Purchasing a 2019 - A few questions

Hi all,

I'm a long time Toyota fan. I've had several and love the reliability. I am test driving a 2019 TRD-Off Road later today. I had some concerns about the reliability with the latest generation but wanted to confirm that it is just a software issue with the transmission? I've read a lot of reviews of the current generation Tacomas, and they aren't that great, especially the engine/transmission combo. I feel this is subjective though and if the current truck is proving to have Toyota's great reliability and quality, I'm not too concerned. Can anyone ease my concerns about the long term reliability of this truck? Thank you in advance.

 

It's long since fixed with the 2019. I had my 2016's tranny reprogrammed (that just DOESN'T sound right) last year, and it's been a tremendous improvement in performance (when I need it) and economy (by more than 1 whole empeegee). Current mileage is about 20 MPGs, city driving. When I stomp it, though, she's gone.

I wouldn't worry about it in a 2019 - you're already on the best programming for the combo.

Oh, and welcome to TW! It's the most expensive free membership you'll ever have.

 

Let me step in the the future as a time traveler and I will get back to you with my report.

 

Ok, I'm back. I have a 4cyl 2019 and love it. Nothing to whine about. As far as the 6 get ready for the fireworks.

 

I have a 2019 TRD OR. I have noticed irregular shifting here and there, but overall it's not as bad as the earlier third gens from what I gather. The truck isn't a race car, but has enough balls to move through traffic in my opinion. Just take one or two out for a spin and see what you think. See if you can take it over night too.

 

Thanks! That's what I was hoping for. I figured for the 2019's it was worked out. Honestly, the complaints don't bother me much - it's a truck and in a truck I want durability and reliability first. The other stuff is secondary to me.

 

I've had an 18 Pro for about 2 months now and have ZERO issues with it that imo are the trucks fault. About the only thing I could try to complain about would be the tranny searching for gears while in CC on the interstate going up hill at 80 MPH with a 40 Mph headwind (FYI EVERY vehicle I have owned had the same issue in similar situations {including my 13 TRD OR}.) In reading MOST, not all, of peoples perceived issues with this generation of truck seem to be that it is just not exactly what they expect it to be. I could be wrong mind you. I personally didn't buy a Taco expecting the pulling power of a Dodge 3500 Cummings diesel, or the MPG of a Toyota Prius. I bought Taco (3rd one now) because I wanted an extremely reliable mid size truck that is going to do everything that I could expect a mid size truck to do, plus it looks bad ass and the color was perfect too.

 

….I know the 4.0's were bulletproof and I'm hoping the 3.6L is as well.

 

There are far too many complaints about the engine/tran combo to write it off as nothing. That said, I think it's a great truck and I personally don't have a big issue with performance although a little more torque would be welcome. I don't think there's a durability issue and getting 250,000+ miles out the truck is very doable. Make your test drive extended and include some highway driving and with CC active. It's a lot of money to spend and if you're one that just can't stand how it drives, save your money and go elsewhere.

 

Thank you. Same here. Those are the reason I want a Tacoma as well.

 

Opinions on the powertrain are entirely subjective, and also aren't relevant to the reliability factor. I've gotten used to the shift patterns and love mine.

One legitimate gripe is the possibility of low trans fluid from factory.

 

Just be aware of the many leaks this generation has.

Oil filter leaks

Differential leaks

Interior cabin leaks

 

The trans is a little funky at first (I also have a 10 OR). I now drive with ETC mode on and think the trans has adapted to me or me to it... and I only notice an odd shift every now and then. Overall it's a great truck and I'm happy with my purchase.

 

The engine/trans combo have nothing to do with long term reliability, its about the drivability or so I am told. GO test drive and see if you like it. All automatic cars shift weird to me, so I opt for manuals in all my vehicles. The only things I see not being reliable could be some of the stupid electronics. Your stuck with TSS, opt out of the Tech/Premium B.S...

 

That happens with any mode. Those 500 or so miles when it's "learning" you can be annoying, especially holding 6th up an incline. Once it gets "you" all figured out, though, it's good.

I've heard horror stories about trucks with multiple different drivers and it can't figure anyone out. Husband drives like it's his baby, wife drives it like a Mustang. The computer gets confused and just gives it the gas all the time in that case.

 

The auto is fine now. Early complaints centered around poor shifting logic, which Toyota addressed. I'm happy with the engine/tranny combo in this truck... decent fuel economy and power. ECT and sport modes help give it a little more pep when you need it, or just feel like having some fun.

They are also bulletproof from a reliability perspective. Pretty common for Toyota ATs to go 300k+ miles and still operate like the day they were purchased. Good luck!

 

It is a 3.5 and I think it should be durable. Can only remember seeing 1 guy actually blow the motor but it was do to ingesting sand or dirt from having a stupid aftermarket air filter.

 

I have a one and a half month old 2019 OR. Absolutely no issues with it, at 2300 miles. This doesn't say anything about long term reliability, obviously, but I haven't had any of the potential problems that are discussed here with new vehicles.

 

Haven't heard of any 2019s with these issues. I think most/all(?) have been resolved now.

Only widespread issues I'm aware of on the 19s are the infamous 25-15 mph deceleration vibration and rear diff howling, both of which seem to be harmonic/resonance related.

 

Appreciate the feedback. It seems like those issues were the first year or two, which is not uncommon with any car.

A little off-topic, how did you break-in the engine? Over the years I've tried it both ways - gentle and aggressive. Could just be chance, but when I broke the cars in aggressively, I had no oil consumption.