2nd gen weaknesses?

Just to add a few minor ones since all the big ones were covered: center console latch, window switches prone to corrosion, and the stupid damper thing in the glove box.

 

Oh no one mentioned the blower motor resistor. It’s a fuggin pain in the ass.

 

The biggest weakness is not being completely honest with one self on there expectations, real plans on use. The farther you take it down that offroad capability the more weaknesses you will find.

 

I had an 07', from new till last year when it was wrecked in an accident.

-Broken leaf springs, later warranty reimbursed me for the ones I installed.
-Joint in the steering shaft failed pretty early on, maybe 50k kms.
-My frame never had any rust issues and I live on an Island surrounded by salt water, and they salt the roads in the winter like they're watering their garden. I undercoated yearly since it was new though.
-Right rear ABS sensor failed, $11 on ebay.
-one set of front pads in all 150k km that were on it.
-Temp sensor quit working when it was a 5-6 years old, I never bothered fixing it.

 

That's every Toyota ever... Celica, Corolla... Tacoma.

 

I think they started using a different steel for the frames in 2014 so the 2014 and 2015 models shouldn't rust out like other years. At least that's what I was able to find before I bought my '15.

 

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but I dont think they’ve fixed their frame problems. Later model years have minor differences to earlier years, but nothing that would make me feel confident the rust issue is going to improve at all, which blows my mind at this point.

I feel like if they changed their steel everyone would know, they’d be making a point to advertise that fact, but the word as far as I can tell is they’re keeping on keeping on with pumping out bad frames with the plan to replace them for some reason.

 

Same here..

One thing that does actually annoy me to no end with these trucks (just thought of it over the weekend) is the cruise control. It sucks big time. Set at 70 on the interstate and you'll see anything from 66 - 75 as it plays catch up..

 

4wd selector knob too close to climate control knobs. I'm selling this POS...second thought I'd probably get more if I just sold it for scrap.

I knew I should have bought a Ridgeline.

 

I would avoid the 6 speed manual trans. I had a 06 sport 6 speed and third gear started crunching by 75k miles. The brakes also got soft and I could never figure out why. Squeaky throw out bearing as well. Personal opinion, but I found the 1-2 shift to be pretty annoying. 1st gear was pretty low, which was great, but the RPM drop into 2nd was huge.

 

Yea the PID control doesn’t seem to be quite right. It’s slow to react and then goes ballistic trying to make up speed then overshoots a bunch. It’s less like cruise control and more like riding with your crazy friend that doesn’t know how to mention constant speed. He’s 100% or nothing.

 

hahah exactly. And its funny I hardly ever hear people complain about it here on the interwebs. I guess most people probably learn to drive without it

I just replaced mine this weekend actually. They were shot after ~77k. Should probably look into doing the body mounts as well at some point

 

Yup. I just don't use it. Toyota seems to have a problem with software engineering in general. Cruise control is terrible, the auto transmission behaviors are weird and the 4WD ecu is always confused. It just doesn't seem to be a strong area for them. I'm not sure I'd be trusting their BSM and TSS and whatever other software based safety features they have.

 

FWIW, my '08 5-spd is the same, really one of my only annoyances. The ratio between the 1-2 shift is just too wide, enough to be a PITA. The 2-3 & 3-4 ratio's are spot on. Had they widened them just a bit to take up for the 1-2, it would be a game changer. Oh well...I understand the really low 1st gear ratio to get the truck rolling, especially a 4-popper, but damn!

 

Hell yes. I hate that thing. Even with better gearing it is psychotic and unless I'm on flat/gentle highway I'd rather use my foot.

 

You talkin' bout the six speed?

Might be reliable, but I wouldn't call it especially "good"...

I've got 165k on my 6 speed. It's been reliable, but I can't disagree with you about the ratios. WTF were they thinking? 6th gear isn't tall enough, first gear is too short for the second gear they put in, and reverse is an absolute joke.

90% of the time I won't even use the clutch on upshifts. If I could get rid of that rev-hang (tuning) I'd probably nix the clutch on downshifts, too...

 

Hptuners ECM tuning can eliminate the rev hang.
Contact @JustDSM for details (he tunes for a lot of guys for a very modest fee) but he eliminated rev hang for me and tuned my truck to run better all around.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hp-tuners-for-2005-2015.600793/

Also deleting the clutch accumulator or going with the clutchmasters hydro bearing (which deletes the accumulator and slave but requires pulling the trans - it also fixes the throwout bearing issues) helps. A core/Hurst or TRD short shifter helps the overall shifting experience as well.

The gearing however....

 

I just mentioned Hptuners for manual trans but it's great for any 2nd gen taco. Not sure if the cruise control is improved but the auto trans can be greatly improved through tuning. @nd4spdbh specializes in trans tuning and @JustDSM tunes everything else to your specific truck. Well worth it and lots of happy guys that these two have helped.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hp-tuners-for-2005-2015.600793/

 

Secondary air injection pump and air switching valves. Left me in limp mode a long ways from home.

Some have the habit of long starts on occasion.

Windshield leaked on new 2007 I had before this one. Dealer did fix it.

Piston slap on 2007 as well.

Tailgates are ridiculously thin and susceptible to “tacogate”

 

Yep, I'll be getting a tune eventually. That rev hang is ridiculous. I already have the small coupler needed to eliminate the accumulator, just don't drive the truck that much (company vehicle) so it's on the back burner. Short shifter is on the menu as well.

But yes... the gearing. :faint: