Are the Car Complaints on the 2016 and 2017 something to worry about?

I was looking on Car Complaints and the Tacoma 2016 and 2017 have the highest number of complaints. I was looking to get one of those years in the 6cyl., 4x4. 80k+ miles.

Should I stay away from those? Look at anything special that should have been done to them mechanically (other than regular maintenance)?

Thanks.

It is this or I go to 2015 or 2018.

 

I bought my 2017 Off Road brand new in April 20917, currently up to 75K+ miles, and zero issues of any kind to report. I see a large number of 3rd Gen Tacomas on the roads everywhere I go, so they have a good number of them sold by now.

You tend to see a spike in owner/user complaints when anything crosses a "generational" boundary (meaning several significant changes to whatever it is) as some people have legit issues, some people maybe just think their older model Widget is better because they are so used to it, etc..

I would suggest that you focus on the features / options / color / body style / price..... of what make you happy, and not worry too much about which year/generation Tacoma it is.

 

Curious to what complaints you’re reading up on… I have a 2017 TRD OR 4x4 with no major complaints after driving 65k miles on it. Mine is white, which is a known issue on the forums. It began to peel in a couple areas but luckily I had the dealership warranty it after a 1 year battle. Stay away from white unless you know for a fact it’s been handled.

The 2018’s have the TSS sensor that can be a pain from what I understand, so I am happy with 2017 for that reason. The only major updates came much more recently with LED headlights and CarPlay— so that would be the next logical step if you could afford it.

 

My truck is a 17, I have 43xxx miles. I haven't had any problems, except the Third Brake Light Recall. That was covered by the dealer...

 

2017 is the best year lMHO.

 

I found them here, Toyota Tacoma Problems | CarComplaints.com lots of Transmissions issues.

 

Those were not reliability issues with the transmission, just complaints on how the automatic transmission shifts frequently.

 

The shifting on these trucks is less than ideal, but actual failures are almost unheard of. They are geared at 3.90 (4.10 for MT) from factory and should come with 4.88. You can fix this with a tune for the most part via OV tune, or go all in and spend $2k regearing the truck. Plenty of talk on tuning and gearing on here.

 

Thanks. I didn't know those meant things were not "bad."

 

Transmission is rock solid reliable. So is the engine. Was used in other Toyota products and has been around for a number of years before being introduced to the 3rd gen. It's just the way Toyota engineers programed the ECU for EPA & MPG's. Just make sure any recalls were done. Fuel Pump for example.

 

2016 and 6 years. No issues. Not even a third brake light leak, but I hand wash though and garage kept. I'll get the recall done when I do my inspection.

 

Why not aim for something with lower miles? Probably a budget thing, but if patient i would think the right deal will come.

 

My question to you would be what factors led you to want specifically a 2016-2017 instead of 2018+? Strictly price? From my understanding, and I've been known to be wrong, "most" of the "transmission issues" are actually just complaints about the stock tune, which TSB's were pushed out to correct. And the reason you don't see the complaints from 2018+ about those issues is because the newer trucks came equipped with the newer flashed tune from factory. Either way, besides the bells and whistles they add each year, all 3rd gens are still essentially the same. FWIW, bc you spend time on this site, it won't matter which model you go with bc you'll eventually flash an aftermarket tune either way

 

Mostly price. Yeah.

 

Sounds like you made up your mind and are basing your decision off a site that relies on people who don’t know anything about cars. You ask a question on an enthusiast based forum, you’re going to get somewhat biased info. We know way more about these imperfect trucks than any Karen posting on a generic site. There isn’t a better 4+ year old midsized truck out there IMO as they all have their own issues. I would research the issues more on here as there are plenty of people who like to complain.

 

First model years always have the most complaints. Personally, I love my 2017 and it was built in late 2016.

If you look, most of the complaints with those years have to do with people not liking the way it shifts and not really anything to do with actual reliability issues. Sure, every manufacturer will have a few lemons, but you have to look at the bigger picture rather than generalize the few as being the whole.

Edit: To add to this, I don't have the same issues with the shifting. Either my truck has learned or I've gotten used to it. It took more effort to get used to the truck making power at 3500 RPM instead of the 2-3000 range. But that has more to do with the nature of a direct injected engine than anything else. Once you're used to it it really isn't that big of a deal. I can still cruise at 70 MPH at around 18-1900 RPM when every other vehicle I've driven does that around 22-2300 RPM.

 

That is why I posted here . And, I learned something too. I appreciate all the help. Thanks.

 

I think simply put, if you intend to use the vehicle as Toyota intended it to be used, buy it and never look back; you'll likely never need anything more than general maintenance. If you intend to use it outside of those intended purposes, probably still buy it and never look back! 2016 owner here btw, at 89k miles. My only true recommendation is make sure you find one with maintenance records, so you have no doubts of what you're signing up for.

 

Also keep in mind that people are VERY quick to post a gripe and will seldom post a complimentary comment.

 

Love my 2020 after 15 months of ownership.