The 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma is the most recent generation of Toyota Tacomas. While it is a newer truck, the 3rd gen Tacoma does have its own common problems. Here at the top 5 problems we’ve found on the 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma.
Top 5 Toyota Tacoma Problems
1. Crank Position Sensor
Symptoms of a Bad Crank Position Sensor
- Engine stalling or sputtering when accelerating
Causes of a Bad Crank Position Sensor on the 3rd Gen Tacoma
On the 3.5L V6 engines of the 3rd gen 2016 and 2017 Tacoma, the crank position sensor tends to fail. If the revolutions per minute (RPM) are below the 3,000 range and you try to accelerate rapidly, like when entering a freeway, the engine may stall out or sputter. The crank position sensor is supposed to read where the crank is at as it is spinning to read the RPMs. If the sensor is defective, the computer will not have an accurate reading and will not be able to time the engine properly. The check engine light will turn on, likely reading for engine code P0335.
How to Fix a Bad Crank Position Sensor
Remove the clips from the passenger side wheel-well liner and remove the liner. The crank sensor is located underneath the manifold.
2. Differential Leak
Symptoms of a Differential Leak
- Differential fluid is leaking on the ground
- Vibrations, chattering, and in worse cases grinding at the rear
Causes of a Differential Leak
Toyota issued a recall for a gasket on the rear differential that tends to break. The gasket on the pinion seal and sometimes the backing plate can also leak, but the recall is for the gasket on the differential. If the backing plate is leaking, it’s because of bad axle seals.
How to Fix a Differential Leak
We recommend bringing it to the dealer to have the issue fixed for free.
3. Idle Surge with Steering Input
Symptoms of a High Idle Problem on the 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma
- Idle speed increases and decreases when turning the steering wheel
Causes of a Idle Surge with Steering Input
At idle, the tachometer should read at 500-1,000 RPM. When turning the steering wheel at idle, the RPMs drop down and return once the steering wheel settles. This can happen, for example, when backing out of a parking spot. While not as common, the truck could also stall out.
How to Fix Idle Surge with Steering Input
We recommend bringing the truck to the dealership since there is a recall where they will reprogram the computer (ECM).
4. Automatic Transmission Problems
Symptoms of Automatic Transmission Problems on the 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma
- Delated shift from park to reverse or reverse to drive
- Hard shifting
- Feeling like the transmission is shifting when on cruise control
- Slow shifting on an incline
Causes of Transmission Problems
With the 6-speed automatic transmissions with the 3.5L V6 engine, the transmission can take a few seconds to shift, and this can be experienced as delated or hard shifting. This is usually a calibration issue with the computer.
How to Fix Transmission Problems
We recommend bringing the truck to the dealer to reprogram the system.
5. Blower Motor
Symptoms of a Blower Motor
- Knocking noise from the dash
- Weak air flow from the vents
- Plastic burning smell from the passenger
Causes of a Bad Blower Motor
The blower motor cage can crack and loosen from the shaft, reducing speed and eventually wearing it out.
How to Fix a Bad Blower Motor
Replace the blower motor found underneath the passenger side dash. We recommend replacing the blower motor resistor at the same time.
3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma Model Years
- 2016 Toyota Tacoma
- 2017 Toyota Tacoma
- 2018 Toyota Tacoma
- 2019 Toyota Tacoma
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma
- 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Related Content
- The 5 Most Common 2nd Gen Tacoma Problems
- Blower Motor Making Noise? [Expert advice: diagnose & fix]
- Is your Transmission Slipping, Jerking, or Low on Fluid?
- Signs of transmission failure and ways to prevent it
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I have a question on a 3rd gen toyota tacoma 3.5l. I went out of town for 2 weeks and drained the battery all the way down now I know what drained the battery down and I have a fix for it so the question is this after the battery died I lost the tpms on the dash between my tach and the speedo is there anything I can do to fix it or do I need to go to the dealer?