Gen 3 tranny problems??

Gentleman,
I Just bought 16 OR, I’ve seen in posts guys have hinted around
Toward gen 3s not as solid as prior years, never dug into it really.. I was just talking to a taco owner of 20 years as he spoke of tranny issues on gen 3..(he has an 08)
He didn’t have a ton of info but,
Mentioned tranny issues under 10k mi. ??
Mine is a certified pre owned with 24k and is fine..
Anything info on that?
I don’t think I did but, hoping I didn’t mis the boat on Tacoma’s legacy.. that said I do love the truck.
Thanks!

 

If it drives fine then you have no issues..and yes 3rd gens drive differently but it’s not a problem.

 

Probably just bashing 3rd gens because he wants to. Might be afraid of change?

 

Here is a bit of reading for you:
3rd gen manual trans characteristics.
Toyota Actively Surveying 3rd Gen Owners About Trans
Auto trans has a hard time shifting to 3rd when COLD
My New Years wishes for the 3RD Gen Tacoma Auto trans
Just Released T-SB-0062-18 Auto Trans Shift Solutions
Shift delay in “manual” auto trans

 

Ha, Gen3 Envy! Thanks glad to hear it!!

 

https://www.ovtuned.com/blogs/news/...-tacoma-transmission-and-how-we-are-fixing-it

Heres some more reading material

 

I’ll read thanks!
just saw the “3rd. Gear when cold” header.. haven’t gone through winter yet..

 

Transmissions are fine. They just have different shift points than a lot of people are used to.

 

Can he provide documents of work done on any 3rd gen tranny under 10k miles? I would be intersted in how many he has proof of.
I am aware of the low fluid issues as many others are, and I am aware of complaints of gear hunting and hard shifts, but I am not aware of enough failures to say there are concerns.

 

I haven’t had an issue with the transmission in the winter, but these trucks are more finicky than a 3 year old at dinner time. No two trucks drive the same and I’m not kidding when I say that

 

Just google it. I did.

 

The 3G auto transmission has proven very reliable. Only issues some have with it is with Toyota’s emphasis on economy over response.

Very few reported problems here of actual transmission defects, just endless complaining about how it was designed to work.

Myself, I trust the transmission, and appreciate the economy. I also understand why guys seeking a more exciting driving experience feel let down.

 

I'm sure the truck will work out well, but there is an important underlying life lesson here.

Research prior to making a significant decision.

I've known to many folks miserable from vehicles, homes, city they lived in, person they married, job they have etc etc., almost all of which would have been avoided with prior research.

 

Wow, feel like I went to east coast college of transmissions! Seems like anything that is felt seems like it’s because it’s a “smart” transmission?
I’ve felt things that seem bumpy at times but nothing crazy.. glad to know that anything along these lines are electronic or program related and not mechanical.. (and normal?)
Has anyone done the OVTUNE 1.05 thing? Is it a must? Does Toyota cover that under warranty? If I don’t do it, is it hurting anything mechanically?
Thanks for great info as usual!

 

Def did my research and am still very happy, strangely this transmission thing
Got past me, I’m pretty thorough with
My research, that said I would have bought it knowing it’s a characteristic and not a problem..
I appreciate all the input!

 

Several threads here on the topic.

Of course not.

It's an aftermarket system futzing with their OE computing. I'll guess no.

The most significant mechanical problem your trans is likely to suffer from is low fluid. And it's not hard to check, but it's not 'dipstick easy' either. I'm sure your dealer ticked that off the pre inspection boxes, but I don't believe it. Just like odds are high your tires had the wrong air pressure.

It's worth the effort to insure that it is full, whether you learn how to DIY, or you con the service writer and a tech with a couple of lunches.

The first post in this long thread is the one to really read for detail.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

 

There are 36 months of posts on every aspect of the transmission on this truck. It would appear that the lion share of the issues are now addressed.

 

I got it certified so I’m sure they even checked the oil in the volume knob but,
Yes I will def look into that and read more about this..
Thanks again for the info and the peace of mind! looking forward to six digit mileage.

 

There is certainly no lack of 3rd-gen opinions from non-3rd-gen owners. Most aren't worth what you paid for them.

 

Truth!