VehicleVerdict

2016 Toyota Tacoma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma sits mid-pack among Tacoma years: 416 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 301, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 136 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

416

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Tacoma years?

Tacoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted977 complaints1995: 214 complaints1996: 321 complaints1997: 148 complaints1998: 358 complaints1999: 303 complaints2000: 274 complaints2001: 504 complaints2002: 443 complaints2003: 479 complaints2004: 545 complaints2005: 871 complaints2006: 977 complaints2007: 676 complaints2008: 556 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 343 complaints2011: 226 complaints2012: 406 complaints2013: 169 complaints2014: 133 complaints2015: 140 complaints2016: 416 complaints2017: 318 complaints2018: 275 complaints2019: 299 complaints2020: 124 complaints2021: 113 complaints2022: 77 complaints2023: 65 complaints2024: 182 complaints2025: 89 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Tacoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tacoma years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Toyota Tacoma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission13633%
Other5012%
Engine4711%
Electrical System4010%
Seats225%
Body & Structure215%
Brakes195%
Lighting184%
Fuel System143%
Suspension143%
Visibility & Wipers102%
Speed Control102%
Airbags51%
Steering41%
Seat Belts20%
Tires & Wheels20%
Latches & Locks10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V425000OtherJuly 3, 2017 · 3,547 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.

17V356000EngineJune 1, 2017 · 31,824 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0H.

17V285000TransmissionApril 27, 2017 · 227,732 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.

Consequence

If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall June 19, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0G.

15V656000AirbagsOctober 14, 2015 · 306 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver's knee air bag module.

Consequence

The incorrect bolts may loosen over time and affect the performance of the driver's knee air bag, increasing the risk of driver injury during a crash that necessitates deployment of the air bags.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct driver's knee air bag module mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is F0T.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE HAS A NOTICEABLE DELAY AND ABRUPT SHIFTING WHEN CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. THE DELAY IN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE FEELS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT OFTEN CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 4000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER REGARDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 14, 2016

“AS TRUCK WAS COMING TO A SAFE STOP, THE TRUCK QUICKLY ACCELERATED INTO A SMALL TREE AND CAUSED DAMAGE. SAME SYMPTOM LATER ON HIGHWAY AND ALMOST HAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SO I PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND CALLED FOR WRECKER SERVICE. TRUCK NOW AT PANAMA CITY TOYOTA STILL WAITING FOR CODE READING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 20, 2016 · crash

“TRANSMITION SLEEP ALSO PUSH GAS PEDAL AND GO DOWN SPEED AND JUMP ASTER ACELERATE AND DELAY WENT I STAR 1RS GEAR NOT MOVE AFTER FEW SECONDS MOTOR MAKE WEAR NOISES LIKE NOKING ONLY HAVE 67000 MILES SUSPENTION IS BAD SEP ON CURVES AND TURN AT 25 MIKES PRE HOURS SO BAD SCARRY BACK PART IS MOVING SO BAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 22, 2019

“While driving down the road with my driver seat warmer on, the heating element and/or associated electronics burned a hole in the seat canvas and through the jacket I was wearing. I think a small fire started which I put out with my finger and then I turned off the seat heater.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 11, 2022 · fire

“While driving down the road with my driver seat warmer on, the heating element and/or associated electronics burned a hole in the seat canvas and through the jacket I was wearing. I think a small fire started which I put out with my finger and then I turned off the seat heater.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · November 11, 2022 · fire

2016 Toyota Tacoma — common questions

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tacoma: 416 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2016 Tacoma problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (136 complaints), other (50 complaints), engine (47 complaints).

Does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Tacoma years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tacoma years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among Tacoma years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.