Toyota Tacoma 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Tacoma 2016 and 323 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Toyota Tacoma between 2016 and 2025.

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Toyota Tacoma 2016

Structure and body
NHTSA campaign 17V425000 · 2017-07-03

What happens

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. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V425000

Engine
NHTSA campaign 17V356000 · 2017-06-01

What happens

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.

Consequence

An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.

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. Toyota's number for this recall is H0H.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V356000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 17V285000 · 2017-04-27

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V285000

Air bags
NHTSA campaign 15V656000 · 2015-10-14

What happens

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver's knee air bag module.

Consequence

The incorrect bolts may loosen over time and affect the performance of the driver's knee air bag, increasing the risk of driver injury during a crash that necessitates deployment of the air bags.

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. Toyota's number for this recall is F0T.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 15V656000

Complaints from other owners

323 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

4 with a crash · 4 with a fire · 1 injuries

Most reported problems on the Toyota Tacoma 2016

• Powertrain and transmission: 136 (42% of complaints)
• Engine: 47 (15% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 36 (11% of complaints)
• Structure and body: 22 (7% of complaints)
• Seats: 22 (7% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Toyota Tacoma 2016

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Toyota Tacoma recalls by year

• 2016 : 4 recalls · 323 complaints
• 2017 : 5 recalls · 240 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 208 complaints
• 2019 : 4 recalls · 218 complaints
• 2020 : 1 recalls · 88 complaints
• 2021 : 0 recalls · 80 complaints
• 2022 : 3 recalls · 59 complaints
• 2023 : 4 recalls · 54 complaints
• 2024 : 5 recalls · 152 complaints
• 2025 : 5 recalls · 102 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Toyota Tacoma 2016 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Tacoma 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Toyota Tacoma 2016?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (136 of 323 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.