2011 Toyota Tacoma Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 17%of 186 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,650miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, 17% of the 186 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,650 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Day time running lights are too hot. The bulbs have melted and bubbled the plastic housing. Called Toyota and they said it was out of warranty and that a notice was sent out about this issue which I never received. Took my truck to two different dealerships and was never told about any issue. Toyota will not cover any repairs or replacements.”
NHTSA complaint #11006740, filed 2017-07, 52,000 miles“The running light lens on driver's side is fogged and cracked. Toyota issued a voluntary recall and sent me a letter that they would replace part up to 5 years or 70,000 miles. I have 65,000 miles but my truck is greater than 5 years old, and they would not replace the part after I contacted them. According to my local dealer this will eventually happen to the other side as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11001301, filed 2017-06, 65,000 miles“Purchased new Toyota Tacoma 2011 from local dealer. Problem is with daytime running lights getting too hot and burning and cracking lens. Customer service says they sent out warranty policy bulletin (pol14-03) , but I never received notice. They also say both warranties they created because of this problem, have expired, and will not pay for repairs. I am worried they may start a fire because of the overheating.”
NHTSA complaint #11025324, filed 2017-09, 35,000 miles“My daytime running light bulbs are beginning to melt the lenses. The drl are a safety item and Toyota has not issued a recall for this. I feel as the truck ages the drl will continue to melt and will not be as visible to other drivers. Also if the headlamp assemblies build up enough heat it could pose a fire risk.”
NHTSA complaint #10567068, filed 2014-03, 62,220 miles“Took vehicle in to dealer for other work. Was told by service advisor that technician found my headlights to be melting. Service advisor showed me problem and said it was daylight running lights. They were cracked and burned as was the assembly. I was quoted a price of $1300 to replace them. I purchased the vehicle new and have had it for 2 1/2 years. This is a hazard and a danger and they should be replaced by Toyota at their cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10559333, filed 2014-01, 40,350 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10174876Apr 20, 2020DL: ZLZ Expired on 04/20/2020
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 17 | 5% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 32 | 17% |
| 2010 | 25 | 9% |
| 2009 | 105 | 20% |
| 2008 | 15 | 3% |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2011 Toyota Tacoma
60 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology