Are 2010's really a terrible year?

I currently have a truck on hold, and someone told me that the 2010 model year is the worst and to stay away. Far away. Now I'm not sure that I want to purchase it.

It's a 2010 double cab. 83k miles. Unknown history other than it's at Carvana and is only on preview as they haven't done the inspection and clearances yet. They want 21,000 for it. I'm not obligated to buy it. Worst case is I lose my $100 hold money.

Edmunds says there were the most recalls ever for the 2010's. However, reading this forum, I see many that have lasted past 150K miles, so I'm conflicted. I am not one to work on my vehicles. I prefer to get work done at the dealer or a reputable shop. My highest priority in buying a truck is reliability. A significant likelihood of mechanical issues is a no-go for me.

I only have experience with the old, 80's and 90's trucks. We took them bear hunting, and they took a beating without breaking down. I don't know how the 2010 year will compare to that. I don't know if *any* 21st-century model-year truck can match the toughness of those dinosaurs. For clarity, I don't bear hunt anymore and rarely go off-road since I also quit training retrievers. The craziest thing I do nowadays is pull a 4x8 trailer to haul sheep to the sale or get a few hay bales.

My car was totaled, and the other guy's insurance is paying me out. I need a reliable vehicle pretty fast. I'm without wheels right now. Should I look at this truck more seriously or pass?

 

Recalls are not an indicator of quality. It means bad things were caught and updated. Sometimes they were self implemented like the seat belt retractors on the access cab models.

The biggest issue is frame rust, the 2010 is not covered by any recall for corrosion, so make sure to get it inspected by a 3rd party shop. Do not trust any dealer to inspect it properly.

 

There is very little difference between any of the 2nd generation Tacoma's. All of them are pretty bulletproof. I suppose the 2010's may have had a few more issues than other years, but everything is relative. Compared to most any other truck I'd bet the 2010's are much better than average.

My 2007 has 243,000 trouble free miles on it and it has the same running gear as a 2010. Virtually all parts would be interchangeable.

 

Welcome to Tacoma World! Sorry to hear your previous vehicle got totalled but if you want reliability then a Tacoma is a good choice. As Bishop mentioned biggest issue is frame rust otherwise I don't think the 2010 year is necessarily worse than others. 2nd Gen Tacomas run from 2005-2015 and of that range the 2012-2015 are considered Gen2.5. 2012 can be a little iffy but 2013-2015 are regarded as the most reliable with all kinds worked out. Frame rust can hit all of them though - double and triple check this on the inside of the frame rail up front by the catalytic converters and poke at it with a screwdriver to really know for sure what's going on.

$21k is a lot though for a 2010, usually they go for less. Depending on your location, there are some really nice ones for sale on the TW classifieds right now that I would take a serious look at first. Good luck with your search!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/2nd-gen-tacomas-for-sale-2005-2015.168/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-tempe-az-2013-tacoma-trd-offroad-dcsb.819370/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...riginal-owner-located-in-littleton-nh.819428/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2015-tacoma-dcsb-socal.816004/

 

The 2012-2015 2nd gens, know as the gen 2.5, featured a restyled front bumper, headlights, grille, hood, new interior and 2013's+ came with a touch screen audio system.

There is little mechanical difference but there is a major difference between them.

For $21k, you could easily get a gen 2.5 on FB marketplace / cargurus / or this forum, etc.

2010:

2013:

 

Other than the frame rust issue, the only recall for the 2010 was for the leaf springs. I haven't had any issues with my 2010, except the front wheel bearings, which is common for a lot of years. I've had mine since new and it's well looked after and plan to keep it for a long time.

If you have some pictures of the truck from underneath, load them up here for some feedback on its condition

 

I think you’d look good in something like this.

 

I had a 2010, just sold it less than a year ago. Had like 92k miles and had zero issues. It was driven hard and regularly had weight in the back.

I miss that truck so much.

 

who

miles is low
price isn't that high but also depends the spec of the truck

nobody cares what "edmunds" says
but since you apparently read what they said
go ahead and tell us what

because your VIN can be searched. You can find what recalls were done, and what is needed.
It is probably one in the entire life of the truck. Leaf springs replace free due to faulty metallurgy.

how would a 2010 truck match those
well, it's not that different. You are right. Newer tends to mean worse.
But, go look at a 1GR-FE block. It's about as complex as a rock. I like that and I don't. I wish it was an iron (turbo)diesel.
2010MY; it came out in 05. Ran through '15. Engine still used in 4runner to this day, past 4th gen, current 5th gen.
So what. 15+ years using a motor?
Compare that to a brand that comes out with a new crap motor, realizes "oh dang this thing sucks" then they stop in 2 years.

These are probably pretty reliable. I won't say needs nothing. Less.
If I had a 70 series LC, doesn't mean I'd be pissing in the gas tank going "It's a Toyota, they made it from Fairy Dust"

Carvana means they're flipping it for thousands

at higher miles and older year, mine needed, wait for it, a $20 blower resistor

I kind of want a 1st gen. Probably won't get one.
-LBJ design is worse
-makes less power
-smaller
-ridiculous prices
-frame rust
-don't really see them spec'd good. Usually it's something like 4AT DCSB "champagne" color.
-1st and turd gen subforums have frequent posts about shit breaking; 2nd gen does not
-even higher miles
-interior doesn't look that good to me
-I already have basically the same thing that I know the history of. Why change it
I've seen 5VZ-FE's pulled. Never seen a GR need pulling.

2nd gen is not the only vehicle to consider in this class. There are many.
There's also some folks probably would not consider; turd gen

pros and cons to each of them
-Pickup? Slow 22R/22RE. Probably needs work by now. Not a diesel. Small. High miles. Ridiculous prices.

There's a saying. Garbage in garbage out. You get out what you put in.
You want feedback on a vehicle, post the vehicle.
You input info "I heard from my buddys neighbors cousins friend"
nothing useful will happen

I wouldn't call this a 21st century truck. The features are a steering wheel. Thankfully it does not have BS like windshield camera, etc.

 

Whoever told you that is full of crap,2005-6 Tacomas had some head gasket and motor mount issues,2012Tacomas had secondary air pump issues that's about it.
2010 Tacomas are just fine.

 

In 2010, the DOT went on a witch hunt with Toyota regarding "unintended acceleration" and floor mat gas pedal entrapment, so Toyota started doing more recalls in 2010. The recalls were not specific to 2010, but covered earlier-year trucks as well, things like loose screws in the access cab seat belt retractor, leaf spring breakage, chopped gas pedal (to make floor mat interference less likely), etc.

2010 isn't any more susceptible to the following issues that affect most 2nd gens, so you should give this truck a thorough inspection:

Frame rust (look for fist-sized holes near the catalytic converters)
Steering rack leak (seepage near the tie rod bellows)
Timing cover leak (near the power steering pump)
Rotted out radiator support bushings
Worn out wheel bearings
A/C leak at the high-pressure line going to the condenser
Squeaky clutch due to worn-out throwout bearing quill on the bellhousing (if manual)

These are on top of general wear items for any truck more than 10 years old, leaking suspension ball joints, cracked bushings, worn brakes, sloppy driveshaft U-joints and carrier bearing, leaking CV axle boots, old spare tire hardened like a hockey puck...

 

.... and what do they drive?

 

Neon Campbells Tomato Soup

 

My 2-cents/only comment on the specific one you are looking at is that I think it's overpriced. (IMO) As for the 2010's and 2nd gen overall: It was 5 years into it's product cycle when it was built and 5 years away from end-of-life: good slot to be in. All the early issues were resolved and only a couple came up towards the end as noted in earlier posts. Focus 90% of your attention on the frame: it's not covered by the extended Toyota warranty. Did Edmunds even mention the frame issues and recall?

As far as I'm concerned the 2nd Generation Tacomas' are just as reliable and tough as their first generation ancestors were. (well...almost anyway. Maybe. ) Both available engines are almost indestructible and so are the transmissions unless they have been severely abused. If it's a 4x4, test it out on all settings and make sure everything on it works without any drama.

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Nah man, that years fine

might be a touch high tho

 

Thank you all for your advice. To answer some comments, the truck is through Carvana. I looked again and the 2010 is 18k, not 21k, I must have been looking at the wrong truck when I got that price. I live in a tiny rural Texas town, so shopping for privately owned vehicles has availability issues.

The people who are telling me to avoid the 2010 year are good people and are only trying to look out for me, since I'm not mechanically skilled. They aren't trying to insult the Tacomas and in fact, told me not to buy another Honda and look at the Tacomas and Tundras instead. They might not know the truth about the reliability of the 2010 though (maybe they google searched, or knew someone who knew a guy...), and that's why I came here. Please don't judge them too harshly. By what y'all have said, it looks like a 2010 is as reliable as any other year.

When it comes available on Carvana I will see what the inspection says. And no matter what vehicle I buy, from any source, it will go into the shop for a detailed inspection on my end. Y'all have given me a lot to think about and I'm very grateful.

 

Whoever told 2010 is the worst year is full of shit.

 

My 2010 Tacoma is turning out to be the best and longest truck I’ve owned so far and I’ve owned a ton of Tacomas and tundras ranging from 1st thru 3rd gen

 

New model years are bug years. It is the first year of untested new technology.
Over years, refinement happens.
2nd gen Tacoma release year is not 2010.

 

I’d take my son’s 2010 over the 2017 I had without hesitation.

150k and zero issues.