2017 AT clunk/jerk downshifting

Hi guys!

First let me say I love my 2017 TRD OR!!!

I know some people have had issues, but I (until recently haven't had any).

I've recently noticed when the transmission downshifts coming to a stop, a loud clunk and a lunge/jerk feeling. It isn't frequent and doesn't seem replicable, it just does it from time to time. I have about 2400 miles on it.

I haven't seen anything like this reported on the forum, it doesn't seem to be an issue experienced with the 2016 transmission TSB either.

I do plan on contacting the dealer. Is there anything specific I should have them check? Has anyone else had this issue? Am I just overreacting?

Thanks in advance!!

 

I have read some talking about this only happening with a full tank of gas, might this be your case?

 

Unfortunately, no. I happened again this morning on my way to work. 1/2 tank of gas, the water temp gauge was at 1/4. Initially I thought it only occurred when the truck was "cold" but it's happened after driving around all day too.

 

hmm, that sucks. Do you know if your Tranny fluid has been manually checked? I know I have read of others having this clunk issue.

 

I don't believe it has, I didn't think this was a thing for the 2017's. But that's why I'm here, I am going to contact the dealer and need to know if that is something I have them check.

 

Good luck with that. I have the very same problem with my 2016 and even after several visits to the service department and opening a case with Toyota, their response is my vehicle is operating with in normal specifications so they plan to do nothing. The best excuse they can come up with is that " maybe it's just a characteristic of the truck" the only thing they have done for me is a extended 8yr / 125k warranty. I also have what so many others do, a dash rattle from the passenger side "A" pillar / dash area. They have tried 4 times to fix that too with negative results. I was told that it too was "just a characteristic of the vehicle" I call Bullshit on all that.

 

My 2016 OR does this occasionally. While decelerating, it happens when i'm almost at a complete stop. A loud clunk and the truck lurches forward a bit almost like there's slack in the driveline or something. Very odd.

 

I think a few 17's have had the fluid topped off. I would tell the dealer its very bothersome and you would feel much better if they could resolve your only issue with this great truck.

 

That's exactly what I'm experiencing!

 

Good to know, thanks!

I'll keep this updated.

 

Well, i'd take the 8yr/125K warranty! Though it sounds like you've gone through a lot to get that. I just noticed the passenger dash rattle yesterday too, I thought it was the window.

 

From what I've gathered, dealerships are unfortunately considering this a "characteristic of the vehicle"

 

I encourage you to open a case with Toyota too not that its done much for me other than the extended warranty, but they need to start hearing what seems to be an all to common problem with these trucks. My Toyota case manager said that I just have to live with these problems until Toyota decides it's a big enough problem to come up with a fix / recall etc. when I expressed my upset to my case manager with going to the service department so much, he actually said to me, " well that's your fault if you do that" Their unhelpful attitude absolutely astounds me.

 

How do I open a case with Toyota? It doesn't hurt to have it on record.

 

800-331-4331

 

Yep very same problem

 

It's happened 2 or 3 times on my '17 Sport DC LB, which I've had for 3+ weeks and 400 miles. Didn't notice a "lurch" with the clunks. Didn't note anything special -- gas level, hot /cold, etc. -- when it occurred. I'll be following this thread to see how others resolve it, or not. Other than the clunks on the downshifts when approaching a stop, I have not had any other issues with the transmission.

My dealer wants to inspect the truck at 1K miles and this is my list of things to add to their inspection list: 1) bed slightly out of alignment, perhaps .75"; 2) check transmission fluid; 3) U-bolts.

Is there anything else I should have them look at?

 

Thanks!!!

 

I notice something like that occasionally in my 2017 OR. I seem to recall something similar in my 04 4Runner. Mine is not loud though and doesn't seem concerning, so maybe not what you are describing. Also, the A pillar rattle is easy to fix. Pull the a pillar and put felt tape between speaker grill and a pillar. less than 5 minute fix.

 

Mine does this too on occasion. My transmission fluid has been topped off, zerks greased, and bolts tightened. It seems to do it only when cold, when it warms up it seems to smooth out. Also doesn't matter what the fuel level is either.