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2016 Toyota Hilux problems

A 2016 Toyota Hilux is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2016 Toyota Hilux is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 6 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

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Faults a 2016 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.

ExhaustHigh

DPF blocking on light-duty urban use

Typically appears
80,000+ miles
What to inspect
Run at sustained speed and confirm no warnings
SuspensionMedium

Rear leaf spring and bush wear from overloading

Typically appears
90,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check ride height and inspect springs for cracking
TransmissionHigh

Clutch and transfer case wear on working trucks

Typically appears
100,000+ miles
What to inspect
Test four-wheel-drive engagement and clutch bite
EngineHigh

Cold start diesel knock, rough idle, or white smoke from unburnt fuel.

Typically appears
50,000-80,000 miles
What to inspect
Start the engine from stone cold. Listen for a harsh, metallic clatter that does not settle within a few seconds, and check for a lumpy idle or white smoke from the exhaust indicating injector wear.
EmissionsHigh

AdBlue warning light, mileage countdown to non-start, or crusty white buildup.

Typically appears
40,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect
Turn on the ignition to check for an 'AdBlue malfunction' warning. Look under the vehicle at the exhaust SCR unit for white, crystalline urea leaks around the dosing valve.
DrivetrainMedium

4WD fails to engage, accompanied by a flashing 4WD light on the dashboard.

Typically appears
60,000-100,000 miles
What to inspect
With the engine running in neutral, switch the dial from 2H to 4H. Listen for the ADD actuator click and ensure the 4WD icon illuminates solidly within five seconds without flashing.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

BodyCritical

Chassis and underbody corrosion on older, farm-used trucks

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Inspect the chassis rails thoroughly from underneath
InteriorLow

Touchscreen unresponsive, random reboots, or visible bubbles under the screen surface.

Typically appears
3-5 years
What to inspect
Cycle the ignition and test the infotainment screen. Tap the corners of the display to ensure touch response and inspect the screen edges for a cloudy or bubbled appearance indicating delamination.

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Toyota Hilux · frequently asked questions

What is the number one Hilux check?

Chassis corrosion. Get underneath every single one, whatever the age or mileage.

Do high miles matter?

Far less than condition. These trucks are bought on structural integrity and four-wheel-drive function.

Which spec sells fastest?

Double cab Invincible with a canopy or roller cover, to trades and lifestyle buyers alike.

Is the newer 2.8-litre engine as reliable as the 2.4-litre?

Both the 2.4 and 2.8 engines share the same architecture and are generally robust. The 2.8-litre, introduced in 2020, features an upgraded balance shaft and improved cooling. However, it uses more AdBlue and is slightly more prone to SCR system faults. Mechanically, both offer excellent longevity if serviced annually.

How do the towing capacities differ across the AN120/AN130 range?

Early 2016 models were rated at 3,200kg for towing. Toyota upgraded the chassis and cooling in late 2017, increasing the legally braked towing capacity to the class-standard 3,500kg. Always check the V5C or the VIN plate on the passenger door pillar to confirm the specific gross train weight of the exact truck you are appraising.

Does the 8th generation Hilux use a timing belt or a timing chain?

Both the 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel engines in this generation utilise a heavy-duty timing chain rather than a rubber belt. The chain is designed to last the lifetime of the engine and has no scheduled replacement interval. However, regular oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months are critical to prevent chain tensioner wear.

Other Hilux model years

202520222019

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