My transmission isn't working properly. It doesn't shift when it should or it downshifts when it shouldn't. When I am using cruise control it's stays in low gears way to long and reeves the engine very high. Once I take it off cruise control it gets better but still isn't right. This has happened since I purchased the vehicle in 2018.
2018 Toyota Tacoma powertrain problems
moderate 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 25 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2018 Tacoma has widespread, documented powertrain problems including transmission hesitation at cruise speeds, unpredictable acceleration delay, and stalling. Multiple owners report dealerships calling these defects "normal," but Toyota's own service technicians have confirmed the issues are genuine defects; many owners say the truck is unsafe to drive or tow. Investigate pre-purchase diagnostics carefully and check for software updates, as dealers won't always apply available fixes.
Owners of 2018 Tacomas report persistent transmission and engine control problems across both automatic and manual models. Throttle response is unreliable—drivers describe a 1–2 second delay between pedal press and acceleration, followed by aggressive revving and hard shifts. This happens especially when coasting at 15–25 mph and creates genuine safety hazards when merging or passing.
The automatic transmission hunts for gears constantly and holds inappropriate gears for extended periods. It downshifts abruptly to 4th when crossing bridges or hitting wind gusts, and stays locked in 5th or 6th gear at highway speeds, refusing to upshift smoothly. Some vehicles stumble or feel like they're misfiring under throttle; owners describe the sensation as if the engine will stall while towing.
Transmission shudder is nearly constant between 35–60 mph, especially at light throttle in 5th or 6th gear. Multiple dealerships have confirmed these issues but claim they're "normal characteristics." One service manager tested a 2019 Tacoma and found the same shudder, yet Toyota closed the case. Manual transmission owners report cold-weather clutch engagement failure and hesitation at low RPMs that dealers refuse to service without a bulletin.
Several owners report limp-mode engagement with violent jolting, stalling during stop-and-go traffic, and rollback when accelerating uphill. Toyota has released software updates (TSB 0062-18, 0058-18, 0125-18) but refuses to apply them to manual transmission vehicles, leaving those owners stuck. Online forums have 145+ pages of similar complaints, and some owners have resorted to self-flashing the computer to fix the defects.
Same Toyota Tacoma powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle delay and acceleration hesitation
Significant delay (1-2 seconds) between pedal press and engine response, especially at 15-25 mph during coasting. When response does occur, engine revs aggressively and vehicle overcompensates with hard shifts rather than gradual acceleration. One report of complete loss of throttle response (dead pedal) requiring re-engagement.
When: Early mileage (4,000 miles reported); affects some vehicles from day one and others around 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Delay from throttle input to acceleration response; Aggressive rev and hard shift after delay period; Overcompensation behavior post-acceleration; Intermittent dead pedal (no response to throttle input)
Repairs/costs cited: Software flash update (TSB 0062-18, 0058-18, 0125-18) improved throttle response post-update but did not eliminate gear hunting or acceleration delay in reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software flash via TSB 0062-18, 0058-18, 0125-18 released to address known issues; however, Toyota declined to provide software fix for manual transmission vehicles despite similar complaints
Transmission hunting and improper gear selection
Transmission struggles to select correct gear; transmission constantly hunts between gears, especially at highway speeds and light throttle. Vehicle holds inappropriate gears (5th or 6th at 55+ mph on flat road) for extended periods, then shifts unexpectedly. Abrupt downshifts to 4th gear triggered by wind gusts, inclines, or bridge overpasses with no driver input.
When: Occurs from early ownership onwards; constant during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Constant gear hunting and confusion about correct gear; Holds 5th-6th gear indefinitely at 55+ mph on flat surface; Abrupt downshift to 4th gear from wind or incline without driver input; Downshifts when they shouldn't occur; Poor gear selection during cruise control use
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate; no confirmed repair available; powertrain re-flash attempted with no improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota acknowledges this is a known issue affecting multiple model years; TSB 0062-18 and 0058-18 address transmission logic; some owners resorted to self-flashing to address the defect
Engine stumble, misfire, and power loss under throttle
Engine feels as if misfiring or not running on all cylinders when moderate to heavy throttle is applied, particularly during acceleration from stop or slow speeds. Heavy delay in throttle response. Hesitation and stumbling occur across temperature ranges and engine loads. In severe cases, feels like ignition was turned off at highway speed then back on.
When: Occurs from new; reported at 4,000+ miles; affects both cold-start and normal operating temps
Symptoms owners cite: Stumbling and hesitation during heavy throttle; Engine runs rough at idle; Shudders as if losing power; Feels like misfiring on all cylinders under acceleration; Severe misses feel like engine shutdown/restart at speed
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits unable to replicate; no parts replacement noted in complaints; powertrain re-flash and fuel pump recall completed without improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota dealerships claim this is a 'typical characteristic' of the vehicle; multiple owners refused to accept this diagnosis; acknowledged defect by senior tech at one dealership; Toyota refuses to service manual transmission vehicles despite similar complaints
Transmission shudder and vibration in cruise ranges
Transmission shudders and hesitates constantly between 35-60 mph, most noticeable in 5th-6th gear at light throttle and low RPMs. Vibration occurs during downshift before coming to a full stop. Persistent across multiple test drives and model years (2018 and 2019 v6 tested).
When: Reported at 20,000+ miles; constant occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Constant shudder between 35-60 mph; Hesitation especially in 5th-6th gear; Vibration during downshift before stop; More severe misses 4-5 times per 20,000 miles; Vibration starts around 2,000 miles in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Three dealership assessments; powertrain re-flash completed; fuel pump recall completed; no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota North America service manager rode with owner, confirmed shudder and missing, tested 2019 V6 with identical symptoms; final determination that this is an acceptable vehicle characteristic with no remedy available
Stalling and throttle cut during low-speed acceleration
Engine stalls intermittently during heavy stop-and-go traffic, particularly when accelerating from 10-15 mph, stopping, then attempting to accelerate again. Stalling also occurs when slowing for turns. Behavior mimics traction control intervention but dashboard indicator does not light. Stall lasts 1-2 seconds then vehicle operates normally.
When: Reported at 57,000+ miles and at 30 days of ownership (Dec 2019-Jan 2020)
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent engine stalls during acceleration; Occurs in stop-and-go traffic pattern; Stalls when slowing for turns; No traction control warning light illumination; Vehicle behavior appears throttle-cut
Repairs/costs cited: Two separate dealerships unable to replicate; no error codes found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships report no codes and no required service; placed on service list for monitoring
Limp mode engagement and transmission lock
Vehicle enters limp mode unexpectedly during driving, restricting transmission to 3rd or 4th gear. Stop Control Malfunction warning illuminates along with traction control and check engine light. Vehicle jolts violently forward at the moment of engagement. Multiple occurrences per vehicle.
When: Multiple occurrences (8 times reported in one ownership period)
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jolt forward; Stop Control Malfunction warning; Check engine light illumination; Traction control warning; Transmission limited to 3rd-4th gear only
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in complaints
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota refusing to cover repairs under powertrain warranty
Cold engine clutch engagement failure (manual transmission)
Clutch pedal stays depressed at the floor in cold weather (below 20°F), preventing proper gear engagement. Creates dangerous driving condition where operator cannot predict when or if clutch will engage.
When: Cold weather operation (below 20°F)
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal remains at floor when depressed; Unpredictable clutch engagement; Dangerous inability to control vehicle during traffic merging
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refuses to service without Toyota service bulletin
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No service bulletin issued for this condition
Cold-start hesitation and stalling (automatic transmission)
When engine is cold or transmission is cold, or during very hot weather (85-95°F), vehicle stalls and stumbles during acceleration regardless of pedal smoothness or aggressiveness. Transmission downshifts to 4th gear unprompted while cruising 55-65 mph on flat roads. Constant gear hunting.
When: Cold engine/transmission startup and high ambient temperature operation
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling during cold-weather acceleration; Stumbling during cold operation; Unprompted downshift to 4th during cruise; Constant gear hunting; Occurs at normal operating temperature despite cold start
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits unable to replicate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota states 4-cylinder models are less common on road; claims engineering will not investigate; dismisses as normal performance
Throttle response deficiency and hesitation at varied speeds
Poor throttle response under normal operation; hesitation and jerking at mid-range speeds (30s, 40s, 65 mph). Transmission jerks, delays, and staggers at specific speeds. Cruise control stays in low gears too long, revving engine excessively. Issue persists even after cruise control is disengaged.
When: Starts around 8,000 miles; constant and reproducible throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and staggering at 30-40, 40-50, and 65 mph; Throttle response delay; Transmission doesn't shift until 4,000 RPMs when towing; Hard jerking after hesitation period; Cruise control holds low gears and revs excessively
Repairs/costs cited: Eight dealership assessments or repairs; no resolution achieved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service manager acknowledges this happens in some but not all 2018 Tacomas; issue classified as safety concern by owner
Brake-to-gas transition rollback and neutral engagement
When moving from brake to accelerator on an incline, transmission appears to go into neutral momentarily, causing vehicle to roll backward before re-engaging. Dealership acknowledges problem affects multiple vehicles with no fix available. Creates hazard in mountain driving and off-road situations.
When: Occurs during hill starts
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission appears to shift to neutral on hill start; Vehicle rolls backward when transitioning from brake to gas; Delay before transmission re-engages
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership acknowledges multiple vehicles with same issue; no fix available; monitoring list created
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service technician confirms all 2018 Tacomas exhibit this behavior with no remedy; reports seeing 4 additional vehicles with same issue in single week
Engine skip and hesitation under load
Random skip or hesitation that feels like engine misfire, especially noticeable when hauling loads uphill. Senior technician confirmed the defect exists on 2018 V6 Tacomas. Dangerous when towing trailers over 5,000 pounds on grades where vehicle feels like it will stall.
When: Occurs during highway driving, particularly when hauling loads
Symptoms owners cite: Random engine skip or hesitation; Feels like misfire; Feels like engine will stall when towing; Most noticeable under load on hills
Repairs/costs cited: Senior technician acknowledged defect and contacted Toyota
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota acknowledged this is a defect on 2018 V6 Tacomas
Manual transmission low-RPM hesitation and poor downshift response
6-speed manual V6 exhibits hesitations and bucking when applying throttle in lower RPM range (1,000-2,000 RPM). Poor throttle response when downshifting to slow and turn; requires nearly 3/4 throttle to achieve necessary RPM for rev-matching. Creates jerky ride and apparent strain on drivetrain. Clutch pedal squeaks on warmer days.
When: Constant during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitations and bucking at 1,000-2,000 RPM throttle input; Poor throttle response during downshift; Requires excessive (3/4) throttle for rev-matching; Jerky passenger experience; Clutch pedal squeak on warm days
Repairs/costs cited: No dealer fix available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No remedy available
Wiring harness rodent damage and power loss
Rodents ate through wiring harness (soy-based coating on newer vehicles) causing sudden loss of power and shaking while driving. Vehicle stalled after fuel pump recall work, towed back to dealership where wiring damage was discovered. Dealership recommended rodent deterrent but no permanent fix for vulnerable wiring coating.
When: Occurred shortly after fuel pump recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power and shaking at 20 mph; Engine stall; Dangerous potential if occurs at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required; rodent deterrent recommended as preventive measure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response noted; dealership recommended owner deter rodents from vehicle
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
My 2018 Toyota tacoma pick up truck while driving especially on the highway has a skip or hesitation that randomly happens it's like a misfire in the engine it's much more noticeable when I haul my camping trailer up hills took it to the dealer a number of times in the last time the senior tech took it for a drive and acknowledged that there was an issue as l had explained the report says he…
While driving under various speeds the truck will violently jolt forward. A stop control malfunction warning appears, the traction control, and the check engine light will illuminate. The truck will immediately enter limp mode which will not allow the truck to shift above 3/4th gear. This issue has occurred 8 times since the vehicle has been purchased and Toyota is refusing to cover the repairs…
Vehicle surges between 40-50mph, vehicle he a 4 sod automatic with 2 electronic overdrives, monroney label stated 6spd automatic. Vehicle sticks in it last gear 4th sometimes lock in 1st od rpms are high, mileage is 4 MPG less than listed. Vehicle stutters, doesn't accelerate well when transmission locks
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,000 and 28,000 miles, with the median around 8,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 28,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Toyota/Tacoma.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.