2016 Toyota Tacoma problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 323 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, filed between 2015-12-13 and 2026-07-06. The most common problem areas are the power train (136, 42%), engine (47, 15%) and electrical system (36, 11%). Owners reported 4 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Toyota Tacoma complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 136 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 50 | 15% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine | 47 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 36 | 11% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 22 | 7% | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 22 | 7% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 17 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 14 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 136 complaints
- 136 complaints of 323 (42%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 17 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma; the recall, campaign 17V285000, says: “Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.”
Engine: 47 complaints
- 47 complaints of 323 (15%) name the engine.
- 17 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma; the recall, campaign 17V356000, says: “The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.”
Electrical system: 36 complaints
- 36 complaints of 323 (11%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 9 of them also name the seats; owners reported 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
Seats: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 323 (7%) name the seats — seats, seat frames, adjusters and head restraints.
- 9 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
Structure: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 323 (7%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma; the recall, campaign 17V425000, says: “The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.”
Service brakes: 18 complaints
- 18 complaints of 323 (6%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 57 |
| 2017 | 105 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 7 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TACOMA, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Toyota Tacoma recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma's most common problem areas are the power train (136 of 323 complaints), engine (47 of 323 complaints) and electrical system (36 of 323 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA has 323 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, including 4 reported crashes and 4 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.