Third generation (N300)
2016 Toyota Tacoma
The most reported problem on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is drivetrain problems, with 37 complaints, usually around 15,000 miles.
- 323owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 4involved a crash
- 17,167median miles at failure
Newest report Jul 6, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Tacoma doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma has 323 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 278 for 2016 pickups on this site. Of the 12 Tacoma model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 29 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (24). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, drivetrain problems, covers 37 of the 323 complaints (11%), and transmission shudder is next with 26 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). Drivetrain problems tends to show up early. Of the 28 owners who gave a mileage for it, half were under about 15,000 miles and a quarter under about 10,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 9 of the 323 complaints (3%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 4 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 1 person was hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- drivetrain problems and transmission shudder all have recalls on the same system, and the same campaigns cover them: 17V-285. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2017 at 105 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 10. So far in 2026, 7 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems, 37 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
323 complaints is 1.3 times the median 2016 model on this site and 1.2 times the median 2016 pickup. Among the 12 Tacoma model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota filed 410 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. 53 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 4 bulletins · 37 complaints
Some 2016 ? 2017 model year Tacoma Double Cab 4WD vehicles equipped with a BD22 rear differential may exhibit a whine type noise from the rear of the vehicle.
Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Tacoma 4WD vehicles may exhibit a cyclical groaning or grinding noise coming from the front differential in 2WD that is not present during 4WD operation. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
2 more on this problem
TT: Some customers may experience a stuck in 4HI or 4LO condition due to a damaged transfer case actuator. After replacing the actuator, the normal operating condition is restored.
TT: Some vehicles may exhibit a fluid leak from the rear differential carrier to axle housing gasket. The differential may exhibit noise or the fasteners may be loose.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 26 complaints
SOME 2016 MODEL YEAR TACOMA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2GR ENGINE AND THE AC60 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SHIFT FEELING CONCERNS: *DELAYED ENGAGEMENT PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE TO DRIVE. *HARSH 1ST - 2ND UPSHIFT.
Seat belt or seat problems 3 bulletins · 23 complaints
Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
Some 2010 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
1 more on this problem
Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a condition where the LH or RH seat heater is inoperative. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 18 complaints
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
Some 2015 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit brake vibration due to improper lug nut torque. Brake vibration can occur at any time if improper torque is applied to lug nuts. Even one lug nut over or under torqued can cause vibration.
2 more on this problem
REVISION NOTICE January 31, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to include 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
TT: In some 2016 MY Tacoma vehicles, customers may experience a vibration feeling when braking or on deceleration. This can occur at various speeds or pedal application forces.
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 5 bulletins · 14 complaints
TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0D FRAME CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND (CRC) APPLICATION CERTAIN 2016 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR TACOMA
REVISION NOTICE October 13, 2017 Rev1: ? The Warranty Information and Repair Procedure sections have been updated. Some 2016 ? 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the rear leaf spring when traveling over speed bumps or with movement from loading ...
3 more on this problem
Some 2016 ? 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the rear leaf spring when traveling over speed bumps or with movement from loading and unloading the suspension. Follow the Repair Procedure below to address this condition.
Howling or whistle noise from front lower control arms.
Some 2016 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a howling or whistling noise from the front lower control arms at speeds of about 25 ? 45 mph. The noise may be more noticeable when cross winds are present.
Check engine light or misfire 1 bulletin · 11 complaints
Some 2015 model year Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with a 1GR-FE engine may exhibit a MIL "ON" condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P011B - Engine Coolant Temperature / Intake Air Temperature Correlation - when no part malfunction is present.
Windshield cracks or distorts 1 bulletin · 10 complaints
Some 2016 - 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles, after being parked for an extended period of time in inclement winter weather, may exhibit an intermittent or abnormal windshield wiper operation when initially turned on due to snow or sleet accumulation under the ...
Paint peels or body rusts 34 bulletins · 8 complaints
Some 2016 – 2022 model year Tacoma vehicles with Super White (040) paint may exhibit paint peeling along the exterior window door frames, inner fender edges under the hood, and/or A-pillars. The affected panel(s) require repainting to address this condition.
To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
32 more on this problem
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
Some 2016 – 2022 model year Tacoma vehicles with Super White (040) paint may exhibit paint peeling along the exterior window door frames and/or inner fender edges under the hood. The affected panel(s) require repainting to address this condition.
DP: K0D expired on 10/31/2023. Toyota has received reports regarding frame corrosion perforation on 2011 ? 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles.
TI: K0D expired on 10/31/2023. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0D FRAME CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND (CRC) APPLICATION CERTAIN 2016 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR TACOMA
DL: Toyota has received a number of reports regarding vehicle frame corrosion perforation on certain 2011-2017 model year Tacoma vehicles.
DP: Toyota has received a number of reports regarding vehicle frame corrosion perforation on certain 2011-2017 model year Tacoma vehicles.
DP Toyota has received reports regarding frame corrosion perforation on 2011 ? 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles. In these reports, customers have indicated that vehicles operated in specific cold climate areas with high road salt usage may exhibit ...
Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
RL: Toyota has received reports regarding frame corrosion perforation on 2011 ? 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles. In these reports, customers have indicated that vehicles operated in specific cold climate areas with high road salt usage may exhibit ...
Plus 22 older ones not listed here.
Complaints filed by year
105 complaints came in 2017, 1.8 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Electrical overstress. Closed sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V-024.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Toyota Tacoma
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 4 recalls on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Drivetrain problems, with 37 of the 323 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 15,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota Tacoma problems start?
Of the 186 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 7,000 miles and half by about 17,000.
Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 29 a year against 24.
How many 2016 Toyota Tacoma complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
9 of them (3%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for drivetrain problems on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 17V-285. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.