2016 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 323 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 4 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, hood, hinge and attachmentsJul 3, 2017
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.
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V425000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineJun 1, 2017
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.
An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V356000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitApr 27, 2017
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V285000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, knee bolsterOct 14, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V656000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
50 reports, newest first. Show all
Seat belts, Seats, Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2026
Dear Toyota Japan Customer Experience Team, I am the owner of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma currently registered in Guam, U.S.A. I am writing to request your assistance regarding a water leak issue from the rear brake light area, which has caused the carpets and seats to become wet and develop mold. I originally purchased this vehicle in Saipan and recently relocated to Guam. When I visited the Guam Toyota Service Center, they kindly inspected my vehicle and informed me that this issue is related to the 3rd brake light gasket recall; however, the recall period has already expired. Unfortunately, I was never notified of this recall while the vehicle was in Saipan. Continuous exposure to mold has seriously affected both my health and my daughter’s health. Because of this, I had the vehicle professionally cleaned and sanitized by a specialist company. The Tacoma has always been our family’s favorite car, but now I drive it only because I have no choice. Every time I get in, I feel anxious and uneasy. The water leak itself is concerning, but the mold issue worries me even more. I truly hope this water leak and the mold problem can both be resolved so that I can once again enjoy driving my Tacoma with peace of mind. The blue circles in the attached photos indicate areas suspected of mold. These photos were taken right before I sent the car for cleaning. According to the cleaning company, when they removed the seats, they found water underneath the seats and carpets. Whenever I drive the vehicle, I experience persistent coughing and headaches due to mold exposure. This has become a serious health and safety concern. Since this issue is directly related to a previously recalled safety defect, I kindly request Toyota Japan to consider a Goodwill Repair or Safety Exception to address the water leak and the resulting interior damage.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2025, fire
The seat heater pins have melted, leaving black residue. thus showing possibilities of a fire
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2024
Paint is chipping off in several places and have read this is a major problem with tacomas in the white color
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2024
I have recently been made aware of the Super White paint recall and know that is not yet in full force or able to be serviced at this time. That being said, it appears that the recall only covers " paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color", But there are multiple reports of this entire paint job being defective over multiple generations as well as paint outside of these areas specified. This recall should cover an entire repaint and is extremely frail in quality otherwise.
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2024
I purchased this vehicle in May 2016. The vehicel has the "Super White" paint package. In late May 2019 I noticed the paint was starting to peel off the door frame, above the headlights and above the windshield. I contacted the Toyota Dealership where I purchased the vehicle, Desert Toyota of Tucson) and they told me there was a recall on the paint and that I would be receiving a letter from Toyota USA about this. A year went by and I contacted Toyota USA, and was told there was no recall on my vehicle due to paint peeling. I again contacted Toyota USA in 2021 (Incident # 210719-000344) regarding the peeling paint which was getting worse and was again told no recall due to peeling paint. I have spoken with the dealership several times about this and I keep getting told that I will be receiving a letter from Toyota USA, but there is a backlog. I called Toyota USA again this morning 8/13/2024 and was told no recall on my peeling paint, yet my dealer insists there is one. Toyota USA told me to conatct the NHTSA about this, so I have.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2023
On 10/30/2023 Toyota stopped supporting Scout GPS Link. This is the Toyota installed navagation system and the only navagation system that works with the Toyota display/audio system. All other navagation systems are blocked from the Toyota system. Navagation is now reduced to using a Cell Phone display and audio. Well this option works it is much less safe as the display is much lower beneath the driver's normal line of sight. Eyes must be taken off the road for a much longer period and looking at a much smaller display. While not as big a safety risk as other vehicle problems this may provide NHTSA with the opportunity to track the safety impact of vehcile navigation systems vs hand held nagivation systems.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 8, 2023
Truck had to be abandoned after I attempted to start it and the brake pedal was stiff and the ignition would not allow starter to function. Dashboard message indicated a brake problem with transmission interlock. The next day, after viewing a U-Tube video on the problem (same make/model/year) I held the starter button in for 12-15 seconds with no foot on the brake. The engine started but the transmission remained locked in Park. Tow truck operator was able to release the shifter using an access port and screwdriver and found that he could drive it up onto the inclined platform. Once in place on the platform he shifted to Park and found it was again locked. This issue disabled the truck in a traffic area where it could not be started or shifted into Neutral to move it...a dangerous situation.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2023
White paint is peeling off in multiple places on the body of the vehicle. There is a change.org petition with 5,000+ signatures, yet Toyota has refused to do anything about the issue. https://www.change.org/p/toyota-motor-company-hold-toyota-accountable-for-2008-2022-tacoma-super-white-peeling-paint
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2023
Toyota has a recall for all of the White vehicles EXCEPT for the tacoma. The tacoma has the same issues with paint flaking off in sheets yet they will not cover the repairs or extend the recall to include the truck. There are thousands of us that have signed a change.org petition and complained to toyota but haven't received any support. My paint started flaking when it was just past the 36 month warranty. currently this flaking is on 9 of my body panels. Link to the online petition with photos. https://www.change.org/p/toyota-motor-company-hold-toyota-accountable-for-2008-2022-tacoma-super-white-peeling-paint
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2023
Recent in December wife said there’s a musty odor in truck. While vacuuming carpet on Friday 1/6/23 water came to surface. Searched everywhere for leak and found the 2 vents behind back seats had bad gaskets and leaking bad. After getting access under carpet, passenger side was dry but growing mold and drivers side is holding slimy water. The back seats are a little higher and we’re dry but signs of mold as well. These vents pop out through the cab outward but the bed has to be removed to replace them. I used silicone to seal from inside to stop water intrusion. Dealership no help, report and claim filed with Toyota corporate, insurance company and waiting for response. During the holidays, wife road in my truck several times and ended up spending a week in the hospital due to a fungal infection in her lungs and may be linked to the mold. While on a chat group, Tacoma Owners Group and Tacoma World, there are numerous other owners with the same issue and no help from Toyota.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2022
2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PAINT ON THE ROOF OF VEHICLE BEING DISENTEGRATED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DECLINED ANY ASSISTANCE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2022
This tailgates passenger side rear hinge and bushing. Failed to hold integrity. My 4-year-old attempted to help me and load my truck up with some camping gear. He pulled the handle like he has before to drop the tailgate. The tailgate has a soft dampener built into it. This time the tailgate came of. I'm glad I was within arm's distance of him. I was able to grab the tailgate before it hit or perhaps could have crushed him. This could have Caused severe bodily injury or death. They were absolutely no warning signs before the situation happened. Upon further investigation you can find the right passenger bushing in multiple different pieces. Not sure what caused the failure in this part. But if I wasn't close by it could have seriously injured my child. And I suppose if the tailgate wasn't properly latched driving down the highway the tailgate could have come off also causing a large accident.
Seats, Other or unspecified, May 4, 2021
3RD GENERATION (2016+) TOYOTA TACOMA'S HAVE A KNOWN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING LEAKING OF THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT. DURING RAINFALL AND DRIVING THROUGH A CARWASH, WATER WILL LEAK INTO THE DRIVERS COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN WATER DAMAGE AND POTENTIAL FOR MOLD AND MILDEW. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH WILL RESULT IN THOUSANDS OF OWNERS REPORTING THIS ISSUE. TOYOTA REFUSES TO COVER THIS ISSUE IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THEIR WARRANTY PERIOD, WHICH CAN RESULT IN $1000+ LABOR BILL TO REPLACE A FAULTY GASKET. SEEING AS THIS IS A POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK TO OWNERS, THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY RECALL TO REPLACE FOR OWNERS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2021
WHEN IT RAINS WATER COMES INSIDE THE CABIN AROUND BRAKE LIGHT AND SOAKS THE SEATS. I NOTICED THIS WHEN THE TRUCK IS STATIONARY. I THINK IT'S COMING AROUND THE BRAKE LIGHTS GASKET THE WHOLE BACK IF WET ON THE DRIVER SIDE LOOKS LIKE WATER IS COMING IN FROM THE BRAKE LIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE HEADLINER. I'VE ALSO SEEN OTHER VIEWS OR REPORTS ON THIS INCIDENT
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2020
MY TRUCK IS LEAKING AT THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT INTO MY BACK SEAT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2020
AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT WORKING WELL. TAKE TOO LONG TO GETS COLD AND IT'S SOUNDS LIKE A LEAKING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURN OFF. I TOOK IT TO REPAIR AND THE EVAPORATOR IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE TO BUY THE OEM ITEM: EVAPORATOR AND SENSOR ASM; PART NO: 88511-04020.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2020
DURING HEAVY RAINFALL, BACK DRIVER SIDE GETS WET. I NOTICED THIS BACK IN MARCH AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ASKED ME TO CALL BACK IN A WEEK BECAUSE THEY WERE CLOSING DUE TO COVID. I'VE HAD MEDICAL ISSUES SINCE THEN AND HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT THEM. BUT I'LL TRY TO TOMORROW. NOW THE WATER FROM THE RAINS ARE GETTING TO THE MIDDLE BETWEEN THE TWO SEATS. SMELLS BAD. I FEEL THAT THE SEAT FOAMS ARE BAD. AND IT'S GROWING MILDEW ON THE BOTTOM LEFT SIDE (ON THE CARPET) UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE BACK SEAT. THE TOP OF THE INSIDE OF THE ROOF ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS ONLY SHOWING WATER THAT HIGH. THE SEAM ON TOP OF THE TRUCK SEEMS SECURE SO I FEEL LIKE IT'S COMING THROUGH THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT (THE ONE THAT IS ABOVE THE WINDOW). I KNOW IT'S GETTING WET WHEN THE TRUCK IS STILL. PRETTY SURE IT IS, AS WELL, WHEN THE TRUCK IS MOVING. ALSO, I MENTIONED THAT I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE BACK IN MARCH. BUT THE PICS THAT I SUBMITTED ARE FROM THE RAIN THAT WE JUST GOT TODAY.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2020
THE BLUETOOTH ON THE IPHONE 11 PRO MAX AND THE TACOMA ARE NOT COMMUNICATING CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE I CAN NOT TALK HANDS FREE AS I AM SUPPOSE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO SO. THE ENTIRE HEADSET WILL TURN OFF AND ON CONSTANTLY , THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS IS TO EITHER TURN OFF THE BLUETOOTH ON THE IPHONE OR REMOVE THE IPHONE FROM THE TACOMA. I HAVE READ ON LINE THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND EITHER TOYOTA OR APPLE IS DOING ANYTHING TO RESOLVE IT, CAUSING A SAFTEY ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2019
BUEN DIA HACE UNOS MESES CUANDO DESCUBRI QUE MI CARRO TENIA UN RECALL DEL ABANICO DEL BLOWER DEL AIRE ACONDICIONADO HABLE A TOYOTA DE MI LOCALIDAD Y AGENDE UNA CITA, CUANDO ME RECIBIERON EL CARRO Y EMPEZARON A INGRESAR LA INFORMACION, ME DIJERON QUE NO PODIAN REPARAR ESE RECALL DEBIDO A QUE MI CARRO ERA SALVAGE, POR LO QUE NO HICIERON LA REPARACION. MI PREGUNTA ES PORQUE OTRAS AGENCIAS SI HACEN LAS REPARACIONES AUN SI EL CARRO ES SALVAGE, TUVE HACE UNOS AOS UN PROBLEMA SIMILAR CON UN CARRO NISSAN Y ELLOS SI ME LO REPARARON SIN IMPORTAR QUE FUERA SALVAGE EL TITULO DEL CARRO.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2019
BSM SENSORS STOP WORKING AND AFTER FEW BACK TO WORK WEEK LATTER STOP WORK AND DEALERS CAN NOT FOUND THE REASIN TO FAIL 3 TIMES ON DEALERS STILL NOT FOUND THE PROBLEM AND SAY ONLY TOYOTA HAVE THE SOLUTION TO APROBE A RECALL FOR THESE ISSUE
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA THROUGH A DRIVE-THRU CAR WASH AND WATER STARTED TO DRIP THOUGH THE CEILING. MY TOYOTA TACOMA WAS IN MOTION AS IT WAS ROLLING THROUGH THE CAR WASH CYCLE. AFTER READING MULTIPLE FORUM POSTS, OTHER TOYOTA TACOMA OWNERS DESCRIBED THAT THEIR VEHICLES LEAKED WATER FROM THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ON TOP OF THE CAB BECAUSE OF A A DAMAGED SEAL OR BEING IMPROPERLY SEALED.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2019
MY VEHICLE IS JUST OVER 3 YEARS OLD WITH ABOUT 34000 MILES. I'VE HAD MULTIPLE VEHICLES PRIOR TO MY TACOMA AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO CHANGE THE EVAPORATOR CORE. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT A LOT OF TACOMAS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. MY CONCERN IS THAT FROM 2016 AND UP THE TACOMAS STARTED USING THE NEW FREE ON, TYPE 1234YF, WHICH I BELIEVE IS FLAMMABLE, UNLIKE R134. TOYOTA SHOULD REALLY LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2019
WE LIVE IN A BORDER TOWN WITH MEXICO AND GOING AND COMING BACK SOMETIMES THERE ARE LONG LINES AT THE BRIDGES SO IN ONE OF THOSE TIMES TEMPERATURE STARTED TO GO UP IN THE TRUCK IT WAS OVERHEATING
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2019
MY WARNING LIGHTS ON MY SIDE MIRRORS THAT TELL ME THERE IS A VEHICLE ON MY LEFT R RIGHT AND WARNING LIGHTS AND ALARM THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO SOUND WHEN SOMETHING IS BEHIND ME WORKS INCONSISTANTLY SOMETIMES THEY WORK AND A MAJORITY OF TIME THEY DO NOT WORK CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES I AM RIDING IN CAR OR BACKING UP
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2019
I HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED ABOUT A SAFETY RECAL UNTIL I CAME TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME.