The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is associated with 323 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 102 reports (32% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.7l 4-cyl and 3.5l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 18 to 21 MPG combined. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma belongs to the 3rd generation (N300) Tacoma platform spanning model years 2016–2023.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 323 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (102 / 32%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 4 crash / 4 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 18–21 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 23 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Tacoma 2WD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 24 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 MPG | 22 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 19 MPG | 21 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 23 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 MPG | 21 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $3,250 / yr |
| Tacoma 4WD Double Cab | 3.5L 6-Cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 MPG | 20 MPG | 18 MPG | — | $3,400 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| PU/EC 2WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | | 14.7% |
| PU/CC 2WD | | | | | 14.7% |
| PU/EC 4WD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | | 19.1% |
| PU/CC 4WD | | | | | 19.1% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 Toyota Tacoma models.
View complete 2016 Toyota Tacoma crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2016 Toyota Tacoma problems & component breakdown (58 categories) →
Affected Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: ENGINE
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2016 Toyota Tacoma recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →