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Toyota · Pickup Truck · 2016–2023

Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen is available with 2 engine variants — from 159 to 279 hp.

2.7L 4-Zyl · Benziner· 159 PS
2016 2017
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
3.5L V6 D-4ST · Benziner· 278 PS
2016 2023
Good Choice 2 weaknesses

The Toyota 2.7L 4-Zyl (Benziner, 159 PS) has the 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 3.5L V6 D-4ST (Benziner, 278 PS) has the 2GR-FKS (3.5L V6 D-4ST) — rated: "Good Choice", 2 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!TSB 0077-16: Verzögertes Einlegen, harter 1-2-Schaltruck, Gangsuche. ECM-Software-Update als Lösung.

TSB 0077-16: Delayed engagement, harsh 1-2 upshift, gear hunting. ECM software flash as fix.

Symptoms: Juddering when accelerating, delay engaging Drive, gear hunting
from 50,000 km
Ad ECM flash Tacoma 3rd gentransmission software Tacoma
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,192 complaints · 2016–2023
Powertrain
312 ⚠ 4
Brakes
177 ⚠ 16
Engine
170 ⚠ 3
Other
161 ⚠ 2
Fuel System
160 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (312 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (177 complaints)
⚠ Engine (170 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen (2016–2023) — 5 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Electronics, Suspension. Considered reliable: 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl), 2GR-FKS (3.5L V6 D-4ST).

What to watch out for with the Toyota Tacoma? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen have? +
The Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen has 5 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl), 2GR-FKS (3.5L V6 D-4ST). The most reliable engine is the 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 2GR-FKS (3.5L V6 D-4ST).
Which Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen — rated: "Decent". {description} 278 hp V6, manual: the enthusiast configuration. No auto hesitation, no gear hunting. Budget for carbon buildup from D-4ST injection (walnut blasting ~60k miles). TRD Pro premium usually not worth it — TRD Off-Road + aftermarket springs beats the Pro and saves money. TRD Pro depreciates ~k/year, Off-Road only ~.5k.
Is the Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen worth buying used? +
The Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen? +
The Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen is available with engine variants from 159 to 279 hp. Petrol: 2TR-FE (2.7L 4-Zyl), 2GR-FKS (3.5L V6 D-4ST).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee