*Hopefully* constructive discussion about the 3rd gen and it's issues

I've been reading this forum for years and have wanted a Tacoma for the last 10+. I test drove a 2016 3 times before purchasing my first Tacoma this past Jan. - a *used* 2017 DCOR AT (Texas built in 11/16) with 4200 miles on the clock.

Like a bunch of others here, I loved the truck for the first few weeks. Then I started to notice some of the gear hunting. I had done my research though (mostly thanks to this forum) and knew that the Rev1 tsb would hopefully take care of the problems at my 5k.

Well it did, for about a week, and they slowly showed back up. Now they're more prevalent than ever if I'm not in S-something or ECT (neither of which do I accept as a solution - a bandaid, sure). On top of that I've got your clunking when slowing down, and a seemingly more and more sparatic transmission. And the ~500 rpm drop in 3rd kills me regardless of what crutch mode I'm in.

My point to my first post is that I feel a little burnt. I feel like the truck I've invested in might not last the 15 years I had hoped for. Certainly at least without a new transmission or torque converter along the way.

I don't exactly remember the timeline of releases, but are some of these issues the result of rushed decisions after the GMs were intro'd? I'm sure someone wiser can clarify, but I'm pretty sure they were out first with toyota following.

Certainly I don't think Toyota and Sweers STARTED the conception then, but maybe some R&D or testing got cut short due to their release..?

Anyway, I searched for similar posts before deciding to create my own, where I'd like to learn a little more about where these problems might stem from and how some of us are suffering while others seem to be bug-free.

 

It's hit or miss OP. 8500 mi. on mine. Here's a run down of what I've experienced and what was done to fix any issues:

1) Rebooting entune headunit - RESOLVED with update found on TW
2) Slight "miss" - RESOLVED now that shitty Winter gas is being replaced locally
3) Whistling lower control arms - RESOLVED with nylon plugs from Lowe's

No trans issues to note. Checked level myself and it was filled with proper level of ATF. That being said every issued that's been resolved has been done so by researching this forum. Surely lacks torque down low but runs like a top otherwise when compared to my 2nd gen.

Hope this helps, or not. Just my experience.

 

Try topping off the ATF. I thought mine drove fine until I added a bigger ATF cooler and topped off my fluid at home. Drives very smooth now. I think I was just used to my Subaru and didn't know any better lol.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

I hate to say this but don't trust any dealer. Your ATF is not full unless you saw fluid come out of the overflow with your own eyes!

 

My point to my first post is that I feel a little burnt. I feel like the truck I've invested in might not last the 15 years I had hoped for. Certainly at least without a new transmission or torque converter along the way.
Your truck comes with a 100k mile power train warranty

 

sorry bud but you didn't invest in a truck, you bought something that depreciates daily and will end up costing you more money... don't get me wrong i love my taco but vehicles are liabilities not investments

 

that was the OPs quote, mine was the red

 

quote button misfire...

 

Best thing said on this thread so far.....well done.

 

i didn't want to quote 3 paragraphs for 2 sentences of it

 

I've only got about 200 miles on mine, when do the normal transmission issues usually start? Been fine so far for me.

 

Justin, I was also annoyed with the trans for a while, but I have learned to use it with time. I use to drive a mt so i like the sport shift. If I have company, or my mind on something, it's in D and I don't think about it. I'm finding my foot using the gas pedal to shift gears when needed. I think highway driving is the worst of it but stay in 5th until your over 65 mph. I've had mine for 5 months @7200 miles and I like it more and more.

 

It's like a wart on your ass. At first it's ugly, you want to get rid of it...you can't stand to live with it. Then over time, it grows on you, you get used to it and you don't really pay attention to it so much anymore.

 

DUDE !!!!!!

 

Has there been a satisfaction poll of third gen owners in a thread? I'm happy so far, but I only have 900 miles on it and I haven't been on an interstate or towed anything yet.

 

Just got to 1000 miles on our 2017 Taco. Almost 5 weeks old. So far, no problems. Have over 600 highway miles along I-15 (Sandy, UT to Mesquite, NV round trip) and the rest has been city driving. Want to get a few more miles on before taking our Casita travel trailer out of hibernation and towing with our Taco. It has taken a few miles to get used to the auto transmission with two overdrive gears. Had two pickup trucks (1979 Chevy C-20 and Ford F-250) both with three speed auto transmissions and for almost 12 years the vehicle we have been driving (2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid) doesn't shift. We absolutely love our new Tacoma.

 

Just saw your posts and thought I'd comment.
I got the Rev1 TSB and AT trans fluid checked at delivery.
Only got 1300 miles on truck now however
I always drive in S5 except when on interstate where I use S6
if over 60 mph. Use the gas pedal to vary rpm between 1500 and 3000
when in S5. I have a lot of up and down roads where I live and learned
how to do this. I like to drive between 2000 and 3000 rpm in S5.
So far the only thing I don't like is the tendency of the trans to sometime
stay in a higher gear,bog down somewhat and not downshift. Other than that I haven't
had any train issues.

 

Seems oddly familiar

 

It's grown on me. Lurking TW and reading through some of the threads does plant some ideas in your head, you may have not otherwise noticed.

My main complaints? I'd like more torque down low but realize it's a 3.5 Atkinson cycling engine and not a diesel. I wish passes on the freeway didn't require me whomping on the pedal but the power delivery and transmission just isn't set right.

ECT mode is a crutch but not a fix. I'm holding out for a vendor to crack the ECU to where we can tune the fuel mapping, shift points, etc.

 

Just getting back to these responses. I appreciate the input (and the smart asses too ).

As far as warranty's concerned, that's all well and fine as long as it's not like pulling teeth. And I guess not at mile 100,001...I actually can't remember what the dealerships warranty is as well.

Regardless, as with any warranty, you hope to never need it. I'm not sure that'll be the case.

 

Any opinions or insight as to whether this entire unveil was a bit hurried?

I know very little about the process of designing, engineering, testing, and debuting a vehicle.

I just want people (read: us) to have answers about the trucks that a lot of us care so much about .

To those of us using the work-arounds (ect & S namely), we really should not accept that as a means of solution.