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2016 Toyota TacomaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 324 owner complaints about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-425 the manufacturer reports only 56% of affected cars repaired.

2016 Toyota Tacoma
49
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the Tacoma median · #13 of 30 years by complaints
Safety recalls4Lowest repair rate 56%Owner complaints3249 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage11kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Slapotoic, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Toyota Tacoma has problems

324 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train1360
Engine470
Electrical system373
Seats223
Structure222
Service brakes180
Exterior lighting170
Suspension140
Fuel/propulsion system140
11 other systems392

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

2016 Toyota Tacoma recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

56%repaired · 2019 Q2

Equipment

Recall 17V-425 · Jul 3, 2017 · 3,547 vehicles · 1,972 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

87%repaired · 2018 Q3

Driveline: differential unit

Recall 17V-285 · Apr 27, 2017 · 227,732 vehicles · 197,560 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

83%repaired · 2017 Q1

Air bags: knee bolster

Recall 15V-656 · Oct 14, 2015 · 306 vehicles · 254 repaired

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.

Mileage at failure

When do power train problems start?

11kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 83 power train complaints. 96% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
71under 30k miles80under 100k miles3100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other Tacoma year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tacoma median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 Toyota Tacoma safety ratings

2016 Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 2WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 4 stars (14.7% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Electrical overstressEA19001 · closed Sep 19, 2024
    Led to recall 20V-024
In owners' words

What Tacoma owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while driving. The contact noticed there was fluid emerging from the rear of the vehicle near the tire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no…
Complaint 11738757 · May 19, 2026 · 100,000 miles
2016 Toyota Tacoma is known to have an issue with the timing cover leaking oil. This is a Fire Hazard: Oil leaking onto hot engine components can vaporize and ignite, posing a fire risk to the vehicle and surrounding areas and can cause environmental pollution.
Complaint 11722712 · Mar 7, 2026
I purchased the vehicle new and noticed right away that the transmisson would clunk right away when I put it into gear[ it's an automatic]. I asked the dealership about it and they said it was normal and no issues. Now I'm [XXX] and have owned many cars so.... Anyway, over the years I've asked…
Complaint 11614574 · Sep 14, 2024

Own a 2016 Tacoma?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.