How long will a 2017 Tacoma last?
A well-maintained 2017 Toyota Tacoma can commonly reach 200,000 miles or more, with many owners reporting 250,000 to 300,000 miles or higher as a achievable target.
To understand how long this pickup can last, it helps to look at overall reliability, the specifics of the engine and drivetrain, and the maintenance practices that extend a truck’s life. Toyota’s reputation for durability, combined with regular service, typically translates into long-lasting performance for the 2017 Tacoma.
What determines a Tacoma’s longevity
Several factors influence how long a 2017 Tacoma will run reliably. The engine and drivetrain design, frame integrity, and the owner’s maintenance discipline all play critical roles. Driving conditions—such as frequent heavy towing, rough off-road use, or extreme climates—can accelerate wear. Conversely, a consistent service history, timely repairs, and careful driving can push the odometer well beyond the 200,000-mile mark.
Engine and drivetrain durability
The 2017 Tacoma uses a robust V6 powertrain that is known for durability when properly maintained. The drivetrain relies on a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which reduces a common maintenance item. Regular oil changes, cooling system care, and transmission service are the main levers that influence long-term reliability. With routine care, the powertrain can perform reliably for well over a hundred thousand miles, and many examples reach three times that baseline.
Maintenance and care
Maintenance is the strongest predictor of how long a Tacoma will last. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, using quality fluids, and addressing issues promptly can dramatically extend life. Toyota’s maintenance minder system helps guide service intervals, and owners who stay ahead of wear items—brakes, tires, suspension components, belts and hoses, and cooling system parts—tend to see fewer unexpected failures.
Typical mileage milestones for a 2017 Tacoma
Real-world ownership stories often describe predictable milestones as a Tacoma ages. The figures below reflect common outcomes among well-cared-for examples and illustrate what long-term ownership looks like.
- 200,000 miles: A common threshold for many well-maintained Tacomas; routine maintenance and timely part replacements keep the truck on the road.
- 250,000 miles: A reachable milestone for owners who stay on top of oil changes, fluid replacements, and wear-item maintenance.
- 300,000 miles: An aspirational but increasingly common milestone for committed owners, especially with proactive cooling, ignition, and drivetrain care.
- 350,000 miles and beyond: Not unheard of in the enthusiast community, typically requiring meticulous upkeep and mindful driving habits.
In practice, these milestones depend on how the vehicle has been cared for, driven, and stored, as well as the environment in which it operates. A solid maintenance routine and careful usage can make these targets more attainable.
Maintenance fundamentals to maximize life span
Below are core maintenance areas that most experts agree have the greatest impact on longevity. Adhering to these practices supports reliability across the vehicle’s life cycle.
- Regular oil and filter changes with the recommended grade and interval (synthetic oils often allow longer intervals, depending on the MFD).
- Timely transmission fluid service (intervals vary by model and specifications; many owners follow 60,000–100,000 miles depending on usage but check the owner’s manual).
- Cooling system upkeep, including coolant changes and inspection of hoses, radiator, and water pump to prevent overheating damage.
- Brake system maintenance: rotors, pads, calipers, and fluid checks to avoid pad/rotor wear and related safety concerns.
- Suspension and steering components inspection, especially after off-road use or rough driving conditions.
- Spark plugs and ignition system service at recommended intervals to maintain efficiency and prevent misfires.
When owners stay ahead of wear and perform required maintenance on schedule, the 2017 Tacoma’s life expectancy tends to be at the higher end of the spectrum compared with many peers.
Summary
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma is widely regarded as a durable, long-lasting pickup. With disciplined maintenance, a well-preserved engine and drivetrain, and sensible usage, reaching 200,000 miles or more is a reasonable expectation, and many trucks in the community report 250,000–300,000 miles or higher. The key driver of longevity is consistent, proactive care—oil changes, fluid services, cooling system maintenance, and timely replacement of wear items—combined with moderate use and proper storage. For buyers considering a used 2017 Tacoma, a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on the drivetrain, frame integrity, suspension, brakes, and history of any off-road use can help gauge long-term durability and ownership costs.
Can a Tacoma last 500,000 miles?
Yes, Toyota's are known for their reliability. Toyotas have an average lifespan of 200,000-250,000 miles. If you make sure to keep your car with proper care and maintenance, Toyotas can be driven over 500,000 miles.
What year to stay away from Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid include 2006, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019 due to issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine issues. Other problematic years include 2005, 2007, and 2012, which also have known issues.
This video explains the Toyota Tacoma models to avoid: 39sShifting LanesYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Second Generation (2005–2015)
- 2005–2010: Prone to significant frame rust due to poor drainage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement.
- 2006: Suffers from frame rust, and has transmission issues such as slipping and hard shifting.
- 2007: Experienced a spike in complaints related to body, engine, and drivetrain issues.
- 2009: Had numerous complaints about the radio, and also featured frame rust issues.
- 2012: Saw an increase in engine stalling and hesitation, and issues with the electronic stability control system.
- 2015: Had a spike in complaints about transmission failures and faulty drivetrain components.
Third Generation (2016–Present)
- 2016: The first model year of the third generation, it has the most complaints, including transmission problems (rough shifting, slipping), engine issues (stalling, oil consumption), and infotainment system glitches.
- 2017: Continues with transmission problems, rough and noisy steering, and issues with interior material quality.
- 2019: Reports of sluggish and clunky transmissions with jerking and vibrating, and safety recalls for fuel pump issues.
Should I buy a Tacoma with 150k miles?
How many miles is too many for a used Tacoma? If it's well-maintained, a Tacoma with 150,000–200,000 miles can still have plenty of life left. Always request a service history report and schedule a professional inspection before buying.
How many miles can a 2017 Tacoma last?
Toyota Tacoma Longevity
With proper maintenance, it's not uncommon for a Toyota Tacoma to last well beyond 250,000 miles—and many owners report reaching the 300,000-mile mark or more. In fact, automotive analysts and reliability rankings consistently place the Tacoma among the top vehicles for longevity.
