2016 Toyota Tacoma: water leaks into the cabin

9 of the 324 complaints about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma describe water leaks into the cabin.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 41,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 126 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Water leaks into the cabin by model year

2020
1
2019
2
2018
3
2017
9
2016
9
2015
1
2013
1
2006
1
2003
2
2002
1

What owners say

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Seat belts, Seats · GU

Dear Toyota Japan Customer Experience Team, I am the owner of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma currently registered in Guam, U.S.A. I am writing to request your assistance regarding a water leak issue from the rear brake light area, which has caused the carpets and seats to become wet and develop mold. I originally purchased this vehicle in Saipan and recently relocated to Guam. When I visited the Guam Toyota Service Center, they kindly inspected my vehicle and informed me that this issue is related to the 3rd brake light gasket recall; however, the recall period has already expired. Unfortunately, I was never notified of this recall while the vehicle was in Saipan. Continuous exposure to mold has seriously affected both my health and my daughter’s health. Because of this, I had the vehicle professionally cleaned and sanitized by a specialist company. The Tacoma has always been our family’s favorite car, but now I drive it only because I have no choice. Every time I get in, I feel anxious and uneasy. The water leak itself is concerning, but the mold issue worries me even more. I truly hope this water leak and the mold problem can both be resolved so that I can once again enjoy driving my Tacoma with peace of mind. The blue circles in the attached photos indicate areas suspected of mold. These photos were taken right before I sent the car for cleaning. According to the cleaning company, when they removed the seats, they found water underneath the seats and carpets. Whenever I drive the vehicle, I experience persistent coughing and headaches due to mold exposure. This has become a serious health and safety concern. Since this issue is directly related to a previously recalled safety defect, I kindly request Toyota Japan to consider a Goodwill Repair or Safety Exception to address the water leak and the resulting interior damage.

Filed Dec 17, 2023 · Lights · CO

Just like with the other double cab Tacoma recalls I am hearing about, the third rear tail light is leaking water into my access cab. The interior smells like mildew. I’m not sure why my truck is not covered by the recall, but it is experiencing the exact same situation. Water leaking through the deteriorated seal of the break-light. I think with accompanying mold build up.

Filed Oct 18, 2021 · Body · PR

I own a second hand Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 v6 2016. Is leaking water by the plastic welding on each side of the roof. The water runs along both sides of the inner roof and then drops by the front lateral bars, between metal and the plastic cover, until reach the carpet.

Filed Jun 28, 2020 · Body, Lights · TX

Interior leaking when it rains or whenever vehicle gets wet. A health hazard, safety concern, and potential risk to passengers as well. Cause of problem is defective 3rd brake light seal. Of course toyota make it almost impossible to easily replace the light or seal as you have to remove the interior ceiling to get to bolts. Sad I bought this vehicle new and it leaks water but since warranty just ended, they will not even think about fixing this issue. If a lawsuit results about of this count me in, hopefully a recall takes place soon because duct tape can only do so much plus who wants to drive around with duct tape on the 3rd brake light.

Filed Jun 16, 2020 · Body · 82,000 miles · NC

The rear cargo/3rd brake light on the top of the cab seal is broken and water leaks in to the rear cab and satin in the headliner. I have looked up this problem and there seems to be many complaints. I called toyota headquarters after getting my truck serviced for a recall item and the dealer said they could not help even knowing that there is a tsb 0055-18.

Filed May 10, 2020 · Lights · 15,000 miles · VA

3rd brake light seal defective. Rain water enters back of cabin and stains interior roof from defective seal around 3rd brake light.

Filed Dec 27, 2019 · Lights · 65,469 miles · CA

Third light leaks water damaged wiring/ damaged carpet / mildew problem

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Body · 40,000 miles · CA

I was driving my 2016 toyota tacoma through a drive-thru car wash and water started to drip though the ceiling. My toyota tacoma was in motion as it was rolling through the car wash cycle. After reading multiple forum posts, other toyota tacoma owners described that their vehicles leaked water from the third brake light on top of the cab because of a a damaged seal or being improperly sealed.

Filed Aug 14, 2018 · Lights, Seats · 41,000 miles · NY

3rd brake light over torqued at factory resulting in defective seal and eventually cracked light fixture. This results not only in electrical issue but serious leaking into cabin - affecting rear seat, roof, and flooring. Leak noticed after rain storms and noticing wet floor/seats and damp floors. There are numerous reports of this issue affecting 3rd generation tacomas on toyota forums such as tacomaworld.com.