Anything to be worried about with my 2017?

I thought I’d bring this conversation over here to Tacoma World from Reddit.

I’ve seen quite a bit online about how the 2017 Tacoma is the “Worst Buy” (Consumer Reports) due to the “unreliable” transmission.

Does the odd shifting behavior really warrant the term “unreliable”?

I’ve got a 2017 that I’ve had the TSB software update and a re-gear with Nitro 5.29s, so the shifting behavior of the transmission really does not bother me.

Is there something else I should be worried about? I love my truck after the re-gearing.

 

Consumer Reports, lol. They should stick to coffee makers and pencil sharpeners.

 

I always read the same thing about the 2017 when I was shopping for my truck and never understood it either. This may be an idiotic question but, unless I’m missing something, don’t all AT 3rd gens have the same transmission?

I mean, I have the “gear hunting” issue in my 2021 for sure but it’s not a deal breaker for me. I know I can always get one of the tunes if I really decide I can’t stand it.

 

Nothing wrong with the trans but the 16,17s have a few issues.
Timing cover leaks
Coolant crossover pipes in the back of the engine leak occasionally since they are plastic

not all of em do it but it’s far more likely on the first two years.

gear hunting was addressed through a software flash

 

is the 2016 not part of the "unreliable" transmission years? they have the same transmission AND same software

 

they probably just automatically ship with the software update is the difference.

 

yeah, that’s what I thought.

I’ll come back here when my 17 has 250k miles on the original trans

 

IMHO 2017 is the most desirable year for a 3rd Gen.

 

Ah yeah, that’s a good thought.

 

I think all years are prone to the timing cover leak, it’s just the older models are show it first. The 2GR has been used in other vehicles with the same issue as well.

 

I thought 2017 was the most sought after year of the 3rd gens? It doesn't have most of the 1st year model problems, and doesn't have the electronic nannies of 2018+ models.

As for the bad transmission, that is a problem for all model years. Not as bad in later years, but is easily fixed with an OVTune.

 

I’ve never actually heard of OVTune. I just looked it up to see what it is.

You think it’s a good purchase? I got 5.29 gears, but it looks like OVTune might help with the truck still having some hesitation.

 

I agree 100% Did the tsb flash and its been smooth shifting and no issues so far.

 

Yes, OVTune greatly benefits these trucks.
Overall drivability, mpg, performance, response, etc is improved. There are different tunes built with OVTune/VFTuner, I personally use KDMax.

You can check out KDMax here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-by-paparee-and-twtaco.713699/#post-25387637

They have a Pro Tuner across the US, including territories, that can get your truck tuned in literal minutes. And immediately experiences the improvements.

 

Is this something that might be helpful for my 2021? Forgive my ignorance.

 

From what I recall, there is a new ECU update for 2021 models after April. We have the CUW file, but I don't think there is a TSB regarding a need to update to it.

 

I had lots of warranty work done the first year and a half. Transmission software, transmission fluid a quart low from the factory. CPS sensor, trip meter randomly resetting, weeping rear end. I chalk it up to buying the first year of a new generation. After that first year and a half it has been trouble free and I am very happy with the truck.

 

Hmmm ok. My truck arrived at the dealership in December 2020.

 

Then you should be one update behind.
But even if you do update to the latest version, we haven't seen any significant changes between the two updates for 2021 model years.

 

Got it, thanks for the info! I’ll just mention it at the dealership when I take it in for the 10,000 mile service interval.