2016 Toyota Tacoma Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 136 of 323 total complaints (42%) on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, the highest share of any model year in the data. A related recall (17V285000) covers rear differential oil leaks. Median mileage at failure was 11,000 miles.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 136
- 42% of 323
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 11,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Rear differential leaks fluid near the rear axle housing, sometimes with no warning light, matching the subject of recall 17V285000.
- Sudden rear wheel lockup while driving at low speed, causing the vehicle to veer and drag to a stop.
- Violent shuddering and vibration in the transmission around 40 to 50 mph, in some cases diagnosed as a bad torque converter.
- Delayed transmission engagement of up to several seconds on cold starts when shifting into drive or reverse.
- Hard, clunking shifts and constant hunting between gears at low speed as the transmission searches for a shift point.
- Loud clutch noise and vibration reported shortly after purchase, similar to an issue described on a prior-generation Tacoma.
When 2016 Toyota Tacoma transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 5, 2016, latest May 19, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Tacoma model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
- NHTSA lists 136 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tacoma, which is 42% of all 323 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among Tacoma model years in this data.
- Is there a transmission or drivetrain recall for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
- Yes. Recall 17V285000, reported April 27, 2017, covers 2016-2017 Tacoma trucks where oil may leak from the rear differential carrier where it joins the rear axle housing.
- At what mileage do 2016 Tacoma transmission problems usually show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 11,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- Did the 2016 Tacoma transmission issues cause crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tacoma.