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.
In This Article...
What is the lifespan of a Toyota automatic transmission?
Depending on how well or poorly a driver uses or abuses their transmission, time and mileage will vary. However, the average lifespan of an automatic transmission is between 150,00 and 200,000 miles, or roughly 7 years. There are cases at both ends of the spectrum: exceptional longevity and early failure.
Many auto owners accidentally overlook the condition of their transmissions until it is too late. The following 5 procedures can help you prolong the life of your automatic transmission:
1. Maintain Your Transmission Regularly
Change your transmission’s oil and filter on your own, if you have skill with automobile maintenance, or by calling a mechanic. For precise service intervals, much like with an oil change, see the manufacturer’s requirements. Typically, oil and filters should be changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or every 18 months. Every 40,000 to 50,000 miles, or every two years, the automatic transmission of newer cars needs to be cleared of dirt and trash.
2. Consistently examine your transmission fluid
The purpose of transmission fluid is to transfer heat away from moving elements and away from the internal components of the transmission. Low fluid levels might lead to the transmission overheating and suffering permanent harm. The automatic transmission needs to be examined every two to four weeks with the engine running, depending on how much you drive.
Utilize synthetic transmission fluid 3.
Use the transmission fluid type specified by your owner’s handbook prior to swapping. But with time, heat degrades the organic components in conventional automatic transmission fluid, decreasing its efficiency. Your old automatic transmission will eventually benefit from more heat-resistant synthetic fluid. It is especially useful for people who routinely travel long distances with large loads in congested areas or over mountainous terrain.
4. Make a Transmission Cooler purchase.
The transmission’s opponent is heat. Long-term heat exposure causes seals, metal surfaces, and electronic components to deteriorate over time. Each 20-degree notch increase in transmission temperature below 200 degrees reduces service life by 50%. A transmission cooler can more than double the period before wear out and greatly lower the operating temperature.
5. Consistently Drive Safely
Your automatic transmission can last longer if you drive carefully. Consider the following three suggestions:
Avoid driving erratically. As well as constant acceleration and deceleration, aggressive driving when stationary can raise the temperature. Driving more leisurely can reduce stress on both you and the transmission.
Don’t drive until your transmission and engine are warmed up. Allow the automobile to idle in cold weather until the engine’s RPM falls before shifting into gear. When the transmission fluid is cold, it becomes thicker and moves from the bottom to the top less efficiently. To do a better job of reducing friction damage, let it warm up.
Never change gears while the car is moving. With automatic transmissions, shifting between reverse and drive is still necessary. Allowing the automobile to come to a complete stop before shifting will prevent damage to the internal gears, even though it would be alluring to quickly exit a parking space or perform a 3-point turn.
The amount of heat that transmissions can withstand depends on their design. Maintaining safe driving habits can help your transmission last longer. Find a certified mechanic who is familiar with your automobile model’s special requirements to diagnose any suspected automatic gearbox issues. Choosing the appropriate specialist for transmission repair might ultimately save you time and money.
How much does a new Toyota Tacoma transmission cost?
Depending on the car, a new 2019 Toyota Tacoma transmission might cost over $3,500. In contrast, transmission services like fluid changes and fluid flushes are significantly less expensive, occasionally costing less than $150.
How many miles can a Toyota Tacoma travel?
How important is mileage? That really relies on how well the car has been maintained.
A properly-kept Toyota Tacoma will run far over 300,000 miles, although standard automobiles are known to endure up to 200,000 miles. According to some sources, Toyota Tacomas have traveled more than 400,000 miles. The equivalent Chevy Colorado has an around 200,000-mile lifespan.
What distinguishes and distinguishes the Toyota Tacoma as the best is its capacity to last hundreds of thousands of miles longer than its rivals. Your brand-new Tacoma today might endure until your kids get their driver’s license in 15 years, provided you take good care of your car.
What year Tacoma is experiencing transmission issues?
The 2016 Tacoma’s primary problems were with the Drivetrain, Engine, and Transmission (Automatic & Manual). Other issues, including as minor interior, electrical, and fuel issues, weren’t something to worry about.
ZF 5HP 24/30
was mostly utilized in BMW luxury class 8 and 12-cylinder automobiles. Additionally, these
A6, A8, and Volkswagen (4motion) vehicles. The ZF’s torque capability
Modifications 24 and 30 are frequently possible with high-quality ZF transmission components.
GM 5L40-E / 6L50
The GM 5-speed 5L40-E automatic transmission is intended for engines with displacements ranging from 1,8 to 3,6 liters and a maximum torque of 340 Nm. It was created between 1998 and 2007. Initially, rear-wheel drive vehicles with longitudinally positioned engines were designed to use this automatic transmission (RWD). This transmission was used in BMW vehicles, specifically the e46 series 323i and 328i models. GM released the all-wheel drive (AWD) car modification in 2000. This transmission was included with the initial BMW X5 cars. In 2001, GM engineers created the 5L50 variant, which could run under difficult conditions in vehicles up to 2300 kg in weight and 422 Nm in torque. Additionally, since 2004, GM’s less potent rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, including the Cadillac CTS, Pontiac Solstice, and Holden Commodore, have been equipped with this automatic transmission.
The 5L40 was intended to be replaced by the 6-speed automatic 6L50. However, it should be noted that these transmissions are nearly identical when reliability and durability metrics are compared. The 6L50 is noted by its soft and smooth functioning and can easily travel 400500 thousand kilometers.
Toyota A340
This 4-speed automatic transmission is intended for front-engined vehicles with either RWD or AWD. Since 1986, Toyota has been producing the A340 transmission model, sometimes known as the AW30-40LE or -70LE in accordance with Aisin classification. This transmission is well known for its dependability and toughness. This automatic transmission may need the worn-out friction clutches and seals replaced in order for it to last 300400 thousand kilometers. The transmission may go the same number of miles after some modest repairs. Only after covering 700,000 kilometers may the initial overhaul be necessary. For example, Toyota Runner, Supra, Lexus GS, and LS all had this transmission. This series of transmissions was successfully utilized for SUVs such as Jeep, Montero, Terracan, Volvo, Lexus, Pajero, minibuses, and small pickup trucks all around the world under Aisin names such as AW30-40, 30-41, AW30-43LE / LS, AW31-41, and AW31-81. All of Toyota’s non-Japanese assembly plants continue to produce new transmissions for this model (from Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines to Argentina and the USA). For rear-wheel drive (RWD) Lexus cars built on the A341E platform, Aisin designed its first 5-speed automatic transmission 350 in 1995 as a competitor to ZF and Mercedes for market dominance in automatic transmissions. However, after a year in production, the A650 replaced this transmission.
Toyota A750
Large SUVs and off-road Lexus and Toyota cars are the principal applications for this 5-speed automatic transmission. This automatic transmission has been made by Toyota since 2003. The operational speed of the A750 is not what sets it apart. Even though the A750 operates under tremendous loads on a continual basis, it is one of the most reliable transmissions. For instance, a Toyota Land Cruiser with this transmission typically functions in difficult and intense driving circumstances. Finding a car with an A750 transmission that needs repair before 400,000 kilometers is difficult. Toyota transmission components are very dependable and long-lasting. Only solenoids in the Toyota A750 transmission may run out of service resources quite quickly (during the first years), however this issue can be readily fixed by replacing the solenoids. This transmission is still reliable even after several hundred thousand miles.
Mercedes 722.4
This automatic transmission is no longer manufactured today. This Mercedes transmission is renowned for its extraordinary toughness. Since the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz has developed this 4-speed automatic transmission for use in the 190-series, W124, and C-class models of automobiles. Regardless of the engine type, this transmission consistently performed with outstanding reliability (4-, 5-, or 6-cylinder). The design of 722.4 is essentially unbreakable. When the transmission is put under difficult operating conditions, certain specific Mercedes transmission parts may experience issues.
Jeep A904
Released in 1960, this automatic transmission worked with 6-cylinder engines. All Chrysler transmissions are thought to have been inspired by this Jeep transmission. The transmission from the 1950s of the previous century is updated in the 904 model. These Jeep models received this transmission: the Cherokee XJ, Wrangler YJ, and TJ. For this automatic transmission, numerous aftermarket manufacturers have up until this point produced torque converters, shift kits for valve bodies, repair kits, and friction clutches. Even American pickup trucks with V8 engines were fitted with this transmission, which undoubtedly attests to the A904’s robustness. The Jeep transmission’s straightforward design makes it easy to rebuild, albeit it might be necessary after 600,000 miles.
Mazda / Ford FN4A-EL / 4F27E
Engineers from Ford and Mazda collaborated to create this automatic transmission. This transmission is referred to by distinct designations by both companies (Mazda-FN4A-EL/Ford-4F27E). This transmission, which was created in 2000, only has four speeds, and that is thought to be its one flaw. The torque converter can be locked within a wide range of revolutions per minute (RPM), which helps to lower the amount of gasoline consumed during gear shifting. The biggest benefit of this automatic transmission is how infrequently it experiences issues. Only very rarely does this automatic transmission need to be repaired before it has traveled 500,000 kilometers.
What are the symptoms of a failing transmission?
1. Failure to change directions
You are most certainly dealing with a transmission system issue if your car refuses or has trouble shifting gears. Your car might not be shifting gears because it has low or the wrong kind of transmission fluid.
2. A burning odor
Visit a mechanic as soon as you notice any burning smells coming from your vehicle. This smell could mean that your transmission is overheated or that the fluid is scorched and old.
3. Sounds During Neutral
Strange noises emanating from your car when it is in neutral are a solid sign that your transmission may be having problems. If you’re lucky, the noises might be a sign that your automobile needs new transmission fluid, which a mechanic would flush and replace.
On the other side, it can also indicate that your car needs to be replaced or need further maintenance from a qualified auto mechanic.
4. Slipping Mechanisms
When your gears suddenly shift while you are driving, it is not only unsettling and disturbing but also dangerous because it is never advisable to operate a vehicle with a slipping gearbox. If you hear the engine roaring while shifting gears, your transmission has slipped. It’s frequently equated to having no apparent traction on the road and feeling like you’re driving over ice.
A delay in acceleration, odd noises, and a generally harsh response when you try to shift gears are some other signs of slipping gears.
Fifth Drag Clutch
When you press the clutch pedal in your car, a dragging clutch does not release the clutch disk from the flywheel. When changing gears, this problem causes the gears to clatter and the automobile to move. The most typical causes of a dragging clutch are mechanical problems or clutch misalignment.
6. Fluid Leaks
One of the simplest transmission issues to diagnose is leaking transmission fluid. Tell your mechanic to check the transmission fluid level and look for any leaks if you find a crimson, sweet-smelling fluid underneath your car in a garage or parking lot.
7. The Check Engine Lamp
A lit-up check engine light on your dashboard could mean a number of different automotive problems, both minor and major. But if determining the problem’s source is crucial, be sure to have a local specialist take a look.
8. Milling or jiggling
Any form of grinding or shaking that happens as the gears shift is more frequent in vehicles with automatic transmissions. This is frequently a solid sign that there is an issue with your transmission. When this occurs, it’s crucial to get your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as you can.
9. Strange Sounds
Noises such as humming, moaning, or clunking
None of those are enjoyable to hear in a moving vehicle. There are a variety of reasons why your car can be making odd noises, but only a qualified mechanic should attempt to fix them.
10. Not responding
The most likely cause of your car not responding when you try to shift gears, especially from park to drive, is a transmission issue, necessitating transmission service.