2016 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Tacoma
5
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (136 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 136 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (47 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 47 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (36 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 36 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (22 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 22 NHTSA complaints
Seats complaints Red flag
Adjust every seat and buckle every seat belt; confirm no warning lights stay on. (22 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 22 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
32 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Structure Check
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
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.
Air Bags Red flag
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.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Tacoma–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Tacoma. The most serious involve Engine (17V356000) and Power Train (17V285000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Tacoma?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (136 complaints) and Unknown or Other (50 complaints), out of 323 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Tacoma?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 136 complaints for this model-year.