2016 Toyota Tacoma Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 Tacoma years
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 6th worst out of 16 model years, with a Caution verdict. Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 42% of its 323 complaints, and NHTSA lists 4 recalls, none rated do-not-drive.
- Complaints
- 323
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 19 city / 22 hwy
Top 2016 Toyota Tacoma problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain136 (42%)
- Electrical System53 (16%)
- Engine53 (16%)
- Other50 (15%)
- Structure & Body45 (14%)
- Brakes21 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (5%)
- Fuel System14 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers10 (3%)
- Airbags5 (2%)
What owners report
- Some drivers report the transmission randomly upshifting or downshifting on its own between 40 and 65 mph, with software updates failing to fix the issue.
- Owners report the driver seat heater overheating, melting the wiring or electronics, and in some cases producing smoke or a small fire.
- Several owners describe brake pedals sinking to the floor and requiring multiple pumps to stop the vehicle.
- One owner reported airbags failing to deploy during a crash, while another described every airbag deploying unexpectedly after sliding off the road.
- Water intrusion around the third brake light was reported, leaving the back seats and floor wet during rainstorms.
- A windshield crack appeared overnight after a minor rock strike, with no visible chip beforehand.
2016 Toyota Tacoma recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V425000Jul 3, 2017Other3,547 vehicles
Equipment
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.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 17V356000Jun 1, 2017Engine31,824 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 17V285000Apr 27, 2017Transmission & Powertrain227,732 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
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.
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 risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
2016 Toyota Tacoma fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Tacoma has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 6th worst among 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict relative to other Tacoma years.
- What problems does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 42% of complaints (136 of 323), followed by Electrical System and Engine problems, each at 16%. Median mileage at failure for transmission complaints was 11,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Tacoma, covering an engine crank position sensor, a rear differential oil leak, incorrect airbag mounting bolts, and a hood scoop adhesive issue. None are rated do-not-drive.
- How does the 2016 Tacoma compare to other Tacoma years?
- Its Complaint Index of 67 is worse than 2013 (20), 2014 (0), and 2015 (13), which are all rated Best, but better than 2010 (87), 2012 (80), and 2024 (100), which are rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
- EPA rates the 2016 Tacoma at 20 mpg combined (19 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.