Should you buy the latest Toyota Tacoma 2016-2021? 

For those of you wondering what the TSB is for the A/C auxiliary fan is, it is TSB 63-18

I have a 2016 Tacoma, with only 50k miles, I've seen 80% of the problems this guy mentioned. He knows what he's talking about!! He seems like a great mechanic, wish he lived close to me.

This is the best review I’ve seen. I’m tired of the guys that sit in the front seat and say, “This one has leather, this one has plastic. Here’s the rear view mirror. Here’s the leather seats.” 🙄 I can see the interior for myself. I want to know about the engines and what kind of coolant I’m gonna see on my garage floor. I want to know which gen is best. I need to know about transmissions and gear hunting, not the cup holders. I know I’m a girl, but c’mon. THIS is the best kind of review. Thank you! 💕

This video is of immense value to any Toyota Tacoma owners and potential buyers. Tangible issues, not personal opinions, and absolutely no “wishywashy” nonsense. A tremendous service to consumers. Thank you, sir. Please keep up the good work.

I've got 210k miles on my 18. Solid as a rock.

Lesson here is don't buy the first two years of a new model. It's almost better to buy the last year of a model before it moves over to a new redesign. All the bugs got fixed.

When the new Ranger came out I was debating on that or a Tacoma. My wife said "you want bells and whistles or something reliable, dependable and when it hits 300k will still be worth more than a Ford". I ended up with a '17 TRD Sport and very happy with it.

We need more master techs (from other manufacturers)doing indepth reviews like this for the cars that they work on AMD you are doing the whole community a huge service!

I own a 2015 2.7L 2wd ext cab tacoma with 44,562 on the odometer. I’m 33 years old. I look forward to being that old man in his 70’s still holding on to that tacoma, and looking back at this comment and watching this video

AMD, the large tacoma community would really love and appreciate diy maintenance video from a professional like yourself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I got the 2021 2.7 almost 2wks ago and I love it!!!. Like a commentor said... I won't win a race but I will win a lot of marathons....LONGEVITY BABY!!!!

Just bought myself a Tacoma 2021 SR5 3.5L V6 21,200 miles on it🫡 beautiful looking truck.

I got a 2020 TRD off-road 4x4 and absolutely love it. Just feels like a solid brick on the road that I’d trust with my life. Great vehicle

2021 TRD 4x4 sport here. Your experience and opinion is greatly appreciated. The world needs more people like you. Keep it up!!!

You're the reason why I'll buy a Toyota again. Honest information without the sales fluff. You're awesome!

Love all the insightful videos. Your videos on the Toyota Tacoma has definitely helped me with making my decision on purchasing a 3rd gen Tacoma. I took your great advice and purchased a 2020 Tacoma limited 4x4 over settling with a cheaper 2016-2017 Taco which are a dime a dozen. Thanks again for the content you put together, the hands on experience and insight you provide!

Super helpful! Thanks for taking the time to address all these issues and concerns. Highly recommended for anyone looking to purchase a Toyota Tacoma.

Thank you for this video AMD, i have been waiting for it! As a Toyota guy myself, i am REALLY enjoying your channel

Thank you so much for taking the time to make such an informative video! I am looking to get new model (2020-2021) and this video is super helpful. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!!

Great review! You are the best, covering all of the areas in detail. A lot of people (like me) really appreciate your info!

This was a great video! Thank you so much for making this.. looking at a '17 this week.. this video really helped me realize what to keep my eyes open for. Thanks again

This video has 424 views day one 40 minutes after posting. Can’t wait to see this video and the Tundra Video hit 500k to 1m views in a year. Great info that will be used by countless people. Another good job AMD

I have a 2020 Tacoma with the 4 cyl. 2 wheel drive. I live in Florida, so it’s very flat here, I do tow my little 17’ Boston Whaler with the truck and have not had any problems with pulling the boat out of the water or launching. I don’t tow it more than 20 miles, so I don’t have any feedback towing long term. I have loaded the bed with 600lbs of rock and paver stones more than once with no trouble at all. Overall I’m very happy with the truck, it will get 27 mpg when I run with no load and the a/c off. On the highway with the a/c on I get about 22 mpg. I do change my oil every 5k miles, I do not follow the toyota recommended interval of 10k miles.

This makes me feel really good about my 2021 OR purchase. Love the channel man! Keep it up!

I love my 03 tacoma prerunner, still running strong 💪

I have a 16 TRD off road. No issues but I'm going to keep a close eye on it after watching this video. Still love it though.

As you promised, tacoma on Saturday. great video!!!

This was video was just simply pure, unadulterated, Fantastic Tacoma wisdom. Thank You!

Amazing video. thank you so much for making this. I am currently shopping for my next vehicle and the tacoma is my top choice. anything newer than 2016 is out of my budget, but after watching this i think i will be happier finding a low mileage 2015. i am also in the rust belt so I will be looking at that frame very closely.

I often have people asking how reliable my 2011 Tacoma has been. I just point to my 1991 Tacoma X-Tra Cab with 490,000 miles and say... well, so far, I’ve had to replace the batteries and tires on both of them. And the clutch on the ‘91 standard shift. That’s about it. 😊

Thanks for the video! I have a 2007 Tacoma I bought new. It’s been nearly bombproof, all I ever replaced outside of a recall was the starter. That said, the newer technology has been really enticing and I just put a deposit down on a ‘21 model. I feel even better about my decision after this video.

Thanks for your totally honest review! I have a 2021 Tacoma, I bought new over a year ago and totally love it!

Bought a 2016 TRD SPORT 3.5 4WD new in December 2015. I've owned it for 6 1/2 years and have 37,700 miles on it. Kinda freaked out watching this because I've only done oil changes and tire rotations and scheduled maintenance. It surged a little when at idle the first year so maybe they upgraded the software when I took it in for an oil change. I need to have the brake light done under warranty but it's not leaking. AC is good, no noises to complain about. I'm sure he sees more 2016 models come in because they've been on the road longer and have the highest miles but don't doubt earlier years had some gremlins. Of course the 2019-2022's will develop some of their own, just give it time. I'm crossing my fingers mine was made early enough that quality control was higher than the later 2016's. I'll have the frame rust looked at and will toss it into 4 wheel drive each month. If you're looking at a Tacoma I wouldn't avoid a 2016. I think newer models are way too expensive. Mine is a crewcab and is loaded. I paid $34,500 new. The exact same truck is around $46k now. I can sell mine every day next week for $33k so basically it's cost me $1500 over 6 1/2 years and looks brand new. Why pay $10( more for the same truck? I've looked and they're exactly the same execpt they added crap like adaptive cruise and lane assist. Junk I don't want and lime he said you can't modify the newer ones so an added bonus having a 2016. I lifted the front of mine and added new wheels an Nito Grapplers. Rides great. Every Tacoma will have its issues if driven enough and they all break so I feel he's pointed things out he's seen because the 2016 has been around the longest. I've had no radio issues, no noises, no body rust and had it since Dec 2015. I'm not sure how many were built in 2016, maybe.200,000 + so hoping the issues he pointed out are more rare than expected. Good video though, but watching these always are a little unsettling. It's not bad info but I'll bet any amount of money there's 2019-2022's that have had major problems too. Kinda think some of these videos are sponsored by Toyota to get owners to bring them in to their delaers for service or to get guys like me to trade up to a brand new year. I mean the first thing he said is he's a Toyota mechanic and mechanics are notorious for saying stuff needs fixing. Not saying that's the case but not pointing out stuff on newer models is suspicious to me. Surely the newer Tacomas have issues so??? Hmm I looked at all the comments and if 2016's were notoriously bad there would have been dozens and dozens of comments. He says he sees hundreds and then said thousands and I see there's been hundreds of thousands of views to this video. I would expect hundreds of comments from people with 2016's but where are they? Don't avoid the 2016 because of this video.

I enjoy your videos man. Very good personality and content. Good job. I am very proud of my 04 Prerunner I bought last year. My first Toyota truck. My next Tacoma will come in a few years. I'd love a 4x4. My dad has drove Yota trucks for many years and got me into them. He still uses and abuses a 96 T100 with 361,000 miles. His 96 Tacoma has 400,000 on it. Rusty and beat to hell but fires right up.

Great video, thank you. I've wanted a Tacoma ever since the Gen 3 came out and almost got one in 2016. Held off due to timing and lack of options that I wanted. When the 2020 came out with premium package, it was the right time for me and met all my wants and needs. Seeing this video makes me even more happy that i waited until 2020. Looking forward to seeing a similar Sienna video in a couple years as we are looking to trade our Infiniti QX60 for a minivan a few years from now.

I like the fact your an honest mechanic and tell the truth. Keep the videos coming.

Hands down, THE best automobile review I have ever seen. GREAT Job!

I have a 17' pro and had the door sill paint bubble/rust issue. Luckily I caught it before the paint/body warranty expired and was able to get it repaired but the first repair the dealership's body shop did a really poor job. Caught them in the act of trying to pull a fast one and made them redo it the right way.

Great Video! Thanks for taking the time to do it. I have a 2020 TRD OFF RD DCSB 6 speed manual. 25k miles on it and I love driving it. Biggest thing I recommend people is try to find a 6 speed. There hard to find but I think it’s better than the slush box automatic. I hope to get 250k out of it with minimal issues. Basic maintenance goes a long way. 20 years ago I worked for a Toyota dealership. Highest mileage Toyota I saw come in was a Toyota Previa (which is where this 2.7 4 banger originated from it had a 2 liter oil reservoir) with 670k miles on it. The guy did general maintenance. 2nd highest mileage vehicle I know of was a 91 Toyota 4x4 EC 5 speed with a 3.0 liter. I personally know the guy he still has the truck and he’s got 575k on it. Bottom line both of these vehicles were 1 - owner rigs and had the general maintenance done. 2021 Tacoma’s are being made in Mexico hopefully the quality is still there. Mine was made at the Texas plant.

Always good to hear an educated review by a competent professional mechanic, appreciate ya!

Thanks for all the info ... you presented it very well. I've been looking to buy one and i live in the rust belt for the time being. I appreciate your honesty

Thank you for the excellent video! At 600 miles, I changed the engine oil with Amsoil SS, F/R diff and TC with Red Line 75W85/MT-LV, and the Manual transmission oil with Amsoil MTF/75W90. The MT oil was about .6qts low from the factory and the rear diff was over a pint low. MT oil surprisingly dark at low miles. Normal break-in shavings observed on magnetic plugs. Filled all until weeping except for TC which is 5mm below fill hole. Put neodymium drain and fill plugs in all areas in hopes of catching more metal as things slosh around. Rear diff venting the gas from the breather is stinky after a long drive, but no other issues as of now and the smell is gone in a few minutes, and doesn't linger so it's not a leak. Multiple reports on forums about low factory fill on auto transmissions, definitely would go through the annoying weep procedure if I had an auto and confirm the fluid level at the specified temperature range.

It’s why I went ahead in summer of 2015 and bought one of the last former type. Haven’t had a single problem in six years. Wonderful vehicle, utterly reliable.

Damn dude I am blown away at your knowledge thank you so much just bought a 2017 four-speed manual Tacoma a year ago and those little clanks while in four-wheel-drive have been messing with me

I’m currently looking at a 19 SR5, seeing all the forums I was hesitant. This video makes me feel a lot better.

YES, this is what I wanted to know!

i wish i found this before buying my 16 but ill defiantly be on a look out for these things

Fantastic video. Appreciate you laying it all out there. I have a 2020 and am very happy.

What a great video. Informative, honest, candid. Thank you for taking the time to put together.

Finally, the video I've been waiting for! Proud owner of a 2008 4-Banger 5 speed manual transmission! I was looking to upgrade to a new model, your video makes it much easier!

All of your videos are very informative. Thank you for making such fantastic videos. Someday if you could possibly produce a video on the 2005-2015 2nd gen Tacomas that would be wonderful. God Bless

Picked up my 2021 trd off-road and I LOVE IT

I just bought an 18. You made me breathe easy. Thank you for the video

Excellent resource, thank you. A tale of our two Tacoma's, 2005 & 2018..both developed AC issues this past summer. Repair costs for the 2005 with 185K miles: $128 (recharge) , the 2018 with 62K miles: $ 1250 (compressor & not covered by warranty)

Damn this was such an informative video thank you. I’m going to be a first time Tacoma owner in the next few months

Thank you for the no nonsense overview. I’m about to get a Tacoma… I am now armed with what I need moving forward.

Appreciate your wisdom on these trucks, I just bought a 2018 Tacoma TRD Sport 4×4 used, and now I feel more happy about it

Thanks for the video. I have 2017 TRD OR with 52K miles.. I live in the rust belt and I had 0 issues with the truck so far.

Thanks for putting out such good content, great job!

I owned an 07 Access Cab 5 lug with the 2.7 and it was great! Got a 14 Double Cab pre runner 2.7 and was lusting for the power of a v6! Got a 16 and I had most of the issues mentioned here!

Glad I found your Chanel, have had Tacoma's for years, just got a 2022 SX 4x4 with the 2.7 engine. Love it, this engine has an outstanding reputation. I hated to change the oil in the 3.5, dropping the skid plate and dealing with that canister oil filter sucked. Yes I gave up some power but really don't need it for what I use it for.

My 2017 V6 SR5 DCLB has been near flawless for almost 100,000 Kms. A couple of recalls and a tie rod. All regular maintenance and a set of front pads and rotors. Great, reliable truck so far and I work it hard.

Thanks for making this video. I have the 2019 Tacoma and fortunately do not have any issues, I do appreciate the tip about engaging the 4 wheel drive on a monthly basis.

We had a 2013 Tacoma, loved it. Traded in for a 2020 Tundra , we love it. But , I missed the little Tacoma , so I went & bought a 2021 Tacoma , for me . We recently took it on a trip up to Colorado from Texas . Great for 2 people to travel in .....

LOVE this channel. Just bought my 3rd Toyota pickup 2.7 4cyl tough little bird. 2018 34,000 miles. Tacoma POWER! God Bless you AMD!

An exceptional Video no matter What you Drive, Thumbs up!

I recently purchased a 2020 TRD sport 6 speed manual. I LOVE that truck. so happy with my purchase.

I have the rare 2015, i-4, 2.7L, 5 speed manual, 4x4. I love it!

Great Video! Very informative and honest. So helpful and learned some new stuff. Hope to see some mechanic work done by you! thanks

I have owned a 2020 Tacoma 3.5 for 2 years. The first 1.5 years and about 50k miles it was bone stock. Decided to get the truck tuned and WOW what a difference it made. This truck is such a joy to drive now. Feels like a completely different truck. Wish I did it sooner. Well worth the $425 tune. I have gone about 6k miles since the tune and noticed a slight MPG increase but the improved driveability is unreal.

I bought my 2019 TRD Off Road new in Jan of 2019....I've got 105K miles on it so far - lots of those in 4WD...GREAT truck!

My fam is looking to get a new one, that said thank you for this video! Really appreciate all the info. Awesome video! Wish there was one like that for other models

Love the Tacoma videos I have had 98 07 and now 2017 beautiful trucks love them thanks for sharing this video

Thanks for the heads up on everything!

I've been very happy with my 2007 Toyota Tacoma access Cab trd sport 4x4 4.0L v6 automatic with 165,500 miles. It's been reliable, useful, and a awesome truck.

2019 off road with 19,000 miles. LOVE IT! No issues so far. She shines!

You are correct. Lifting my 2019 Tacoma drove the lane departure and collision avoidance system bonkers! All kinds of warning lights and dinging. Fortunately my dealership is fantastic. I was able to sign a waver and they deactivated all that useless crap for me. By Lifting it and replacing most of the suspension I also got rid of the things I didn't like about the truck.... The crazy amount of body roll and the nose diving while braking. Once done I threw away the sway bar and now the truck is perfect on and off road!

I used to own a 2006 Tacoma 4.0 V6... i beat the Snot out of that thing for 12 years and it NEVER let me down. I looked at newer ones (2018-2019) but Toyota changed the cab design, it was actually smaller, and I’m 6’4”...So i traded in for a 2019 Tundra 1794... its been rock solid so far. Sad news the V8 is going away. 😢

He’s awesome. So helpful. Plus he knows what he’s talking about.

Thanks for the great information. I now have more knowledge of what to look for with my truck again thank you very much.

2021 trd sport manual trans owner here, i've mainly had jeeps for about 15 years and decided to get something different and was not disappointed, I love this truck.

2016 with 118k miles. timing chain cover leak and 3rd brake light. no blind spot monitoring, no frills. going to keep it as long as i can. love the channel

I'm so glad that I found your channel, great info and honest information, thanks again!!!

Great Vid! I have a 2017 and have some of these issues... Still love my tacoma!

2020 TRD Off Road DCLB - Still runs great with no problems at 10K.

I have a 2017 Tacoma Ltd, thank you for the valuable information.

Great info, not sure how I missed it. Glad to have an '18 but I definitely want to check that rear coolant bypass now. Great content!

INCREDIBLY helpful! Thank you VERY MUCH!

I have a 2016 Tacoma. Great truck and I'll keep it a few more years.

Great video. I have a ‘17 SR5. Some of the issues I had no idea about such as the engine cover leak and coolant leak so I’ll double check. I have had the 3rd brake light leak (I knew to look for this and replaced it myself with the new part, before a recall campaign was finally issued this year). I also noticed the annoying whistling and had the plugs installed in the lower control arms, and I had the frame inspection completed, they added plugs to the frame. Finally, I had front brakes replaced at about 45,000 miles and also changed out the battery at the end of 2020. The 3rd brake light was the most annoying issue in my opinion, and the rest has been easy to address. I am very satisfied overall. I now have plans to oil coat the frame & under carriage. I live in New England with winter and road salt, I think this is a good idea as mentioned in the video but I haven’t had it done yet in the first 5 years of ownership. However, I do wash the undercarriage regularly in winter which is a must. There are no significant rust issues so far.

Amd I recently bought a 21 Tacoma and all of a sudden I feel better about having it in my life. Thank you for your expertise and your years of wisdom in the graceful Toyota world.

Really appreciated hearing your commentary - lovely always to hear those knowledgeable about their work ! Wondered if you knew about 2017 fuel refilling problems ? Apparently there is a plastic flapper and carbon filter inside the neck where you refill your vehicle ( mine clogged after less than 60k ). The problem causes the inability to put gas in without pump kicking off every $1-$2 dollars of gas and you cannot use clip on pump to keep fuel filling without holding pump lever on ( either at slow or fast rate or at any angle pointed into filler neck !) Making it quite frustrating and more time consuming than normal ! Was a battle to get Toyota to fix , but finally sent video to service and made headway !

I bought a 2018 Tacoma used in 2019 and love it! Haven’t had any issues. I do live in the Phoenix area where we get to over 115 degrees and haven’t had any issues with my AC so maybe the previous owner put in that fan kit you were talking about. I do take it off roading often and this truck is a beast.

Great video. I wish I saw this before buying my used '17, but thankfully I haven't experienced any of these issues that were discussed.

best in depth review I have seen, definitely gained a follower

Thank you for being so thorough in your review. Trying to decide what trim is my biggest challenge right now!

This is the best and most informative video about the Tacoma that I’ve seen! This is the information I’ve searched for! Thank you for sharing your extremely valuable knowledge! I put a deposit down on a 2021 Tacoma, and now will definitely purchase the vehicle, because you have expertly addressed all of the issues and reliability problems I’ve heard about and more... Thank you so much!

I love my 2021 TRD OFF ROAD!!! Traded in my 370z for it ... so in love with my truck! Can’t wait to lift it with 35’s big boy tires!!!!!

A great video I have a 2019 SR5 and love it thank you for all you do stay safe 👍👍👍

I had no idea about any of the engine issues with the V6. I've got a 2019 that I rarely use 10k in 2 years and I'm shocked that these issues could come up likely when warranty is expired. A cab off repair does not sound fun at all. Thank you very informative