---
title: "2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Years to Avoid"
description: "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."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/common-problems"
updated: "2026-08-20"
---

# 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.

**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.

## 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma recalls and service bulletins

| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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-0124-20 | 6-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 Rev | A/C stops cooling at idle in extreme heat | minor |

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.

## 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: 2016-2017. Typical cost: Free under recall; $1,500-$3,000 for a carrier outside recall coverage. Recall/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 2023. Typical cost: Free under warranty / 8-yr 80k emissions coverage; ~$150 reflash otherwise. Recall/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 recall. Recall/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: 2018-2020. Typical cost: Free under recall; $500-$900 if replaced outside recall scope. Recall/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: 2016-2021. Typical cost: Free under warranty per TSB; $150-$400 otherwise depending on parts applied. Recall/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: 2016-2017. Typical 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.

- [2016 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016)
- [2017 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2017)
- [2018 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2018)
- [2019 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2019)
- [2020 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2020)
- [2021 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2021)
- [2022 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2022)
- [2023 Tacoma](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2023)

## What changed during the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

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

- [Toyota technical data, Tacoma N300 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)](https://toyota-club.net/files/techdata/ttx/tacoma_300.htm)
- [Toyota Genuine Spark Plug application chart 2022 (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/09_SparkPlugs2022_hi.pdf)
- [NHTSA recall 17V-285, rear differential oil leak](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCRIT-17V285-0775.pdf)
- [NHTSA recall 17V-356, crankshaft position sensor stall](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCAK-17V356-7514.pdf)
- [NHTSA recall 20V-682, Denso fuel pump expansion incl. Tacoma](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RMISC-20V682-4179.pdf)
- [NHTSA TSB T-SB-0077-16, AC60E/F shift feeling enhancements](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/SB-10086596-5448.pdf)
- [TirePressure.org, 2020 Tacoma placard pressures by trim](https://www.tirepressure.org/toyota/tacoma/2020)
- [TacomaWorld, 2016 owner's manual oil capacity pages (2TR-FE 6.2 qt)](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-2tr-fe-oil-qty-owners-manual-changes.409007/)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2020 Tacoma EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2020_Toyota_Tacoma.shtml)

## Other Toyota Tacoma generations

- [2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2024-2025/common-problems)
- [2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma problems and recalls](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2012-2015/common-problems)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/common-problems).

## More for the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

- [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/oil)
- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/service-schedule)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/tacoma/2016-2023/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.