Our auto transmissions need help.

I bought my 2018 Tacoma knowing that they had issues but not to this extent. I though I could get use to a confused transmission and that over time Toyota would have a fix. I just had the latest software upgrade (18) and it is only marginally better. On the highway at 70 with the cruise on it still shifts constantly. If you don’t know how a transmission should work drive a 3.5 powered Highlander. My wife as a 2016 and that transmission is absolutely perfect. On the same route the Highlander will shift about 30 times and the Tacoma hundreds. In town I have a dead space between shifts and the shifts aren’t positive like with the Highlander. I still like the truck but the transmission behavior is the absolute worst.

 

Your best bet at this point of you feel you've tried everything is to just buy the OVTune. I hear it turns it into a new truck.

 

I feel your pain. I hate the transmission on the highway. It will also stumble at 40-50mph

 

Mine is fine.

 

Yea why cant it just stay in 6 going up inclines? Especially in cruise makes me never want to use it.

 

Don't use the cruise control. Not trying to be a dick but seriously, quit using it and you'll notice that it drives better with you in control. Sad...but true.

 

This. Was the similar in an old Rav I had. Damn thing would do these crazy delayed downshifts on inclines on the highway that felt like the transmission was about to fall out it was so harsh and wound up so badly. I’ve rarely used cruise unless on an open relatively flat road with light traffic (rare) in years and I’ve become used to it at this point even on long road trips

 

So we just accept the fact that our trucks are so far behind that we can’t use a feature we paid for? Why does the cruise on my Highlander and 2 Fords work perfectly? I drive on the highway and find cruise control a real convenience.

 

Cruise works fantastic in my Tacoma but it is a MT.

 

Short answer....yep. You can use the feature you paid for, you just won't like it very much and it will drive yourself crazy when you do.

 

ooooooorrrrrrr get the MT - problem solved - you're welcome

 

For what it's worth, my service van is a 1ton Chevy Express, with the 6.0 and 6spd.
The cruise in that sucks as well.... itll slow way down, then, drop gears, accelerate way past setpoint, then up shift, back and forth.
My last van, a Ford with the v10... never more than a couple mph each way. My transit, same thing.
My Charger... hahaha, perfect...
I've adapted my driving habits for the truck...

Chase

 

Im going to seriously research this. I need to see if it affects the warranty and I need more info in general. My truck currently has 1,500 miles on it.

 

just a heads up I just got the TSB 0062-18 and its 100% better now has more pep and curses on the HWY way better
I would get the Re flash then see if you need the OV tune I was set on OV tune till today but time will tell hope this helps

 

Is your tranny low on fluid.... 1ST thing to check man..!!

 

Sorry, it seems to be a problem with some, but not for all of us. Checking the ATF level is a good idea on where to start.

 

The tranny fluid was the first thing I checked.

 

The TSB 062 is what you guys need. I think all these threads need to be merged. Get it done. It's the FIX.

 

Dude my wife has a new Highlander. I drove it 1000 miles a few weeks ago. It shifted not the same, but MORE than an auto

8 speed versus 6 speed. Different transmissions. You didnt feel it during your test drive?

 

Cruise control is totally different. Tranny works well with the TSB. Cruise control has been wonky for many years, even second gens.