If you’re in the market for a Toyota Tacoma, then it might be difficult to get a new one until the semiconductor chip shortage gets under control. Until then, you can look at used Toyota Tacoma models. Just be sure to do your homework because models like the 2016 Toyota Tacoma may have frustrating issues. 

What’s wrong with the 2016 Toyota Tacoma? 

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is still a great used Toyota Tacoma option to consider if you can find a model that’s been well taken care of, with a reasonable price. The Tacoma was redesigned for 2016 and emerged with a few issues you need to know about. 

But this doesn’t mean that it’s a bad truck to consider. It still has an average reliability rating, and with proper care and maintenance, the 2016 Tacoma can easily make it past 300,000 miles. But let’s see the most annoying issues that owners faced. 

The 2016 Tacoma faces transmission issues 

According to Car Complaints, where owners post the issues that they face with their personal vehicles, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma struggles with transmission issues. This is one of the most common issues that drivers mention. 

Drivers reported that the transmission is prone to hesitating with hard shifts. It seems to be slow to downshift and up-shift. Some owners mentioned that it would jolt and lag. The Tacoma also had a slow acceleration. 

Dealers did provide an update for the ECM to provide better shifting. The update helped a little, but drivers still experienced hard shifting afterward. 

Other drivers mentioned that their 2016 Tacoma models made a loud howling noise around 55 mph, and the cause is unknown. Also, some models vibrate at highway speeds. 

The 2016 Tacoma struggles with drivetrain problems 

The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) got multiple complaints about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma drivetrain problems. The complaints seem similar to the transmission issues. 

Drivers reported that when their Tacoma was in park or reverse, it would suddenly lurch forward without warning. The trucks would also lurch forward at highway speeds and then randomly stop for a moment. 

Other 2016 Tacoma owners reported that their trucks made a loud cranking noise while accelerating. The engine made a metallic grinding, and the suspension may make loud clanking noises over bumps. 

More reported problems include vibrating while slowing down, gasket leaks, a leaking rear differential, and getting stuck in four-wheel-high. 

Does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have electrical problems? 

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma also received multiple reports of electrical issues. One driver shared that while they were driving, the front seat warmer suddenly shut off. They also noticed the smell of electrical burning. The seat heater amp connection wiring was burned out. This occurred at about 63,404 miles. 

Another driver noticed that the check engine light would turn off and on sporadically. They had to disconnect the battery, remove the gas cap, and place it back on to get the light to go away. But there was a recall for the gas cap seal. 

More electrical problems include the truck randomly turning off, the inability to hold a connection vis Bluetooth, AC and heat failure, rodent damage, and the failure to crank after multiple attempts. 

The 2016 Tacoma has the most problems reported out of every model year. This shows that the 2017 – 2022 models could have resolved these issues. If you get a 2016 Tacoma, be sure to review the vehicle’s history before buying.