2016 Toyota Tacoma Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Part of Generation 3 — 2016–2023.

20152017
Complaints
414
per 10K Sold
21.6
US Sales
191,631
Crashes
4
Fires
7
Injuries
2
Fatalities
Recalls
4

Worst 2016 Toyota Tacoma Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1133 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:17,124 mi
#247 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:29,751 mi
#336 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:35,062 mi
Fires:3
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

Transmission / Drivetrain
133
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
17,124
Engine Problems
47
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
29,751
Electrical Faults
36
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
35,062
Body Structure
20
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
28,516
Seat-Related Issues
19
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
54,100
Brakes
18
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
10,511
Headlight/Taillight Failures
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
44,160
Suspension Failures
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
31,658
Fuel System
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
37,071
Unintended Acceleration
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
27,186
Wipers & Visibility
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
8,335
Airbags
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
22,400
Steering Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Fog Lights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Electronic Lock/Latch Actuator
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 Toyota Tacoma

4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~263,409 vehicles.

17V425000Other Equipment · Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments
~3,547 affected

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.

17V356000Engine
~31,824 affected

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.

17V285000Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
~227,732 affected

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.

15V656000Air Bags:knee Bolster
~306 affected

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.

Other Toyota Tacoma Years

2016 Toyota Tacoma — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma has 414 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 133 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (133 complaints, avg 17,124 mi); Engine Problems (47 complaints, avg 29,751 mi); Electrical Faults (36 complaints, avg 35,062 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 25,876 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma include 4 crash-related reports, 7 fire reports, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 263,409 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota Tacoma reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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