Has anyone had an actual trans failure?

Yes I'm going to try another dealer because my so called open case is going nowhere. It's now arbitration time

 

Tell that to the wives and girlfriends who also drive this truck. "What? I have to shift into another mode to drive this truck? Why can't I keep it in D? We should have bought a Lexus".

 

OK, let's rein this in a bit.

I'll summarize what I'm seeing here:

1) Obviously, a LOT of us here are unhappy with the current automatic transmission.
2) The transmission is "different". It's definitely different from any other that I have ever owned.
3) Since I'm not hearing about mass failures (I realize there have been a few), I have to assume that for the most part it works just not how most of us would like for it to
4) It needs to be operated in a different manner than many of us are used to. THIS is what I needed to hear/understand and learn to do.
5) There is no real "fix" for most of these issues we're seeing short of a newly designed trans. Toyota would likely have to design a new trans from scratch in order to do this and even if they did, they're not going to offer any of us free replacements.
6) Most of us are not in a position financially to trade these things off for something else so we might as well learn how to deal with it, at least for the time being.

I'm sure I missed some stuff but this is what I am taking away from this discussion.

 

Funny you should say this. I had this EXACT conversation with the wife on the way to work this morning (we rode together today). Her dad and brother were long time mechanics and she is fairly mechanical herself. Her response: "well, that's kinda dumb". She gets it, though.....

 

I think you've caught the gist of it. Sometimes it's the little things that make the most difference. The transmission and the way the truck drives is simply annoying to most. Like the rear diff howl... some of us can live with it. Most cannot.

 

I agree. I guess I'm more disappointed with Toyota's give a shit attitude and lack of customer service. When I vent and tell a "Case Manager" that I'm really getting tired of going back and forth to the dealership and his response is "well that's your fault for deciding to do that" it really pisses off a consumer after a 41k purchase.

 

I have an auto and have no complaints. I also don't use S mode or ECT. I still think that #2 on your list is what most people are having issues with. Being a double OD tranny means it is going to shift a lot. Unfortunately there are tons of real issues (TSB's and fluid level) that cloud the issue.

 

The truck I traded in on this Tacoma was a 2011 Silverado that enjoyed a steady diet of oil along with gasoline. With all its faults, it was a strong truck. I downsized to the Tacoma since I was driving a lot more and, to be honest, I just wanted another Toyota truck (I had owned 2 other ones years ago).

I knew I would have to "get used to" a smaller truck and a different driving experience from that Silverado. That big V8 could lug around all day long at 1100 rpm and still feel like it had enough power to get out of its own way. My Tacoma doesn't feel that way - but that's OK. I'm re-learning how to do this in a new smaller truck with a whole different drivetrain.

To be honest, I've talked to several other folks around here with new Tacomas and they all look at me like I'm nuts when I mention the transmission and any "issues". They all love theirs and think I'm just being picky.

I don't miss my Silverado AT ALL. I like my Tacoma. I just want it to last a few years.......

 

I have no reason to think that it won't. And if you like it more power to ya! I know I love mine...

 

I dont think there is anything wrong with the transmission other than a few valve body leaks . Aisn Seiki did an excellent job with the AC 60 series computer controlled 6 speed . Its Toyota,s computer programming that comes into play here .

 

Then don't buy the trucks or products in the future. Not trying to be a dick but until people quit buying the truck in droves, nothing will push them to make a change unless safety related.

Toyota has never had a good reputation for customer service as the trucks have always sold themselves due to a reputation of reliability. It didn't mean they were bulletproof, it just meant they seemed to be more popular and outlasted the rest and as long as people keep buying them they can continue with business as usual.

As long as the trucks lead sales every month for their segment, they won't make any significant changes.

 

I drive 75 mph down the interstate everyday for about 80 miles..drives like any other vehicle I have owned. I drive it the same way I drove my F-250, Ford Explorer, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, etc, etc

I've made road trips from DC to Atlanta, Syracuse, Upstate Western PA, MA, etc etc, no issues and will be road tripping back to CO in a few weeks...1700 mile trip

I don't use S and I dont use ECT and the truck runs fine...

 

So I guess you're saying we're all crazy???

Not sure I understand your point.

My truck drives fine at 75 mph on the highway for the most part.

 

To answer the OPs original question.....no, no one has had an actual trans failure, just a lot of bitching.

 

One of the first things I did, right after I undercoated it with fluid film, yeah....I shoulda done that shit in a different order, I know. Anyhow, trans was right on the money, I only added a few ounces and a few oinces came out the overflow at about 191 degrees, according to my infra red thermometer.

 

Just rear diffs.

 

I went from 91 4runner to a 2017 trd sport. Thats a big leap the 4runner was a mt. All but 1(Tundra) of the 7 toyotas I haved owned where mt's. Only thing that i have noticed is it has a very sensitive throttle I'm talking dragstrip.I think I could beat most people at the light lol. It does change gears alot but I live in a small town with rolling hills so it does change gears alot but it has alot of gears to change. My 4runner I kept it in 3 and 4 around town. The only thing that I can say is it changes gears more often than I changed gears in all the other mt trucks I have had. I still like the truck but if at the time I could get a manual trans I would have just because I am used to one.

 

I bought my truck before I found TACOMA WORLD. You guys have got me paranoid!!!!!!!!!

 

A key goal of most internet vehicle forums in the 'latest generation' section.

 

You ever heard the squeaky wheel gets the grease. There are a lot of people on here who need some grease. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.