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Toyota2016–2023 Critical issues documented

Toyota Tacoma N300: common faults & what to check

The N300 is the Toyota Tacoma built 2015–2023. Of the 7 faults documented for the Tacoma, 4 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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7

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$400–$2,000

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

You're looking at the N300

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Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

2.7L petrol· 2.7 litre petrol3.5L V6· 3.5 litre4.0L V6· 4.0 litre

A 2016 Toyota Tacoma is the N300 generation (2015 to 2023).

We cannot narrow the engine list to this year, so every engine this model was sold with is offered.

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Toyota Tacoma N300Engine not picked yet

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Can't confirm for this car

Toyota Tacoma · 2016

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

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matched on year only

See all 4 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.
Fluid leaks1 critical1

01Rear differential carrier oil leak, risk of diff seizure (Recall 17V-285)

About 228,000 2016-2017 Tacomas were recalled because oil can leak from the joint where the rear differential carrier bolts into the axle housing.2016–2017Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $400–$6,000 to fix

About 228,000 2016-2017 Tacomas were recalled because oil can leak from the joint where the rear differential carrier bolts into the axle housing. If the diff runs low on oil it can be damaged and in the worst case seize, locking the rear wheels. The US recall fix was to retighten the carrier bolts, or replace the gasket and bolts if leaking, or the whole diff carrier if damaged. A US-market grey import may never have had the recall done, and Toyota NZ does not automatically carry out US recalls on vehicles it did not sell. Owners of some later trucks report the same weep, so a wet diff on any 3rd gen deserves a check.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oily wet ring around the front face of the rear differential
  • Drips of gear oil under the rear axle after parking
  • Whine or growl from the rear that rises with speed
  • Clunk or grinding from the rear axle on take off

What to check

With a phone torch, look at the rear differential from behind and under the truck: the joint where the round diff housing meets the axle tube and the carrier face should be dry, not wet or caked in oily dirt. Look at the ground under the rear axle for fresh drips. On the test drive listen for a whine or growl from the rear at 60 to 100 km/h that changes on and off the throttle. Enter the VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup on your phone to see if recall 17V-285 (Toyota code H0G) is shown as outstanding, and ask for the recall paperwork. If a workshop inspection is possible: on a hoist, check the carrier to housing joint for leaks, remove the fill plug to check the oil level and look for metal on the drain plug magnet.

Where to look: Rear axle, joint between the differential carrier and the axle housing

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “Was the rear differential recall done in the US, and can you show me the paperwork?”
  • “Has the rear diff oil ever been changed or topped up?”
  • “Has the truck done a lot of towing?”
Depends on the exact engine — 3 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling2

01Driveline vibration on deceleration and rear driveshaft slip yoke clunk (4WD V6 auto)

On the test drive let the truck coast down from 60 km/h to walking pace without braking and feel for a shudder through the floor, seat and wheel.petrol2016–2019Transmission
CommonTransmission $150–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Many 3rd generation 4WD V6 automatic Tacomas vibrate through the seat, floor or steering wheel when slowing between about 15 and 50 km/h, and many also clunk from the rear driveshaft slip joint when coming to a stop or pulling away. Toyota bulletins T-SB-0171-16 and its replacement T-SB-0071-19 cover 2016-2019 4WD 6AT trucks: check driveline and transmission mount torques, then replace the rear propeller shaft if the vibration remains. Greasing the slip yoke often quietens the clunk only for a while, and Toyota later moved to a revised driveshaft. It is not a safety fault, but a worn slip joint or centre bearing gets louder over time.

Symptoms to notice

  • Buzz or shudder through the seat or floor when slowing from 50 km/h to about 15 km/h
  • Single clunk from under the truck when stopping or pulling away
  • Clunk when shifting from Drive to Reverse
  • Vibration felt in the steering wheel on light deceleration

What to check

On the test drive let the truck coast down from 60 km/h to walking pace without braking and feel for a shudder through the floor, seat and wheel. Then brake gently to a stop and pull away again, listening for a clunk from under the middle of the truck. Shift from Drive to Reverse and back while stopped and listen for a hard clunk. With a phone torch, look along the driveshafts under the truck for grease flung around the slip joint or a split rubber boot on the centre bearing. Ask whether the driveshaft has ever been replaced or greased under the bulletin. If a workshop inspection is possible: on a hoist, check for play at the universal joints, slip yoke and centre bearing and confirm driveshaft and transmission mount bolt torques as in T-SB-0071-19.

Where to look: Rear propeller shaft (driveshaft), slip yoke and centre support bearing under the cab and tray

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear driveshaft ever been replaced or greased because of a clunk or vibration?”
  • “Does it clunk when you stop or pull away?”
  • “Has it been lifted or had a bigger tyre fitted?”

02Six-speed auto gear hunting, harsh 1-2 shift and delayed engagement (3.5 V6 2GR-FKS, AC60)

Start the truck cold and shift from Park to Reverse and Drive, counting how long it takes to engage.petrol2016–2017Transmission
CommonTransmission $150–$600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Early 3rd generation Tacomas with the 3.5 V6 and the AC60 six-speed automatic were widely criticised for a 'busy' gearbox that hunts between 5th and 6th on the motorway or a slight hill, plus a harsh 1-2 upshift, a slow engagement from Park into Drive or Reverse, and a delayed upshift on cruise control. Toyota's bulletin T-SB-0077-16 fixed this with a revised engine and transmission calibration, which is a software reflash, not a mechanical repair. The truck is not dangerous, but an unflashed one is tiring to drive and constant hunting adds heat and wear to the gearbox. Tacomas were never sold new in NZ, so a grey import may never have had the update, and Toyota NZ is not obliged to do it free.

Symptoms to notice

  • Gearbox keeps shifting between 5th and 6th at 90 to 100 km/h on a slight rise
  • Thump on the 1-2 upshift from rest
  • Pause of a second or more before it engages Drive or Reverse
  • Revs flare on the 3-4 shift when the truck is cold
  • Holds a gear too long on cruise control

What to check

Start the truck cold and shift from Park to Reverse and Drive, counting how long it takes to engage. Pull away gently and feel for a thump on the 1-2 shift. On the test drive hold 90 to 100 km/h on a gentle hill and watch the rev counter for the gearbox shifting up and down repeatedly. Try the cruise control on the same stretch. Ask whether a Toyota dealer or a Toyota specialist has ever reflashed the engine and transmission software, and look for it in the US service history (Carfax or dealer printouts often come with US imports). If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Toyota scan tool read the engine control unit calibration ID and compare it with the latest listed in T-SB-0077-16, and read any stored transmission codes.

Where to look: Engine control unit and six-speed automatic transmission under the cab

Ask the seller

  • “Has the engine and transmission software ever been updated, and do you have the paperwork?”
  • “Does it hunt between gears on the motorway?”
  • “Has the transmission fluid ever been changed?”
Fluid leaks1

01Oil leak from camshaft housing sensor bolt holes (3.5 V6 2GR-FKS)

petrol2016–2018Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid Leaks $1,200–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Early 3.5 V6 Tacomas can leak engine oil from the bolt holes of the camshaft position sensors, because the holes in the camshaft housing were machined through into the oil area. Toyota's fix, published for Tacomas built before engine number 2GR M 352598, is to replace the right-hand camshaft housing with a revised part (11103-0P022) and fit new bolts, which is several hours of labour. The leak runs down the front of the engine and can drip onto the exhaust, causing a burning oil smell. It rarely stops the truck but gets worse and costs more the longer it is left.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oily wetness on the top front corners of the engine near the cam sensors
  • Burning oil smell after a drive
  • Oil level dropping between services
  • Oil drips under the front of the engine

What to check

With the engine off and cool, open the bonnet and use a phone torch to look at the top front corners of each cylinder head where the small plug-in camshaft sensors sit: they should be dry, not wet or covered in oily dust. Look down the front of the engine and on the ground under it for oil. After the test drive, sniff for a burning oil smell with the bonnet up. Check the dipstick level and ask how much oil it uses between services. If a workshop inspection is possible: clean the area, run the engine and trace the leak with UV dye to confirm it comes from the sensor bolt holes rather than the timing cover or valve covers, and check the engine number against the bulletin cut-off.

Where to look: Top front of the engine, camshaft housings on each cylinder head beside the cam position sensors

Ask the seller

  • “Has the engine ever had an oil leak repaired at the camshaft housing?”
  • “How much oil does it use between services?”
  • “Do you notice a burning smell after driving?”
Other Toyota Tacoma engines and years3 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01In-tank low pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (Recalls 20V-012 / 20V-682)

Start the engine cold and note whether it cranks for more than a couple of seconds before firing.2017–2020Engine
OccasionalEngine $700–$1,500 to fix

Does not apply

Toyota recalled millions of vehicles, including 2017-2020 Tacomas, because the impeller in the Denso-made low pressure fuel pump inside the tank can swell and jam. When it fails the engine runs rough, will not start, or stalls while driving, including at motorway speed. The fix is a new fuel pump. The recalls were run in the US, so a grey import may still have the original pump, and a local repair will usually be at the owner's cost unless Toyota NZ agrees to do it.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine hesitates, surges or runs rough, then recovers
  • Long crank before it starts, or no start
  • Engine stalls while driving with the check engine light on
  • Master warning light with reduced power

What to check

Start the engine cold and note whether it cranks for more than a couple of seconds before firing. On the test drive accelerate firmly up a hill and hold motorway speed for several minutes, feeling for surging or hesitation. Watch for the check engine or master warning light. Enter the VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup on your phone and check whether recall 20V-012 or 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02 or 20TB02) shows as open, and ask for proof the pump was replaced. If a workshop inspection is possible: read engine codes for lean or fuel pressure faults and check fuel pressure at the rail against specification.

Where to look: Inside the fuel tank under the tray, low pressure fuel pump module

Parts involved: Water pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the fuel pump recall been done, and do you have the paperwork?”
  • “Has it ever stalled or been hard to start?”
  • “Has the check engine light ever come on?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Rear axle shaft retaining nuts can loosen and the axle can separate (Recall 24V-152)

2022–2023Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $150–$2,000 to fix

Does not apply

About 381,000 2022-2023 Tacomas built from May 2022 to November 2023 were recalled because welding debris left on the rear axle housing ends can stop the axle shaft retaining nuts from clamping properly. The nuts can loosen and fall off, letting the axle shaft and wheel move out of the housing, which affects braking and control and can drop parts on the road. The fix is an inspection and retightening, with damaged axle parts replaced. This is a 3rd generation recall, not the later 4th generation truck. A US-market grey import may still be waiting for it.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clicking or knocking from a rear wheel when turning or pulling away
  • Gear oil wetness on the inside of a rear wheel or brake backing plate
  • Rear wheel wobble or a vibration that changes when turning
  • Brake warning or ABS light

What to check

With a phone torch, look behind each rear wheel at the brake backing plate and the inside of the rim for oil wetness, which suggests the axle end is leaking. Push and pull the top of each rear tyre firmly; there should be no clunk or movement. On the test drive listen for clicking or knocking from the rear when turning slowly in a car park. Enter the VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup on your phone to see if recall 24V-152 (Toyota 24TA05) is outstanding, and ask for the paperwork. If a workshop inspection is possible: remove the rear wheels and check the axle shaft retaining nuts for tightness and damage, and check the axle bearing for play.

Where to look: Both ends of the rear axle housing, behind the rear brakes

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear axle recall been done, and do you have proof?”
  • “Have you heard any clicking or knocking from the rear wheels?”
  • “Has the rear axle or brakes been worked on since import?”

02Brake master cylinder seal damage can reduce braking (Recall 18V-888)

2018–2019Brakes
OccasionalBrakes $500–$1,100 to fix

Does not apply

About 44,000 2018-2019 Tacomas were recalled because the brake master cylinder was machined with an incorrect edge inside the bore, which can cut one of the internal seals. A damaged seal lets fluid bypass inside the cylinder, so the pedal can sink and the truck takes longer to stop. The remedy is a new master cylinder. A US-market grey import may never have had it done, and a US recall is not automatically actioned in NZ.

Symptoms to notice

  • Brake pedal slowly sinks when held at a stop
  • Pedal feels soft or travels further than expected
  • Brake warning light on the dash
  • Longer stopping distance

What to check

With the engine running and the truck stopped, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds: it should stay firm and not creep towards the floor. On the test drive brake firmly from 50 km/h on a clear road and check the truck stops straight and without a soft or long pedal. Check the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet is at the correct level and look for fluid wetness where the master cylinder meets the brake booster. Enter the VIN into the NHTSA recall lookup on your phone to see if recall 18V-888 (Toyota J16 or J06) is open. If a workshop inspection is possible: pressure test the brake system and check the master cylinder part number against the recall replacement.

Where to look: Brake master cylinder on the brake booster at the driver's side rear of the engine bay

Ask the seller

  • “Has the brake master cylinder recall been done?”
  • “Has the brake pedal ever felt soft or sunk towards the floor?”
  • “When was the brake fluid last changed?”

Other Toyota models

Toyota Prado64 documented faultsToyota RAV463 documented faultsToyota Hilux59 documented faultsToyota Urban Cruiser7 documented faultsToyota Aurion6 documented faultsToyota Corolla Spacio6 documented faults

Toyota Tacoma buyer questions

Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 7 documented faults for the Toyota Tacoma, the recurring problem areas are fluid leaks, suspension, and engine. A Toyota Tacoma with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Tacoma?

We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Toyota Tacoma, covering fluid leaks, suspension, and engine. All 7 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Toyota Tacoma?

Most single repairs on the Toyota Tacoma fall between $400–$2,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota Tacoma?

Yes. A Toyota Tacoma inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.