WhichCarParts

2016–2023 3rd generation (N300)

2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma Common Problems and Years to Avoid

6 documented problems with the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 5 carry a recall or TSB number.

Last verified

Quick answer

We have 6 documented problems on record for the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma, of which 3 are serious and 5 carry a recall or service bulletin. Every one below lists symptoms, the years most affected, and what the repair typically costs.

2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma recalls and service bulletins

Recall / TSBIssueSeverity
NHTSA 17V-285 (Toyota H0G)Rear differential oil leak. Carrier can seize (recall)major
TSB T-SB-0077-16 Rev1; T-SB-0058-18; T-SB-0124-206-speed automatic shift-quality complaints (TSB reflashes)moderate
NHTSA 17V-356 (Toyota H0H)V6 crank-sensor stalling (recall)major
NHTSA 20V-012, expanded 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02/20TB02)Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)major
TSB T-SB-0093-20 RevA/C stops cooling at idle in extreme heatminor

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.

Rear differential oil leak. Carrier can seize (recall)

major

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.

Most affected: 2016–2017Typical cost: Free under recall; $1,500–$3,000 for a carrier outside recall coverageRecall/TSB: NHTSA 17V-285 (Toyota H0G)

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

moderate

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.

Most affected: 2016–2017 (most complaints); behavior reported through 2023Typical cost: Free under warranty / 8-yr 80k emissions coverage; ~$150 reflash otherwiseRecall/TSB: TSB T-SB-0077-16 Rev1; T-SB-0058-18; T-SB-0124-20

V6 crank-sensor stalling (recall)

major

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.

Most affected: 2016–2017 (3.5L V6)Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 17V-356 (Toyota H0H)

Denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)

major

The industry-wide Denso fuel pump defect, an impeller that swells and seizes, causing rough running or stalling at speed, covers 2018–2020 Tacomas. Roughly 500,000 Tacomas were initially omitted by a clerical error and added in the expanded campaign; dealers replace the pump assembly free. Run your VIN even if an earlier lookup came back clean.

Most affected: 2018–2020Typical cost: Free under recall; $500–$900 if replaced outside recall scopeRecall/TSB: NHTSA 20V-012, expanded 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02/20TB02)

A/C stops cooling at idle in extreme heat

minor

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.

Most affected: 2016–2021Typical cost: Free under warranty per TSB; $150–$400 otherwise depending on parts appliedRecall/TSB: TSB T-SB-0093-20 Rev

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.

Most affected: 2016–2017Typical cost: $150–$400 parts and labor

Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.

Which Toyota Tacoma model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Toyota Tacoma built from 2016 through 2023 — the 3rd generation (N300), mid-size pickup (access, double cab; 2wd/4wd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2016 Tacoma2017 Tacoma2018 Tacoma2019 Tacoma2020 Tacoma2021 Tacoma2022 Tacoma2023 Tacoma

What changed during the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma

  • 2016Generation launch: 2GR-FKS V6, 6-speed auto, first-year diff-leak and crank-sensor recalls
  • 2017TRD Pro returns with Goodyear Kevlar 265/70R16s
  • 2018Toyota Safety Sense-P (pre-collision warning/automatic braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams) becomes standard across nearly every trim
  • 2019Updated TRD Pro trim with more off-road-ready equipment
  • 2020Facelift: grille, sealed LED headlights on upper trims, 8-in touchscreen with Android Auto/CarPlay, cluster-menu maintenance reset replaces the trip-knob procedure
  • 2023Final year; the 2.7L I4 and this generation retire together

2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma problems and recalls: common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma?

The recurring ones are: rear differential oil leak. carrier can seize (recall); 6-speed automatic shift-quality complaints (tsb reflashes); v6 crank-sensor stalling (recall); denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall); a/c stops cooling at idle in extreme heat. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.

Which 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma years should you avoid?

The years to be most careful with are those affected by rear differential oil leak. carrier can seize (recall) (2016–2017) and v6 crank-sensor stalling (recall) (2016–2017 (3.5L V6)) and denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall) (2018–2020). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.

Are there recalls on the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma?

5 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 17V-285 (Toyota H0G) (rear differential oil leak. carrier can seize (recall)), TSB T-SB-0077-16 Rev1; T-SB-0058-18; T-SB-0124-20 (6-speed automatic shift-quality complaints (tsb reflashes)), NHTSA 17V-356 (Toyota H0H) (v6 crank-sensor stalling (recall)), NHTSA 20V-012, expanded 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02/20TB02) (denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)), TSB T-SB-0093-20 Rev (a/c stops cooling at idle in extreme heat). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.

How much do 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma repairs typically cost?

Typical figures for the issues above: rear differential oil leak. carrier can seize (recall), Free under recall; $1,500–$3,000 for a carrier outside recall coverage; 6-speed automatic shift-quality complaints (tsb reflashes), Free under warranty / 8-yr 80k emissions coverage; ~$150 reflash otherwise; v6 crank-sensor stalling (recall), Free under recall; denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall), Free under recall; $500–$900 if replaced outside recall scope.

Sources

Other Toyota Tacoma generations

2024–2025 problems and recalls2012–2015 problems and recallsCompare all generations

More for the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma

Oil & filterBatteryTires & wheelsWiper bladesAir & cabin filtersBulbsBrakesFluidsService scheduleOil light resetKey fob batterySpecs