This page covers 6 recalls, 321 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
19–20 mpg combined
11.8–12.4 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate the 2016 Tacoma's complaint record, making up well over a third of all reports filed. The most widely reported issue involves the automatic transmission, where owners describe a shudder or vibration during light acceleration, typically at lower highway speeds, a pattern that shows up across a large share of the powertrain complaints. Some owners also report rough shifts or hesitation when the transmission is cold. Engine complaints come in second, with several owners describing oil leaks traced to the timing cover area, and a smaller number reporting fuel pump failures that caused the engine to lose power and stall, sometimes at highway speed. Electrical system complaints follow at a lower volume, with door lock actuators and related interior electronics mentioned across multiple reports.
321
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma has 6 recalls, the most serious being a rear differential oil leak that can cause the differential to seize, locking the rear axle and leading to a sudden loss of control.
On the engine side, certain V6 models have a crank position sensor that can malfunction and cause the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving. A separate but related concern covers the same V6 engine: the crankshaft rotor can interfere with the sensor's readings, producing the same stall risk. There is also an airbag concern on trucks built during a narrow window in late 2015, where incorrect bolts were used to mount the driver's knee airbag module. Those bolts can loosen over time and prevent the knee airbag from deploying properly in a crash. Finally, on vehicles fitted with an accessory hood scoop installed by Southeast Toyota dealers, the adhesive holding the scoop can weaken, allowing it to separate from the hood and become a hazard for vehicles behind.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive bonding certain aftermarket hood scoops to the hood may weaken over time, causing the scoop to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will mechanically fasten the hood scoop to the hood using mechanical fasteners instead of adhesive.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crank position sensor may malfunction, causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft rotor's anti-corrosion coating may be too thick, interfering with the crank position sensor and causing the engine to stall without warning.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design that works properly with the coating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seal between the rear differential and axle housing can wear from uneven contact, causing differential oil to leak. Continued driving may damage the differential, leading to noise, power loss, or rear axle lockup.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the rear differential for leaks. If none are found, fastening nuts will be tightened. If leaks exist, the gasket will be replaced and new fastening nuts installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Oil may leak from the fastening nuts and gasket where the rear differential carrier connects to the rear axle housing.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leakage, then tighten or replace fastening nuts and gasket as needed, or replace the entire rear differential carrier if damaged.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's knee air bag module was installed using incorrect bolts that may not secure it properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the bolts with correct ones to properly secure the driver's knee air bag module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
