WhichCarParts

3rd generation (N300) · 2016–2023 · Mid-size pickup (Access, Double Cab; 2WD/4WD)

2016 Toyota Tacoma parts and specs

Everything you need to own and maintain this exact model year. Verified specifications, part numbers, and the problems that recur, in one place.

Last verified

Photo: Noah Wulf / CC BY-SA 4.0. Illustrative, not necessarily your model year or trim.

Quick facts

Engine oil
0W-20, 6.2 qt (base engine)
Battery
Group 24F
Tire size
245/75R16 (base trim)
Wiper blades
22" / 20"
Max towing
6,800 lbs
Cabin filter
Toyota 87139-YZZ20 (activated charcoal)

Specifications for the 2016–2023 Tacoma

Oil & filter

Viscosity, capacity, filter part numbers, change interval

Battery

BCI group size, cold cranking amps, AGM or flooded

Tires & wheels

Factory sizes by trim, pressures, bolt pattern, lug torque

Wiper blades

Driver, passenger and rear blade lengths

Air & cabin filters

Cabin and engine air filter part numbers, locations, intervals

Bulbs

Headlight, fog and marker bulb types

Brakes

Rotor diameters, pad references, service notes

Fluids

Transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and capacities

Service schedule

What's actually due at every mileage interval

Problems & reliability

Documented failures, recalls, and which years to avoid

Oil light reset

Step-by-step maintenance light reset, no tools

Key fob battery

Which coin cell the remote takes

Specs

Towing, weight, fuel tank, fuel economy

These specifications are shared across every Tacoma of the 3rd generation (N300) generation. See the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma overview for the full picture, or the Toyota Tacoma guide to compare every generation.

What changed for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma

  • 2016Generation launch: 2GR-FKS V6, 6-speed auto, first-year diff-leak and crank-sensor recalls

Known problems with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma

5 of the 6 issues we track for the 2016–2023 generation are documented against the 2016 model year, and 4 carry a recall or service bulletin.

  • Rear differential oil leak. Carrier can seize (recall)

    majorNHTSA 17V-285 (Toyota H0G)

    On 2016–2017 trucks the rear differential carrier-to-axle fastening nuts can loosen and leak gear oil; run dry, the differential can seize and lock the rear wheels. Toyota recalled ~228,000 trucks: dealers retorque/reseal, and replace the carrier assembly if damaged, free. A rear-axle oil stain on any 2016–2017 is worth an immediate VIN check.

    Typical cost: Free under recall; $1,500–$3,000 for a carrier outside recall coverage

  • 6-speed automatic shift-quality complaints (TSB reflashes)

    moderateTSB T-SB-0077-16 Rev1; T-SB-0058-18; T-SB-0124-20

    The AC60E/F 6-speed drew years of complaints: delayed Park-to-Drive engagement, harsh 1-2 upshifts, constant gear hunting on the highway, and a shudder/surge at 40–50 mph. Toyota answered with ECM recalibration TSB T-SB-0077-16 ('Shift Feeling Enhancements') and follow-ups (T-SB-0058-18 surge, T-SB-0124-20 deceleration vibration). The reflashes genuinely help but don't make it a smooth transmission. Hardware failures are rare.

    Typical cost: Free under warranty / 8-yr 80k emissions coverage; ~$150 reflash otherwise

  • V6 crank-sensor stalling (recall)

    majorNHTSA 17V-356 (Toyota H0H)

    About 32,000 2016–2017 V6 trucks got a crankshaft timing rotor with over-applied coating, which can confuse the crank position sensor and stall the engine without restart. Dealers replace the sensor (or rotor as needed) free under recall.

    Typical cost: Free under recall

  • A/C stops cooling at idle in extreme heat

    minorTSB T-SB-0093-20 Rev

    In ambient temperatures above ~100°F, some 2016–2021 trucks blow warm at idle and cool again once moving. Toyota's TSB revises A/C control logic/components. Annoying in the desert Southwest; harmless elsewhere.

    Typical cost: Free under warranty per TSB; $150–$400 otherwise depending on parts applied

  • Blower motor noise/failure (2016–2017)

    minor

    Early 3rd-gen trucks are over-represented in HVAC blower complaints, a chirping/squealing fan that eventually quits. Toyota addressed certain 2016–2017 blower motors in service communications; out of coverage it is a straightforward behind-the-glovebox replacement.

    Typical cost: $150–$400 parts and labor

1 more issue reported in other 2016–2023 years
  • Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall) — 2018–2020

Full detail, costs and sources on the Toyota Tacoma problems and years to avoid guide.

Which engines were offered in the 2016 Tacoma?

EngineTrimsOilOil capacity
2.7L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE)SR, SR5 (I4; dropped after 2023 in most configs)0W-206.2 qt
3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS)SR5 V6, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro (2017+), Limited, Trail Edition0W-206.1 qt

About the Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma has been America's best-selling midsize pickup for two decades, and the 2012–2025 span covers three mechanically distinct trucks. 0L 1GR-FE V6 with old-school 4- and 5-speed automatics and a 5,000-mile oil interval. 4B settlement.

5L 2GR-FKS with an Atkinson-capable direct+port injection system, a 6-speed automatic that generated years of shift-quality complaints and TSB reflashes, 0W-20 oil on a 10,000-mile interval, and two early recalls (rear differential leak, crank sensor stalling). 4L i-FORCE turbo four, alone or as the 326-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid, through an 8-speed automatic whose early failures triggered a warranty TSB and a class action. 2 gal on the 4th gen), a body-on-frame chassis that owners keep well past 200k miles, and heavy owner traffic around oil capacity (it changed every generation), tire sizes that differ by trim, and recall lookups.

For how the specifications changed across every generation, see the full Toyota Tacoma guide.

Other Toyota Tacoma years

2025202420232022202120202019201820172015201420132012
Data confidence for this generationVerified

Sources