Numerous transmission issues have been reported by Tacoma owners in hundreds of complaints.
All of these issues include:
- Hard or hesitant shifts
- Uneven shifting
- Transmission slippage and vibrations
- Unusual howling sounds came from the broadcast.
Let’s examine each problem in turn now and see what remedies Toyota has put out to address it.
In This Article...
Slipping transmission
2016 automatic transmission owners have complained about a flare-up when shifting up. For a brief time, it causes a feeling of slipping.
To remedy this issue, the Engine Control Module (ECM; SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) calibration has been modified.
Strange howling noises
This section is for you if you’ve ever heard a strange howling sound coming from the front of your Tacoma. The noise is usually audible between 25 and 45 mph, and it can occasionally be significantly louder when there is a crosswind. The three 15mm plug holes behind the lower control arms may be to blame for this.
Does the Toyota Tacoma from 2021 have transmission issues?
Avoiding the base engine is advised by Car and Driver. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque powers the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. That is unexpectedly weak! For 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, you may upgrade to the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Although the ride is not particularly soft, the six-speed automatic transmission occasionally struggles. Road bumps can be felt, and at higher speeds, wind noise does penetrate the cabin. Edmunds said that while the handling is good, the brakes might cause a nosedive.
Despite having a slight power deficit, the 3.6-liter engine is enough for daily use. On the plus side, the Tacoma is a formidable off-road vehicle. It has nearly as much ground clearance, gearing, and traction as the Jeep Gladiator for navigating difficult terrain.
Reliability of Toyota Tacoma transmissions
The Toyota Tacoma from 2022 isn’t very dependable. It receives a 3/5 projected dependability rating from Consumer Reports. This reliability rating for the Toyota Tacoma is substantially worse than previous ones. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a dependability rating of 5/5, so the reliability rating for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is significantly lower. The reliability rating for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is a 4/5, which is excellent.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma’s reliability score is a 1/5, nevertheless. The Toyota Tacoma’s reliability seems to be fluctuating a little. The transmission, both small and large, had the most serious reliability faults in the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. You don’t want to deal with this issue unforeseenly as it can be costly. Additionally, there are issues with the motor system and the fuel system.
When did Tacomas start having transmission problems?
Unfortunately, the Tacoma’s 2016 and 2017 model years were not its greatest because of a variety of problems, including: Transmission.
Is the 2022 Tacoma’s transmission problematic?
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is bringing down its score based on the information we have acquired over the last three years concerning this midsize vehicle. The 2019 model scored one out of five, placing it far below average compared to the 2020 and 2021 versions, which both had average grades.
There have been complaints about the 2019 Tacoma’s drive system, fuel system, and transmission. However, the 2020 and 2021 models had fewer complaints about these difficulties, suggesting that the faults may have been resolved.
A three out of five reliability rating applies to the 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The fact that the needle is moving in the right direction is thus good news. If you’re looking to buy a new or used Tacoma, avoid the 2019 model.
For the 2019 Tacoma, there are four recalls. The gasoline pump could malfunction, leading to problems such as the engine stalling while driving. A second was for the gasoline pump once more. It appeared to be a bigger problem than anticipated.
For the third recall, the equipment levels were off. Because drivers couldn’t read the weight restrictions, it was simpler to unintentionally overload the truck. The brakes weren’t working properly either. However, Toyota resolved these issues without charging owners.
What’s wrong with the Toyota Tacoma from 2021?
Among the most frequent complaints made by car owners to the NHTSA are those involving the powertrain, steering, and engines. Even though it may not be as well-liked as the Big Three pickups, buyers continue to swarm to the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
Is the year 2021 favorable for Toyota Tacoma?
The anticipated reliability rating for the 2021 Tacoma is 81 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
What year Toyota Tacoma should I avoid buying?
The Toyota Tacoma models from the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 have a lot of faults, therefore we advise staying away from them. The body, paint, and engine issues on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 models are major difficulties.
Along with several light, body, and engine flaws, the interior accessories of the 2009 model have a tendency to be defective and frequently malfunction.
There are several issues with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, and complaints have been made concerning almost every part. The drivetrain and engine are primarily flawed in the 2012 model, whereas unreliable transmissions are also present in the 2016 and 2017 vehicles.
These two Toyota Tacomas are among the worst you can buy because their transmissions have so many flaws that driving them might be dangerous. However, the 2007 is as unwise to purchase due to its extraordinarily high repair expenses.
The average automobile spends 1-2 weeks on the lot, but the greatest offers are typically scooped up in less than 48 hours. Get notified right away when the price of a saved car reduces or when a great new Tacoma listing appears by downloading the CoPilot app.
Does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma have issues with the transmission?
The six-speed automatic transmission of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a frequent source of issues. In particular, it jerks and shudders frequently. Owners of trucks have reported this issue on a number of venues, including the NHTSA and Vehicle History.
For instance, a 2019 Tacoma owner wrote on Vehicle History that “Between 20 and 50 mph, the six-speed automated transmission is really jerky. Some owners also stated that this problem started at significantly lower mileage. A separate Tacoma owner said, “Transmission bucking at various speeds gives the impression that the truck is in a higher gear than necessary for the pace it is traveling.
Know that transmission-related repairs, which are normally among the most expensive to have done, are likely to be at your own expense if you’re looking to purchase a 2019 Tacoma with more than 60,000 miles on it.
How long does the transmission on a Toyota Tacoma last?
The majority of Tacomas won’t have any trouble traveling 200,000 miles, and with the right maintenance, 300,000 miles are entirely feasible. However, some model years have a higher likelihood of lasting longer than others.
You’ll need to be aware of a few if you want to reach the quarter-million milestone. the 2016 and 2017 models, specifically.
In our post about issues and recalls, we go into great detail about the subject. The V6 vehicles for these years were subject to transmission recalls because of engine stall, and since the recall was issued, drivers have continued to report transmission-related concerns.
The reports are coming in at quite low rates, and it’s likely that you won’t have any problems if you drive a Tacoma from the 2016 or 2017 model year for decades. However, if you come across a seller who is eager to go with their V6, be sure to check the VIN, ask the correct questions, and give the vehicle a full test drive.
Which Toyota Tacoma model year is best?
The first Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 and produced for three versions, ending in 2005. While the tough truck has never exactly been recognized for being quiet or smooth, its value has held through the years.
The 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004 Tacomas from the first generation received the highest ratings. However, 2004 received less praise overall.
There are many models available if the second generation is of interest to you. 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 all received flawless dependability verdict ratings from MotorBiscuit.
For purchasers looking for an all-purpose vehicle that can handle tough terrain, the 20122015 series is ideal. These Tacomas had a significant renovation and now have a stylish interior.
This second generation is more expensive than other used trucks on the market, even with higher mileage.
A 2005 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Access Cab PreRunner with 200,000 miles was posted on Autotrader for $9,000, as were a Tacoma 4WD Double Cab with 75,000 miles and a 2015 Tacoma with the TRD package and 6,000 miles.
With a 4 out of 5 rating from Consumer Reports, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has the greatest satisfaction rating out of the group.
Even the 2016 model of Toyota’s current generation costs between $20,000 and $32,675. But if you’d prefer a more recent design, the Toyota Tacoma from 2019 is your best alternative. The 2019 model received a 4 out of 5 rating for dependability and owner satisfaction.
Do 2018 Toyota Tacomas have issues with the transmission?
Any truck that is capable and well-built needs to have a dependable powerplant. It won’t haul and tow as it should if that happens.
Owners of Tacomas are aware that this truck doesn’t fit the bill. Simply have a look at this Edmunds evaluation. “Until Toyota repairs the automatic transmission, do not purchase this truck. In April, I bought a brand-new 2018 TRD Offroad. had problems with the trans from the beginning. Unnecessarily difficult shifts, loudness and vibration in fifth gear, and a pure slipping sensation while accelerating and maintaining constant speeds. Toyota has been attempting to fix this transmission with software updates for the past three years. On a new truck, the rear drum brakes also required resurfacing because they were out of round. Let’s not neglect fit and finish either. There was a clear difference between the left and right side’s rear bumper to body gaps. I was really dissatisfied with this truck and sold it in July. My third brand-new Tacoma was also my final one until Toyota corrects the transmission and takes care of the quality problems.
The company is fully aware that this model year’s transmissions have problems. The business discusses a stumbling upon take-off in high altitude zones in Service Bulletin #T-SB-0062-18. A reprogramming of the ECM is required to resolve the issue. Vibrations and noises are topics covered in other bulletins as well. Sadly, except from individuals who enjoy riding a bucking bull, there is nothing about this ride that is comfortable for the majority of customers. sue the debt collector.
Here are some actual complaints logged with the NHTSA about the 2018 Toyota Tacoma Transmission Problems
BOUGHT A NEW TRUCK. Within a few weeks, I started to notice an erratically shuddering vibration while driving the car at speeds below 35 to 45 mph. TAKING IT TO TOYOTA They declared that they couldn’t mimic the problem. AROUND 3550 MPH, SHUDDERING IS WORSE AND CONSISTENT. ABOUT 2000 MILES ARE CURRENTLY ON THE ODOMETER. THIS WEEK I SCHEDULED ANOTHER APPT WITH TOYOTA.
When you shift from the brake to the gas while stationary on a hill, the automatic transmission appears to go into neutral and the truck will roll backwards a distance before the transmission engages once more. I MENTIONED IT TO A SERVICE TECH AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND HE SAID THAT EVERYONE DOES IT AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX.
TRANSMISSION SURGES AT MID SPEED AND AT IDLE WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS WHILE IN 4TH GEAR. The lack of cruise control causes the RPMs to rise on flat roads.
What Toyota Tacoma issues are most prevalent?
Some Tacomas may unexpectedly shift into the incorrect gear after being driven for a while. The lever typically needs to be readjusted before shifting appropriately.
It frequently occurs as a result of a misaligned throttle position sensor. The shift solenoid, which can wear out after thousands of kilometers, is another potential offender.
The transmission typically developed issues after 150,000 miles, on average.
The 2016 Tacoma also experiences transmission delays, however the issue is widespread with the first and second generations of Tacomas. The fact that there have been few or no complaints about the third generation Tacomas suggests that Toyota has found a solution to the issue.
Precautions and Solutions
The throttle position sensor needs to be readjusted or reset if the issue is brought on by a misaligned sensor. You might need to get the shift solenoids replaced if this doesn’t work.
The shift solenoids need to be replaced, which may be more difficult but will be more likely to solve the issue. Your car’s mechanic can determine which solenoid has to be changed. It would be less expensive to replace one solenoid than all of them.
The price of replacement could be anything between $150 and $370. Your location and whether a full or partial replacement is necessary will affect the overall cost.
Even in perfect circumstances, the shift solenoid would eventually wear down, therefore you should take good care of it. The shift solenoids’ longevity is influenced by when you service your transmission.
Your transmission issue may be caused by the shift solenoid, according to your mechanic. If so, have it changed out right away. Your transmission will suffer additional harm if there is a delay.