Are 2016-2019 Tacoma really less reliable than previous gen (2015)?

I’m in the market for a 2019 tacoma and am surprised to see the consumer report ratings on the reliability of the 3rd gen to be just average. Even at 2016 when they came out they were already giving average reliability and some models even got below average. The previous generation had extremely good ratings for reliability. My 2011 trd sport never gave me any problems other than regular mantenance. I’d like to think that the ratings for the new gen tacomas are wrong but please share your experience. Thanks

 

Not exactly old enough to really gauge it super well. I've put 26k on mine since I got it in June of '18 and haven't had any problems so hopefully that stays consistent lol

 

They’ve all got issues... my 2015 has blown through two sets of pumps and valves on the SAIS system. My guess is the new gen will prove reliable - it’s just all the new tech that’s a lifespan killer. (My opinion)

 

I would argue that many, if not all of the low reliability ratings you see in CR/Motor Trend/etc. are based on issues which plagued the early 3rd gen Tacomas. Most of these issues have been resolved now through TSBs which have been rolled into the production line for the 2019 model year.

The only real reliability issue I'd be concerned about on the 19's is the rear differential howling, which is still widespread. Toyota engineering says this particular noise is normal, but if you ask anyone experienced with rear ends, howling noises are generally indicative of a problem.

I'm not sure who to believe honestly, however, by and large, these are still the most reliable trucks on the market.

 

I have both a 2nd and 3rd gen and one is in no way more reliable then the other. Dont buy a 2019 wait for the 2020s to start hitting the lots cool new features such as a larger in dash screen, led headlights and taillights, and power adjustable front seats to name a few. Dont be intimidated to buy a 3rd gen, i prefer it to my 2nd gen, but still do love my sport. Good luck.

 

Reliability can only be gauged over time. How can something that hasn’t been around long be rated on something that can only be manifested over a period of time?

Having said that, the ‘16’s did have issues that were addressed through TSB’s as was already pointed out. I have a ‘19 and have had no problems with it whatsoever.

I suggest taking a good long test drive of the particular truck you’re interested in and going from there in order to ensure you like it. But I wouldn’t worry about reliability. It’s single most reason I bought my truck. It’s still going to be head and shoulders above any other make available in that category...

 

The first gen is where it is at if you want reliable.

 

Did you get kicked out of the 2nd Gen forum? They don’t take kindly to bad mouthing the greatest generation, as you know.

 

Funny because our 2006 Tacoma was the only Toyota we ever got rid of prematurely because it sucked.

 

You must stick out nicely with a Toyota in Detroit!

 

Buy what you want there are plenty of happy 3GEN owners on here and I have a 2GEN

 

I literally was attacked multiple times because of my Toyotas around 2008-2010. Guess my 1996 4runner was so good it offended people. Not my fault American cars suck. I grew up in a Chrysler family. We bought 1 Toyota and never looked back. now we have 7.

 

thanks to all for sharing your experiences. I’m happy to say that just bought a new OR and am very glad I did.

 

Congratulations on your new truck. I’m sure you’ll love it as I did my 2016 and current 2019. Great color choice.

 

The only reason I could see the gen 3 possibly being "less reliable" is more tech means for parts that can fail. Other than that I am sure it comes down to preference

 

I have had many Toyota’s and they have all been reliable.

 

As for the rear differential howling issue was it only on certain models?

My 2019 owner's manual lists (4) different qt capacities for the various rear differentials offered.

 

My 2002 served me flawlessly for its 285k miles with me and still ran well when I sold it. My 2017 now has 32k miles and so far so good, but we haven’t passed the first 100k together yet, so it still has time to prove itself before it’s my new avatar pic.

 

Ultimately since Toyota added a lot more complexity, it will just by default probably be less reliable. If you are comparing say an old school 4 cylinder with a 4 speed transmission and a low compression ratio vs our new Otto/Attkinson, double injector, variable valve timing, high compression ratio 6 speed transmission, just by default it will be less reliable because there is more to break/wear out.

Having said that, the data clearly shows Tacoma is the most reliable mid size truck on the market and Toyota is the most reliable brand.