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2016 Toyota Tacoma Problems & Owner Complaints

323 NHTSA owner complaints
4 crash 4 fire 1 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~29.4 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 8 Toyota Tacoma years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, cited in 136 of 323 filed complaints (42%).

Engine is next (47 complaints, 15%), followed by Electrical System (36), Seats (22), Structure (22).

Across all complaints, 4 report a crash, 4 report a fire, 1 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 323.

Power Train 136

“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while driving. The contact noticed there was fluid emerging from the rear of the vehicle near the tire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed there was no recall or leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11738757, 2026

“2016 Toyota Tacoma is known to have an issue with the timing cover leaking oil. This is a Fire Hazard: Oil leaking onto hot engine components can vaporize and ignite, posing a fire risk to the vehicle and surrounding areas and can cause environmental pollution.”
NHTSA complaint #11722712, 2024

“I purchased the vehicle new and noticed right away that the transmisson would clunk right away when I put it into gear[ it's an automatic]. I asked the dealership about it and they said it was normal and no issues. Now I'm [XXX] and have owned many cars so.... Anyway, over the years I've asked several times and they say no issue. Now, just this morning, my wife found an article about the issue and Toyota is finally admitting there IS an issue. What can I do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11614574, 2024

Unknown Or Other 50 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“Recent in December wife said there’s a musty odor in truck. While vacuuming carpet on Friday 1/6/23 water came to surface. Searched everywhere for leak and found the 2 vents behind back seats had bad gaskets and leaking bad. After getting access under carpet, passenger side was dry but growing mold and drivers side is holding slimy water. The back seats are a little higher and we’re dry but signs of mold as well. These vents pop out through the cab outward but the bed has to be removed to replace them. I used silicone to seal from inside to stop water intrusion. Dealership no help, report and…”
NHTSA complaint #11500806, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“The seat heater pins have melted, leaving black residue. thus showing possibilities of a fire”
NHTSA complaint #11699183, 2024 · fire

“AS TRUCK WAS COMING TO A SAFE STOP, THE TRUCK QUICKLY ACCELERATED INTO A SMALL TREE AND CAUSED DAMAGE. SAME SYMPTOM LATER ON HIGHWAY AND ALMOST HAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT SO I PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND CALLED FOR WRECKER SERVICE. TRUCK NOW AT PANAMA CITY TOYOTA STILL WAITING FOR CODE READING.”
NHTSA complaint #10914929, 2016 · crash

Engine 47

“Upper Intake manifold flap actuator ( part: Toyota 17190-0P101 ) brakes in the intake resulting in wrong air reading and forcing vehicle into limp mode causing the vehicle to rapidly decrease speed, and creating a potential accident with other vehicles and semi's. this will continue to happen but this will give a person a false sense of security since error codes will reset once vehicle is turned off and on, a reassurance to a person that the issue has resolved itself since this will only happen at high speeds. the part is designed for fuel efficiency, as the flap opens and closes air is co…”
NHTSA complaint #11630259, 2024

“Rear Coolant Bypass Joint leak. Coolant leaking through this pipe and accumulating.”
NHTSA complaint #11626758, 2024

“Bought 2016 Tacoma in 2022 w/ 53k miles. Hit 58,850 (ish) and had an noticable oil leak… apparently this was a “Well Known” issue, as the mechanic @ Surprise, AZ Dealership (Toyota of Surprise, 13543 N. Auto Show Ave., Surprise, AZ 85388) told my wife and I…. it’s from this same thing that google showed me also: “Engine oil leaks: Reports on Consumer Reports and other forums detail expensive repairs to fix oil leaks from the front seal or timing cover, which can cost $5,000 or more because the engine often needs to be removed for the repair.” And this was 100% my case- and confirmed by the…”
NHTSA complaint #11693320, 2023

Electrical System 36 3 fire

“While driving down the road with my driver seat warmer on, the heating element and/or associated electronics burned a hole in the seat canvas and through the jacket I was wearing. I think a small fire started which I put out with my finger and then I turned off the seat heater.”
NHTSA complaint #11493228, 2022 · fire

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the contact noticed their front driver seat warmer stop operating and started smelling an electrical burning. The contact continued to drive to their residence where at that time the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the seat heater amp connection wiring was burned out. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,404.”
NHTSA complaint #11437706, 2021 · fire

“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. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL MODULE FOR THE HEATED SEAT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SUMMIT TOYOTA, 1535 VERNON ODOM BLVD, AKRON, OHIO). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11121570, 2018 · fire

Seats 22 3 fire

“While driving down the road with my driver seat warmer on, the heating element and/or associated electronics burned a hole in the seat canvas and through the jacket I was wearing. I think a small fire started which I put out with my finger and then I turned off the seat heater.”
NHTSA complaint #11493228, 2022 · fire

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the contact noticed their front driver seat warmer stop operating and started smelling an electrical burning. The contact continued to drive to their residence where at that time the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the seat heater amp connection wiring was burned out. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,404.”
NHTSA complaint #11437706, 2021 · fire

“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. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL MODULE FOR THE HEATED SEAT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SUMMIT TOYOTA, 1535 VERNON ODOM BLVD, AKRON, OHIO). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11121570, 2018 · fire

Structure 22 1 crash 1 injury

“Recent in December wife said there’s a musty odor in truck. While vacuuming carpet on Friday 1/6/23 water came to surface. Searched everywhere for leak and found the 2 vents behind back seats had bad gaskets and leaking bad. After getting access under carpet, passenger side was dry but growing mold and drivers side is holding slimy water. The back seats are a little higher and we’re dry but signs of mold as well. These vents pop out through the cab outward but the bed has to be removed to replace them. I used silicone to seal from inside to stop water intrusion. Dealership no help, report and…”
NHTSA complaint #11500806, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“WAS HIT BY A DIFFERENT DRIVER IN A PARKING LOT.”
NHTSA complaint #11162083, 2018 · crash

“Severe clear coat and paint fading on hood, roof and sides of truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11724836, 2025

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Service Brakes 18

“At 55,000 miles Brake fluid began leaking into passenger cabin. Brake fluid leaks on to brake pedal and driver footwell. Obviously a safety issue and dealer is asking approx 2000 dollars to repair. Failing component is a brake master cylinder that is specific to the Off Road and Trd Pro Tacomas that have a traction control feature called “crawl” for off road use. After an online search, this issue seems common in these models.”
NHTSA complaint #11567897, 2024

“Truck had to be abandoned after I attempted to start it and the brake pedal was stiff and the ignition would not allow starter to function. Dashboard message indicated a brake problem with transmission interlock. The next day, after viewing a U-Tube video on the problem (same make/model/year) I held the starter button in for 12-15 seconds with no foot on the brake. The engine started but the transmission remained locked in Park. Tow truck operator was able to release the shifter using an access port and screwdriver and found that he could drive it up onto the inclined platform. Once in place o…”
NHTSA complaint #11543336, 2023

“Vehicle is designed in such a way as to allow moisture accumulating in drivers side floor mat and carpeting to wick upward and be deposited on the primary vehicle wiring harness located in the drivers side kick panel. The moisture collected travels down into the backside of the various female connectors and corrodes the conductors and receptacles that result in short circuits between the various vehicle components including the ignition, engine shutoff, temperature sensors, Antilock Breaking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Fuel Gauge, Forward Vehicle Lighting (high and low beam), Security, Traction C…”
NHTSA complaint #11512057, 2023

Exterior Lighting 17

“Just like with the other double cab Tacoma recalls I am hearing about, the third rear tail light is leaking water into my access cab. The interior smells like mildew. I’m not sure why my truck is not covered by the recall, but it is experiencing the exact same situation. Water leaking through the deteriorated seal of the break-light. I think with accompanying mold build up.”
NHTSA complaint #11560544, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, the driver’s side fog light housing melted. There was an abnormal odor of smoke. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,749.”
NHTSA complaint #11472885, 2022

“I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND REALIZED WHEN I WAS SOLD THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR WAS ON BUT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A QUICK CONNECTION ERROR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT IS VERY DIM AND DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WELL. I CONTACTED CROWN DODGE OF FAYETTEVILLE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. THIS WAS A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AFTER BECAUSE LIFE HAPPENS AND I WORK WITH THE MILITARY. I DON'T HAVE A REGULAR SCHEDULE. I DO HAVE A WARRANTY BUT I'M NOT USING MY WARRANTY TO COVER SOMETHING THEY SHOULD FIX. WHEN I CALLED TO TALK TO A SALES MANAGER NO ONE WOULD ANSWER IT RANG AND RANG. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11399140, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 14

“The original low pressure fuel pump failed at 114,700 miles. The symptoms of the failure were loss of power on the freeway, quickly followed by the engine stumbling, then shutting off completely forcing me to change lanes without power. The vehicles has had to be towed on 2 occasions because of this. The pump was replaced at 114,700 miles by a Toyota dealer at my own cost (no warranty, no recall). Now only 20k miles later the fuel pump has failed again. This issue has put my family at serious risk of accident to complete engine shut off at highway speeds. Now that I am on my third low pressure…”
NHTSA complaint #11736613, 2023

“Fuel injector(s) leaked without any warning, causing engine to loose power on freeway. We were fortunate to be able to move over to the shoulder before the truck lost all power. Vehicle was towed to dealer and it was determined that the injector leaked fuel into engine causing engine failure. Repairs needed include engine block, heads sub assembly, injectors and assorted other parts total for parts and labor $19,256 No warning lights or symptoms prior to this problem. Truck has been running fine with no problems, only has 41,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11556360, 2023

“Vehicle made a loud bang from the rear of the vehicle , then started to slow down slightly without brakes applied. And then suddenly within a few more feet the Rear wheels locked up without brakes applied. Traveling at between 35- 45mph the vehicle skidded causing vehicles behind me to also skid to avoid hitting me. Truck would not move from this position , I was stuck in the lane without a shoulder to move close to . I was shaken pretty bad, out of fear I popped the truck into reverse and the rear of the truck made a loud bang or loud pop noise. It wouldn’t move back so I put it back in drive…”
NHTSA complaint #11491128, 2022

Suspension 14

“When using four-wheel drive, the vehicle was unable to make a left turn. I disengaged four-wheel drive, and the vehicle was stuck in four-wheel drive. This happened on two occasions. The first time was approximately August 2022 and the second time was last year. When I took it to the dealership, they said here was nothing wrong with it and they told me that I probably used the four-wheel drive incorrectly. Luckily, I was able to get the truck into a parking lot. The way that I was able to disengage it was to put the truck into reverse and back up a few yards then go forward a few yards and rep…”
NHTSA complaint #11644868, 2024

“The control arm of the driver side fail during driving , I lost control of my Tacoma then the alarm stering activate. Then is was dificult to control the pickup and i almost hit a car that was next to me. When i take to the machanic shop he was alarm by the situation he told me that this was very dangerous , he found that the driver control arm was with a welding failure that i should make a request for the damages to the Toyota.”
NHTSA complaint #11492383, 2022

“I have three signifcant issues with my Tacoma: 1. A few months after purchasing my Tacoma in 2016 Toyota (no accidents to date & 95% highway driving) and one outside alignment shop had never been able to get the truck aligned properly so it would never keep its alignment more than 3-4 months; repeated visits to Toyota maintence for alignment over the years became as routine as an oil change, sometimes more frequently; the unaligned suspension constantly was causing unsafe handling and unintentional swerving. 2. Toyota missed, and maybe purposefully, identifying major engine, transfer case, an…”
NHTSA complaint #11449165, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 10

“I brought my truck into Miller Toyota of Anaheim due to a violent shuddering and acceleration at about 40 to 50 mph. This could have caused driver to lose control and injure themselves, passengers, and other drivers on the road. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a bad torque converter in the transmission and said it would cost about $3200.00 to repair. Couldn't afford that so I took vehicle to an independent repair shop and they notified me that there was a Toyota Service Bulletin that addressed this concern and that they would have to do a complete reprogramming update of Transmission Contr…”
NHTSA complaint #11465484, 2022

“On 11-27-2021 I lost all power while on a highway. I would lose power even with my foot all the way down the rpm would not rise at all. The power would come back adruptly and throw me back into my seat. The trac off and check engine light came on. My truck seemed like it was gonna stall and had a really low and rough idle. It was only about 0-500 rpm at idle and truck was shaking bad because of the engine. After getting towed home I tested the battery and alternator and those were fine. I believe it is the crankshaft position sensor. I have read that this has happened to man other people with…”
NHTSA complaint #11441971, 2021

“TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE TO DRIVE. HAS A 1-3 SECOND DELAY. IN ADDITION THIS SLIP MOTION CREATED A LOUD GEAR CRANKING NOISE AS I TRIED TO ACCELERATE ON A U-TURN. THE TRUCK DID NOT MOVE OR SHIFT DESPITE HEARING THE ENGINE ACCELERATE ACCOMPANIED BY THE METALLIC GEAR-LIKE GRIND SOUND. SOUND VERY SIMILAR TO A STICK CAR WHEN YOU TRY TO ENGAGE A SHIFT WITHOUT THE CLUTCH (BUT MY TRUCK IS 2016 AUTOMATIC TRD-SPORT). LASTLY, WHEN TAKING SPEED BUMPS OR HARD SHIFTING MOTION (UP-DOWN) YOU CAN HEAR THE SUSPENSIONS MAKE A LOUD CLANK NOISE AS THE TRUCK SHIFTS IN THE SPEED B…”
NHTSA complaint #11311986, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 9

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PERFORMED VERY SLOWLY EVEN WHEN THEY WERE ON THE HIGHEST SPEED. THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING THE ROAD CLEARLY DURING HEAVY RAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE CALVERT TOYOTA (2333 S LOOP W, HOUSTON, TX 77054) WHERE THEY STATED THAT ALL THE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED THE SAME WAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11150403, 2018

“I STARTED THE TRUCK AND THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE RATTLING NOISE. THE NOISE STOPPED WHEN THE FAN WAS TURNED OFF. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THAT THE PART WAS BACK-ORDERED WITH NO TIMEFRAME FOR A FIX. I AM IN LINE BEHIND OVER 1200 OTHER PEOPLE FOR THE BACK ORDERED PART. INITIALLY I FELT THAT THIS WAS ONLY A COMFORT ISSUE, WHICH IS DISTRESSING ENOUGH ON A TRUCK THAT ONLY HAS 25,000 MILES ON IT, BUT I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE IT IMPACTS THE DEFROST MODE AS WELL. IF THE DEFROST IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY…”
NHTSA complaint #11110306, 2018

“THE BLOWER MOTOR / FAN IN THE CABIN IS BROKEN AND MAKES LOUD NOISES - DOES NOT WORK. IN HEAVY RAIN, WINDOWS FOGGED UP, UNABLE TO SEE ROAD CLEARLY IN A WET, CROWDED AND SLIPPERY ROAD. WAITING MORE THAN 10 DAYS FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PART, DEALERSHIP COMMENTED THAT 'THIS WAS THE THIRD ONE TODAY' WHEN I DROPPED BY TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE CALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11023704, 2017

Air Bags 5 2 crash

“I was involved in an accident and the airbags on my 2016 Toyota Tacoma did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11474608, 2022 · crash

“MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING HOME ON A SNOWY NIGHT WHEN OUR CAR SLIPPED AND SLID DOWN AN EMBANKMENT ALMOST INTO A RIVER. LUCKILY, OUR CAR WAS STOPPED BY A LARGE BOULDER RIGHT AT THE WATERS EDGE. UNBEKNOWNST TO US AT THE TIME, WE HAD STOPPED COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WATER HOWEVER WE WERE NOT SURE BECAUSE EVERY AIRBAG IN OUR CAR DEPLOYED, COVERING ALL OF THE WINDOWS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER WE HIT THE BOULDER, WE TRIED RELENTLESSLY TO GET OUT OF BOTH FRONT DOORS AS WELL AS THE BACK DOOR, HOWEVER WE WERE UNABLE TO GET TO THE DOOR HANDLES BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEFLATE AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. AT THAT PO…”
NHTSA complaint #10946799, 2017 · crash

“I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND REALIZED WHEN I WAS SOLD THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR WAS ON BUT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A QUICK CONNECTION ERROR. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT IS VERY DIM AND DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WELL. I CONTACTED CROWN DODGE OF FAYETTEVILLE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. THIS WAS A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AFTER BECAUSE LIFE HAPPENS AND I WORK WITH THE MILITARY. I DON'T HAVE A REGULAR SCHEDULE. I DO HAVE A WARRANTY BUT I'M NOT USING MY WARRANTY TO COVER SOMETHING THEY SHOULD FIX. WHEN I CALLED TO TALK TO A SALES MANAGER NO ONE WOULD ANSWER IT RANG AND RANG. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11399140, 2021

Steering 4

“During a safety inspection, it was found out that the steering rack was leaking. In a quick research on Google, it appears that many people that own this particular year and tacomas are experiencing the same issue. It is the first time for any car that we own and we keep our cars for more than 10 years. To us, this could be a manufacturing defect that should be investigated and a recall issue. We had it fixed so it can pass inspection, but something just doesn't make sense.”
NHTSA complaint #11669160, 2025

“POWER STEERING ISSUES, LEAKS, CORRODED. CAN LEAD TO ENTIRE RACK AND PINON REPLACEMENT. STEERING IS TIGHT, ACTIVE FLUID LEAK(S); TOYOTA DEALER THAT IT WAS PURCHASED FROM KNEW IT WAS LEAKING BUT REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. PER TOYOTA, POWER STEERING LEAKS CAN CAUSE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL LEAK IS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT LOCATE THE LEAK AND REMEDY, LET ME DRIVE KNOWING IT COULD BE POTENIALLY HAZARDOUS.”
NHTSA complaint #11511000, 2022

“During routine maintenance at a independent shop, the driver side power steering rack boot was found to be leaking. I was informed by a former Lexus master technician that this was a problem with some of the similar Lexus models previously. The vehicle currently had 47,xxx miles which seems very low for a power steering failure. I can provide images of the leak as needed and the vehicle has not been repaired as of this filing.”
NHTSA complaint #11435301, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“MY WIFE AND I DROVE FROM AUSTIN TEXAS TO ARKADELPHI ARKANSAS DUE TO ME GETTING OUT OF THE ARMY'ACTIVE' AND MY TRUCK HAD BEEN SLOWLY STUDDERJNG, SPITTING ETC.. WELL IT IS STALLED AT A PARKING LOT FOR A WEEK NOW.. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 'CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR' FOR MY EXACT MODE AND TOYOTA WILL NOT HONOR MY TRUCK FOR IT AND THAT'S THE CODE IT'S READING ETC..”
NHTSA complaint #11157209, 2018

“MY BSM SENSORS WERE BLINKING AND A NOTICE CAME UP ON THE CONSOLE TO CHECK BSM INDICATORS. I MANUALLY TURNED OFF THIS FUNCTION AND BACK ON---THE LIGHT WAS BLINKING AND THE BSM SENSORS WERE STILL NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN THE DEALERSHIP TODAY THEY DID SOME TESTS AND LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BSM WIRE HARNESS BECAUSE OF WATER DAMAGE GETTING INTO THE REAR BUMPER. THE ESTIMATE WAS FOR 1,0588.49 FOR REPARE. I THINK IF TOYOTA IS SELLING BLIND SPOT MONITORS AS A SAFETY FEATURE, THEY SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 2 YEARS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THIS IS AN OFF ROAD V…”
NHTSA complaint #11156655, 2018

“ON 11/23/15 I WAS ABLE TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. ON 11/24/15 I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE TO CRANK IT UP WHEN THE VEHICLE'S WARNING LIGHTS OF BRAKE, ABS WARNING TO CHECK THE ANTI'LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM AND THE ANTISKID/TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON AT APPROXIMATE 110 MILES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT HURT THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IT AND THAT IT WAS SAFE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS PROBABLY JUST A FUSE BY A SALESPERSON, WHO ALLEGEDLY TALKED TO ONE OF THE MASTER TECHNICIANS ABOUT THE SITUATION. ON 11/30/15 I ALSO REPORTED THAT THE CRUISE CONTR…”
NHTSA complaint #10809882, 2015

Seat Belts 2

“Dear Toyota Japan Customer Experience Team, I am the owner of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma currently registered in Guam, U.S.A. I am writing to request your assistance regarding a water leak issue from the rear brake light area, which has caused the carpets and seats to become wet and develop mold. I originally purchased this vehicle in Saipan and recently relocated to Guam. When I visited the Guam Toyota Service Center, they kindly inspected my vehicle and informed me that this issue is related to the 3rd brake light gasket recall; however, the recall period has already expired. Unfortunately, I wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11730507, 2025

“2016 TOYOTA TACOMA PURCHASED FROM STOKES BROWN TOYOTA NEW. THE SEATBELT AIRBAG LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BLINKS CONTINUALLY EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED AND OFF. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11325059, 2020

Wheels 2

“Vehicle made a loud bang from the rear of the vehicle , then started to slow down slightly without brakes applied. And then suddenly within a few more feet the Rear wheels locked up without brakes applied. Traveling at between 35- 45mph the vehicle skidded causing vehicles behind me to also skid to avoid hitting me. Truck would not move from this position , I was stuck in the lane without a shoulder to move close to . I was shaken pretty bad, out of fear I popped the truck into reverse and the rear of the truck made a loud bang or loud pop noise. It wouldn’t move back so I put it back in drive…”
NHTSA complaint #11491128, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF GASTONIA (4821 WILKINSON BLVD, GASTONIA, NC 28056) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,633.”
NHTSA complaint #11093689, 2018

Lane Departure 1

“WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A BULLETIN TO REPLACE IF AN ISSUE BEFORE THE 3 YEARS 36,000 MILES. HAVE HAD THE TRUCK FOR 4.5 YEARS AND NOW THE BSM LEFT SIDE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONLY HAVE 26,567 MILES ON THE TRUCK! IF THEY HAD AN ISSUE, WHY AREN'T THEY REPLACING THEM IF THE ISSUES HAPPEN WITHIN THE 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11387119, 2020

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The rear passenger door lock actuator on my 2016 Toyota Tacoma failed prematurely, causing the door to no longer lock or unlock properly. The failure required replacement of the entire actuator assembly at a Toyota dealership at a cost of $727.19. This failure occurred without abuse or unusual use and is not consistent with normal wear and tear. I am aware of numerous similar complaints and pending class action lawsuits involving door lock actuator failures across multiple Toyota models, indicating this is a known and recurring defect. A door that cannot reliably lock or unlock presents a sa…”
NHTSA complaint #11710609, 2026

Parking Brake 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF GASTONIA (4821 WILKINSON BLVD, GASTONIA, NC 28056) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,633.”
NHTSA complaint #11093689, 2018

Visibility 1

“WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY A SMALL PEBBLE STUCK MY WINDSHIELD CAUSING A 10 INCH CRACK. WHILE RESEARCHING COST OF NEW WINDSHIELD I FOUND THAT LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST AND DRIVE ON GRAVEL ROADS DAILY AND HAVE HAD HUNDREDS OF ROCKS HIT MY WINDOW CAUSING CHIPS THAT CAN BE REPAIRED BUT NEVER A CRACK LIKE THIS ESPECIALLY FROM SUCH A SMALL IMPACT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10940032, 2016

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma draws about 29.4 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 8 among the Toyota Tacoma model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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