2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO Suspension clunk

Hello all,

Back in December 2020 I picked up a brand new 2021 Tacoma TRD PRO, magnetic grey. This is my second Tacoma. My first one was a 2008 Tacoma TRD Rugged trail. I had that truck for 12 years, 150,000 miles and no issues with basic maintenance, all done myself.
Now, after a year and 3 months, 20,000 miles later on my TRD PRO I have a suspension clunk anywhere between 5 mph to 30 mph while driving on uneven roads. I been driving the truck on highway only, no time for off-roading yet. Basically commuting back and forth to work.
After reading the threads I went ahead and replaced both front radiator bushings (right one was bad, left one was ok). Clunk still there.
I’m extremely disappointed at Toyota. Currently sitting at the dealership to see what they say about the clunk but after buying a top of the line Tacoma, owning Tacoma’s for the past 14 years I feel the quality of Toyota is no longer what they used to be. A Tacoma with 20,000 miles should not have suspension clunks or body bushing going bad. And yes, built in Texas.
I’m considering walking away from Toyota, if I have these issues at 20,000 miles, I’m not sure how reliable is going to be at 50,000, 75,000 miles or 100,000 miles.
Very disappointed Toyota, you let me down. I never thought I would say that.
Could it be “Post-COVID” quality issues ?

 

I am sure that they / you will figure it out brother; no need to walk away from Toyota just because your new-ish truck has what will probably turn out to be a minor issue. A vehicle is a complicated piece of machinery; hence the manufacturers 3 year warranty!

 

You're right, the quality isn't what it used to be. I'll take that busted ass truck off of your hands so you no longer have to deal with it! I'll need a steep reduction in the KBB value of it, because, you know...that one minor issue you mentioned.

 

Lol, that’s funny. 40% off KBB works? I just frustrating, that’s all, I been praising Tacomas since 2008 and still love the truck but weighing different options.

 

At least give them a chance to rectify the issue. Have you ever tried to deal with GM with issues? You'd pull a Marvin Heemeyer...

 

Hey, since you're a valued and well respected TW member, I'll only make you reduce the price by 30%. You can use the 10% that you save on therapy sessions that you'll surely need from this tragic event that has occurred in your life.

*Thoughts & Prayers to you and your family during your emotional time of need*

 

You are right Calcityrenegade, I have two coworkers with GM truck products, one with tranny issues after 50,000 miles and another one with valves/lifter issues after 7,000 miles. I guess I been spoiled by my second gen, 2008. I guess I’m starting to miss that truck.

 

Sounds like you just got unlucky. My 2016 has 157,000miles on it, many of those miles are hard off-road. There are plenty of owners with more miles. Those bushings shouldn't have failed at that early of mileage but shit happens. A vehicle with thousands of components will have problems eventually, any make, any model. Some components may be faulty from the factory, it happens. Don't sweat it.

 

Wait until the leaf springs start squeaking

 

Go try a Gladiator or something and report back.

Forreal though, hope they sort it out.

 

Oooo my favorite!

 

Thanks DRAWN hopefully dealership comes through and finds the issue. My plans was to keep this truck for many years to come.

 

I feel your pain, at 50k I had a crankshaft position sensor fail and leave me on the side of the road. Luckily it was repaired under warranty but I still lost some faith in the reliability and quality of my vehicle. After another 105k miles of driving with no issues and my fears have subsided. I've realized this truck will last me the long haul. Considering the sizable amount of abuse my truck has seen it has held up really well. The drivetrain still feels new. Hopefully your dealer will help you out considering 20k miles is brand new.

 

Thanks again DRAWN, you are right on point.

 

Body mounts/bushings have been known to cause that type of clunk sound. Energy Suspension makes a replacement kit that some people have had luck with

 

I did look into Energy suspension and 2021 was not listed. Basically third gen was not listed. Second gen are compatible? Since still under warranty, I replaced them myself with OEM.

 

Just imagine the issues you would have with a Heep Glatiator Rubicon after 20,000 miles. Then look at the near trouble free driving you have had with your Toyota. The grass isn't always greener else where.

Hope your issue is solved to your satisfaction

 

I just changed those bushings myself. Truck has had that clunk since about 50,000km. Fairly simple to change and didnt cause no harm to the truck. Mine were absolutely punched out its a pretty cheap design on toyotas part but its not a big deal. Better than bringing it in for transmissions issues or something actually serious. Trucks are supposed to clunk a bit anyways!

 

I also replaced them both but the clunk still there….

I agree, the rest of the truck has been good so far. I’m not a big fan of dealerships and one the reason I bought another Tacoma was to stay away from dealers based on my second-gen 2008 experience. That is why my doubts on reliability now…..

 

I dont blame you. Dealerships are brutal to work with in my experience as well. Unfortunately no truck is perfect no matter what brand you buy.