Buyer's checklist: 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma (2016–2023)

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Look for 4

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Timing cover oil leak2016–2017Look for oil at the front of the V6, behind the timing cover.¹
Automatic transmission shudder2016–2017Feel for shudder and hunting between gears on the test drive.¹
Frame rust2016–2017Look over the frame, and ask whether it was inspected, coated or replaced under Toyota's 2020 campaign.²
Rear differential leak or howlAll yearsLook for oil on the rear differential, and listen for a howl at highway speed.³

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

2016 and 20172016–2017FLEX Automotive points to timing cover oil leaks, automatic shudder and recalls on the first two years.¹