NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, positioning it firmly in the Strong safety band. This assessment is significantly bolstered by a flawless recall record; at the time of this report, zero recalls have been issued, contributing to a perfect defect-record score. While the overall picture is strong, NHTSA crash test results present a mixed but predominantly solid performance, distinguishing the Tacoma as a noteworthy contender in its class for the 2026 model year.
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma ranks 57 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 | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma represents a notable jump in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 76 out of 100 in the 2025 model year to 86 out of 100 this year, a 10-point gain that shifted the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. The entire gain is traceable to concrete data improvements. The defect record sub-score reaches the maximum 20 out of 20, driven by the clean zero-recall standing. The avoidance technology sub-score is also a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. The crash protection sub-score of 56 out of 70 is the one area that keeps the index from reaching elite territory, and the 3-star frontal rating is the specific number behind that gap. The side-crash result of 5 stars is genuinely impressive and the rollover package, a 4-star rating paired with a No Tip dynamic outcome and a 19 percent risk figure, adds further confidence. The five complaint allegations are too few to establish a pattern, but the Power Train category leading the tally is worth monitoring as the model accumulates more owner miles.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota Tacoma perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma's side-crash performance is noteworthy, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This result stands out against an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars for the vehicle. Rollover protection also rated well at 4 stars, with a 19 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic test. However, the frontal crash rating presents a critical area for consideration, receiving only 3 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21675
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, no park-outside advisory has been issued, and no do-not-drive order is in effect. For a current model year vehicle this is a meaningful data point, though shoppers should always run a VIN check as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints for the 2026 Tacoma. The top alleged problem area is the Power Train, with 2 reported concerns. Single allegations also touch Lane Departure, Back Over Prevention, Forward Collision Avoidance, Visibility, and Structure. None of these are verified facts; all are unverified consumer allegations submitted to NHTSA.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota Tacoma?
A high urgency action before purchase is checking for open recall campaigns. These open all the time, for any model, and new-model recalls are especially common in the months after launch.
- The 2026 Tacoma gained 10 Safety Index points over the 2025 model year, moving from 76 out of 100 to 86 out of 100 and crossing from the Average band into the Strong band.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, contributing a perfect 20 out of 20 defect-record sub-score within the Safety Index calculation.
- The frontal crash rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the lowest individual NHTSA result for this model year and stands in contrast to the 5-star side rating, a gap that matters most for head-on collision scenarios.
- All five owner complaints logged with NHTSA for this model year are unverified allegations, with Power Train accounting for two of them; the complaint volume is low but the model year is still new, so this figure should be revisited as more owners report.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota Tacoma places
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota Tacoma safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota Tacoma crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota Tacoma, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2026 Toyota Tacoma crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Toyota Tacoma have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 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 2026 Toyota Tacoma?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Toyota Tacoma. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tacoma years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21675), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tacoma 2026.
- 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 57 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.