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
323 reports, newest first.
Power train, Engine, Feb 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START-UP IMMEDIATELY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED FOR THE VEHICLE TO START-UP. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES WITHIN THREE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC NOR A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
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
Electrical system, Lane departure, Jan 8, 2021
WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A BULLETIN TO REPLACE IF AN ISSUE BEFORE THE 3 YEARS 36,000 MILES. HAVE HAD THE TRUCK FOR 4.5 YEARS AND NOW THE BSM LEFT SIDE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONLY HAVE 26,567 MILES ON THE TRUCK! IF THEY HAD AN ISSUE, WHY AREN'T THEY REPLACING THEM IF THE ISSUES HAPPEN WITHIN THE 36,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 4, 2021
THE CAB MOUNTED THIRD BRAKE LIGHT FIXTURE IS ALLOWING A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. THE SEATS AND CARPET ARE GETTING SOAKED EVERY TIME THERE IS HEAVY RAIN. EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT WILL FAIL AND MOLD AND MILDEW WILL RESULT. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. TOYOTA DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT I THINK IS A DEFECTIVE GASKET IN THIS FIXTURE. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO TOYOTA.
Service brakes, Engine, Nov 16, 2020
KNOCKING NOISE FROM VACUUM PUMP AFTER ENGINE IS WARM. BASE ON THE NHTSA ID 10133645 - TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETING T-SB-0316-17. BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVE IN THE PROBABLY DEFECTIVE PART, AND BECAUSE OF MY MEDICAL CONDITION AT THE TIME OF THE TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETING I COULD NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETING TO DE TOYOTA DEALER UNTIL 11/18/2019 ( AFTER THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY OF 36 MONTHS OR 36,000 MILES - CUSTOMER NUMBER 192461 AT ADRIEL AUTO IN RIO GRANDE PUERTO RICO. THERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A TECHNICIAN # 443901. AT THE MOMENT OF THE INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT FOUND THE CONDITION THAT I WAS CONCERN ABOUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THAT KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE VACUUM PUMP WAS NORMAL. THAT I SHOULD NOT TO BE WORRY ABOUT IT. BECAUSE OF MY MEDICAL CONDITION AND TREATMENT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO FOLLOW UP MY COMPLAINT AT TOYOTA DE PUERTO RICO. NOW THAT I AM FEELING A LITTLE BIT BETTER I AM REPORTING THIS TO YOU WITH THE HOPE THAT A SOLUTION BE FOUND. I HAVE NEVER OWN A VEHICLE FROM ANY MANUFACTURER THAT HAD SUCH A KNOCKING SOUND FROM THE VACUUM PUMP. I AM CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS IF MY BRAKE SYSTEM FAILS AND SOMEONE GETS INJURE OR KILL. IT IS MY PERCEPTION THAT THE KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE VACUUM PUMP IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND THAT TOYOTA CORPORATION MUST REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. MY VEHICLE HAVE ONLY 10,000 MILES BECAUSE OF MY ILLNESS AND ALSO BECAUSE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. I KNOW I AM A BIT LATE TO REPORT THIS CONDITION ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAVE EXPIRE. BUT THE PROBLEM PERSIST, AS A REMEDY I AM REQUESTING THAT ALL OF THE TOYOTA VEHICLES THAT PRESENT THIS KNOCKING NOISE FROM VACUUM PUMP SHOULD BE RECALL AN REPAIR UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THANK YOU
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2020
THE TRAC OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON PERIODICALLY. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND TAKE THE GAS CAP OFF AND PUT IT BACK ON AND RECONNECT THE BATTERY WHEN IT HAPPENS. ITS A PAIN IN THE BUTT. I THOUGHT I SAW A RECALL FOR THE GAS CAP SEAL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID NOPE.
Service brakes, Oct 29, 2020
KNOCKING NOISE FROM VAC PUMP. HAD THE TECH NOT NOTICED THIS WHEN WE HAD THE TRUCK SERVICED FOR ANOTHER REASON, THE VAC PUMP COULD HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, CAUSING A POTENTIAL FATAL ACCIDENT. TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL VAC PUMP FAILURE WHY DID THEY NOT ISSUE A RECALL ON THEIR OWN.
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.
Structure, Aug 8, 2020
SE LE EST DESPRENDIENDO LA PINTURA Y TIENE SARRO APARTE EL TRANSPARENTE DE LA PINTURA SE LE EST CAYENDO Y SE LE NOTAN ALGUNOS DETALLES QUE REPARARON ANTES DE QUE SALIERA AL MERCADO
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2020
TOYOTA PUSHED AN OTA (OVER-THE-AIR) THAT CAUSED FIRMWARE AND COMPLETELY DISABLES THE ONBOARD NAVIGATION. PRESENTLY, I NOW HAVE 'DRIVER EASY SPEAK' OUT OF THE BLUE AND THAT THE 'SOFTWARE IS INCOMPATIBLE' ON MY HEAD UNIT'S DISPLAY. THIS UPLOAD HAS DISABLED VARIOUS TOYOTA MODELS ACROSS THE BOARD. CONTACT WITH VARIOUS TOYOTA DEALERS HAS BEEN A WASTE OF TIME. A LETTER SENT TO TOYOTA CORPORATE HAS BEEN FRUITLESS. THE DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE NAVIGATION UNIT FOR $1000!
Exterior lighting, Structure, Jun 28, 2020
INTERIOR LEAKING WHEN IT RAINS OR WHENEVER VEHICLE GETS WET. A HEALTH HAZARD, SAFETY CONCERN, AND POTENTIAL RISK TO PASSENGERS AS WELL. CAUSE OF PROBLEM IS DEFECTIVE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT SEAL. OF COURSE TOYOTA MAKE IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO EASILY REPLACE THE LIGHT OR SEAL AS YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE INTERIOR CEILING TO GET TO BOLTS. SAD I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW AND IT LEAKS WATER BUT SINCE WARRANTY JUST ENDED, THEY WILL NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT FIXING THIS ISSUE. IF A LAWSUIT RESULTS ABOUT OF THIS COUNT ME IN, HOPEFULLY A RECALL TAKES PLACE SOON BECAUSE DUCT TAPE CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH PLUS WHO WANTS TO DRIVE AROUND WITH DUCT TAPE ON THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT.
Structure, Jun 16, 2020
THE REAR CARGO/3RD BRAKE LIGHT ON THE TOP OF THE CAB SEAL IS BROKEN AND WATER LEAKS IN TO THE REAR CAB AND SATIN IN THE HEADLINER. I HAVE LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM AND THERE SEEMS TO BE MANY COMPLAINTS. I CALLED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS AFTER GETTING MY TRUCK SERVICED FOR A RECALL ITEM AND THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP EVEN KNOWING THAT THERE IS A TSB 0055-18. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 10, 2020
AFTER A COMMUTE DRIVE I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE. AN HOUR LATER, WENT BACK IN THE GARAGE AND SMELLED A STRONG AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAK. AFTER VERIFICATION I FOUND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES WERE LEAKING RIGHT ABOVE THE DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. DROVE TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER AND HAD NEW LINES PUT IN. *TR
Power train, Jun 3, 2020
AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK IN GEAR AND REQUIRES MUCH MORE FORCE THAN USUAL TO PUT THE GEARBOX INTO NEUTRAL. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF LOGAN (297 E MAIN ST, LOGAN, OH 43138), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC RETRIEVED DTC CODES: C1380 AND C1422. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STOP LIGHT RELAY MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF HOW TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS DUE TO BE INSPECTED AND TREATED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSION INHIBITER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,495.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Seat belts, May 18, 2020
2016 TOYOTA TACOMA PURCHASED FROM STOKES BROWN TOYOTA NEW. THE SEATBELT AIRBAG LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BLINKS CONTINUALLY EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED AND OFF. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 10, 2020
3RD BRAKE LIGHT SEAL DEFECTIVE. RAIN WATER ENTERS BACK OF CABIN AND STAINS INTERIOR ROOF FROM DEFECTIVE SEAL AROUND 3RD BRAKE LIGHT. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 19, 2020
OFF-ROADING, RESTARTED VEHICLE AFTER A STOP. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS TRAC OFF ILLUMINATED. TRIED TO DRIVE FORWARD AND TRUCK STALLED AND MESSAGE SAID HIGH TRANSMISSION TEMP. GOGGLED ISSUE TO DISCOVER A RECALL FOR CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILURE. LOOKED UP MY VIN AND I DON'T HAVE THAT RECALL ALTHOUGH I HAVE THE STATED YEAR AND MODEL. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
Engine, Apr 8, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE STARTED LURCHING AND LOOSING POWER THEN ABRUPTLY SHUT OFF.
Seats, Mar 25, 2020
WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, TURNED ON, AND IN MOTION, THE AMP FOR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT HEATER PRETTY MUCH MELTED. I SMELT AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL, AND WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE SOURCE.
Seats, Mar 24, 2020
I NOTICED WHEN MY DRIVER SEAT HEATER WAS IN THE "ON" POSITION, THE SEAT WAS NOT HEATING UP. ELECTRICAL WIRING/CONNECTOR FOR THE HEATED SEAT MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT OVERHEATED OR ARCED CAUSING THE CONNECTOR (S) TO MELT POSING A SAFETY/FIRE HAZARD AND RENDERING THE HEATED SEAT INOPERABLE. TSB FROM TOYOTA COVERS THIS UP TO 3YEARS/36,000 MILES. MILEAGE AT TIME OF FAILURE: 61,000 MILES.
Electrical system, Seats, Mar 9, 2020
ELECTRICAL WIRING/CONNECTOR FOR THE HEATED SEAT MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT OVERHEATED OR ARCED CAUSING THE CONNECTOR (S) TO MELT POSING A SAFETY HAZARD AND RENDERING THE HEATED SEAT INOPERABLE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2020
STALLING WHEN DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED