Diagsheet

2016 Toyota Tacoma · symptom sheet

Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems

  • 37owner reports
  • 14,948median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Jan 27, 2022 · checked Sep 19, 2026

136 of the 323 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 37 of those describe drivetrain problems, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Tacoma.

Tick what matches of 37 reports

4
25
1
2
21

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the differential (35 reports) and the transfer case (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

17V-285Apr 27, 2017
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit

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
Risk: 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.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 10,000 and 25,000 miles, from the 28 reports that gave a mileage.

216
2917
418
120
122

What owners wrote

No report on this problem is short enough to quote in full.

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 37 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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