Free used car buyer guide / N300 / 3rd Gen / 2016-2023
Toyota Tacoma common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
4.1/10
4 walk-away risks, 4 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: rear differential oil leak recall. Score methodology.
The 2016-2023 Tacoma is a durable truck with a buyer trap hiding in plain sight: owners forgive rough shift behaviour because "it's a Tacoma," while Toyota bulletins show specific calibration, driveline, differential, and axle faults that need paperwork. The expensive issues are early 3.5 V6 6AT shift hunting, 2016 manual transmission shift-out difficulty, 2016-2023 deceleration driveline vibration, 2016-2017 rear differential leaks, 2022-2023 rear axle fastener recall, fuel pump recall exposure, and the 2016-2017 crank-position sensor stall recall. The safest truck is a 2020-2021 V6 with completed fuel-pump work, smooth 6AT calibration, dry rear diff, and no driveline shake. Manual buyers should focus on 2017+ trucks or a 2016 with the detent-ball repair already documented. Current owners should keep bulletin invoices because Tacoma resale rewards proof more than promises.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
Rear differential oil leak
Best years
2020-2021
Best buys
- 2020-2021 V6 4x4 automatic with completed fuel-pump action and no decel vibration
- 2018-2021 2.7 four-cylinder work truck if power is acceptable and service history is clean
- 2020-2023 manual V6 with smooth clutch take-up and no long-drive shift binding
Inspect hard
- 2016-2017 V6 6AT: ECM calibration, highway grade hunting, and delayed engagement
- 2016-2017 rear differential flange area for oil wetness or H0G recall work
- 2022-2023 rear axle retaining nuts and later steering-column recall status
Avoid
- Lifted trucks with driveline vibration, mismatched tyres, and no alignment/driveshaft documentation
- Any fuel-pump, brake vacuum, rear axle, or crank-sensor recall left open
- Manual 2016 that binds after a long drive with no T-SB-0088-16 repair
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Toyota Tacoma viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Toyota Tacoma should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.5 V6 2GR-FKS with AC60 6-speed automatic
2016-2023
BEST AFTER CALIBRATION CHECK
This is the volume Tacoma drivetrain. The engine is strong, but the early automatic calibration can hunt, flare, or delay engagement. A scan for calibration ID and a road test on grades are more useful than a seller's claim that all Tacomas shift that way.
3.5 V6 2GR-FKS with 6-speed manual
2016-2023
GOOD FOR ENTHUSIASTS
The manual avoids 6AT hunting but carries its own early 2016 bulletin for difficult shift-out after long drives. Clutch condition, previous towing, and shift feel after heat soak decide whether it is a keeper.
2.7 four-cylinder 2TR-FE
2016-2023
SLOW BUT LOW DRAMA
The 2.7 is underpowered in a heavy 4x4, yet it is the simplest Tacoma to own. It is best for work-truck buyers who value low repair risk over highway passing or towing performance.
TRD Off-Road/Pro V6 with Crawl Control and locker
2016-2023
INSPECT FOR ABUSE
The hardware is desirable and keeps resale high, but off-road use stresses axles, driveshaft angles, wheel bearings, and skid-plate areas. Buy condition and documentation, not decals.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2016
Third-gen launch with 3.5 V6, 2.7 four-cylinder, new 6AT, and early manual/auto bulletins.
Buyer: This year needs the deepest road test; auto calibration and manual shift-out behaviour decide value.
Owner: Keep T-SB-0077-16 or T-SB-0088-16 paperwork if either applies.
2017
Early drivetrain issues continued; crank sensor, rear differential, brake vacuum, and fuel-pump recalls touch this year.
Buyer: A 2017 can be good, but recall closure is mandatory before price confidence.
Owner: Check rear diff wetness and fuel-pump status before a long trip.
2018
Production improved, but fuel-pump and brake-assist recall exposure remains on some trucks.
Buyer: Better than launch years; still test highway grades and inspect crash/off-road wear.
Owner: Document fuel-pump work and watch driveline vibration as mileage rises.
2019
Carryover year; some label/fuel-pump actions apply.
Buyer: Condition and modifications matter more than year-specific defects.
Owner: Keep tyres matched and inspect universal joints before they mimic transmission trouble.
2020
Facelift and infotainment updates; fuel-pump recall still applies to many trucks.
Buyer: One of the safer buys if stock and serviced.
Owner: Avoid cheap suspension lifts that create vibration and steering wear.
2021
Mature production with fewer headline faults.
Buyer: A clean 2021 V6 is the low-admin choice.
Owner: Service fluids based on use, especially towing or off-road work.
2022
Later trucks entered child-seat anchor and rear axle fastener recall populations.
Buyer: Check axle recall status even on a low-mile truck.
Owner: Do not ignore rear-end noise after the axle inspection.
2023
Final third-gen year; rear axle and steering-column recalls apply to some trucks.
Buyer: Great resale, but only if the recall sheet is clean.
Owner: Keep recall completion proof because final-year buyers will ask.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
V6 6AT shift hunting and delayed engagement
Affects
Mainly 2016-2017 V6 automatic Tacoma under T-SB-0077-16.
Symptoms
Delayed D/R engagement, harsh 1-2, grade hunting, cruise-control delayed upshift, cold 3-4 flare.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-250 calibration; EUR 150-400 diagnosis; EUR 2,500+ if mechanical damage is found.
Codes / scan clues
Often none; calibration ID and adaptation data matter.
Root cause: Original ECM/PCM shift calibration poorly matched some driving conditions.
Quick check
- Start cold and select Reverse and Drive before warm-up.
- Drive a slight highway grade at steady throttle.
- Use cruise control briefly where safe and watch for gear hunting.
- Ask for T-SB-0077-16 update documentation.
Buyer note
A truck that shifts badly on the test drive will not become charming after purchase. Treat software history as part of the value.
Owner note
Confirm calibration before blaming the transmission. Tyre size and lifts can make the same behaviour worse.
Fault 2
Driveline vibration on deceleration
Affects
2016-2023 Tacoma 6AT 2WD/4WD under T-SB-0124-20 Rev1.
Symptoms
Seat/floor/steering vibration while coasting or braking from about 30 to 10 mph.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-400 diagnosis; EUR 500-1,800 driveshaft/angle work; more if lift-related.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Propeller shaft/driveline angle and component behaviour under deceleration.
Quick check
- Coast from 30 mph to 10 mph several times on smooth road.
- Test with and without light braking.
- Inspect lift blocks, carrier bearing, U-joints, and pinion angle.
- Compare the truck against the T-SB-0124-20 procedure.
Buyer note
Do not buy a lifted Tacoma with decel shake unless the fix is already proven. Suspension changes can make a bulletin repair harder.
Owner note
Keep notes on speed, load, and road surface when reporting the vibration; the bulletin is condition-specific.
Fault 3
Rear differential oil leak recall
Affects
Certain 2016-2017 Tacoma under NHTSA 17V285 / Toyota H0G.
Symptoms
Gear oil wetness at rear differential carrier, smell, rear-end noise, low oil level.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 600-2,000+ if differential damage occurred.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Oil may leak where the rear differential carrier is assembled to the rear axle housing.
Quick check
- Inspect diff carrier-to-housing joint for fresh oil.
- Check axle tubes and parking area for drips.
- Listen for rear whine on acceleration and coast.
- Confirm H0G/17V285 completion by VIN.
Buyer note
A wet rear diff is not just messy. Low oil can turn a seal issue into a gearset issue.
Owner note
After repair, recheck fluid level and keep the recall invoice with the truck.
Fault 4
2022-2023 rear axle shaft fastener separation recall
Affects
Certain 2022-2023 Tacoma under NHTSA 24V152.
Symptoms
Rear vibration, abnormal brake/stability feel, axle fasteners loose or missing, active recall.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 700-2,500+ if axle/brake components are damaged.
Codes / scan clues
ABS/stability codes possible if movement affects sensors.
Root cause: Debris on axle shaft sub-assembly ends can prevent fasteners from being secured correctly.
Quick check
- VIN-check 2022-2023 trucks for 24V152.
- Inspect rear axle retaining nuts and surrounding hardware.
- Listen for rear-end vibration on road test.
- Reject any truck with recall open and abnormal rear brake feel.
Buyer note
Low miles do not protect against an assembly recall. Close this before purchase.
Owner note
Schedule inspection promptly; Toyota's remedy may include replacing damaged parts, not just tightening nuts.
Fault 5
Denso low-pressure fuel pump stall recall
Affects
Certain 2017-2020 Tacoma under NHTSA 20V682 / 20V012 expansions.
Symptoms
Long crank, hesitation, rough running, stall, no-start.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 500-1,100 pump if customer-pay.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel pressure, lean, or misfire codes possible.
Root cause: Fuel pump impeller can deform and stop the in-tank pump.
Quick check
- VIN-check every 2017-2020 truck.
- Confirm pump replacement invoice.
- Hot restart after the road test.
- Scan fuel trim and misfire history.
Buyer note
An open fuel-pump action on a Tacoma is unnecessary risk. Have the seller finish it first.
Owner note
Keep the revised pump record; it narrows future no-start diagnosis.
Fault 6
V6 crank position sensor stall recall
Affects
Certain 2016-2017 Tacoma V6 under NHTSA 17V356.
Symptoms
Stall, no-start, sudden engine shutdown, crank sensor fault.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 250-700 sensor/diagnosis if outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Crank/cam correlation or crank sensor codes possible.
Root cause: Crank position sensor may malfunction and stop engine operation.
Quick check
- Confirm V6 engine and VIN recall status.
- Start cold and hot, watching for extended crank.
- Scan ECM history for crank sensor faults.
- Avoid a truck with unexplained stalls and no Toyota record.
Buyer note
A stall history on a V6 Tacoma is not something to rationalise away until the recall status is clear.
Owner note
Keep the completed recall invoice; it protects resale on early V6 trucks.
Fault 7
2016 manual transmission difficult to shift out of gear
Affects
2016 Tacoma V6 6MT under T-SB-0088-16.
Symptoms
After long driving, gear lever resists coming out of any gear.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-300 if covered/adjusted; EUR 400-1,200 transmission detent work.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Transmission detent ball issue addressed by Toyota repair procedure.
Quick check
- Road test long enough to heat the gearbox.
- Shift out of each gear repeatedly after steady cruising.
- Ask for T-SB-0088-16 repair proof on 2016 manuals.
- Separate clutch drag from detent binding.
Buyer note
A manual Tacoma should feel mechanical, not trapped in gear. Heat-soak testing is essential.
Owner note
Report the exact long-drive condition; a short dealer loop may not reproduce it.
Fault 8
Winter wiper linkage/motor abnormal operation
Affects
Mainly 2016-2017 Tacoma in T-SB-0237-17 reports.
Symptoms
Intermittent or abnormal wiper operation after snow/ice parking, linkage strain, motor noise.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-800 linkage/motor repair.
Codes / scan clues
Body module codes possible but usually physical failure.
Root cause: Snow/ice load and linkage/motor weakness can damage the wiper transmission.
Quick check
- Run wipers at all speeds and listen for linkage knock.
- Inspect cowl for broken clips or previous repair.
- Check park position and washer operation.
- In snow markets, ask if wipers have ever frozen to the glass.
Buyer note
It is not a drivetrain deal-breaker, but bad wipers on a truck hide neglect and can be expensive in winter regions.
Owner note
Free stuck blades before turning the switch on. The linkage is cheaper than a motor and scratched glass.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- Toyota recall printout for crank sensor, rear diff, brake vacuum, fuel pump, axle, steering column, and child-seat anchor actions.
- T-SB-0077-16, T-SB-0124-20, or T-SB-0088-16 invoices where applicable.
- Differential, transfer case, transmission, and brake service records.
- Receipts for lift kits, alignments, tyre size changes, and driveshaft correction.
- Inspect rear differential, axle fasteners, U-joints, tyres, and lift geometry.
- Look underneath for off-road impacts and bent skid plates.
- Check wiper operation, bed seams, frame surface rust, and wheel bearing play.
- Verify ABS, brake, SRS, and engine lights prove out and clear.
- Test 4WD engagement, locker/Crawl Control where equipped, and all wiper speeds.
- Cold D/R engagement and highway grade shift test for automatics.
- 30-10 mph deceleration vibration test.
- Manual heat-soak shift-out test on 2016 trucks.
- Listen for rear differential whine and brake vacuum assist changes.
- Toyota-capable ECM/TCM/ABS/SRS/4WD scan.
- Read calibration ID on early V6 automatics.
- Check fuel trim, misfire, crank sensor, and cleared readiness history.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a stock, documented 2020-2021 V6 first, or a clean 2.7 if speed is not important. A well-sorted 2018-2019 is also strong when shift feel and recall work are proven.
Avoid: Avoid rough-shifting early automatics without calibration records, lifted trucks with decel vibration, wet rear differentials, and any 2022-2023 truck with the axle recall still unresolved.
Quick answers
Toyota Tacoma buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: V6 6AT shift hunting and delayed engagement; Driveline vibration on deceleration; Rear differential oil leak recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Toyota Tacoma years are the best to buy?
2020-2021 stand out in this generation. Buy a stock, documented 2020-2021 V6 first, or a clean 2.7 if speed is not important. A well-sorted 2018-2019 is also strong when shift feel and recall work are proven.
Which Toyota Tacoma should I avoid?
Avoid rough-shifting early automatics without calibration records, lifted trucks with decel vibration, wet rear differentials, and any 2022-2023 truck with the axle recall still unresolved.
Is the Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 4.1/10 (cautious buy). 4 walk-away risks, 4 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: rear differential oil leak recall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Toyota Tacoma guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- Toyota T-SB-0077-16
- Toyota T-SB-0124-20 Rev1
- Toyota T-SB-0088-16
- NHTSA Tacoma 2016 recalls
- NHTSA Tacoma 2017 recalls
- NHTSA Tacoma 2023 recalls
- TacomaWorld T-SB-0077-16 thread
- AP Tacoma axle recall
- Pickup Truck Talk Tacoma transmission discussion
- CarComplaints T-SB-0124-20 summary
- Go-Parts Tacoma driveshaft guide
- Toyota H0G recall mirror
- NHTSA owner letter RCMN-17V285
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA Tacoma 2019 recall API
- Toyota fuel pump owner letter mirror
- NHTSA 2016 Tacoma vehicle page
- TrueDelta 2016 Tacoma TSB list
- Go-Parts Tacoma wiper guide