Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 127 complaints per model year about the Ford Ranger and 236 about the Toyota Tacoma.
Side by side
| Ford Ranger | Toyota Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 2,165 | 4,957 |
| Complaints per model year | 127 | 236 |
| Recalls | 61 | 46 |
| Years to avoid | None stand out | 2006 |
| Best years | 202020212022 | 202020212022 |
| Most common problem | Airbags | Suspension |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 17-23 mpg combined (2026) | 20-23 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Ranger | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 1,195 | 288 |
| Transmission | 304 | 738 |
| Electrical | 149 | 339 |
| Engine | 141 | 460 |
| Brakes | 93 | 491 |
| Body | 91 | 742 |
| Suspension | 66 | 768 |
| Acceleration | 55 | 558 |
Questions about the Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma
Which is more reliable, the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Ford Ranger has 0 years to avoid and the Toyota Tacoma 1. The Ford Ranger has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Ford Ranger drew fewer complaints per model year (127 vs 236), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma?
From 2006 to 2026, the Ford Ranger was covered by 61 recalls and the Toyota Tacoma by 46.
What years of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma should you avoid?
Ford Ranger: no year stands out. Toyota Tacoma: 2006.
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