0W-16

[OilMan]

Situation Overview

I recently completed the first oil service on my brand-new 4th-Generation Toyota Tacoma at approximately 1,000 miles, performed by a Toyota dealership. When reviewing the service invoice prior to payment, I noticed two concerns:

1. The listed oil viscosity was 0W-16, which is not the specification for my vehicle.
2. An oil additive charge was included, something I did not request.

I immediately questioned the discrepancy. Both the service advisor and the manager insisted that the viscosity listed was a typographical error, and the additive charge was removed upon request. I was also given the opportunity to speak directly with the technicians who performed the service, and they stated that they always follow what is indicated on the oil cap, claiming they clearly remembered filling the engine with 0W-20.

At that point, I had no verifiable proof of which oil actually went into the engine, aside from the corrected invoice. I paid the revised bill and parked the vehicle.

​

Corrective Action Taken

Still concerned, I contacted a different Toyota dealership located 17 miles away. I drove the truck:

• Very gently (W/Eco mode)
• Under ~1,700 RPM
• Under ~60 MPH
• No towing
• No hills
• Ambient temperature ~65°F

Upon arrival, the second dealer performed a complete oil change and provided video documentation of the drain/refill process, confirming 0W-20 was installed.

​

Questions for the Community

1. Oil Viscosity Concern
   Considering a maximum of 17 miles potentially driven on 0W-16 under extremely light load and normal temperatures, could this realistically result in any measurable long-term engine wear or reliability concerns?
2. Dealer Accountability
   Is there a reasonable process to request reimbursement or customer service support from the original dealership for:
   • The inaccurate service record
   • The inconvenience and additional cost of correcting their potential error
3. Follow-Up Advice
   Are there any signs, monitoring items, or early-ownership checks I should prioritize going forward?

​

Additional Notes

During the short drive to the second dealership, oil pressure and temperature readings were fully normal according to the dash gauge. While not precise, nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

​

This Tacoma was a significant investment, and I want to ensure it is cared for properly from the start. I’d appreciate any professional insight, technical perspective, or advice on next steps.

Thank you in advance.

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[Miqie]

Many Toyotas use 0W-16. You could have run that for months without an issue, esp. in the winter. So, you paid for two oil changes? I would have insisted that the first dealer drain out what was in there and refill with 0W-20 while I watched. Any issues, I would have told them I'm forwarding the original invoice to Toyota and expect corporate to make things right on my $40,000 vehicle!

 

[LincolnSixAlpha]

I wouldn't have sweated the 0-16, again per other's comments, it's being used on other Toyotas. My guess is that the dealer probably gets that 0-16 in bulk delivery, and that's probably what they threw into your truck.

 

[Lando]

Very likely could have been a typo or mistake on paperwork as they use that viscosity as well on Toyotas. So all good.

if it was a mistake, I do not think 0-16 will affect it at all, especially if you are in a colder place in fall /winter. These oils are so thin anyways now. So all good.

 

[24tacoman]

Same thing happened to me, but they lied to me that 0w16 was an acceptable oil grade in this motor. I challenged them to show me one part of the owner's manual that says so and they couldn't. Then they switched up and said they actually put 0w20 in and the invoice was just a typo. I drove straight home and changed it with 0w20 myself. Never going to the dealership for anything again, I clearly cannot even trust them to do the simplest maintenance item properly!

 

[OilMan]

Many Toyotas use 0W-16. You could have run that for months without an issue, esp. in the winter. So, you paid for two oil changes? I would have insisted that the first dealer drain out what was in there and refill with 0W-20 while I watched. Any issues, I would have told them I'm forwarding the original invoice to Toyota and expect corporate to make things right on my $40,000 vehicle!

@Miqie:
I did, in fact, pay for two oil changes. After their initial mistake, I lost confidence that they would handle the correction properly once the truck was out of my sight. While I would have preferred to watch them redo the service, based on my conversations with the dealership’s representatives and lube techs, it was clear that wasn’t going to happen. I do recognize that some Toyota engines are designed for 0W-16, and I suspect those powertrains are mechanically similar to the one in the 4th-generation Tacoma.

I wouldn't have sweated the 0-16, again per other's comments, it's being used on other Toyotas. My guess is that the dealer probably gets that 0-16 in bulk delivery, and that's probably what they threw into your truck.

@LincolnSixAlpha:
My assumption is that you are correct.

Very likely could have been a typo or mistake on paperwork as they use that viscosity as well on Toyotas. So all good.

if it was a mistake, I do not think 0-16 will affect it at all, especially if you are in a colder place in fall /winter. These oils are so thin anyways now. So all good.

@Lando:
It’s possible 0W-20 was used, but 0W-16 is too thin for my comfort. Even the possibility of 0W-16 being in my truck was discomforting.

Same thing happened to me, but they lied to me that 0w16 was an acceptable oil grade in this motor. I challenged them to show me one part of the owner's manual that says so and they couldn't. Then they switched up and said they actually put 0w20 in and the invoice was just a typo. I drove straight home and changed it with 0w20 myself. Never going to the dealership for anything again, I clearly cannot even trust them to do the simplest maintenance item properly!

@24tacoman:
I feel like we’d get along through our shared distrust. They never tried to tell me 0W-16 was acceptable, so it’s ridiculous the service department told you that. I’m restricted from conducting oil changes where I live, but I think you made the right call. Sorry you had to deal with that — sounds way too familiar.


My purpose in starting this thread was to:
• Determine whether any damage may have occurred to my vehicle
• Understand my options for addressing the issue with the dealer
• Gain insight from the community (long-time reader, recently joined)

At this point, I do not believe any lasting harm was done, considering the extremely short duration of its possible use, and I will be contacting the original dealer tomorrow to pursue a fair and reasonable resolution. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s feedback and input.

I’m simply relieved to know the correct oil is in my truck. It’s unreasonable how much effort it took to confirm it. I’m honestly tempted to write “0W-20” on the windows with automotive-safe liquid chalk once I’m on the dealership lot for future service, just to make it unmistakably clear.

 

[Dirt]

Is 0W-16 the oil being used in the newest Tacoma's? My go to service guy said they were charging an additional $50 bucks for oil changes on new Toyota's because of the cost of the new oil. IDK, just what he said.

 

[lauren01]

I am also confident that your truck will be fine. No harm done other than the emotional barb of being lied to. That sucks. Hope you find a shop you like for future oil and fluid changes.

We just got a 2026 Lexus RX 350h for my mom and it specifies OW-16 oil. It has the same engine as our Tacomas but is tuned differently and is paired with a CVT.

 

[izzy]

Lexus RX 350h

350H is A25A-FXS

The gasser model is T24A-FTS however, as well as the F Sport. Neither of those are eCVTs though.

The A25A is definitely made for thinner oil than the T24A-FTS.

I don't think OP did harm but I wouldn't be doing 10k OCI on 0w20 anyways. These engines are specced for thicker oil outside of the US. It's possible while it is also a modern engine with miniscule clearances, it can tolerate a 5w30 without issue.

 

[Amorak]

@Miqie:
I did, in fact, pay for two oil changes. After their initial mistake, I lost confidence that they would handle the correction properly once the truck was out of my sight. While I would have preferred to watch them redo the service, based on my conversations with the dealership’s representatives and lube techs, it was clear that wasn’t going to happen. I do recognize that some Toyota engines are designed for 0W-16, and I suspect those powertrains are mechanically similar to the one in the 4th-generation Tacoma.


@LincolnSixAlpha:
My assumption is that you are correct.


@Lando:
It’s possible 0W-20 was used, but 0W-16 is too thin for my comfort. Even the possibility of 0W-16 being in my truck was discomforting.


@24tacoman:
I feel like we’d get along through our shared distrust. They never tried to tell me 0W-16 was acceptable, so it’s ridiculous the service department told you that. I’m restricted from conducting oil changes where I live, but I think you made the right call. Sorry you had to deal with that — sounds way too familiar.


My purpose in starting this thread was to:
• Determine whether any damage may have occurred to my vehicle
• Understand my options for addressing the issue with the dealer
• Gain insight from the community (long-time reader, recently joined)

At this point, I do not believe any lasting harm was done, considering the extremely short duration of its possible use, and I will be contacting the original dealer tomorrow to pursue a fair and reasonable resolution. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s feedback and input.

I’m simply relieved to know the correct oil is in my truck. It’s unreasonable how much effort it took to confirm it. I’m honestly tempted to write “0W-20” on the windows with automotive-safe liquid chalk once I’m on the dealership lot for future service, just to make it unmistakably clear.

Stuff like this - no place is perfect and neither am I... but, as costs rise and resources like this great channel...
Team Oil Drop - oil change
... are available for us novices - I now own garage jack, jack stands, ramps, torque wrenches, impact drill (wheels) socket sets that aren't scattered etc for DIY on most tacoma maintenance. I do all the family's vehicles now...

 

[Amorak]

In that vein:
https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/thre...-oil-changes-to-25k-miles”.17439/#post-215190

 

[Airborne]

Happy with my local dealership, have had same service writer for years, and myself and family have bought several new vehicles from them over the years, the staff always takes care of us without the typical car dealership bullshit, and the oil changes are no outa pocket cost to me, no mess in and out and on my way….
David

 

[tacorancher]

Dealership quality has gone to 0. Every time I go, I accumulate stories of ghastly stupidity. I will learn to change my own oil soon.

Examples:
- leaving the airbox open
- overfilling
- under-filling
- claiming my trailhunter air filter is “after market”
- claiming my trailhunter shocks were “added at the dealership”
- not knowing the alignment spec range (or how to align)
- over torquing my skid plate to the point of bolt thread failure

It is truly mind boggling. The sad thing is that if they knew what they were doing I’d be asking them to do all sorts of things for me - changing diff oil, doing alignments, etc. Instead I’ve got to do it on my own or go to specialty shops.

 

[TexasBill]

You are all good no need to worry.

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