2020 TRD OR lost all power on the interstate

Road tripped from Murfreesboro to Memphis in my 6 month old Taco this weekend (just shy of 10k on the clock). On the way back, in cruise, it lost power when it downshifted to accelerate up a slight incline. I turned cruise off and leaned into it - nothing but bog. I had just about made it to the side of the road when it roared back to life and we took off. A couple miles later, same thing. CEL and Trac Off lights kick on. This time I had to limp it through a tight interstate construction zone at 12ish mph. Died once all together but made the quarter mile to an exit. Toyota was kind enough to tow me 9 miles to the *completely closed on Sunday* Toyota dealer in Jackson TN. Paid $475 out of pocket for Toyota Roadside to have it towed from Jackson to the M'boro dealer I bought it from. Low pressure fuel pump died and they replaced it under warranty the next day. From my perspective - I bought a Toyota for the reliability. More specifically, I bought a BRAND NEW Toyota for the reliability. The fact that my new truck put my wife and myself in an incredibly unsafe situation, and stranded us a couple hours from home with no other options than to cough up the money for a tow is ridiculous. I probably would have left it at the Jackson Toyota if I could have rented a car anywhere in that area on a Sunday - hertz was the only option, but incidentally they were closed for a vacation

I made this post to share my experience/details in hopes it helps someone else, but also to ask - how should I go about getting Toyota to reimburse me for the tow?? $475 is a nice chunk towards the rock sliders I want.

 

Sorry to hear of your trouble

glad to hear you and your wife are safe

have you called toyota corporate and explained ?

 

I'd open a claim with them or just call the published Toyota north america number or contact your dealer and ask them what contact number would be best for you. I've called Toyota USA and Toyota Canada to track down and sync service records and they were both accommodating and pleasant to deal with.

 

@farmtacoma I have only spoken with people at my dealer and they are all pushing back pretty hard on the tow reimbursement. My next call is supposed to be to a "service director" but I am aiming to have that conversation in person. I feel like it's much easier to give someone the runaround via the phone. If it doesn't pan out locally I will try dealing with corporate next.

 

Lucky you got a fuel pump on such short notice. Did you get a receipt for the 475? You might have been better off going through your insurer for the road service.

 

@batacoma I read where another guy waited something like 17 days! So yeah pretty fortunate there. I didn't get a paper receipt but I paid Toyota Roadside over the phone so they ought to have a record I hope.

 

I'll post an update after I have an opportunity to stop by the local dealership again when service is open and management is still on the premises. Fingers crossed

 

Sounds like it's good to go.

 

Oh the horror yet somehow you survived without even a scratch. Toyota makes the Tacoma slightly more reliable than brand x,y and z. It’s a North American vehicle for paved roads with a service station and a Starbucks just around the corner. If you want reliable get a land cruiser it’s made for the world market including even the Japanese themselves

 

Except it's nearly 3X as much and some would say ugly as fuck.

 

What was the point of this post.

 

I’m sorry this happened to you. Your post reminds me that I need to check to see if my ‘20 is on the recall list.

One suggestion if you’re ever in need of renting a car and can’t find one, check U-haul. Sure it’s no fun having to finish a trip in an empty box truck but doing so may have saved you some $$

 

Good question

 

@Kev250R I never considered that - thanks for the tip!

 

@DanFav


is the fuel pump issue been common on the 3rd gen?

My 18 went 42k miles, no issues, but it was the 2.7L, and not the 3.5. Just curious, as I go to remote destinations on my 21 3.5

Thanks

 

Glad things worked out safely and hope you get your tow reimbursed.

There is a known issue with the fuel pump and a recall has been open for several months. I got mine replaced last week under the recall last week but had never experienced an issue.

 

Whether you stay with your local dealer or ultimately deal with Corporate, there is this old-fashioned thing called snail mail. Document everything. Include any case number(s). Confirm verbal conversations/agreements. While phone & email may seem to be expeditious, written letters often have greater impact AND give you the documentation that may be helpful later on. Emails get lost. Phone conversations get forgotten.
My experience with ToyotaUSA Corporate has found that letters, albeit slow, get better responsiveness.

 

I found a few instances of fuel pump failure on 3rd gens but I don't know how common it really is. Also read that there is a recall, but of course who knows how true anything you read on a forum is. Maybe I could have saved myself a few hours of stress and a few bucks if I had checked for any open recalls. I was blessed with 20/20 hindsight, it's truly a gift.

 

I got a fuel pump recall for my 2018. Per the letter they where supposed to reimburse any associated expense if I had mine failed before the recall, assuming that associated expense includes Towing.?

 

@RIDER34 you may be on to something there!