Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Toyota Tacoma

◆ Worse than typical

2016 Toyota Tacoma
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 323
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2016: 323 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	177
1996	253
1997	131
1998	300
1999	249
2000	210
2001	396
2002	333
2003	360
2004	414
2005	707
2006	782
2007	541
2008	445
2009	519
2010	293
2011	186
2012	295
2013	125
2014	93
2015	101
2016	323
2017	239
2018	206
2019	216
2020	88
2021	79
2022	59
2023	53
2024	151
2025	100
2026	7

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

42% · 136 reports

Most commonly citing differential unit.

Engine

15% · 47 reports

Electrical system

11% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing wiring.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-22

Also filed under Seats

Structure

7% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Was hit by a different driver in a parking lot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-17

Seats

7% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2015-11-19Air bags15V656000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2016Complaint volume 323 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2017-06-19Power train17V285000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-26Engine17V356000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-09-01Equipment, structure17V425000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Toyota Tacoma — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 136 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 47 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 37 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V656000 · Air bags
Recall 17V285000 · Power train
Recall 17V356000 · Engine
Recall 17V425000 · Equipment, structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.