What 323 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota Tacoma

The seat heater thermostat under the driver’s seat melted and charred while heater was in use Fire danger. Dealer said this happens to a small number of vehicles of similar age and manufacture date. This was inspected by the dealership. No lights or warns came on before, during or after. I noticed the seat heater stopped working. I inspected the fuse. The fuse was not burned out. I found the melted part under the seat in the heater wiring harness assembly. I have removed the fuse at this time to prevent energizing the harness further.

NHTSA ODI 11609722

I purchased this vehicle in May 2016. The vehicel has the "Super White" paint package. In late May 2019 I noticed the paint was starting to peel off the door frame, above the headlights and above the windshield. I contacted the Toyota Dealership where I purchased the vehicle, Desert Toyota of Tucson) and they told me there was a recall on the paint and that I would be receiving a letter from Toyota USA about this. A year went by and I contacted Toyota USA, and was told there was no recall on my vehicle due to paint peeling. I again contacted Toyota USA in 2021 (Incident # 210719-000344) regarding the peeling paint which was getting worse and was again told no recall due to peeling paint. I have spoken with the dealership several times about this and I keep getting told that I will be receiving a letter from Toyota USA, but there is a backlog. I called Toyota USA again this morning 8/13/2024 and was told no recall on my peeling paint, yet my dealer insists there is one. Toyota USA told me to conatct the NHTSA about this, so I have.

NHTSA ODI 11608277

At approx 75K miles hood latch popped open. Noticed hood was open while driving on highway. Only the 2nd safety latch was holding it closed. Pulled over to close it but it would not fully latch. Noticed latch had a lot of rust. Did not bother taking it to a dealer or repair shop. Bought an aftermarket latch and easily installed myself which solved the issue. Very glad hood did not fully fly open which could have been catastrophic.

NHTSA ODI 11604958

I had a heated seat failure. I do have the parts available for inspection. I removed the seat to find that the sub assy-seat heater and connecting wiring harness had been burnt which could potentially cause a fire. Toyota part numbers effected are: sub assy - 87501-0C020, wiring harness in the heater assy - 87510-04040 which was replaced by 87510-04050. I reported the issue to Toyota. There were no warning lights or indicators that there was an issue. The heated seat indicator light still shows the seat as on even though it was not heating. Toyota service bulletin T-SB-0130-18 has been issued about this issue, so Toyota obviously knows there is an issue. I've read in forums online that the root issue is the wiring not being large enough to handle the power to the seat, so ultimately replacing the factory parts would not guarantee the issue will not happen again.

NHTSA ODI 11567943

At 55,000 miles Brake fluid began leaking into passenger cabin. Brake fluid leaks on to brake pedal and driver footwell. Obviously a safety issue and dealer is asking approx 2000 dollars to repair. Failing component is a brake master cylinder that is specific to the Off Road and Trd Pro Tacomas that have a traction control feature called “crawl” for off road use. After an online search, this issue seems common in these models.

NHTSA ODI 11567897

AT shifter was stiff from purchase. I thought this was normal. Sometimes it shifted OK, most times not. Had independent repair shops lubricate the shifter multiple times to no avail. Then the shifter wouldn't move at all and I was in a traffic lane causing a dangerous situation. Had truck towed to an independent repair shop that found a second way to lubricate the shaft. Curious how many trucks left the factory without AT shaft lubricated.

NHTSA ODI 11561317

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.

NHTSA ODI 11560544

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Heated seat heating module. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Module burned out during usage and emitted fire odor and smoke when burnt out (potential fire hazard if kept on). Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? [XXX] Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None. 2016 Tacoma limited heated seat heating module overheated/burned out with slight smoke under seat during minimal usage (texas based). TSB [XXX] released in October 2018, about the time most of the 2016 (produced in 2015) are going out of warranty, and based on frequency of usage and locale (warmer climates observe less usage) - also even though parts used are the same, VIN is apparently not affected. Toyota will not honor TSB even though the burn out can be a potential fire hazard if not known/smelled especially while traveling and buckled into seat belt (similar to Mercedes heated seats caught on fire). No notice provided by Toyota of TSB at time of issue. Item should be a recall as it affects many 2016-2018 Tacoma's and is a fire safety and burn hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11557704

Fuel injector(s) leaked without any warning, causing engine to loose power on freeway. We were fortunate to be able to move over to the shoulder before the truck lost all power. Vehicle was towed to dealer and it was determined that the injector leaked fuel into engine causing engine failure. Repairs needed include engine block, heads sub assembly, injectors and assorted other parts total for parts and labor $19,256 No warning lights or symptoms prior to this problem. Truck has been running fine with no problems, only has 41,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11556360

On 10/30/2023 Toyota stopped supporting Scout GPS Link. This is the Toyota installed navagation system and the only navagation system that works with the Toyota display/audio system. All other navagation systems are blocked from the Toyota system. Navagation is now reduced to using a Cell Phone display and audio. Well this option works it is much less safe as the display is much lower beneath the driver's normal line of sight. Eyes must be taken off the road for a much longer period and looking at a much smaller display. While not as big a safety risk as other vehicle problems this may provide NHTSA with the opportunity to track the safety impact of vehcile navigation systems vs hand held nagivation systems.

NHTSA ODI 11555781

Truck had to be abandoned after I attempted to start it and the brake pedal was stiff and the ignition would not allow starter to function. Dashboard message indicated a brake problem with transmission interlock. The next day, after viewing a U-Tube video on the problem (same make/model/year) I held the starter button in for 12-15 seconds with no foot on the brake. The engine started but the transmission remained locked in Park. Tow truck operator was able to release the shifter using an access port and screwdriver and found that he could drive it up onto the inclined platform. Once in place on the platform he shifted to Park and found it was again locked. This issue disabled the truck in a traffic area where it could not be started or shifted into Neutral to move it...a dangerous situation.

NHTSA ODI 11543336

White paint is peeling off in multiple places on the body of the vehicle. There is a change.org petition with 5,000+ signatures, yet Toyota has refused to do anything about the issue. https://www.change.org/p/toyota-motor-company-hold-toyota-accountable-for-2008-2022-tacoma-super-white-peeling-paint

NHTSA ODI 11533177

My 2016 Toyota Tacoma has had multiple oil leaks in the timing cover. The dealer has already fixed this issue twice and the timing cover is currently leaking oil. This leak is expensive to fix because it involves removing the engine and the transmission to properly seal the timing cover. This is a know defect that poses a serious safety concern as the oil leak may go from a small leak to a large leak quickly, causing the engine to fail. Additionally the air pressure from driving can cause the oil to end up everywhere which can lead other components to degrade and fail. Because the fix is so complex, the process to remove and reinstall the engine and transmission may result in other mistakes. During one of the attempts to fix the issue, the dealer forgot to replace an engine bolt and forgot to hook up a vent hose. The cost to fix this issue is so high that it makes it too expensive for many to fix.

NHTSA ODI 11529214

Vehicle is designed in such a way as to allow moisture accumulating in drivers side floor mat and carpeting to wick upward and be deposited on the primary vehicle wiring harness located in the drivers side kick panel. The moisture collected travels down into the backside of the various female connectors and corrodes the conductors and receptacles that result in short circuits between the various vehicle components including the ignition, engine shutoff, temperature sensors, Antilock Breaking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Fuel Gauge, Forward Vehicle Lighting (high and low beam), Security, Traction Control and other critical vehicle systems. On February 5th, 2023 I returned to my vehicle to find the security alarm sounding in the parking lot of a local business, both the keyless entry system and key-fob were unresponsive and would neither silence the alarm or unlock the vehicle. After manually unlocking the door handle the alarm ceased, the vehicle started as normal and then began indicating a failure of the BSM system, while underway the ABS indicated it had also failed and upon arrival at our destination the engine would not turn off even with the emergency shutdown routine prescribed for unintended acceleration cases. In addition, the high beams would be triggered by unrelated button operation occasionally fail to turn off, the fuel gauge, temperature readouts and climate control provided unintelligible values. The vehicle was returned to to dealership where it was determined that water from the floormats was able to contaminate and cause systemwide failure. The repair was to replace the entire wire harness which would not be covered by warranty. On 3/15/2023 I reached out to Toyota Headquarters' Customer Engagement team and was advised that Toyota was aware of the problem and had no interest or obligation in rectifying the situation, regardless of my concerns that this presented a clear safety hazard to both operators and the general public.

NHTSA ODI 11512057

POWER STEERING ISSUES, LEAKS, CORRODED. CAN LEAD TO ENTIRE RACK AND PINON REPLACEMENT. STEERING IS TIGHT, ACTIVE FLUID LEAK(S); TOYOTA DEALER THAT IT WAS PURCHASED FROM KNEW IT WAS LEAKING BUT REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. PER TOYOTA, POWER STEERING LEAKS CAN CAUSE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL LEAK IS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT LOCATE THE LEAK AND REMEDY, LET ME DRIVE KNOWING IT COULD BE POTENIALLY HAZARDOUS.

NHTSA ODI 11511000

Toyota has a recall for all of the White vehicles EXCEPT for the tacoma. The tacoma has the same issues with paint flaking off in sheets yet they will not cover the repairs or extend the recall to include the truck. There are thousands of us that have signed a change.org petition and complained to toyota but haven't received any support. My paint started flaking when it was just past the 36 month warranty. currently this flaking is on 9 of my body panels. Link to the online petition with photos. https://www.change.org/p/toyota-motor-company-hold-toyota-accountable-for-2008-2022-tacoma-super-white-peeling-paint

NHTSA ODI 11509402

Timing chain cover is leaving oil.

NHTSA ODI 11507715

Driver’s side front seat not delivering heat despite switch lamp indicating it’s on and working. Further exploration reveals passenger side seat heater working as it should. I checked wiring harness and connections under driver’s seat only to discover plastic connector entering amplifier scorched and melted with two of four pins destroyed (Red and Green wires). I believe the wire gauge sized for this system is improper and therefore represents a fire hazard. About the time the seat heater failed, I smelled a burning odor inside the car for a short time but didn’t associate the two events until later. The vehicle has 135,998 miles on it and therefore out of warranty. I spoke to the dealer who explained he’s had similar issues from other customers and added there is no recalls at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11505879

Recent in December wife said there’s a musty odor in truck. While vacuuming carpet on Friday 1/6/23 water came to surface. Searched everywhere for leak and found the 2 vents behind back seats had bad gaskets and leaking bad. After getting access under carpet, passenger side was dry but growing mold and drivers side is holding slimy water. The back seats are a little higher and we’re dry but signs of mold as well. These vents pop out through the cab outward but the bed has to be removed to replace them. I used silicone to seal from inside to stop water intrusion. Dealership no help, report and claim filed with Toyota corporate, insurance company and waiting for response. During the holidays, wife road in my truck several times and ended up spending a week in the hospital due to a fungal infection in her lungs and may be linked to the mold. While on a chat group, Tacoma Owners Group and Tacoma World, there are numerous other owners with the same issue and no help from Toyota.

NHTSA ODI 11500806

This vehicle is equipped with Toyota V6 Motor that was new in 2016. The issue is the Timing Chain Cover leaks oil. This was an issue on Toyota Motors before 2016 and Toyota issued a TSB for those. However Toyota has refused to acknowledge this ongoing issue in its post 2016 Motors. This is a very well know issue by Toyota.

NHTSA ODI 11497655

driving full speed car suddenly slows and light on dash reads accelerator and brake pressed at same time, although my foot is nowhere near the brake. This is 3rd time it has happened, Toyota say's it doesn't come up as error on their computer.

NHTSA ODI 11494588

Hood latch, the hood would not fully close and lock! The dashboard warning light would come on indicating the latch was not working. The hood would be open approx 1/2 inch. Tried opening and closing numerous times. Finally, tied the hood closed with a bungee. Went to the local Toyota dealership. They (Service Technician) said he sees often! Sprayed with a solvent. Indicated corrosion around the small spring. A few weeks later, driving and the hood popped, secondary latch kept the hood from fully opening! Dashboard warning light illuminated. I pulled over and tied hood to secure until I could get to the Garage again! Indicated the spring was weak......no repair! Waiting for a disaster to happen at highway speed! Checked Google, and numerous reports by other 2016 owners for same problem!

NHTSA ODI 11493345

While driving down the road with my driver seat warmer on, the heating element and/or associated electronics burned a hole in the seat canvas and through the jacket I was wearing. I think a small fire started which I put out with my finger and then I turned off the seat heater.

NHTSA ODI 11493228

The control arm of the driver side fail during driving , I lost control of my Tacoma then the alarm stering activate. Then is was dificult to control the pickup and i almost hit a car that was next to me. When i take to the machanic shop he was alarm by the situation he told me that this was very dangerous , he found that the driver control arm was with a welding failure that i should make a request for the damages to the Toyota.

NHTSA ODI 11492383

Vehicle made a loud bang from the rear of the vehicle , then started to slow down slightly without brakes applied. And then suddenly within a few more feet the Rear wheels locked up without brakes applied. Traveling at between 35- 45mph the vehicle skidded causing vehicles behind me to also skid to avoid hitting me. Truck would not move from this position , I was stuck in the lane without a shoulder to move close to . I was shaken pretty bad, out of fear I popped the truck into reverse and the rear of the truck made a loud bang or loud pop noise. It wouldn’t move back so I put it back in drive and it made another bang noise and started to roll forward with a lot of resistance . There was no safe place to park, I was close to home so I continued home driving very slow with my hazard lights on . Please help. I towed the truck to Servco Kauai Toyota 9-23-2022, they did not look at the truck until 10-20-2022 almost a month it sat at the Toyota. I went home and checked online to see if anyone had the same problem and found Tech. Bulletins and a Recall for this problem, I did not receive a letter for this recall. I had no idea there was even a Recall. Service advisor [XXX] and Service Manager [XXX]told me my vehicle does not fall into the criteria of this recall. Service Manager [XXX] said they are not part of Servco and this dealership would not perform this recall because it is a maintenance issue ( What ?) Please help . I towed My truck home , I m trying to sell my truck as is because the dealership gave me a quote of over $7000 to fix this problem. No one wants to buy my truck in this condition. Aloha [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11491128