2016 6-cylinder 6-speed automatic erratic shifting and drivability problems?

Have 2000 miles on my 2016 Tacoma. transmission seems to shift early causing truck to feel underpowered anyone else have this feeling?

 

This is a recurring theme in all the 2016 Tacomas. The auto transmission upshift quickly it seems for mileage reasons. Using the ECT mode, helps a bit. I read on another forum that supposedly Toyota has a software fix in the works. But don't know if this is true or not.

 

I like it.

 

I called corporate Toyota after work today and they're supposed to get back with me in 24 hours regarding this issue if I find out anything about the software fix I will post it as soon as possible. I really like the truck other than this issue hopefully they can get it resolved. I'm sure actual Toyota engineers may look at this site occasionally so I believe the more people talking about it the better...

 

Extremely bogged down without the etc mode. Hopefully they get this fixed.

 

Etcetera mode?

I never use ECT. Only complaint I have is lack of upshifting in cruise control after it downshifts.

 

Maybe I drive like a grandma but I haven't had any issues nor has it felt underpowered at all after 600 miles.

 

That is a good sign that you're not having any problems I hope it's just some occasional transmissions that the programming is not correct in I can't imagine Toyota making a product that feels like mine...

 

Does it feel like it's "lugging". In other words, if the transmission was a manual transmission and you experienced this, would you just instinctively downshift a gear?

 

Definitely feels like lugging not all the time but a lot of the time it is definitely lugging...

 

yes, mine does. took it in to a dealer and they told me that's normal LOL.

 

It is normal for that vehicle.

 

I'd like to see the response you get.

 

There are lots of posts on this forum about the transmission and the shift points. I have close to 4000 miles on mine and at highway speeds of 75mph, it can be like riding a galloping horse up and hill and down a hill. It shifts constantly if there are any inclines. I have been instructed by toyota that the constant shifting is normal. I am sure this is so because I am getting around 16 mpg (manual calc and approx with dash avg). I have the TRD OR, I drove to work on the interstate at 60 mph and got 17.5 mpg, but was more worried about a ticket for going too slow.

I am getting used to the shifting now and the driving. If I need to go faster the bottom end of the engine is laggy, but when I lean into it, I have PLENTY of power to get up to speed on the on ramps etc.

I love my truck, and it is something I am getting used too.

 

Normal for that vehicle...

Doesn't make it right...

If Toyota cares about future sales they will stop telling someone that spent 35k that it's normal...

 

This is the main issue keeping me from getting one right now.

 

Give it more gas then, you spent 35K and it is normal unless you gun it.

 

Most new 6 speed autos are this way; too much space between the higher gears.
Plus it's AI's job to move your shift patterns, complicating matters.
S5 and be happy until they have a new program...or not.

 

I have not driven the 3rd gen 6 speed auto yet, but from the complaints ive read it really makes me appreciate the tried and true 5 speed auto used in the 2nd gens, 4runners, and others. My GF's 5th gen 4runner with the old 5 speed works great. Always in the right gear. And its proved to be reliable. But 5 speeds is obsolete these days.

 

Drove a 15 2nd gen and it was great. I didn't understand why it was getting the long in the tooth wrap. So as good as it drove I blindly assumed the 16 would be an improvement...
It's ride, looks, feel , interior is a step up. Drivetrain.... Not so much... Fix it Mike Sweers... (Tacoma lead engineer).