The 2016 and 2017 Tacoma had widespread automatic transmission shift-quality complaints and a class-action settlement (Stockinger v. Toyota Motor Sales). If you want a midsize truck that holds value, the post-2020 Tacomas are the safer used buy.
Avoid: 2016 and 2017 Tacoma (3rd gen launch years)
Buy Instead: 2020-2023 Tacoma (3rd gen post-refresh)
Scores 1-10 based on NHTSA complaint volume, severity of reported issues, recall history, and class-action exposure. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Summary | Top 3 Problems | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 8.5/10 | Final year of 2nd gen, very mature design. | · Leaf spring TSB Frame rust (rare on this gen) Lower ball joint wear |
BUY |
| 2015 | 8/10 | Last 2nd-gen year. Bulletproof 1GR-FE V6. | · Leaf spring TSB U-joint squeak Battery drain |
BUY |
| 2016 | 5/10 | 3rd-gen launch. Transmission shudder/hard shifts complaints peak here. | · A750F/AC60F transmission flare ($0-3500 reflash to rebuild) Rear differential leak Vibration at 60-65 mph |
AVOID |
| 2017 | 5.5/10 | Same 6-speed shift issues as 2016. NHTSA recall 17V-225 for rear axle. | · Transmission hesitation/clunk Rear leaf bushing wear Paint defects (white pearl peeling) |
AVOID |
| 2018 | 6.5/10 | Software flash improved shift behavior. Still some complaints. | · Trans calibration (improved) AC condenser leaks Brake judder |
CAUTION |
| 2019 | 7/10 | Continued improvements; LATCH-related recall 19V-441. | · Trans shift (mild) Infotainment Bluetooth Headlight aim |
CAUTION |
| 2020 | 8.5/10 | Mid-cycle refresh: new tech, infotainment, panoramic camera, suspension tweaks. | · Minor infotainment bugs 12V battery drain Tailgate latch (minor recall) |
BUY |
| 2021 | 8.5/10 | Carryover refresh year. Few complaints. | · Battery drain Trail Edition wheel finish Sensor recall |
BUY |
| 2022 | 9/10 | Last year before 4th-gen redesign. Most sorted Tacoma in years. | · Minor electronics Battery drain Recall 22V-410 (driveshaft, limited) |
BUY |
The A750F automatic in 3rd-gen launch trucks hunts gears, shudders under light throttle, and bangs into gear. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0166-16 and a TCM reflash. A class action (Stockinger) was settled in 2021 with software fixes. Verify the latest calibration is installed before buying.
More on this issue →Earlier Tacomas had a frame rust class-action with Toyota repurchasing units. Modern 2014+ frames are improved but still inspect rear frame rails in salt-belt trucks.
More on this issue →About 13,000 2019-2020 Tacomas had non-compliant lower child-seat anchor strength. Recall remedy is dealer-installed reinforcement. Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov.
More on this issue →Premature leaf spring cracking on 2nd-gen Tacomas. Toyota TSB covers inspection. Replacement is straightforward.
More on this issue →Paint adhesion failure on 040 (Super White) and 089 (Blizzard Pearl). Toyota extended warranty to 7 yrs/unlimited miles via a class-action settlement.
More on this issue →Driveshaft and rear differential carrier bearing vibration. Toyota TSB T-SB-0083-16 addresses with carrier bearing replacement.
More on this issue →Run a $5.99 AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause, repair estimate, and OBD2 code interpretation in under 30 seconds.
Diagnose My Tacoma for $5.99Year-, make-, model-specific AI · Powered by NHTSA + AI
The 2016 and 2017 Tacomas are the worst years to buy used. The 3rd-gen launch had widespread 6-speed automatic shift-quality complaints and a class-action settlement.
Mechanically it is solid but the transmission behavior is rough and many owners are unhappy. If you find one with the latest TCM calibration applied, drivability improves significantly.
Yes, through multiple TCM reflashes documented in TSB T-SB-0166-16 and follow-ups. The Stockinger class action also forced an extended warranty for some affected VINs.
The 2017 Tacoma carries the most NHTSA recall actions of the modern era, including rear axle leakage (17V-225) and other smaller campaigns.
Yes. The 2020 mid-cycle refresh addressed shift calibration, infotainment, and added safety tech. 2020-2022 Tacomas have notably fewer complaints than 2016-2017.
A maintained Tacoma with the 1GR-FE 3.5L V6 or earlier 4.0L routinely passes 250,000 miles. Frame condition and transmission service are the limiting factors.