2016 Toyota Tacoma Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 11,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “rear differential” (18% of reports).
- 136power train complaints
- 11,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 51%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rear differential: mentioned in 25 of 136 complaints (18%)
- Took truck: mentioned in 10 of 136 complaints (7%)
- Shifting reverse: mentioned in 8 of 136 complaints (6%)
- Able confirm become: mentioned in 8 of 136 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 83 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
None of the 136 complaints report a crash, fire or injury.
Toyota Tacoma power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tacoma | 4 | 40% | — |
| 2025 Tacoma | 21 | 20% | — |
| 2024 Tacoma | 55 | 36% | 2,422 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 7 | 13% | 20,370 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 10 | 17% | 41,000 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 14 | 17% | 9,000 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 15 | 17% | 5,500 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 40 | 18% | 900 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 29 | 14% | 5,825 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 68 | 28% | 5,000 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 136 | 42% | 11,000 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 9 | 9% | 16,000 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 13 | 14% | 20,000 |
| 2013 Tacoma | 22 | 18% | 6,500 |
| 2012 Tacoma | 35 | 12% | 53,000 |
| 2011 Tacoma | 8 | 4% | 2,500 |
| 2010 Tacoma | 29 | 10% | 7,607 |
| 2009 Tacoma | 75 | 14% | 1,750 |
| 2008 Tacoma | 22 | 5% | 17,915 |
| 2007 Tacoma | 68 | 13% | 38,000 |
| 2006 Tacoma | 56 | 7% | 34,700 |
| 2005 Tacoma | 57 | 8% | 26,600 |
| 2004 Tacoma | 22 | 5% | 43,500 |
| 2003 Tacoma | 18 | 5% | 50,000 |
| 2002 Tacoma | 21 | 6% | 55,000 |
| 2001 Tacoma | 15 | 4% | 105,895 |
| 2000 Tacoma | 11 | 5% | 119,700 |
| 1999 Tacoma | 16 | 6% | 139,500 |
| 1998 Tacoma | 10 | 3% | 133,788 |
| 1997 Tacoma | 9 | 7% | 160,000 |
| 1996 Tacoma | 14 | 6% | 100,000 |
| 1995 Tacoma | 12 | 7% | 130,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 Toyota Tacomas have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 136 owner complaints about power train for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma (42% of the 323 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 11,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
The most frequent phrase is “rear differential”, in 25 of 136 complaints, followed by “took truck” (10).
See all 2016 Toyota Tacoma problems or power train problems across all Tacoma years.