2016 Toyota Tacoma: check engine light

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Engine · AZ

Bought 2016 Tacoma in 2022 w/ 53k miles. Hit 58,850 (ish) and had an noticable oil leak… apparently this was a “Well Known” issue, as the mechanic @ Surprise, AZ Dealership (Toyota of Surprise, 13543 N. Auto Show Ave., Surprise, AZ 85388) told my wife and I…. it’s from this same thing that google showed me also: “Engine oil leaks: Reports on Consumer Reports and other forums detail expensive repairs to fix oil leaks from the front seal or timing cover, which can cost $5,000 or more because the engine often needs to be removed for the repair.” And this was 100% my case- and confirmed by the Toyota Dealers Mechanic verbally. Leaks were without engine light indicators “at all”. The dealership added a dye, told me to drive 100-500 miles and return to have a re-inspection done after their initial one came with no results. Initially I spotted this while I was conducting a regular 3,000 mile oil change. (2nd oil change since owning the truck. So my out of pocket was around $5,700+, for an apparent (see attached) “well-known” Dealer issue. @ 60k, a major repair cost for this should NOT but coming from the consumer, and needs to be listed as a “recall”. Had I not noticed the missing oil, this could have left me stranded, my family stranded, or caused many other traveling issues throughout my driving experiences. I repaired this around two years ago, but have been terrified to drive my truck! I’ve driven about 1,000 miles or less since the repair (in 2 years time). I’m selling first chance I can, BUT, I WANT MY MONEY BACK! I have the receipt in a safe for when this becomes a recall - to prove i paid it, and to get a FULL REFUND!!! That is not how good business is done by Toyota. I owned a 2004 and 2005 Camrys prior, as well as a 2014 Lexus GS 350 F Sport (all in my name), this truck was a dream, now a nightmare. Please, for everyone complaining online and those that have had to also pay for these repairs @ low mileage, MAKE THIS INTO A RECALL FOR 2016 TACOMAs.

Filed Nov 29, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

On 11-27-2021 I lost all power while on a highway. I would lose power even with my foot all the way down the rpm would not rise at all. The power would come back adruptly and throw me back into my seat. The trac off and check engine light came on. My truck seemed like it was gonna stall and had a really low and rough idle. It was only about 0-500 rpm at idle and truck was shaking bad because of the engine. After getting towed home I tested the battery and alternator and those were fine. I believe it is the crankshaft position sensor. I have read that this has happened to man other people with the same truck as mine. There was a recall for the cps but for some reason my truck was not included.

Filed Nov 5, 2020 · Electrical · 49,000 miles · TN

The trac off and check engine lights come on periodically. I have to disconnect the battery and take the gas cap off and put it back on and reconnect the battery when it happens. Its a pain in the butt. I thought I saw a recall for the gas cap seal to correct the problem, but the dealership said nope.

Filed Apr 19, 2020 · Fuel system, Transmission · 120,700 miles · CA

Off-roading, restarted vehicle after a stop. Check engine light came on as well as trac off illuminated. Tried to drive forward and truck stalled and message said high transmission temp. Goggled issue to discover a recall for crank position sensor failure. Looked up my VIN and I don't have that recall although I have the stated year and model. Had this happened while driving on road it could have caused an accident.

Filed Mar 14, 2018 · Electrical · 21,600 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 toyota tacoma. When the vehicle was started, the check engine and traction control off warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to freeman toyota (2875 corby ave, santa rosa, ca 95407, (707) 535-2330) where it was diagnosed that rodents entered the engine compartment and chewed on the camshaft sensor wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 21,600.

Filed Jul 29, 2017 · Engine · 8,000 miles · NY

Brought vehicle in to dealership( northway toyota) for recall notice, and vehicle stalling. They supposedly repaired it, but vehicle is doing the exact same thing, stalling and malfunction indicators are on. Contacted the dealership but no one will return my call. I don't think they did anything to my vehicle the first time.

Filed Jul 7, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 24,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 toyota tacoma. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v356000 (engine) and 17v285000 (power train). The parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact coasted to the side lane and was able to restart the vehicle in approximately three minutes. The check engine indicator also illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the atlantic toyota dealer who replaced a sensor for the failure regarding the stalling and replaced both catalytic converters. The dealer stated that the parts for the recall repairs were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and informed the contact that the parts were not available. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available and parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 10, 2017 · Fuel system · 10,500 miles · HI

Driving about 60 MPH on the freeway, when the vehicle started to lose power, started bucking and then stalled. I was able to pull over to the shoulder. Luckily the road was fairly empty and there was no collision so no one was injured. The vehicle would not start. The trac off and check engine came on; charging system error showed. Had to have it towed to the dealership. Only 10,000 miles on the vehicle. The dealership report said it was the crank position sensor, replaced it with an "enhanced" version and the vehicle functions normally again. Tacomaworld.com has had many members report similar failures, especially involving the 2016 tacoma.

Filed Dec 2, 2016 · Electrical · 4,000 miles · MD

I recently purchased a 2106 toyota tacoma, this vehicle has been owned for about 4 months and has less than 4,000 miles on it. I was alerted of a check engine light and took this to the dealer for repairs. I was told that the wiring harness had been chewed by a rodent and this was very common at this dealership. I didn't think anything of it until I went online and notice thousands having the same issue. This is not just a one time thing or a chance occurrence. There are several pending class action lawsuits against toyota for defective wiring and engine components that are made of a soy based product that is a principal source of some rodents diet. This makes the engine components irresistible to rodents. Honda, toyota and ford have all been experiencing higher than normal issues with this since switching to this product. What makes this worse is that there is no solution to the problem. I cannot move or relocate because of the wildlife, squirrels are everywhere. Additionally, the dealership snickered with put some moth balls or make some homemade rodent repellent. Unfortunately whatever spray or toxic repellent you use around the engine, will eventually be breathed into the cabin which could become deadly. This also could affect drive that are in motion or could leave them stranded on the side of the road. Luckily for me, my car was parked and I was alerted by the check engine light and able to drive the vehicle to the dealership. Of course the dealership did not cover this on the warranty and toyota could not be reached for comment directly due to pending litigation. This has cost me over 3,000 dollars in repairs and there is no telling how many more time I will have to pay this before toyota fixes this problem.

Filed Feb 23, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 10,000 miles · OH

After 10,000 miles the airbag light came on. Then the next day the check engine light came on as well as the traction control. Called the dealership and they looked at it saying I just need new sensors. Drove it a couple more days and noticed the cruise control was non existent. I drive a lot for work and use it a ton and all of a sudden it wouldn't even bring the light on or work at all. The next day started driving and the real issues started. Turned truck on; same problems I have been having; then the truck would not shift. Kept going and going till I was getting to 5000rpm and it shifted with a tremendous amount of force. Once it shifted the whole truck did a huge jerk then went a little more an did a double shift totally bypassing the 3rd gear. I turned it off and started it again. Kept having the same problem all day. I called the dealership and they said get it to them when I could and they would take a look. Almost caused several accidents trying to get the brand new $35,000 truck that didn't work to the dealership almost running into the people in front of me who cut me off because I can't go over 40mph on the freeway and I have no control of the violent shifting moving the whole truck. Needless to say the dealership tried to blame me for all of these problems that I could not have possibly cause if I tried and that my brand new truck with 10,000miles on it was fine just needed a couple sensors. Obviously this is not working and I think sensors are the least of the worries.

Filed Feb 2, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · 2,500 miles · CA

First incident occured while vehicle was stuck in light snow and ice condition. 4-wheel drive system did not appear to be operating properly. Engaged new "crawl-control" system per owner's manual instructions. During use of crawl-control the motor RPM's exceeded 5,500; immediately pressed engine-stop button and applied brakes. Incident resulted in catastrophic damage of front drive-line. Damage included front drive-shaft failure; dealer indicated "drive-line" replaced. Significant damage to components adjacent to front drive-shaft. Vehicle repaired under warranty. Two days after service random brake lock-up occurs while driving; vehicle skids out of control. No malfunction indicators showing. Abs also does not activate during panic stop brake application. Brake lockup experienced in winter conditions at high elevation nearly causing potentially fatal accident (1,000ft drop from road to canyon bottom, no guard-rails). While driving at 30mph the rear end of the truck begins to slide sideways. Upon coming to a stop it is discovered that the vehicle will not drive forward. Engaged 4-wheel drive and vehicle struggled to move. Engaged differential lock and drove backwards for 80ft. Wheels appear to become un-locked. Drive forward for another 500 yards and same situation occurs.