Tacoma 2016 -17 transmission & power review

Oh and the big drop in rpms going from 2nd to 3rd when the converter locks up as soon as it shifts to 3rd is so damn aggravating as well.

 

I haven't towed anything so can't say on that part but otherwise, I see no problem with the power. My only issue is with the delayed response on the throttle when first setting off, which seems to be getting better through break in period.

For city driving have no issues going from 0-60km when a light changes.
The highway is the only place I find its a little laggy so just turn on ECT power and its much better. Might just start using S mode while on the highway.
I am used to having low end power as I'm coming from a modified Jetta TDI, 210hp 380lbs-411lbs(depending on which tune I am running) still no issues besides the highway, but not really a fair comparison when at 100km I sit at 2000rpm and at 2100 I hit full boost of 21PSI. Hell on the highway I don't even shift to 5th just stay in 6th and put foot down and it takes off no problem, but completely different turbo to N/A.

I was on this forum for 1.5 year before actually getting mine and heard all these complaints, either I've gotten lucky and you're all having problems I'm not having...or your expectations of a V6 3.5L truck are way too high. Sounds like you're all expecting it to be like a 5L V8. For the size of truck given I don't plan on doing much towing besides a skidoo or seadoo in the summer. Maybe consider one of those little camper like things where its just a kitchen and roof top tent thing. Either way the power is fine to me.
Its a truck for fuck sakes not a god damn race car.

The delayed throttle response while setting off is my only real complaint and I'm thinking a speed booster or throttle commander will solve.
I need the TSB for delayed R to D anyways and thats also supposed to fix the searching gear part which I only find it slightly experiences on the highway. So after that should be fine as well.

 

Mine runs around 1400 rpms give or take at 55 miles per hour. Its not near as shift happy once I had my TSB done on it. It does shift to 5th on some hills and 4th on steep hills but upshifts right back to 6th once i get to the top. My 2nd gen which was a 5 speed auto shifted back to 4th on steep hills also. So in comparison both the 2nd gen and 3rd gen needed fourth gear to climb a steep hill. The only difference is the 3rd gen had to shift down 2 gears being it is a 6 speed.

 

Well I see Smitty din't stop you from buying one. You made my point thanks.

 

funny thing...it was partially smittys thread about the howling diff that made me still buy it
Noticed that in the poll it was about a 50/50 chance of having it, and only 1 noted canadian model with it. So figured I'll take my chances.
Besides I'm different from most...I'm starting to wonder why I even bought the extended warranty as I hate dealers and almost refuse to have them do stuff.
I was just at my mechancis the other day dropping off my jetta for some work and asked him if he could do an oil change for the truck soon, he asked me 'why you get them for free from toyota'
Told him the truth, I trust his work more than I trust anyone elses.
Hell I could get him to do my lift and what not but he mostly deals with german cars not trucks so even though I'm sure he's smart enough to do it, I figure I should get it from someone who does it all the time. Going to a shop that is highly rated and only deals with toyota trucks but still worried about it as I've never had work done by them.

Regardless I read all the bad on here and took it as a grain of salt. Given people will complain faster than they will give credit to something.
I know the common issues and what to look for so I do so, but haven't had much of any issues yet.
I did notice the bed is out of alignment from factory before I even took delivery but its only out by 3/16th, to the point where unless you measure like I did at the dealer you couldn't tell. I asked about having it corrected after taking delivery and they dealer even told me I wouldn't bother. Its so small of a difference he isn't sure they could even adjust it and have it be better, might even make it worse.
Factory standard is 1/8th +/-. So given its a 1/16th out of their allowance, figure I'll leave it.
Cant see it so meh.

 

I'm so disappointed I could cry. Traded my FJ in for this. Mine never up shifts to 6th gear on highway runs 4000-5000 rpms at 75. Reflashed 4 times getting 12 mph and can't take it out of town. Going to Lemon law it this week after dropping another 10k in mods, not getting that back. Can't fit a Tundra in the garage and I want something for hunting and off roading here in Co. 4 months and 2800 miles later I'm screwed can't wait to pay taxes again. Lol Anyway I'm not the Lone Ranger any suggestions boys????
Thanks for letting me rant.

 

Damn you do got it bad. Only time mine is at 4000 is going up a step hill at 75 mph. But mine will shift back out

 

Have you had your transmission fluid checked? Sounds like maybe it is low.

 

Yea last week it was down a qt. did latest update no change and I also lost hill assist. The only way to get it to shift is manually in S. Been a no win since I got it in Sep. but I still love Toyota mine 7th off road vehicle first time I've had an issue. So the journey starts again I hope the 17 they put me in will be better probably going manual.

 

If I had to drive a manual truck I would cut my losses and go else where.

 

You know all this truck needs is a regear to 4.88 and would probably solve 99% of shifting issues and power and being able to stay in overdrive on freeway at higher speeds and better mpg I can't think of a single thing bad besides price it's literally all this truck needs and I bet everyone would fall in love with the trucks driveability finally I know I need it but my 33s don't help

 

I agree with you 100%. But we paid 40k for this truck to operate correctly, Toyota should step up and regear not us.

 

I agree completely but no way they will haha they would sooner give us tune capabilities which also is a pipe dream but regear to 4.88 is the only way around all these issues and I am certain it would be worth it

 

I told Corp. that same thing but they won't do it. They said no mods to correct problem. I also said just put a manual in my truck lol. Wow 40k I paid 55 and look where I'm at.

 

I hear ya! Altitude and highways are no friend to mine. Fortunately, I do minimal amounts of highway driving and everything else about the truck I thoroughly enjoy, so it's just something I'll live with. Ser drives down and back to Denver or Colorado Springs the 3.5 stays wound! Eventually I'm sure I'll change the gearing but it's a stock truck, that shouldn't be something we should even be thinking about.

 

I'm with you. I love my truck, but the drive to Denver from the Springs just sucks and I can't tell you how bad it is up the hill to Breckinridge

 

i had a 2011 tacoma 4.0 and it was a really good truck but i seen the 2016, i went to trade mine for the new model but now i wished i never did that, this 2016 Tacoma transmission it shifts really bad and it feels like i lost the power ,mpg is really bad 10 , and the dealer told me truck is fine that this is normal because they dont have an answer for the problem ,i guess they said they need more people complain about the same problem so they can do something about it ,because all they do is ignore one person

 

Hello fellows, 2017 Sr5 4X4 2500 miles on it.

I think I have a similar issue. I drive like a grandpa... very easy on the throttle. I find that right as I am arriving at 55 the transmission / engine has a tiny bit of hesitation (or hunting) for about 20 seconds. Also it shifts out waaaaay too fast- to conserve fuel I am sure.
It feels like it has no power at all... .

I will test drive another 2017 just to see if it my truck?? I am thinking they tune the throttle where you have to really stomp it to get it to go...I wonder about the "throw" distance of the 2017 throttle to revs. vs the same on my 2014 FJ.
I may measure the throttle control distance between the 2 (my brother bought my 2014 FJ)

for reference...I only use it as a weekend driver. (I have a company truck)
History I had a 2014 FJ loved it , before 2015 frontier, before 2008 FJ. My son had a 2005 Tacoma and now has a 2007 4 runner. All which seem to run much better than this one. I also have the inside window door seals deforming (drivers and passengers front ). I will take pics for you here.

 

You bought a new Tacoma knowing there was a 50/50 shot of having a howling diff?? Jesus Christ...No wonder Toyota is putting this crap out.

I wish I knew those numbers before I bought mine. That's terrible odds for a new $35k truck.

 

They have a TSB (several at this point) for the transmission. It made a huge difference for me.