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.
Structure, Dec 17, 2018, crash
WAS HIT BY A DIFFERENT DRIVER IN A PARKING LOT.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Dec 9, 2018
MY WIFE AND I DROVE FROM AUSTIN TEXAS TO ARKADELPHI ARKANSAS DUE TO ME GETTING OUT OF THE ARMY'ACTIVE' AND MY TRUCK HAD BEEN SLOWLY STUDDERJNG, SPITTING ETC.. WELL IT IS STALLED AT A PARKING LOT FOR A WEEK NOW.. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 'CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR' FOR MY EXACT MODE AND TOYOTA WILL NOT HONOR MY TRUCK FOR IT AND THAT'S THE CODE IT'S READING ETC..
Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 6, 2018
MY BSM SENSORS WERE BLINKING AND A NOTICE CAME UP ON THE CONSOLE TO CHECK BSM INDICATORS. I MANUALLY TURNED OFF THIS FUNCTION AND BACK ON---THE LIGHT WAS BLINKING AND THE BSM SENSORS WERE STILL NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN THE DEALERSHIP TODAY THEY DID SOME TESTS AND LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BSM WIRE HARNESS BECAUSE OF WATER DAMAGE GETTING INTO THE REAR BUMPER. THE ESTIMATE WAS FOR 1,0588.49 FOR REPARE. I THINK IF TOYOTA IS SELLING BLIND SPOT MONITORS AS A SAFETY FEATURE, THEY SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THIS IS AN OFF ROAD VEHICLE? THIS SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM AFTER RESEARCHING IT ONLINE AND IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD, NOT TO MENTION THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD.
Engine, Nov 27, 2018
HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AT TIMES.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PERFORMED VERY SLOWLY EVEN WHEN THEY WERE ON THE HIGHEST SPEED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING THE ROAD CLEARLY DURING HEAVY RAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE CALVERT TOYOTA (2333 S LOOP W, HOUSTON, TX 77054) WHERE THEY STATED THAT ALL THE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED THE SAME WAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Suspension, Oct 31, 2018
WHEN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A POPPING , CLICKING SOUND
Exterior lighting, Oct 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE WET EVERY TIME IT RAINS WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEAK WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER PETERSON TOYOTA (4381 FAYETTEVILLE RD, LUMBERTON, NC 28358, (910)-375-4996) WAS CONTACTED AND A DIAGNOSED TESTING APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IF THERE WAS WORK DONE TO THE VEHICLE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Power train, Oct 5, 2018
THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS MISALIGNED AND THE CURRENT SOLUTION DOESN'T RESOLVE THE NOISE. I'M AFRAID EXCESSIVE WEAR IS HAPPENING AND ISSUE WILL ARISE MUCH SOONER
Power train, Sep 18, 2018
ON LONG TRIPS WHERE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL MILES IN ONE GEAR IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PULL IT OUT OF 4TH, 5TH OR 6TH GEAR IN ORDER TO CHANGE GEARS. THIS RESULTED IN DANGEROUS SPEED CONTROL ISSUES (BOTH TOO FAST AND TOO SLOW FOR TRAFFIC) WHILE DRIVING ON MOUNTAINOUS HIGHWAYS. THE PROBLEM AND ITS REPAIR ARE EXACTLY DESCRIBED ON TOYOTA SERVICE BULLETIN TSB-0088-16. IN MY OPINION THE BULLETIN SHOULD BE ESCALATED TO A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY CONCERNS. THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE BUT DIFFICULT TO DEMONSTRATE TO A TECHNICIAN BECAUSE IT REQUIRES A LONG DRIVE TIME AND UNDER CERTAIN TERRAIN AND/OR DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Power train, Engine, Sep 13, 2018
VEHICLE LUNGES LIKE A BUCKING BRONC AT WOT FROM STOP OR ROLLING START. IF IT WAS A CARBURETED VEHICLE (PRE-COMPUTER DAYS) I WOULD CHECK TIMING, CARBURETOR JETS,FUEL FILTER,ETC. SEEMS TO BE A LITTLE BETTER IN SPORT MODE OR ECT IN DRIVE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2018
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN JUNE 2018, USED WITH 32000 MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN A THUNDERSTORM ON 7/25/18, AND THE KIDS IN THE BACKSEAT SAID THEY WERE GETTING WET, AND THAT THE WATER WAS COMING THROUGH THE HEADLINER. LOOKED THIS UP ONLINE WHEN I GOT BACK HOME AND IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE OF THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT ON THE CAB LEAKING THROUGH THE SEAL. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAID THE REPLACEMENT SEAL WAS ON BACKORDER 2-3 MONTHS, AND THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF TRUCKS ALL OVER THE US WITH THIS PROBLEM, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY REENGINEERED IN THE 2017 MODEL. I MADE A CALL TO TOYOTA CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND A SEAL MIRACULOUSLY APPEARED AFTER 3 WEEKS. AFTER THE SEAL WAS REPLACED THE DEALER SAID THAT, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THEY FOUND MOLD, AND IT WAS THE WORST THEY HAD EVER SEEN. THEY TOOK EVERYTHING OUT OF THE CAB AND THEY HAVE TO SCRAPE ALL OF THE SOUND DEADENING MATERIAL OFF THE FLOORBOARD WHERE THE MOLD HAS CONCENTRATED. THEY WILL THEN HAVE TO HAVE AN OUTSIDE COMPANY COME IN AND TREAT THE VEHICLE FOR THE MOLD ISSUE. THEN THEY WILL HAVE TO ORDER REPLACEMENT PARTS AFFECTED. I WAS ADVISED THIS MORNING IT WILL BE ANOTHER 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE THE REPAIRS ARE COMPLETE. THANK GOD I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH A CERTIFIED WARRANTY. OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE BEEN SCREWED. WITH THE MOLD ANYONE WHO RODE IN MY CAR COULD POTENTIALLY BECOME SICK. I WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE A NEW MODEL INSTEAD TO AVOID MY KIDS GETTING SICK, BUT THE DEALER SAID IT WOULDN'T QUALIFY ON THE ARKANSAS LEMON LAW. WHY THE HELL HASN'T THIS ISSUE BEEN RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER???
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2018
THE BLOWER MOTOR ON MY TRUCK FITS THE ISSUED RECALL. HOWEVER ITS ONLY ELIDGABLE FOR CERTAIN VINS AND MINE IS NOT COVERED. HOW CAN I GET COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. THE WINDOW IS JUNE 2016 TO 2017. I PURCHASED MY TRUCK IN MARCH OF 2016. THE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN LOUD SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND DIED A MONTH AGO. I SAW THIS RECALL RELEASE AND DO NOT KNOW WHY MY TRUCK ISN'T COVERED. I BELIEVE THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 30, 2018
MY CAR 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS REBUILT TITLE AND VOIDS THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. TOYOTA CORP HAS TSB 0077-16 SHIFT FEELING ENHANCEMENTS FOR THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO: DELAYED ENGAGEMENT PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE TO DRIVE. HARSH 1ST - 2ND UPSHIFT. DELAYED UPSHIFT WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL. I EXPERIENCE HARSH UP SHIFT AND DOWNSHIFT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING. IT NEEDS SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPDATE, BUT THE TOYOTA COP DECLINED THIS UPDATE FOR MY VEHICLE (CASE# 1808271028 ON 08/28/2018) IF THE PROBLEM PERSISTS IT MAY MAKE TRANSMISSION UNCONTROLLABLE ORE DELAYED AND VEHICLE MAY GET INTO THE ACCIDENT. WE HAVE ONE SCHOOLED BOY AND INFANT GIRL. I WANT TO INFORM ABOUT THE ISSUE SO THAT ALL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND BRANDED TITLES ARE TO BE CORRECTED BY TOYOTA CORP AT NO EXPENSE TO THE OWNERS. I WILL ATTACH THE TSB TOYOTA DOCUMENT THAT EXPLAINS WHAT IS THE PROBLEM
Electrical system, Seats, Aug 22, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER IN THE ON POSITION, THE HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL MODULE FOR THE HEATED SEAT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SUMMIT TOYOTA, 1535 VERNON ODOM BLVD, AKRON, OHIO). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Exterior lighting, Seats, Aug 14, 2018
3RD BRAKE LIGHT OVER TORQUED AT FACTORY RESULTING IN DEFECTIVE SEAL AND EVENTUALLY CRACKED LIGHT FIXTURE. THIS RESULTS NOT ONLY IN ELECTRICAL ISSUE BUT SERIOUS LEAKING INTO CABIN - AFFECTING REAR SEAT, ROOF, AND FLOORING. LEAK NOTICED AFTER RAIN STORMS AND NOTICING WET FLOOR/SEATS AND DAMP FLOORS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE AFFECTING 3RD GENERATION TACOMAS ON TOYOTA FORUMS SUCH AS TACOMAWORLD.COM.
Service brakes, Aug 6, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (AUTONATION TOYOTA WESTON, 4050 WESTON RD, DAVIE, FL 33331, (954) 644-4867) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A PEDAL SHIFTING FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Jul 31, 2018
PARKING BRAKE SEIZES WHEN APPLIED. AFTER LOOSENED, EVERY TIME I START THE TRUCK, THE BRAKES APPLY AFTER I AM DRIVING FOR 30 SECONDS OR SO.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2018
THE CAR IS SQUEAKING FOR NO REASON. LOOKED ONLINE AND MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN TALKED ABOUT THROUGH FORUMS AND YOUTUBE. THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX IT FOR SOME AND SAYS IT IS A KNOWN COMPLAINT, NOT SURE IF ITS SAFETY RELATED
Visibility/wiper, Jul 9, 2018
I STARTED THE TRUCK AND THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE RATTLING NOISE. THE NOISE STOPPED WHEN THE FAN WAS TURNED OFF. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THAT THE PART WAS BACK-ORDERED WITH NO TIMEFRAME FOR A FIX. I AM IN LINE BEHIND OVER 1200 OTHER PEOPLE FOR THE BACK ORDERED PART. INITIALLY I FELT THAT THIS WAS ONLY A COMFORT ISSUE, WHICH IS DISTRESSING ENOUGH ON A TRUCK THAT ONLY HAS 25,000 MILES ON IT, BUT I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE IT IMPACTS THE DEFROST MODE AS WELL. IF THE DEFROST IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY DUE TO THE FAN FOR THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM, AND TIMES OF INCLEMENT WEATHER LEAVE YOU WITH NO OPTIONS TO IMPROVE VISIBILITY FROM FOG OR ICE.
Engine, Jul 5, 2018
AS OF NOW THE AC FAN MAKES A LOUD NOISE LIKE SOMETHING FELL APART. THERE IS NO AIR BLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS. IT SOUNDS LIKE BROKEN BLOWER MOTER.
Electrical system, Jul 4, 2018
FAN BLOWER MOTOR FAILED , NO AC/HEAT OR DEFROST AS A RESULT. .
Engine, Jun 14, 2018
WHEN MY A/C STOPPED WORKING DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD, I HAD IT CHECKED AT GLENS FALLS TOYOTA WHERE I WAS TOLD THE CONDENSOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE HOLE HAD BEEN CAUSED BY A ROCK KICKED UP BY THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS POLICY, AS THERE ARE MANY OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS THAT - LIKE THE A/C CONDENSOR - ARE NOT SHIELDED ON THIS OFF-ROAD CAPABLE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF-ROAD.
Electrical system, May 25, 2018
TRUCK WITH ONLY 8000 MILES HAS OVER 3000 DOLLARS DAMAGE FROM RODENTS CHEWING ON WIRING....RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THAT THERE ARE CLASS ACTION SUITS AS MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM OF RODENTS BEING ATTRACTING TO "SOY BASED WIRING".WHEN I PAID ALMOST 40,000 DOLLARS FOR A NEW TRUCK , I MISTAKENLY THOUGHT ID BE TROUBLE FREE FOR AT LEAST 3 YRS OR 36000 MILES...I HAVE INSURANCE BUT MUST PAY 1000 DOLLARS DEDUCTABLE AND WITHOUT TRUCK FOR APPROX 3 WEEKS AND NOW ALSO THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS RECURRING AGAIN. IM SURE THE INTENTIONS WERE GOOD WITH THE SOY BASED WIRING...IE, LESS PLASTIC IN LANDFILLS....BUT WHILE THIS PROBLEM HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED, NEVER THIS OFTEN AND REPEADEDLY...A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH OF TOYOTA SOY WIRING SHOULD ENLIGHTEN ANYONE ...
Parking brake, Wheels, May 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF GASTONIA (4821 WILKINSON BLVD, GASTONIA, NC 28056) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,633.
Electrical system, May 2, 2018
VARMINT/RODENT DAMAGE. DEALER DISCOVERED RODENT NESTING AND WIRE HARNESSES CHEWED AND DESTROYED. COST OF REPAIRS ARE GOING TO BE ABOUT $1197.97 PLUS COST OF TOW AND COST OF RENTAL FOR +/- 2 WEEKS.