2016 Toyota Tacoma Comes with One Major Recall and a Stubborn Transmission

S.D. Grady
Jan 22, 2022

Generally reputed to be a dependable mid-size pickup, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma is marred by a leaking rear differential, a misplaced speed sensor, and a transmission that hesitates before engaging. Fortunately, most problems and recalls for the truck are relatively minor.

Key Points

  • The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is generally reliable but is associated with one major recall for a leaking differential. Three minor recalls apply to a limited number of trucks.
  • An open investigation into the airbag control unit demands attention as it may result in a huge recall covering millions of vehicles worldwide.
  • With less than 300 complaints associated with the model year, nearly half of them refer to a hesitant transmission.
  • Other less common issues feature a leaking brake light and heated seats that burn themselves out.
  • If you can ignore a clunky transmission, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma remains a smart buy for the mid-size pickup market.

Only One Recall Affects Every 2016 Toyota Tacoma and its Leaking Rear Differential

While the 2016 Toyota Tacoma does have four active recalls associated with it, only one will likely cause any serious issues for today’s driver. In April 2017, over 225,000 trucks were recalled for a leaking rear differential. If a rear differential fails, it could result in an accident or even a fire.

In some instances, the differential was damaged due to the loss of oil. The dealer inspected the unit, replaced gaskets, and tightened bolts. If they noticed any damage, they replaced the differential.

The other three recalls apply to a limited number of trucks. A hood scoop attached by Southeast Toyota Distributors to around 3,000 trucks needed to be resecured. In early production, about 300 vehicles had the wrong bolt used to attach an airbag mount which was changed out.

For pickups with the 3.5L V6 engine onboard, the crank position sensor was installed in the wrong place. This resulted in the vehicle stalling while in motion. Technicians remounted it to eradicate the problem.

No further recalls have been initiated since July 2017 indicating that its early issues were quickly and effectively addressed.

An Open Investigation Looks into Airbag Controller Units that Fail to Deploy in an Accident

One item to watch is an open investigation on the airbag control unit. This part detects when an accident occurs and signals the airbag to deploy. There have been massive recalls for Hyundai, Kia, and FCA for the same piece. The NHTSA is still determining what circumstances will lead to an ACU failure and if a recall on the same scale as the Takata debacle is in order.

Multiple models for Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi all use the same ACU design from ZF-TRW. If a recall campaign is launched, you may face extended wait times for parts to become available.

Majority of 2016 Tacoma Complaints Apply to  Hesitant Transmission, with the 4WD Truck Needing a Suspension Adjustment to Smooth Out the Ride

Of the 259 complaints logged with the NHTSA for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, 126 of them refer to the powertrain. In particular, its automatic transmission hesitates when shifting from park to reverse or first gear. You may also experience delayed shifting while using the cruise control. A technical bulletin released in July 2016 called for a software update to its electronic control module, which adjusted the shift points.

However, complaints about the condition persist, indicating that reflashing the ECM may be a temporary fix or one that was not applied to every vehicle. While there is lots of chatter about the issue, it does not seem to correlate with transmission failure or repairs.

Some 4WD pickups with the six-speed automatic transmission experienced vibrations while decelerating at speeds under 35 mph. Toyota offered to adjust the angle of the leaf springs and add a damper to the steering column. This smoothed out the ride.

Melted connection wires for the heated front seats are another common complaint. Since the unit is a single assembly, you must replace the entire seat cushion to repair the problem. The warranty covered the heated seats up to 36,000 miles or three years, leaving current owners to pay around $150 for the part plus labor.

Finally, drivers noticed that their back seats and carpets got wet after going through a car wash or an intense downpour. Several found a leak around the high-mounted brake light on the back of the cab. It is easy enough to reseal the light with some silicone, but there may be lingering damage to the upholstery. Make a careful inspection of any 2016 Toyota Tacoma before deciding to buy one.

Even with a Few Key Problems, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma Remains a Smart Addition to Your Garage

While a seized rear differential is a serious issue, the big recall should have been addressed years ago. The transmission may deliver an uncomfortable ride, but it hasn’t resulted in pricey repairs. Ultimately, the pickup continues to uphold its reputation. Take one for an extended road test to determine if it will fit in with your lifestyle and expectations.

Photos: Toyota

Frequently Asked Questions

By Lika Margvelashvili | Jan 22, 2022

What Year Tacoma Not to Buy?

Toyota Tacomas from 2005 to 2010 are best avoided if they show signs of rust and rot, a known issue causing structural problems. These models also have a high airbag failure rate. Due to common transmission problems, Tacomas from 2016 and 2017 are also among its worst years. Owners report delayed acceleration and engagement, hard shifting, and hesitation.

Is 2016 a Good Year for Toyota Tacoma?

Looking at the recalls and complaints for the 2016 Tacoma, no, it’s not a particularly good year for the midsize pickup. The NHTSA shows four recalls have been issued, and 250+ complaints have been registered, the model’s most complained about year. Most issues track to a transmission that hesitates and jerks when shifting, and no fix is currently offered.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mark on February 22, 2024
Reliable
Bought a new XP in2016. Transmission shifted poorly and windshield leaked. Windshield was replaced as the sealer was improperly applied. There was a recall on the rear differential the first few minths and repaired. A computer fix for the transmission shifting issue was provided within the first year. The transmission still is not the best but you get used to it. No more hesitation or lurching. I prefer to downshift as opposed to applying more throttle to go up steeper grades. I now have 120,000 miles on this with no issues after the first recalls. I’ve read the negative reviews and really don’t understand how there are the stated issues since i know a lot of tacoma owners and none have had Complaints. It’s not a truck for heavy or distance towing for sure. It will shift constantly especially in the mountains and get horibble gas mileage when towing the max, which i did FL to NM. Overall a great truck. Will not buy anything but Toyota unless it is a toy to occasionally use. And i have owned over 50 vehicles in my life and only Toyota has provided reliable service. German and English branded are the absolute worst for reliability and maintenance followed by dodge/Chrysler then GM.
accountCircle Josh Hodges on July 7, 2023
2016 TOYOTA Tacoma
I came out of a 2017 Chevy Silverado, due to having some transmission issues. Some times I wish I would have kept it due to the fact it did not give me any other issues, the 52,000 miles I had put on it. I like my 16' Tacoma the powertrain is solid but I keep running into little issues. Given the previous owner did not take good care of it but I didn't expect to have to fix as many things as I need to with 80,000 miles on it, these issues mainly being suspension issues. I also did have my speakers blow out on me this week. Once I have all the little things fixed up on it I am sure it will be a good and reliable truck in the long run. I am just slightly disappointed. On my Silverado I bought it at 46,000 miles and sold it at 98,000 On my Tacoma I bought it at 68,000 and right now it sits at 88,000 miles
accountCircle Patrick on June 4, 2023
2016 Tacoma TRD Sport Access Cab
I purchased this truck used and have had ongoing transmission problems. Overall its been a decent truck (my second Tacoma). But the transmission has been slugish with shifting. During acceleration and deceleration it seems to wind up/down before shifting. I've had it addressed (and the recall work done) with the Toyota dealership several times. This morning it was shifting extremely rough and almost failed, I stopped immediately and came home (about a half mile from home). Making an appointment ASAP. Usually I forego the extended warranty, so glad I purchased the used vehicle extended warranty and still under the mileage expiration. Hopefully Toyota will finally make things right.
accountCircle Dan on September 9, 2021
Engineering is poor.
Bought a used 2016 Tacoma Limited with 20,000 km. Chrome is peeling off running boards, cab mount was shot. Took a threat to return the truck to dealer to get them to admit and change cab mount and stereo. Chrome still peeling. They wouldnt give me a loaner vehicle for the day. Recall for coating frames that rot, they sprayed frame and gave me a loaner for that so booked cab mounts at the same time. After 1 year, oil change and tire rotation due (free service from purchase ) but informed me my brakes need " cleaned and lubed as truck is 4 years old" for 210$ + taxes. What a joke.
accountCircle C.Castillo on September 7, 2022
Do not buy a 2016 Tacoma
Bought the Tacoma new and already had to replace the radio, leaking light gasket in the back seat, AC went out within the first year (took it in for service) and goes off for no reason while driving even now, very very slow at acceleration and most of the time I took it to Toyota something was needed and would charge $$$$. There is a mysterious very slow leak that no one can tell me where it's coming from. My '06 Tacoma has never given me this many problems :\
accountCircle Michael Ayers on March 5, 2024
Very Disappointed with 2016 Toyota Tacoma
Just came from Toyota dealership and was informed by their service department that my 2016 Limited Toyota Tacoma pickup needs a new transmission at a cost of over $5,300 and it only has 115,000 miles on the vehicle. After doing some research, I now see were it is a problem with this year of a vehicle despite maintaining schedule maintenance on the vehicle by the local dealership. This is not the 1st Tacoma I have owned but will probably be the last one.
accountCircle Kelly P on January 15, 2022
Troubles of the Toyota Tacoma trd sport.
The trd sport model is nicely upgraded from the lower level models. However, I am disappointed that this model does not have features that other trucks have such as apple CarPlay. It is a 2016 and most other cars/trucks started to include apple CarPlay in 2015. In addition, there are no power seats. Just seems like something all cars should have had by 2016.
accountCircle Anto B on August 6, 2021
With a tiny engine that can barely pull its weight.
1)torque compared to my 2003 is terrible. 2)the engine size does not compensate for the heavier weight. 3) I liked the center console folding up. 4) my left leg is not comfortable the door intrudes into the leg room. 5)the most annoying thing is the automatic Bluetooth pick up. 6) for a mid size truck the inside could be roomier. 7) bring back the t100.
accountCircle Stephanie H on August 27, 2021
Nice truck but too small for a family of four
Truck is too small for a family of 4. The ride is very nice but the back seat is very cramped. It prevents you from accelerating when you are going down a hill which I have never experienced in a car. I would recommend this truck for someone who does not have children and does not need travel far distances.
accountCircle Karen A on December 8, 2021
When it comes to speed and power it does not pick up.
It has a leak in the back window. I really think it should be a recall. There is also noises coming from the bottom when I go over speed bumps. Truck is relatively new and already needs new battery. I am very disappointed with Toyota. I keep on thinking if I made the right purchase with all the issues.
accountCircle Kelly P on December 5, 2021
Troubles of the Toyota Tacoma trd sport.
I am disappointed that this model does not have features that other trucks have such as apple CarPlay. It is a 2016 and most other cars/trucks started to include apple CarPlay in 2015. In addition, there are no power seats. Just seems like something all cars should have had by 2016.
accountCircle Braxton B on August 26, 2021
Not the best at towing
Not the best for towing. Not much leg room in the back seats. Not much power really miss my V8. Had a noise in the dash that I had to get fixed. Sound system was terrible had to upgrade instantly. If you plan on hauling something big I suggest you buy a bigger engine than a V6
accountCircle Jorge on May 27, 2022
Faulty transmission
I have a 2016 Toyota bought it brand new Only have 112 k miles the transmission start shaking and slow down when it reached 30 miles and 65 it should consider a hazardous matter and a recall I paid over 40 k for a vehicle like that
accountCircle Pisay S on August 16, 2021
It is a beautiful truck.
I do not like how the transmission gets stuck in certain gears and how it starts off in 4th gear while in drive. The power is not the best out of other trucks that I have driven in the last to include GMC, ford, and Chevy.
accountCircle Gary Raines on July 10, 2023
Paint peeling
I really love this truck. Only problem I have is the paint is peeling in different spots. Is there a recall, if not there should be. That is a lot of money just chipping away.
accountCircle Joy M on October 4, 2021
Mechanical reliability is awful.
The engine light has gone on 3 times including 2x after work by mechanics. It is comfortable but I am afraid to drive out-of-state because of reliability issues.
accountCircle Katie D on July 12, 2021
Manual transmission makes for good gas mileage.
A couple issues I have with my Tacoma is that it only has two seats and is a manual transmission. It does not have a lot of power as it is only a four-cylinder.
accountCircle Daina on August 6, 2021
Quality
I have to replace the brakes every year when I take it on the mud like six times. Is a 4x4car.
accountCircle Guy Lathem on March 29, 2023
Paint peeling
Paint is peeling. Very dissatisfied with Toyota. Toyota won’t even discuss it with me.
accountCircle Terry G on January 11, 2022
The worst year model they made of the tacoma
I dislike the lack of power and overall performance I like nothing
avatar S.D. Grady
Sonya is a vastly experienced journalist who loves to share her passion for everything automotive. You can usually find her at the track covering NASCAR, taking a test drive, or drooling over the latest models at the local auto show.
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