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Model-Year Guide2019 · Toyota Tacoma

Pre Purchase Inspection for 2019 Toyota Tacoma

Check the 6-speed automatic's shift update on early trucks, the 2016 to 2017 rear differential and the 2022 to 2023 axle nut recalls. We check the known trouble spots before you pay.

2019 Toyota Tacoma pre purchase inspection
2019 Toyota Tacoma

Buying a 2019 Toyota Tacoma? Smart move to check it first. The engine it has changes what matters most.

Transmission: 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. Check master cylinder recall 18V-888 and fuel pump recalls 20V-012 and 20V-682.

Engines for 2019
  • 2.7L 4-cyl
  • 3.5L V6
Known problem areas and what we check
Costly Safety Common Verify
Automatic shift feelCommon

Toyota bulletin T-SB-0077-16 covers some 2016 Tacomas with the V6 and 6-speed automatic that show delayed engagement from Park or Reverse to Drive, a harsh 1st to 2nd shift, or delayed upshifts on cruise control. The fix is new engine computer software. Toyota said the repair is covered under its federal emission warranty of 96 months or 80,000 miles. Car and Driver still called the automatic persnickety in later years.

WE CHECK We road test for slow engagement, harsh or busy shifts and hunting on grades, check the software level if we can, and look for the update in the records.

SOURCE Toyota T-SB-0077-16 on NHTSA's site · Car and Driver 2018 Tacoma · Car and Driver 2020 Tacoma

V6 crank position sensorSafety

Toyota recalled some 2016 and 2017 V6 Tacomas because the crank position sensor can malfunction and stall the engine (17V-356). Dealers replace it with an improved sensor.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for 17V-356 and scan for crank sensor codes.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 17V-356

Rear differential oil leakSafety

Toyota recalled 2016 and 2017 Tacomas because oil can leak where the rear differential carrier bolts to the axle housing (17V-285). NHTSA lists 227,732 trucks. Driving with low oil can make the differential seize. Dealers inspect for leaks and tighten or replace the nuts and gasket, or replace the carrier if it is damaged.

WE CHECK We look for gear oil at the rear differential, check the VIN for 17V-285, and listen for whine or clunks on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 17V-285

Rear axle retaining nutsSafety

Toyota recalled 2022 and 2023 Tacomas because welding debris can keep the rear axle retaining nuts from staying tight, and the axle shaft can separate from the housing (24V-152). NHTSA lists 381,199 trucks. Dealers inspect the axle, tighten the nuts and repair damaged parts.

WE CHECK We look for gear oil at the rear axle ends, check the VIN for 24V-152, and listen and feel for vibration or noise on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-152

Brake master cylinderSafety

Toyota recalled some 2018 and 2019 Tacomas because the brake master cylinder may have been machined wrong, which can damage a seal and weaken braking (18V-888). Dealers replace the master cylinder.

WE CHECK We check pedal feel and brake fluid, test stops on the road, and check the VIN for 18V-888.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 18V-888

Low pressure fuel pumpSafety

Two Toyota fuel pump recalls cover these trucks: 2018 and 2019 Tacomas under 20V-012, and 2017 to 2020 Tacomas under 20V-682. The pump in the tank can fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace the pump.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for both recalls, and note any hard starting, rough running or stalling on the drive.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-012 · NHTSA recall 20V-682

Child seat anchorsSafety

Some 2022 and 2023 Tacomas may have weak welds on the upper child seat anchors (22V-520). Dealers inspect and reweld them as needed.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for 22V-520 and look at the upper anchors.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-520

Air bag recallsSafety

Some 2016 Tacomas built August 20 to September 10, 2015 have the wrong bolts on the driver knee air bag (15V-656). Some 2023 Tacomas have a steering column spiral cable that can lose connection and turn off the driver air bag (23V-480), and 25V-040 covers trucks that may have been repaired wrong the first time.

WE CHECK We check the air bag light at startup, scan the air bag module, and check the VIN for each recall.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 15V-656 · NHTSA recall 23V-480 · NHTSA recall 25V-040

Before you look at a 2019 Tacoma
  • Run the VIN for open recalls and match them to dealer records
  • Road test the automatic for slow engagement and busy or harsh shifts
  • Look for gear oil leaks at the rear differential and axle ends
  • Check brake pedal feel and brake fluid
  • Scan the engine, transmission and air bag modules
  • Check the underbody and skid plates for off-road damage
  • Test the backup camera and screen on 2020 and later trucks
Safety record (live from NHTSA)
2019 Toyota Tacoma · Federal RecordsSource: NHTSA.gov
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Recalls
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Complaints
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Service Bulletins
Loading the latest federal safety records…
Common service bulletins (TSBs)

A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:

Engine & DrivabilityWe check

Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.

Power Train · AutomaticWe check

Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.

Electrical & BodyWe check

Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.

Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.

Get it inspected
Common questions
Which Tacoma years are third generation?
The third generation covers 2016 to 2023. Toyota updated it for 2018 with standard safety tech and again for 2020 with new styling and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, per Car and Driver.
Does the 2016 Tacoma have transmission problems?
Toyota bulletin T-SB-0077-16 covers 2016 V6 automatics with delayed engagement, a harsh 1st to 2nd shift, or delayed upshifts on cruise. The fix is new engine computer software. Ask whether it was done.
What is the Tacoma rear axle recall?
Recall 24V-152 covers 381,199 2022 and 2023 Tacomas. Welding debris can let the rear axle nuts loosen, and the axle shaft can separate. Dealers inspect and tighten them for free.
Should I get the 4-cylinder or the V6?
Car and Driver called the 2.7L four cylinder underpowered and recommended the V6. The V6 is also the only engine with the 6-speed manual.
Was there a 2016 Tacoma differential recall?
Yes. Recall 17V-285 covers 2016 and 2017 Tacomas that can leak oil at the rear differential. Low oil can make it seize, so confirm the fix and look for leaks.
When did the Tacoma get Apple CarPlay?
Car and Driver says Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came with the 2020 update, along with bigger screens.
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