3rd Gen Poll: Rear End Noise howling when feathering throttle

I encourage everyone that has this issue to open up a case with corporate if you haven’t done so already. If more cases on this issue aren’t opened, it will push them to put more effort in coming up with a TSB that actually fixes the problem.

Corporate: ‭+1 (800) 331-4331‬

 

For what its worth...
I have put 30K miles on my truck in less than a year. At 56-60 mph I have a slight whine. No howl. No other speed, just that slight range. It has not got worse or better. To me this is normal to me for this truck.

 

I also have 30k miles on my truck and have had the howl bad at 48-60 mph for about 27K miles. (Been through the gauntlet with Toyota for it).

To me this isn’t normal. For what it’s worth...

*I will admit I still enjoy my truck everytime I drive it.

 

I cast my vote.

 

The more trucks that howl, the more normal it is, unfortunately.

I find it hard to believe that a good law firm couldn't win a class action suit with this problem. In 30 years, I've never ridden in a vehicle that sounded like my 2018 Tacoma did. It's one thing if it's there from the start. But to have this kazoo sound show up 3k or 23k miles into a purchase is abhorrent. And then have "Toyota" tell you it's normal. It was annoying as hell to me and I lost money trading the truck.

Tacoma's should come with the following warning: "Some Tacomas may have an audible kazoo sound around 58mph. It's normal and can show up at 3k or 23k miles. There is a fix, but the fix often doesn't fix it and then it is to be considered normal". At least people would know what they're getting into before dropping $40k.

 

A good firm could win it but unfortunately if it’s not hurting people physically they usually aren’t willing to pony up the money to fight a company that fights back as hard as Toyota does. I must admit that this is a very unusual issue to have occurring in modern automotive times, especially at this level.

 

I'd like to know what the "baseline" is for acceptable levels of noises and sounds that show up after purchase. If it's there when new, fine. I won't buy it if I don't like it. But to have the vehicle change a characteristic (in this case, a kazoo noise at speed) after purchase is complete BS.

 

Agreed. Had mine done this on the test drive or there had been a disclaimer, I would not have bought it.

 

I have the same howling noise with my 2017 Taco TRD Sports around 55 MPH in both 5 & 6 gear. The issue started around 14 K miles and now with 19500 miles the noise have become louder. Toyota dealer in Tysons, VA, say it is normal and they will need to test drive another Taco with manual transmission to determine if the noise is normal or not. I did not have this issue up to around 14 K miles but now it is annoying as heck. I am here at the dealer this morning to test drive a 2019 Taco with manual transmission to determine if the noise is heard with a brand new truck. Before they can decide to do any warranty work. I also have opened an case with Toyota since the dealer was telling me this is normal. It is not normal and they can stop giving me bullshit or take the truck back. We all should team up and get a legal case going if the dealer or Toyota dismiss this as normal noise.

 

Is there anyone here that had this howling noise (50 - 60 miles) resolved? I have read many pages on TW but haven't noticed any successful fix yet.

 

I found this post very interesting and wonder if this could be the issue we are all experiencing...

http://www.gearinstalls.com/erik.htm

**** Look at the image with following caption:
"Perhaps this is the source of the jet noise Erik was reporting? The rollers on this outer pinion bearing are in some
of the roughest shape that I have seen."

 

My case with Toyota HQ has been closed because 2 dealer master techs said the noise is normal. I guess I just have to deal with it.

 

Just because someone says it’s normal doesn’t make it normal. If it didn’t do it when it was new yet does it now I’d argue that’s not normal. If it’s normal then why is there a TSB out there to try to fix it? I say keep on them but that’s your call. Best of luck to you.

 

As long as you have it documented with Toyota in case the issue gets

As long as you have it documented Toyota will have to fix it if it becomes a big issue down the road. My case is still going and the dealer told me that they will have to take the rear end apart and document everything for Toyota. I have to wait and see. BTW the drive train is warranted for 5yrs/60 miles.

https://www.capitaltoyota.net/Warranty

 

What did you think of the test drive with the 2019?

 

The test drive went okay, different technician drove the car and agreed that there is a noise. So he said he will have to keep the car and take the rear end apart and record everything he finds. He will have to connect it sound recording machine to the rear end and record the noise. We didn't not test drive a 2019 together, he said that it is a long process and time consuming so he will do all that on his own. I will have to go and pretend to buy a new 2019 Model and test drive it on my own. Toyota needs to do the right thing.

 

That pitted pinion bearing would cause more of a rumble noise.
The noise we are hearing is gear noise from the two gears meshing. Most rear drive trucks and SUV’s will have a slight noise. Some louder, some you really have to listen and spend a lot of drive time in.
The problem IMO with the Tacoma is the noise is transferring throughout the suspension/frame, or drive line for some reason. Could be caused by many things. Ring and pinion size, bearing size?? The leaf spring bushings could be to hard, or soft?? The list goes on. I’m no engineer and this is just my opinion from years of experience around the automotive world.

Some have reported a change or the noise is gone with aftermarket springs. Also reports of change with the TSB springs. So something in the suspension is causing the noise transfer, and is not a problem per se. But can be annoying.

My 18 has had the noise from day one.
It may be getting slightly louder. But I can’t say that with 100% confidence that it has, probably just more tuned into it. Recently upgraded to the Fox Pro shocks and the noise has slightly changed pitch. This has me leaning more towards my theory it’s transferring through the suspension.
Keeping a ear on it and it’s documented with the dealer. If it gets louder I’ll go from there.

 

Question: What is the difference between this noise (which I have but it is OK and only at around 60 mph and only when feathering throttle) and a dash or door rattle?
Neither is causing damage, neither is a safety concern and neither were there when the truck is new.
I have had creaks and rattles develop over time that could not be identified or fixed.

 

The concern is that it will cause a bigger issue later down the line and if you don't raise the concern with Toyota while your car is under warranty then they may not cover it once the car is out of warranty unless a recall is issued.

 

The difference for me is the level of annoyance. I can handle a creak or rattle after some miles. It really depends on degree. But to have it sound like a kazoo under the truck 3 days after you drive it off the lot was unacceptable to me.