Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid: Problems by Year (2016-2026)

The Tacoma’s trouble sits at both ends: 2016-2017 trucks carry the rear-differential era, and the redesigned 2024 brought transmission failures at delivery-fresh mileage. In between, 2020-2023 is one of the quietest complaint records of any truck we’ve pulled — 87 reports a year falling to 52.

The short version

2016-2019 — proceed with caution

The rear differential is the era-defining defect here. 2016-2017 trucks could leak oil at the differential and seize — covered by recall 17V285000 — and owner threads on these years also report howling differentials well before outright failure. Early 2016 trucks drew a separate cluster of shift-logic complaints on the 6-speed automatic paired with the 3.5L V6: delayed, hunting shifts that were largely addressed through software updates, with complaint volume falling after 2016-2017.

Beyond those two signatures, the 2016-2019 Toyota Tacomas have seen a significant number of complaints and recalls, with the most common issues affecting the powertrain, service brakes, engine, and fuel/propulsion system. Engine-related problems alone account for nearly 14% of all reported issues during this period. Additionally, service brake concerns make up about 15%, highlighting potential reliability challenges in these areas.

Recalls such as 20V682000 and 20V012000 address fuel pump defects on the Denso low-pressure fuel pumps used from 2018 to 2019, while recall 17V356000 covers a crankshaft position sensor issue in 2016-2017 models. Recall 18V888000 addresses improper machining of the brake master cylinder for 2018 and 2019 Tacomas, indicating ongoing issues with braking systems.

Owner complaints highlight specific problems like airbag failures during crashes and brake system malfunctions leading to unintended acceleration. For instance, a 2017 Tacoma owner reported that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle was hit by another car but the airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries for both occupants. Another report from March 13, 2019, describes how attempting to park led to brake failure and subsequent injury due to unintended acceleration into a cement wall.

Given these issues, prospective buyers should proceed with caution when considering vehicles within this range, as they may encounter significant maintenance costs or safety concerns.

2020-2023 — the strong years

The 2020-2023 Toyota Tacomas are the settled tail of the third generation, with complaints dropping to 87 in 2020 and further declining to 52 by 2023. No single component dominates what remains: power train leads the small mix at 16.4% of reported issues, engine follows at 14.6%, and service brakes sit at 13.5%. Recalls during this period include an axle assembly separation on 2022-2023 trucks (recall 24V152000), steering column campaigns covering 2023 models (recalls 23V480000 and 25V040000), and child-seat anchor welds on 2022-2023 trucks (recall 22V520000). These recalls indicate that while there are some mechanical issues, they do not dominate the overall reliability picture. Owner complaints also highlight airbag malfunctions in severe accidents, underscoring a need for vigilance but not necessarily widespread concern.

Given these factors, the data suggests that the 2020-2023 Tacomas represent a reliable period within this generation’s lifecycle.

2024-2026 — too new to judge

The 2024-2025 Toyota Tacomas have drawn significant attention for a few notable issues and recalls that buyers should be aware of. Power train complaints lead the mix at 73 reports — 31.1% of everything filed on this generation — with service brakes at 16.6% and structure at 15.3% behind them.

The story behind that power train number is the one 2024 buyers keep running into: widely reported transmission failures at very low mileage — multiple owner reports under 1,000 miles, one at just 342 miles. Automatics suddenly lock out of certain gears, with the problem temporarily disappearing after a restart, and a Toyota service bulletin for manual trucks covers hard shifts into 2nd, 4th, or 6th tied to a cracked shift-lever retainer. There is no recall for this: Toyota replaces failed transmissions under warranty case-by-case, and owners report waits of two to four months for the work.

Two major recalls have been issued for this generation: recall 25V656000 addresses a potential deformation in the front driveshaft constant-velocity (CV) joint on certain Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid models from 2025. Another critical issue involves brake hoses, lines, and fittings, covered under recall 25V058000 — the owner report below shows it reaching 2024 trucks as well.

A less severe but still noteworthy recall is campaign 26V514000, which addresses a potential metal flange defect on front and rear shock absorbers in Tacoma Hybrid models from 2024 as well as non-hybrid Tacomas through 2025. Owners should check their vehicle’s VIN to ensure these recalls are completed.

One owner of a 2024 Tacoma reported losing braking function at speeds between 15-30 MPH after a recall service related to the brake hose issue (recall 25V058000). This highlights the importance of thorough inspections and follow-up services when addressing known issues.

Overall, while the data provides some insights into potential problems, these vehicles are still too new for comprehensive reliability assessments.

If you’re shopping used

If you’re shopping for a used Toyota Tacoma from 2016 to 2025, focus on specific issues that have plagued certain years. For trucks made in 2016 and 2017, inspect the rear differential carefully. Listen for unusual noises and check for leaks during your pre-purchase inspection. These early third-generation Tacomas are known to develop significant rear differential problems.

For vehicles from 2024, pay close attention to any signs of transmission issues. New owners have reported failures at low mileage levels, even right after delivery. Verify that the truck has not been involved in extended downtime waiting for a replacement part or repair.

Service records can provide crucial information about maintenance and repairs performed on the vehicle. Ensure that there are no red flags related to rear differential work or transmission issues. If possible, obtain detailed service history from previous owners.