The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling midsize pickup truck in the U.S. Like any other vehicle, this truck suffers from specific mechanical problems. But one of the ways Toyota maintains its fan base is by stepping up to address these issues: Here are three of the top third-generation (2016-present) Tacoma issues that your local dealer will fix for free.
Leaking differential fluid can damage axle components
When 1A Auto compiled a list of the top third-generation Toyota Tacoma problems, it listed a differential leak at the top. You may wonder what happens to some gear oil that drips onto the floor. But if you don’t address a differential fluid leak, it can end up starving your differential gears of oil. At first, your vehicle will start to vibrate, then make a chattering sound, and finally a grinding noise. This is bad news.
A gasket allows the driveshaft pinion splines to rotate inside the solid rear axle differential without any fluid escaping. On third-generation Tacomas, this gasket or the backing plate behind it can wear out prematurely.
Toyota issued a recall of certain 2016 and 2017 Tacomas to check for leaks. If these components are worn, Toyota will replace them free of charge. The NHTSA calls this recall number 17V285000, while Toyota calls it internally the Tacoma HOG recall.
Erratic engine RPM when turning the steering wheel
Some 3rd generation Tacoma owners reported that if they are sitting in their truck at idle and turn the steering wheel, the engine rpm may increase or decrease. If increased, this could make parking dangerous. If it falls, the truck could come to a complete stop.
It might look like a mechanical problem, but it’s actually just a software problem. The good news is that Toyota was able to write replacement software. If you take an affected truck to a dealer, they will upgrade it for free.
Slow or jerky automatic transmission shifts
When my colleague Nathaniel Ehringer wrote about Tacoma’s most common problems as reported by owners, a poorly shifting transmission made his list. In fact, RepairPal recorded 254 owner complaints of a faulty automatic transmission.
The experts at 1A Auto revealed that this problem usually comes down to the Tacoma’s automatic transmission shifting later than it should. But this can manifest as a “hard” or abrupt change. It can also look like a truck overriding while starting uphill or shifting into reverse and into gear. It can even be heard as random changes while the cruise control is on.
Again, this is often due to a software issue. Toyota has already created a software update and will download it for free to trucks with transmission problems. But if that doesn’t fix it, you need to calibrate the throttle position sensor or replace the shift solenoid.
Below, find out if a 100,000-mile Toyota Tacoma is really reliable, or check out 1A Auto’s review of the top issues for yourself:
