TSB: Some 2016 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission (6AT) may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) typically between 30 ? 10 mph. This vibration is felt in the seat, floorboard, and/or steering wheel. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tacoma | 19 |
| 2013 Tacoma | 14 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 5 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 3 |
| 2016 Tacoma (this page) | 14 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 6 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 5 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 4 |
What stands out
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0D FRAME CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND (CRC) APPLICATION CERTAIN 2016 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR TACOMA
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2016 ? 2021 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) between 30 ? 10 mph. This vibration is felt in the seat, floorboard, and/or steering wheel. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2016 ? 2019 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) between 10 ? 30 mph. This vibration is felt in the seat, floorboard, and/or steering wheel. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some 2016-2018 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a squeak or rattle noise from the FR RH (No.1) Body Mount Bushing when driving over uneven roads or bumps. Make sure to confirm that the noise is coming from the FR RH (No.1) Body Mount Bushing before proceeding.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Complaints cluster around three primary areas: suspension, drivetrain, and dealer responsiveness.
Suspension problems dominate. Owners report persistent leaf spring squeaking and clanking—especially during braking or rough terrain—that dealers refuse to fix, claiming it's "how the vehicle is made." One owner couldn't get alignment to hold longer than 3–4 months despite repeated dealership visits. Another found a driver-side control arm with a factory welding defect that caused loss of control while driving. Worn shocks and steering noise (popping/clicking) also appear multiple times.
Transmission troubles include 1–3 second delays when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse to Drive, accompanied by slipping and grinding noises. Some describe flare, shudder, or jerky shifts dating back to purchase. One owner's truck refused to move during a U-turn despite engine acceleration and grinding sounds.
The rear differential leak—tied to Recall 17V285000—created the biggest headaches: vehicles were grounded for weeks or months with no repair available and no timeline from Toyota.
Engine, transfer case, and transmission leaks went undiagnosed during routine service until 60,000 miles, then recurred at 80,000 miles, costing owners thousands out-of-pocket. Multiple owners report dealers unable to locate noise sources or brushing complaints aside as normal operation, sometimes without documentation of work performed.
Same Toyota Tacoma suspension reports on nearby years: 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Leaf spring squeak/noise
Leaf springs make squeaking, clanking, or clunking noises during normal operation, braking, or driving over rough surfaces. Multiple owners report the issue as a known complaint; dealers often dismiss it as normal or refuse to address it.
When: 30,000 miles and beyond; some reported early on
Symptoms owners cite: squeaking sound from rear suspension; clanking noise when taking speed bumps; loud clunk noise during hard shifts or suspension movement
Repairs/costs cited: Leaf springs diagnosed as defective and needing replacement; owner reports dealership refused repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered per complaint #10; some dealers claim it is 'how the vehicle is made'
Rear wheel bearing installation defect
Factory-installed rear wheel bearing was not installed correctly, causing loud metallic banging or clanging from the rear end. Bearing failure triggered brake and ABS warning lights.
When: Very early; symptoms emerged at 110 miles and recurred at 334 miles
Symptoms owners cite: brake warning light; ABS warning light; check brake system warning; antiskid/traction control lights; loud metallic banging or clanging from rear end
Repairs/costs cited: Rear wheel bearing not installed correctly from factory; parts ordered for replacement
Rear differential leak (Recall 17V285000)
Rear differential leaks oil, making vehicle unsafe to drive. Issue triggered recall 17V285000 but Toyota has no permanent fix or timeline available. Multiple owners grounded their vehicles for weeks or months with no resolution.
When: Less than 9,000 miles; present early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: oil leaking from rear differential
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; owners provided with rental/loaner vehicles during indefinite wait
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V285000 issued; however, no repair parts or timeline available per Toyota customer service
Suspension alignment failures
Vehicle repeatedly fails to hold alignment despite multiple dealership attempts. Unaligned suspension causes unsafe handling, unintentional swerving, and frequent realignment visits required every 3-4 months instead of normal intervals.
When: Few months after purchase; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle pulls to one side; unsafe handling characteristics; unintentional swerving; inability to maintain alignment between services
Repairs/costs cited: Repeated alignment attempts at Toyota dealerships; issue persists
Control arm welding failure
Driver-side control arm failed during driving due to a welding defect in the component. Failure caused loss of control and required emergency steering assistance.
When: Not specified; occurred during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: loss of vehicle control while driving; difficulty controlling pickup; power steering alarm activated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified welding failure in driver control arm
Transmission shift delay and slip
Transmission delays 1–3 seconds when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse to Drive, accompanied by slipping sensation and loud grinding or clanking noises. In some cases, truck fails to move despite engine acceleration and gear grinding sounds.
When: Early ownership; complaints date from 07-16-2016 onward; still present at 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 1-3 second delay shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse to Drive; transmission slip; loud metallic gear-grinding noise; loud clunk noise during hard shifting; jerky or shuddering shifts; flare during shifts
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted in narratives
Front-end noise and loose components
Abnormal noise from the front end, particularly on rough roads. Dealers are unable to locate the source or claim the noise is how the vehicle was manufactured.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: clanging or spring sound when braking; noise from front end especially on bad roads; loud engine ticking sound
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to locate source; claimed to be normal for vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims noise is 'how the vehicle is made'
Four-wheel drive engagement failure
Vehicle becomes stuck in four-wheel drive after engaging it, unable to make left turns while in 4WD. Disengagement required unorthodox procedure (reverse/forward rocking until loud thump heard).
When: August 2022 and following year
Symptoms owners cite: inability to make left turn in 4WD; stuck in four-wheel drive mode; loud thump noise when finally disengaging 4WD
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealership claimed driver error
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated nothing was wrong and blamed improper 4WD use
Shock wear and suspension instability
Vehicle fails to remain in position while driving at various speeds; requires extra steering effort. Independent mechanic diagnosed worn shocks as the cause.
When: Early ownership; failure at 9 miles noted
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle does not remain in position while driving; requires extra effort to turn vehicle; poor handling at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic recommended shock replacement; vehicle not repaired
Steering noise (popping/clicking)
Steering wheel produces popping or clicking sounds during use.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: popping sound when turning steering wheel; clicking sound when turning steering wheel
Transmission flare and shudder
Transmission exhibits flare, shudder, and jerky behavior during operation. Owner has been dealing with the issue since July 2016.
When: Since 07-16-2016
Symptoms owners cite: transmission flare; transmission shudder; jerky transmission shifts
Multiple engine and fluid leaks
Owner reports major engine, transfer case, and transmission leaks that went undiagnosed during routine Toyota dealership service until 60,000 miles. Leaks included power steering pump failure, front and rear seal leaks, and differential gasket failure. Pattern of leaks reoccurred at 80,000 miles.
When: Undetected until 60,000 miles; recurring at approximately 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine leaks; transfer case leaks; transmission leaks; power steering fluid loss
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: power steering pump, front and rear seals, differential gasket — cost $3,000. Toyota provided goodwill reimbursement of $1,400. Second repair: engine leaks — cost $4,100. Toyota refused further goodwill adjustment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota provided $1,400 goodwill reimbursement on first repair set; refused further assistance and claimed vehicle is outside warranty
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
On 11/23/15 I was able to take possession of the vehicle. On 11/24/15 I got into the vehicle to crank it up when the vehicle's warning lights of brake, ABS warning to check the anti'lock brake system and check brake system and the antiskid/traction lights came on at approximate 110 miles. I immediately called the dealership and was told that it would not hurt the vehicle to drive it and that…
Had suspension trouble with your 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2016 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 22,208 and 56,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,208; a quarter make it past 56,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Toyota/Tacoma.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.