2016 Toyota Tacoma
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Toyota Tacoma.
For oil changes, the 2016 Toyota Tacoma takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Pink Long Life Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is ATF WS. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Toyota Tacoma, torque the lug nuts to 83 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have reported 5 common issues including "Automatic Transmission Deceleration Vibration", "Rear Axle Shaft Separation" and "Coolant Leak from Rear of Engine". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 4 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2016 Toyota Tacoma uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 83 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
Common problems reported by 2016 Toyota Tacoma owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Automatic Transmission Deceleration Vibration
Some 2016-2023 Tacoma vehicles with the 6-speed automatic transmission exhibit a vibration felt through the steering wheel, floorboard, and seat during deceleration, typically between 30-10 mph. The vibration is described as a shudder or judder while coasting or braking.
Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0083-22 addressing the deceleration vibration. The fix involves replacing the torque converter and updating the transmission ECU software. A steering wheel damper replacement per TSB T-SB-0220-19 may also be performed.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $1,200 - $2,500 if out of warrantyRear Axle Shaft Separation
The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris preventing proper fastener torque during assembly. If the axle shaft separates, the rear wheel may lock up or the vehicle could lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 22V-861) for certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. Dealers inspect and re-torque or replace the axle shaft fasteners free of charge. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov or Toyota.com/recall.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallCoolant Leak from Rear of Engine
Some 2022 Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a coolant leak from the rear of the engine that drips down the transmission bell housing. Owners may notice coolant dripping onto the ground, a sweet smell, or eventually an overheating condition.
Toyota issued a TSB to replace the coolant outlet pipe and gasket at the rear of the engine. The repair involves removing the intake manifold to access the coolant outlet. Covered under the powertrain warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $500 - $900 if out of warrantyChild Seat Anchor Insufficient Welds
One or more of the individual welds on the upper child seat anchors (LATCH system) may be insufficient. If a weld fails during a collision while a child seat is anchored, the child restraint may not be properly secured.
Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 23V-014) for certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the upper child seat anchor brackets free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallInfotainment System Glitches
The infotainment system may exhibit intermittent issues including the screen freezing, the backup camera displaying a black screen, navigation errors, and Bluetooth phone connection drops. Some owners also report GPS position inaccuracy and slow system response.
Check for software updates at your Toyota dealer. Toyota has released multiple firmware updates that improve system stability, Bluetooth reliability, and camera display. A hard reset of the head unit can temporarily resolve a frozen screen.
Est. Cost: $0 for software updates4 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
ENGINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.
An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0H.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.
If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall June 19, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0G.
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver's knee air bag module.
The incorrect bolts may loosen over time and affect the performance of the driver's knee air bag, increasing the risk of driver injury during a crash that necessitates deployment of the air bags.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct driver's knee air bag module mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is F0T.