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

Same here I've had my 2016 for 3 months and the surging in reverse is getting ridiculous ,people are saying its a software problem and that Toyota is working on an update I say BS

 

I took one of these for a drive last night, and these transmission issues you all are reporting was the main thing I noticed. Right now, I'm driving an F150 with a V8 and I'll admit I'm probably a bit heavy on the gas and brakes. That being said, when I'm getting on the highway every day and I get into it, it has a bit of a lag, but it responds. I also have a Toyota Venza with a V6, and that thing is nice and snappy.

When I was driving the Tacoma last night, it just seemed like it was shifting all over the place, revving high, dropping low, going from one gear then to another, and just a bit lethargic when I gunned it. (I mentioned what I was experiencing and the salesman said he didn't know what I was talking about, he should have suggested ECT it sounds like.) I'm going to test drive another one and try the ECT mode. If I don't like how that one feels, I'll probably go for a Frontier instead, or abandon all hope and go back to walking.

 

Always be sure to check the fluid levels on yer tow hitch. You got to take the ball off and pour the tow hitch fluid down in the hole there.

 

They must have left the plug out , I dumped 2 quarts into mine and it just runs out onto the ground !
Is the plug a dealer only item ?

 

ECT helps a little bit but the problem from reverse to drive is still there. It's mainly when the fluid is cold. Even down shifting to a stop will cause some last moment banging from 3rd, 2nd and then 1st. It's not smooth down shifting when it's cold. I'm not happy with my truck. I had it into the dealer at 721 miles. They checked the fluid and said it was fine. I got the GM at my dealer to call the factory and they are aware of the problem but will not put anything into writing. It's BS. $36K for a truck and it slips off the dealer's lot.

 

TOYOTA completely dropped the ball on the new tacomas !
This transmission is a joke to say the least .
I'm 15 days away and counting from when I can dump this pile of crap truck

 

I recommend trying S5 as well.

 

So, I went and test drove one of these again last night. I left ECT off at first. When I pulled out of the lot onto a four lane split highway the thing dragged like crazy. I played around with ECT and the manual-ish shift thing, but long story short, no longer considering the Tacoma. That transmission would frustrate me to no end on my daily commute.

 

I have a 16 Tacoma but my shifting problems are the opposite I have down shifting problems like crazy I have a second appointment this week the first appointment they told me was normal downshifting to 5 grand is definitely not normal.
And it doesn't only on a downgrade and very intermittent

 

I have owned 4 new Tacos. 2005, 2010, 2015 and now the 2016. All were V6. The last two limiteds all 2WD with tow packages. Never in the shop for anything more than oil changes which I did at 1,000 and then every 3 to 5 K afterwards. This 16 has been in the shop several times. Trans. surging, delayed shifting from reverse to forward, poor quality fit and finish. I was told at first that the trans issues were normal? delayed shifting was normal? The weather stripping is being replaced for a second time. The hood is still not fitting properly after third visit. One headlight was loose and broken, the rear bumper was misaligned. In shop now for the fourth time. 3 days and counting. Can't take my boat out. Spent almost $40K months ago on their best Taco. Seems like others have had some of these problems too. Anyone gotten a satisfactory resolution yet? and if so what did either the dealership or Toyota do about it? Owned a least 20 new cars in the past, many of them Toyota's, never been so dissatisfied. Love to go boating today but neither of my BMW's tow. BTW they both run great without issues. Wish BMW made trucks.

 

I am finally enjoy driving my Tacoma now that I am using S5. Shift it up to S6 when I get on the highway.

 

Thanks for the tip. Do you have info on how it behaves in S5 + CruiseControl at highway speeds with some elevation change?

 

Should hold speed relatively smoothly and might downshift to keep speed going up a steeper hill... If you have to cancel cruise abruptly do not flick up to get back into cruise..lets say you have it set at 70 and you slowed down to 50...as soon as you flick up the computer is going to speed up as quickly as it can to 70.. I find best to speed back up to what you want and reset set speed by flicking down..

 

Took mine in at about 6500 miles for first oil change and service. This was about a month ago. Other then oil change and alignment and tire rotate i dont think anything else was done to it. But i have noticed the transmission drives more like its supost to. It actually holds gears longer and stays in 5th more on interstate. Only hits six when i ease up and cruise. Also when it downshifts, i can kinda feel and see the rpm slightly drop and i know the converter is locked...not much slipping feel anymore. But.....it DOES still have its bad days! which have occurred alot less and less.

The truck really gets better and better every time i take it out. With a heavy foot and a cool clear night,, the truck is kinda a thrill to drive.

 

Glad things are looking up for you.

 

I feel the same way about mine ,
I am impatiently waiting for my trd pro 4Runner to show up so I can dump this pile of trash Tacoma ! I have had 3 tacomas and this will be my last one.

 

Just talked to toyota customer service hq. They said they did not know if a fix was in the works but are getting a lot of complaints about the transmission. She said the more complaints they get the sooner toyota will resolve the issue. Call and complain!!

 

I had an open complaint with Toyota hq, and after a month they sent me a letter saying that my truck performs the way it was designed and to F off basically .
I am not happy with Toyota in the least.
Hopefully I have better luck with my replacement next week

 

whats the Phone # to customer service ?

 

1-800-331-4331