DrivetrainLow
Rear differential/CV and driveline vibration.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for driveline clunk and feel for vibration at speed.
2016 Toyota Tacoma problems
A 2016 Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 2 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2016 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.
EngineLow
Occasional carbon buildup on the 3.5L direct-injection V6.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Watch for rough idle; ask about intake cleaning.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionMedium
6-speed automatic hunting/lurching at low speeds.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive in stop-go traffic and feel for erratic shifts or hesitation.
BodyMedium
Bed/frame surface rust in salt regions (earlier Toyotas had frame issues).
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect the frame and bed underside for corrosion.
Inspecting a 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carToyota Tacoma · frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Yes — it's known for exceptional durability and resale, with only the transmission feel as a common complaint.
What's wrong with the Tacoma transmission?
The 6-speed auto can hunt between gears at low speed; it's a drivability quirk more than a reliability failure.
Should I check the frame?
Yes — inspect the frame for rust, especially on trucks from salt-belt states.