Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Toyota Tacoma problems

Owners filed 324 complaints about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between Dec 2015 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (136).

Complaints
324
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train136
  2. Engine47
  3. Electrical system37
  4. Structure22
  5. Seats22
  6. Service brakes18
  7. Exterior lighting17
  8. Fuel/propulsion system14
  9. Suspension14
  10. Vehicle speed control10
  11. Visibility/wiper9
  12. Air bags5
  13. Steering4
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20152
201657
2017105
201836
201918
202026
202116
202219
202314
202413
202510
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

136 reports1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 19, 2026Power trainODI 11738757

Engine

47 reports1 related recall
“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 Toyota Dealers Mechanic verbally. Leaks were without engine light indicators “at all”. The dealership added a dye, told me to drive 100-500 miles and return to have a re-inspection done after their initial one came with no results. Initially I spotted this while I was conducting a regular 3,000 mile oil change. (2nd oil change since owning the truck. So my out of pocket was around $5,700+, for an apparent (see attached) “well-known” Dealer issue. @ 60k, a major repair cost for this should NOT but coming from the consumer, and needs to be listed as a “recall”. Had I not…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2025EngineODI 11693320

Electrical system

37 reports3 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 132,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 229,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Electrical systemODI 11772089

Structure

22 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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 have to paint the whole truck. I have a 25 year old truck that has better paint than it. I just wanted to let you know about this situation. Thanks [XXX].”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2026StructureODI 11748666

Seats

22 reports3 fires
“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 was never notified of this recall while the vehicle was in Saipan. Continuous exposure to mold has seriously affected both my health and my daughter’s health. Because of this, I had the vehicle professionally cleaned and sanitized by a specialist company. The Tacoma has always been our family’s favorite car, but now I drive it only because I have no choice. Every time I get in, I feel anxious and uneasy. The water leak itself is concerning, but the mold issue worries me even more. I truly hope this water leak and the mold problem can both be resolved so that I can once again…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 11, 2026Seat belts, Seats, Unknown or otherODI 11730507

Service brakes

18 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 25, 2024Service brakesODI 11567897
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.