2016 Toyota Tacoma recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma and 323 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (136), unknown or other (50), engine (47). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 has the most owner complaints of any Tacoma model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Structure · body · hood · hinge and attachments
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power train · driveline · differential unit
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · knee bolster
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Toyota has a paint problem on the tacomas. The paint is the bright white, .040 . They have painted all 4 doors,both front fenders and the pillars on each side of the windshield. I’m having the same problem on my hood,top of windshield and bed . Toyota refuses to take responsibility for these areas. They call this a customer satisfaction program instead of a recall so they don’t…
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…
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 w…
Safety ratings
2016 Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 2WD
2016 Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 4WD
2016 Toyota Tacoma PU/CC 4WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
Tacoma 2WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.7 L
Regular
Tacoma 2WD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Tacoma 4WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.7 L
Regular
Tacoma 4WD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, most recently for structure · body · hood · hinge and attachments (07/03/2017). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Based on 323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (136), unknown or other (50), engine (47).
Is the 2016 Toyota Tacoma safe?
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Toyota Tacoma?
The 2016 has the most owner complaints of any Tacoma model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma range from 20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Toyota Tacoma in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TACOMA, Tacoma.