The first year of the third-generation Tacoma and the loudest of the run — a durable truck whose early six-speed automatic feel and coolant-pipe leak are the homework, on top of the crank-sensor stall recall to verify.

The recall with real safety weight on a 2016 V6. The crank position sensor can malfunction and stall the engine while driving — a stall-in-traffic risk. It covers 2016–2017 Tacomas equipped with the six-cylinder engine (Toyota's internal code H0H); the remedy is a free improved crank sensor. Run the VIN and confirm it shows completed before buying a V6 truck.

On the V6, Toyota switched coolant hoses and elbows to plastic, and a coolant-bypass pipe behind the engine is notorious to crack — a mechanic calls it a 'massive job' and worst on the 2016–2017 trucks. The tell is a coolant trail down the passenger side or on top of the transmission; check there before buying. A companion timing-cover oil leak shows up in the complaint file too (reseals sometimes recur). Both are covered under the powertrain warranty while the truck is still in term; out of warranty the coolant-pipe job is one owner estimated at several thousand dollars.

Two drivetrain items specific to the early years. First, recall 17V285: oil can leak where the rear-differential carrier meets the axle housing, and if run low the diff can seize — free inspection and re-torque (or carrier replacement if damaged). Second, four-wheel-drive trucks make a front-differential groan heard only in two-wheel drive that clears in four-wheel drive; there's an updated front differential, and it affected mainly the 2016–2017 trucks. Mechanics also flag front-diff and transfer-case actuators that can seize — the transfer-case one is a labor-heavy repair if it goes out of warranty. Exercise the four-wheel drive through its modes on the test drive.

Odds and ends to check. The 2016 had a notorious rear-brake rattle when pressing the pedal on new trucks; rust-belt front calipers seize without yearly pin service, and the rear drums need manual adjustment. The third brake light on the cab can leak water into the interior on 2016–2017 trucks (updated seal, covered under warranty). Trucks with 040 Super White paint peel at the door frames, inner fenders, and A-pillars — covered by Toyota's Customer Support Program 23TE08 (a quiet, extended coverage program) for 2016–2022. And the frame rusts in the salt belt; the 2016 had a factory frame-spray campaign, but coat the frame, not just the body, and check it from underneath on a northern truck.