Is the 2016 Toyota TACOMA reliable?

The 2016 Toyota TACOMA has 416 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Toyota TACOMA?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (136 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (51 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (47 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Toyota TACOMA?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT, AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Toyota TACOMA?

The 2016 Toyota TACOMA gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Toyota TACOMA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Toyota TACOMA is approximately $1,665/year (truck-small class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Toyota TACOMA

Q: Is the 2016 Toyota TACOMA often stolen?

The Toyota TACOMA was the #25 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 3,900 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Toyota TACOMA has 416 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.3x the segment average of 182. The most common issue is transmission problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: on a cold start, after you put the vehicle in d (drive) there is up to a 7 second delay on engagement of the transmission. the accelerator can be pressed and the vehicle will not move for up to 7 seconds leaving me stranded for example if i have backed out of the driveway to the street. once i place. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.

7 fire reports 2 crash reports 2 injuries

416

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

136 complaints

33%

• ON A COLD START, AFTER YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN D (DRIVE) THERE IS UP TO A 7 SECOND DELAY ON ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE ACCELERATOR CAN BE PRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE FOR UP TO 7 SECONDS LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR EXAMPLE IF I HAVE BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY TO THE STREET. ONCE I PLACE
• TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN COLD OR AFTER THE TRUCK SITS FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. USUALLY ALWAYS OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE UP, REVERSING AND THEN GOING INTO DRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION HAS A PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT BUT ACCELERATION IS NOT AS INTENDED. IT WILL THEN "BANG" INTO TO GEAR AND GO. FEAR IS THAT I
• TRANSMISSION HAS A DELAYED ENGAGEMENT ON A COLD START. WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE, THE TRUCK MOVES SLIGHTLY THEN A HARD LOCK UP IS FELT. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. WHILE BACKING UP ONTO STREET, WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DELAY WITH

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“ON A COLD START, AFTER YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN D (DRIVE) THERE IS UP TO A 7 SECOND DELAY ON ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE ACCELERATOR CAN BE PRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE FOR UP TO 7 SECONDS LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR EXAMPLE IF I HAVE BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY TO THE STREET. ONCE I PLACE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Toyota TACOMA

Based on 245 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 16K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

157

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 83 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 25 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 25 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 20 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS03/07/2017

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.

Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Above-average theft risk

#25 most stolen in 2025

The Toyota TACOMA was the #25 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 3,900 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Midsize truck; catalytic converters + wheels

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Toyota TACOMA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Toyota TACOMA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,665

Full coverage / month

$139

Liability only / year

$629

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (truck-small)1.02x

× theft risk1.06x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1665

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota TACOMA Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2016 TACOMA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 416 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: ON A COLD START, AFTER YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN D (DRIVE) THERE IS UP TO A 7 SECOND DELAY ON ENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE ACCELERATOR CAN BE PRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE FOR UP TO 7 SECONDS LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR EXAMPLE IF I HAVE BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY TO THE STREET. ONCE I PLACE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 2016 TOYOTA TACOMA EXHIBITS A SEVERE RESONANT VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND GAS PEDAL FROM UNKNOWN SOURCE. THE BUZZING VIBRATION EMANATES THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND GAS PEDAL AT A SEVERITY AND PITCH THAT CAUSES DISCOMFORT, TINGLING IN THE HANDS, ARMS, AND RIGHT LEG'TO AN EXTENT I BECOME DI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: AFTER 10,000 MILES THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THEN THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS THE TRACTION CONTROL. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY LOOKED AT IT SAYING I JUST NEED NEW SENSORS. DROVE IT A COUPLE MORE DAYS AND NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NON EXISTENT. I DRIVE A LOT FOR WO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY ABS LIGHT FAILURE CAME ON AND SAID CHECK WITH DEALER. THREE DAYS LATER TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND ELECTRICAL HARNESS HAD BEEN CHEWED BY RODENTS. IT IS REQUIRING $5000 TO REPLACE THIS COMPONENT. I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR ONE MONTH AND BRAND NEW. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONERY IN DRIVEWAY WHEN EATEN.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)