My Problematic Tacoma

Let me start by saying: I love my Tacoma, but have had some problems over the last year. Today I picked it up from Toyota and hope it is mended for good. I have had some problems with my front diff seal leaking; TO Bearing chirping; and 4x4actuator problems for the last 4 years!Over the last year and a bit I have had the following replaced or repaired underwarranty:

• Sept 2010 Transfer case replaced. (unknown reason)
• Sept 2010 Front diff seal replaced by me.
• Nov 2010 Front diff replaced for side bearing gone.
• Jan 2011 at dealer for 4x4 not working. Can’t find problem (see other posts)http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/30277-4high-4low-lights-flashing.html
• Mar 2011 at dealer for 4x4 not working. Can’t find problem (see other posts)
• Dec 2011 at dealer for 4x4 not working. Can’t find problem (see other posts)
• Dec 2011 TO Bearing chirp, dealer orders parts.
• Jan 2012 TO Bearing replaced
• Jan 2012 Transmission replaced due to scarring from TO Bearing.
• Jan 2012 4x4 not working. Dealer replaces front diff actuator
• Jan 2012 4x4 still not working, dealer replaces transfer case actuator.

I have to travel across Canadafor work, and need truck, but dealer can’t get it out of 4x4. Toyota removesfront drive shaft. Off I go with my 2wd truck travelling across Canada inwinter.

12. Feb 2012 4x4 still not working, Replace transfer case again!
13. Mar 2012 4x4 still not working, replace wiring harness. (ding ding)
14. Today. 4x4 working and Truck works great.
I am keeping my fingers crossedthat all problems are sorted out.
This is my 8th Toyota, and havenever had any problems before, and am happy to say the dealer (CollingwoodToyota) never gave up and everything was covered under warranty.
edit: They also resealed my oil pan today, it was seeping a little oil. I think Toyota hit the oil pan when they replaced the transmission, as I noticed a little dent directly below the transmission.

 

Honestly, sounds like ya got a lemon. Do they have any sort of Lemon laws in Canada?

Hopefully everythings fixed and your trucks problem free from here forward!

 

That's crazy man! I bought my Taco in '08 in Calgary, moved to Victoria, Kitchener, and now Edmonton. I've driven the hell out of this thing, towing, off-roading, etc... Money invested? New tires, and fluids. This thing has been ROCK solid for me. I hate to say it, but it sounds like you just got a lemon. It happens, even with Toyota's.

 

Wow man I have to give you credit, I would of flipped out long ago if my truck had that many issues.

 

Yeah, I had a 2006 Tundra when the front shackle issue first became popular and almost lemon lawed the truck. The dealership stepped in and took over the truck and ended up giving me my first 2nd Gen Taco at dealer cost (+ a hefty discount) just to keep me quiet... For some reason they freak out if you want to file paperwork for a "lemon".

Best wishes sir, keep us posted.

 

personally, i would've kept driving it stuck in 4wd better that than getting stuck in the snow miles from anywhere...Props to that dealer for not giving up and getting it done tho!

 

Edmonton :O. More and more people in edmonton. You will probably see me around 1 of a kind truck.

OP. Crazy how things happen to vehicle when they are made the same. Hope you get it fixed

 

Sorry to hear that and hope I don't get that particular "Toyota feeling".

That's not what to expect from a Toyota product. Even though it may be repaired, I bet there are times when you wanted to find Mr. Toyoda and explain the situation to him.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

You have a bunch of new parts - dam wiring harnes..... Wonder what they did with your old transfer case, too bad you didn't get to keep all the stuff they replaced. Now go out and use 4x4 and make up for all that lost time in the shop

 

Subbed. Pm sent

 

I still use the Taco for light offroading, but picked up a 1990 HDJ81 Turbo diesel Land Cruiser for my offroading fun. I actually lowered my Taco to near stock height. Part of the reason for the Land Cruiser, was the Taco was starting to have some of these issues, and wanted something I could beat on and keep my DD working good.

 

It sure sounds like the diagnostics they did on your 4wd troubles were just a bit flawed. Based on your other thread, it was a wiring issue all along, with two transfer cases getting replaced for no good reason in the meantime. Just my opinion as a truck tech, at least you weren't buying. Hope it stays working properly, and the love returns.