The 2023 Tacoma is too new to have widespread pattern failures, but early adopters with the 3.5L V6 have reported concerning oiling issues that mirror problems from 2016-2020 models, plus some transmission cooling quirks. Most units are still under warranty, so real-world longevity data is thin.
3.5L V6 Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000-2,000 mi), Blue smoke on cold start or acceleration, Low oil pressure warning, Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection characteristic)
Fix: This is the same 2GR-FKS engine family that had piston/ring issues in earlier Tacomas. When it goes bad, you're looking at a short block replacement or full engine rebuild — 18-24 labor hours. Toyota has extended warranties on some VINs, so check TSBs first. If out of warranty, aftermarket reman engines are the budget route.
Estimated cost: $6,500-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid pooling under truck (pink/red fluid), Slipping or delayed shifts when hot, Overheating transmission temp warning
Fix: The external cooler lines and fittings on the 6-speed and 8-speed autos can seep or crack, especially in cold climates with salt exposure. Replacement involves dropping the skid plate and routing new lines — 3-4 hours labor. Some techs also replace the cooler itself if it's corroded.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise when turning at low speed (parking lots), Steering feels notchy or sticky at center, Noise worse in cold weather
Fix: TSB and recall coverage exists (NHTSA STEERING:COLUMN recalls). Dealers are replacing the intermediate shaft U-joint or entire shaft assembly under warranty. Outside warranty, it's a 1.5-2 hour job with genuine Toyota parts to avoid comebacks.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Fuel Filter Clogging (Diesel-Like Symptoms on Gas Models)
Rare · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Loss of power under load, Check engine light with fuel trim codes
Fix: Some 2023s have shown premature fuel filter restriction, possibly from tank debris or poor fuel quality. The in-tank filter isn't a standard maintenance item, but when clogged it requires fuel pump module removal — 2-3 hours. Toyota doesn't sell the filter separately on some models, forcing full pump assembly replacement.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Rear Axle Seal Leaks
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil on inside of rear wheels or diff cover, Whining or growling from rear end when low on fluid, Visible drips after parking
Fix: Some 2023s with the rear differential (4WD, especially with rear locker) have had early axle seal failures. Usually the pinion seal or axle shaft seals. Each side is about 2 hours labor, pinion seal is 3-4 hours because you need to set preload correctly. Catch it early before damaging the diff bearings.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Owner tips
Check oil level every 1,000 miles on the 3.5L V6 — consumption issues don't always trigger warnings before damage occurs.
Use Top Tier fuel and consider periodic fuel system cleaning to minimize direct-injection carbon buildup on intake valves.
Inspect transmission cooler lines and fittings during every oil change, especially if you tow or live in the rust belt.
Document any oil consumption or engine noise while under factory warranty — Toyota has been selective about goodwill coverage.
The 2.7L I4 is significantly more reliable but underpowered; the V6 has more issues but better resale.
Too early to call — if the 3.5L oil consumption plague is truly fixed, it's a solid truck; if not, you're gambling with a $7K engine bill at 50K miles. Wait for 2024+ model years or buy CPO with extended warranty.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located in engine bay
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2016-2026 Toyota Tacoma — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Integrated with PCS radar or separate module behind dashboard
🔧 Toyota Techstream
⚠️ Part of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). May be integrated with radar module. Calibration required.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY · 24V152000
2024-02-27
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
Consequence: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB05 and 24TA05.
STEERING:COLUMN · 23V480000
2023-07-12
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR · 22V520000
2022-07-21
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
Consequence: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TB09/ 22TA09.
Performance
Horsepower
278hp
Torque
265lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.1sec
Quarter mile
15.4sec
Top speed
115mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
18mpg
Highway
22mpg
Combined
20mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
6,800lb
Payload
1,685lb
Curb weight
4,425lb
Seating
4seats
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Wiper blades
3rd generation final year. Pickup trucks do not have rear wipers.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.