First Time Tacoma Owner! A couple Concerns

Howdy Yall!

First time Tacoma owner here, I recently picked up a 2020 Tacoma SR5. The test drive was great, and it's very clean. Now that I've had it a couple days, there's four concerns that I didn't notice on my test drive. If any of you have any insightful info I would be greatly appreciative. I am getting it looked at by Toyota soon but I'd just like to know some opinions and if some of these concerns aren't serious.
1. When I get up to speed, (~55mph) I notice a howl/whine when slightly pressing the gas pedal, and when slightly letting off the gas.
2. When driving on a straight, the steering wheel is slightly pitched to the right. The truck drives very straight though when letting go of steering wheel
3. The brake pedal ever so slightly sticks sometimes, especially after it's been sitting or after the pedal hasn't been used in a few minutes. It's the initial press, (first 1/8"-1/4") It's just a slight stick and doesn't happen all the time. The truck brakes very solid though.
4. Sometimes when slowing down for a turn or round a bout, when I press the gas to speed up again it jumps a bit like I pressed the gas harder than I actually did.

I apologize for the lengthy post, and I might be hyper-critical, but I would like to know opinions of this from other owners out there! Nevertheless I'm happy to be here and thank you!

 

Welcome!

1. yeah they do that, mine does and many others seem to as well. The rear ends seem to be very reliable though
2. If it tracks straight, I would wait until it's time for a realignment
3. Not sure on this, maybe test drive another. Brakes are nothing to compromise on, so go with your gut, if you think it's not right, get it checked out
4. they can be a little jerky, I notice this in a parking lot

 

Thanks for the reply Chew.

That makes me feel better, in regards to the brakes, they feel really solid. It doesn't feel like an issue with braking power, the truck brakes and stops extremely well. It's more of an ocd annoyance than anything. It's just a very slight stick pressing the pedal from the resting position, the rest of the actuation is extremely smooth!

 

1. Yup, they all do that. My '06 and my '22. Part of the Toyota charm.

2. Ditto what chew said. Our GX460 is the same. Almost like the steering wheel was put on one tooth "off" on the spline.

3. Nothing to add on brakes.

4. Transmission wonkiness is biggest complaint on these trucks. Gear hunting, etc., is a known "problem". Drive it more and it adapts to your driving habits.

 

Relax, it'll grow on ya.

 

1. Never heard mine do it, but I rarely get over 45mph, but when I do I am usually driving much faster.. lol

2. Your Steer Ahead if off, as long as the total toe is in specs it will not hurt anything. Just because it does not have a pull does not mean your toe is with in specs, but if you are not feeling/seeing any feathering on the inside/outside edge of the tires you should be ok...
Steer Ahead is basically the front toe was set to the correct specs with the steering wheel not straight...
When the alignment is done and they correct the steer ahead, the steering angle sensor might, but not sure, have to be reset, so make sure the shop has the software to calibrate it, it could also affect the LDA (Lane Departure Alert) system...

3. Probably is the ABS module running a self-test at start up.. If you do not have a smart key, depress the brake pedal before you turn the ignition key to start the vehicle, see if it still does it...

4. Put the transmission in ECT Power mode (push button) to see if it still does it... When driving it in normal mode it is probably in 4th or 5th gear at a very low rpm and it is down shifting making ot feel like it is jumping or jerking... You can also drive it in S Mode when under 40-45mph and simply move the shifter back over to D mode when at higher speeds....
You might also get a OTT tune...

 

My 2018 SR5 has all 4 of these characteristics and I bought it brand new . Like mentioned above, maybe have your alignment checked next time you are in for service .

 

Thank you all for the responses, that alleviates alot of my concern!