What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation (2016–2021) Tacoma?

Tacoma owners have made 241 complaints about the 2016–2021 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 70th out of 81 Toyota generations in overall reliability, with real transmission and engine concerns.

Compare With Other Tacoma Generations

Common 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma Problems

Some of the worst issues 3rd generation Tacoma owners have to deal with.

  2. Bluetooth Echos During Calls

    What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? That's the position many 2016-2019 Toyota owners find themselves in as they struggle with their car's bluetooth connection.

    Continue reading article "Bluetooth Echos During Calls"

  3. Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires

    Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace plastic and glass-based wiring insulation with a more eco-friendly soy-based coating. It's biodegradable, commendable, and a complete disaster for owners. …

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation (2016–2021) Tacoma Key Numbers

  1. 4 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 241 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 70th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 81 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 3rd Generation Tacoma Owners

  • Freeman, et al., v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. et al.

    1. Case Filed

      Toyota Bluetooth echo problems have caused a class action lawsuit that alleges when the driver of the Toyota uses the hands-free phone system to make or receive a call, the person on the other end of the call hears an echo of their own words.

    Problem
    Bluetooth Echos During Calls
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2018 4Runner
    • 2017-2018 Avalon
    • 2017-2018 Avalon Hybrid
    • 2016-2018 Highlander
    • 2016-2018 Highlander Hybrid
    • 2016-2018 Prius
    • 2016-2018 Prius V
    • 2016-2018 Sequoia
    • 2016-2018 Sienna
    • 2016-2018 Tacoma
    • 2016-2018 Tundra
    • 2018 Yaris
    Location
    Missouri

Recent 3rd Generation (2016–2021) Tacoma News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A lawsuit wonders how Toyota can keep calling their bluetooth implementation "hands-free" when owners very much need to use their hands to prevent echos on each and every call.

    For years owners have complained about this issue, but Toyota's only suggestion has been to pickup the phone and turn it's volume all the way up after the call has been initiated. Oh, and also make sure the radio volume is below level 45. Sorta defeats the point, don't you think?…

    keep reading article "Illinois Lawsuit Says Toyota's Hands-Free Calling is Unusable"

  2. Defective master cylinders are being recalled in the 2018-2019 Tacoma to fix spongy brakes and longer stopping distances.

    About 44,000 model year 2018-2019 Tacoma master cylinder seals are defective due to manufacturing problems with the supplier. The master cylinder takes force from the pedal and converts it into hydraulic pressure that can be distributed to the brakes. But it needs brake fluid to build that pressure.

    No fluid, no pressure → no pressure, no brakes → no brakes, no fun.

    keep reading article "Tacoma Master Cylinder Recalled to Fix Spongy Brakes"

  5. When Toyota switched away from using plastic or glass-based inulation in favor of soy, it invited in some very unwelcome Toyota loyalisits.

    According to the plaintiff, she learned the hard way about the soy wiring when her Avalon wouldn't start and a look under the hood showed wires chewed, so she had the car towed to a dealer. Toyota told her rodents had caused the damage and it would be no problem to repair the problems as long as she could cough up $6,000 to cover the bill.

    The soy-based wiring is allegedly attracting in rodents, who love to chew it up and use it for nesting material. The lawsuit, Heidi Browder vs. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al. follows a similar lawsuit filed against Honda earlier this year.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Toyota’s Use of Soy-Based Wiring is Attracting Rodent Damage"

What Tacoma Owners Say About This Generation

Water Leaks into Tacoma Cabins Through 3rd Brake Light

3rd brake light over torqued at factory resulting in defective seal and eventually cracked light fixture. This results not only in electrical issue but serious leaking into cabin - affecting rear seat, roof, and flooring. Leak noticed after rain storms and noticing wet floor/seats and damp floors.

2016 Tacoma Owner

Water Leaks into Tacoma Cabins Through 3rd Brake Light

Rain and car wash water will come in the cabin of the truck due to a lose rubber gasket that was not fitted properly to the truck bed light. I also had Toyota check for rust in the cabin once they took the piece off.

2016 Tacoma Owner in TX

Water Leaks into Tacoma Cabins Through 3rd Brake Light

Water came in through the back of the cab from the outside cab light I noticed it while going through a touchless drive through car wash. The water soaked through on the headliner and seat leaving a water stain and possible mold. I took the car in to a Toyota dealership and it was confirmed that the water was coming through the cab light on the outside of the truck. This problem was posted on Toyota's bulletin by other 2017 Tacoma owners.

2017 Tacoma Owner