About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Toyota Tacoma since 2012, 77 (3.8%) describe transmission shifting problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Tacoma. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 19. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 2,000 and 14,000 miles. No recall covers it, but Toyota has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Tacoma's automatic transmission hunting between gears, downshifting late on hills and feeling sluggish when you press the gas. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2016 to 2018 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Transmission does this on a random basis it is too quick to upshift causing the engine to bog down. -transmission causes the tuck to lurch forward at low speeds."
2017 Toyota Tacoma, 1,000 miles
"Acceleration delay/hesitation, unp? Try telling a driver what to doredictable and dangerous computer transmission combination. I now have just over 4000 miles on my 2018 Toyota Tacoma or 4x4 dcsb."
2018 Toyota Tacoma, 3,500 miles
"Transmission slips when cold or after the truck sits for an hour or two. Usually always occurs when starting the vehicle up, reversing and then going into drive. The transmission has a partial engagement but acceleration is not as intended."
2016 Toyota Tacoma, 1,650 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Toyota has sent dealers 14 bulletins that mention this problem on the Tacoma. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Tsb: some 2016 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with the 2gr engine and the ac60 6-speed automatic transmission may exhibit one or more of the following shift feeling concerns: *delayed engagement park to drive or reverse to...
Some 2012 ?
TSB: Some 2012 ?
TSB: Some 4WD 2005 - 2013 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may exhibit a clunk/thunk noise from the rear of the vehicle or a "bump-from-behind" sensation just before a stop or when accelerating...
TSB: Some 2WD 2005 - 2013 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may exhibit a clunk/thunk noise from the rear of the vehicle or a "bump-from-behind" sensation just before a stop or when accelerating...
TSB: Some 2WD 2005 ?
Before you buy a Tacoma
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Toyota Tacoma years have transmission shifting problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 19 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 5,000 miles, and half reported it between 2,000 and 14,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.