involves the front driveshaft constant-velocity joint on 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles, which can fail and affect vehicle control. A separate campaign addresses rear brake hoses on 2024-2025 Tacoma 4WD trucks that can degrade. Two additional campaigns cover instrument-cluster electrical issues and equipment labeling across a broader Toyota lineup. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but buyers should confirm remedy status by VIN.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER26V514000
Risk: An oil reservoir that detaches can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front and rear shock absorber assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB14 and 26TA14.
Reported 2026-08-06
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V179000
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04, 26TB07, and 26TA07.
Reported 2026-03-24
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT25V656000
Risk: A broken driveshaft can impair steering. Vehicles with full-time 4WD may experience a vehicle rollaway while parked without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both front driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 11, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB11 and 25TA11.
Reported 2025-10-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V595000
Risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Additional letters will be sent, anticipated in May 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's cus
Reported 2025-09-11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS25V058000
Risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 1, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB04 and 25TA04.
Reported 2025-02-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has logged 66 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Powertrain leads all categories with 19 alleged reports, followed by structure at 13 and steering at 9. Suspension and brakes also appear. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include reported allegations of 4 crashes, 6 injuries, and 1 death.
66 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
Four open recall campaigns for the 2025 Tacoma Hybrid underscore the importance of due diligence for prospective buyers. The driveshaft and brake hose issues, in particular, represent serious safety concerns. Buyers must confirm that all recall remedies have been completed by an authorized dealer for any specific vehicle, verifying its VIN through NHTSA's database.
- The Safety Index rose 8 points year over year, from 68/100 in 2024 to 76/100 in 2025, moving the Tacoma Hybrid from Below Average to Average for the first time under this generation.
- The frontal crash rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the lowest individual score in the NHTSA test suite for this model year and pulls the crash-protection sub-score below its potential ceiling.
- A driveshaft constant-velocity joint recall specific to 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles is one of four active campaigns and carries direct vehicle-control implications.
- Unverified powertrain complaints lead all categories at 19 reported allegations, a pattern that aligns with the active driveshaft recall and warrants VIN-level verification of remedy completion before any used purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Toyota Tacoma places
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Toyota Tacoma safety questions
Was the 2025 Toyota Tacoma crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Toyota Tacoma crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Toyota Tacoma earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 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 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Toyota Tacoma have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Toyota Tacoma. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 66 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20282), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tacoma 2025.
- 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 84 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.