NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
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 and lock the rear axle, leading to a sudden loss of vehicle control.
The differential seal issue affects where the differential carrier meets the axle housing, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the problem across all affected trucks. When the oil level drops too low, the differential can lock up without warning, which can make the rear wheels stop turning freely and send the truck into an uncontrolled skid or stop.
On the engine side, V6 models have a recall for a crank position sensor that can malfunction and cause the engine to stall without warning, cutting power while the truck is moving. This affects only six-cylinder equipped trucks.
A separate safety equipment concern involves the driver's knee airbag module, which on a narrow range of trucks built in late August and early September 2015 was installed with incorrect bolts. Those bolts can loosen over time, meaning the knee airbag may not deploy properly in a crash, leaving the driver's legs without the protection the system is designed to provide.
There is also a concern for trucks that received an accessory hood scoop installed by certain Toyota distributors or their dealers. The adhesive bonding the scoop to the hood can weaken over time, allowing the scoop to detach while driving and become a road hazard for other vehicles following behind.
At a glance
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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 →
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.
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.
