Toyota

Tacoma (N300)

2016-2023 · Midsize Truck · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.3)
1,194 NHTSA Complaints
15 Recalls
12 Fire Reports
60 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Toyota Tacoma → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

2TR-FE

2.7L 4-cyl / 159 hp
⚠️ Caution (3.3)
97 complaints 12.1 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
32
fuel system
19
other
12
brakes
12
electrical
9

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (32 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (19 complaints)
Brakes Issues (12 complaints)

2GR-FKS

3.5L 6-cyl / 278 hp
Avoid (1.3)
1,053 complaints 131.5 per year Gasoline
12 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
262
fuel system
188
engine
163
brakes
160
electrical
112

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (262 complaints)
Typical onset: 7,000–35,000 mi Est. repair: $1,925–$6,212 (8 reports)
Fuel System Issues (188 complaints)
Typical onset: 6,600–25,750 mi
Engine Issues (163 complaints)
Typical onset: 7,900–94,500 mi Est. repair: $2,500–$6,666 (9 reports)

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota Tacoma regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (294 complaints)
transmission critical
Fuel System Issues (207 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Brakes Issues (172 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (163 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (112 complaints)
electrical critical

Recalls (15)

25V040000Jan 28, 2025serious
Steering

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

24V152000Feb 26, 2024serious
Powertrain

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.

23V480000Dec 6, 2023serious
Steering

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

22V520000Jul 20, 2022serious
Child Seat

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."

22V310000Jun 4, 2022serious
Equipment

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

20V012000Jan 12, 2020serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

20V682000Apr 10, 2020serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

19V244000Mar 26, 2019serious
Equipment

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

18V888000Dec 12, 2018serious
Service Brakes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.

18V211000Mar 3, 2018serious
Service Brakes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.

17V285000Apr 26, 2017serious
Powertrain

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.

17V831000Dec 19, 2017serious
Equipment

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

17V425000Mar 6, 2017serious
Structure

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.

17V356000Jan 5, 2017serious
Engine

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.

15V656000Oct 13, 2015serious
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver's knee air bag module.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma problems?

The 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma has accumulated 1,194 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Fuel System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota Tacoma engine is most reliable?

The 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma a good used car?

The 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,194 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma have?

The 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma has 1,194 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma?

There are 15 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Tacoma?

Before buying a used Toyota Tacoma, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Fuel System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Tacoma have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,194 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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