TSB: Some 2005 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit a squeak or creak noise from the clutch pedal when it is depressed or released.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Toyota Tacoma powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 6,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Tacoma | 9 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 131 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 63 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 25 |
| 2019 Tacoma (this page) | 36 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 14 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 10 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 10 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 36 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 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 36 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: Some 2019 ? 2023 model year Tacoma Double Cab vehicles may exhibit a whine noise from the rear of the vehicle. This condition may occur while driving around 50 mph (80 kph) at constant speed, slight acceleration, or slight deceleration. This condition may be caused by rear differential vibration transferring through the chassis and body
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2016 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission (6AT) may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) typically between 30 ? 10 mph. This vibration is felt in the seat, floorboard, and/or steering wheel. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: If you see this condition, please create a TAS case and contact TAS for instruction prior to diagnosing or repairing of the vehicle. If it is a weekend or holiday, continue with diagnosis and repair. Please save all parts and/or details and contact TAS on the next available workday.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Water intrusion to the ADD actuator is currently being investigated as a cause of 4WD inoperative complaints. P17A0 and P17A4 DTCs may set for this condition but not always
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Powertrain complaints on 2019 Tacomas cluster around three main areas: transmission behavior, brake/driveline vibration, and engine responsiveness.
Transmission troubles dominate. Multiple owners report the transmission lurches, jerks, and surges without reason—especially on cold starts and when shifting into or out of Park or Reverse. Some vehicles stall suddenly with a "High Transmission Temp Warning" at extremely low mileage (under 300 miles), with brakes and shifting becoming unresponsive until restart. One owner had a catastrophic seal failure at 236 miles requiring full replacement. Owners also describe the transmission hunting for gears, failing to downshift promptly, and the torque converter locking up during braking, creating hard pulsing and shuddering down to a stop. Adaptive cruise control is alleged to slam brakes or floor the throttle without cause.
Vibration is persistent. Braking between 40 and 10 mph produces noticeable shuddering; some report the same during light cruising. The rear differential whines loudly at highway speeds (50–60 mph), and multiple owners had rear axles replaced only to find the noise returning.
Engine and fuel concerns. Owners report hesitation when accelerating from a stop (1–2 second delay), jerking at low speeds, and poor performance on inclines. One owner tied symptoms to the 2019 fuel pump recall, noting ragged running and struggling uphill.
Across complaints, dealerships consistently dismiss issues as "normal" or "as designed" and often cannot replicate problems during service, leaving owners without repairs and feeling unsafe.
Same Toyota Tacoma powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Cold-start RPM surge and unintended acceleration
RPM surges between 800–1200 shortly after cold start, in Park or immediately after shifting to Drive/Reverse. Causes unintended lurching and forward movement without driver pressing gas, creating collision risk. Occurs only occasionally but with enough force to require emergency braking.
When: Cold starts, within minutes of engine start or immediately after cold soak
Symptoms owners cite: RPM surge to 800–1200 after cold start; Unintended forward lurch when shifting to Drive or Reverse; Surge happens with foot off accelerator; Unsafe acceleration requiring emergency braking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to replicate during service visits; Toyota states 'no repair available at this time' and claims behavior is 'normal'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota acknowledges surging but claims no repair available; states operating as normal
Transmission seal failure and fluid leak
Manufacturer seal failed on transmission, causing massive fluid leak visible at 236 miles on brand-new truck. Complete transmission replacement required. No warning lights illuminated before failure.
When: 236 miles, early in vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: RPM gauge jumping rapidly during highway driving; Loss of power and sudden lurching; Large pools of transmission fluid leaking from undercarriage; No warning lights or check engine light before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Entire transmission replaced under warranty; dealership confirmed failed manufacturer seal; transmission fluid pooled under vehicle and leaked extensively onto tow truck
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed warranty transmission replacement; vehicle should not have passed QA/QC
High transmission temperature warning and stalling
Vehicle stalls without warning and displays 'High Transmission Temp Warning' at low mileage (less than 300 miles and under 12 blocks). Transmission becomes locked, brakes fail to function, and vehicle immobilized. Problem cannot be replicated by dealership during extended testing. Owners report feeling unsafe after event.
When: Very low mileage (under 300 miles reported); occurs during routine driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stall without warning; 'High Transmission Temp Warning' message displayed; Transmission locked, will not shift; Brake function impaired; Vehicle immobilized until restart; No check engine light or other warnings before event
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to replicate problem; owners report seeing issue in Tacoma and Tundra forums spanning 5+ years; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to replicate and make no repairs; owners suspect Toyota is aware but keeping quiet
Cold-start lurching and RPM hunting in Park and Reverse
Transmission lurches and jerks with RPM fluctuating 500–1000, especially in Reverse with steady brake pressure. Creates unsafe backward movement when stationary. Dealership confirms tech observed lurching but dismisses as 'normal.'
When: Cold starts and shortly after; primarily in Reverse gear
Symptoms owners cite: Lurching and jerking with foot on brake; RPM fluctuation between 500–1000; Unintended backward movement while stopped; Most prominent in Reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership tech confirmed lurching observed; owner suspects software issue between throttle control and onboard computer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims 'normal' behavior; owner opened claim with Toyota Care
Transmission torque converter locking/disengagement issues
Torque converter remains locked or does not disengage properly during deceleration and braking, causing hard pulsing, hard shuddering stops, jerking, and transmission hunting for correct gear. Most evident when vehicle slows to a stop; behavior stops when transmission is put in Neutral during braking.
When: During deceleration and braking from 40+ mph down to stop; present at low mileage (400–4700 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard pulsing when slowing to a stop; Shuddering during braking; Transmission hunting and struggling to find correct gear; Jerking during acceleration and speed maintenance; Vibration when accelerating through 40 mph; No vibration when transmission in Neutral during braking; Whistling sound from rear during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Owners suspect torque converter does not disengage; smooth braking only in Neutral; dealership evaluation pending in some cases; Toyota claims 'normal' in others
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota claims 'normal' operation; dealerships unable or unwilling to address
Downshift lag and transmission 'lugging'
Transmission does not downshift promptly when slowing from higher speeds (50–60 mph) to lower speeds (30–40 mph). Vehicle stays in 5th or 6th gear too long, engine 'lugs' with missing/hesitation before downshift. Requires manual shift in Sport mode to avoid problem.
When: Occurs shortly after purchase; present from early operation
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed downshift when decelerating; Stays in high gear (5th/6th) too long at lower speeds; Engine 'lugging' with missing/hesitation; Forced to use Sport mode and manual shift to circumvent; Incorrect shift points programmed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects transmission shift points set incorrectly or torque converter stays locked too long; forced to manually shift to avoid damage risk
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Corporate non-responsive to complaint
Adaptive cruise control malfunctions (brake slamming and acceleration surges)
Adaptive cruise control slams on brakes when it detects an oncoming vehicle in the opposing lane, not in owner's path, at highway speeds. Also floors throttle to 5,000 RPM to recover speed. Causes dangerous speed drops (20 mph) and sudden acceleration while cruise control hunting for programmed speed.
When: While operating adaptive cruise control on highway at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden brake engagement when oncoming traffic in opposite lane; Throttle floors to ~5,000 RPM without driver input; Cruise control speed drops 20 mph suddenly; Erratic acceleration and speed hunting; Driveshaft vibration at 44–45 mph and in certain RPM ranges; Engine gets stuck in certain RPM ranges (e.g., 3,000 RPM at 55 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Franklin Toyota dismisses driveshaft vibration as 'characteristic of truck'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims vibration and behavior are 'normal' or 'as designed'
Hesitant and jerky acceleration
Acceleration is hesitant and jerky. When at a complete stop, turning, or driving straight, pushing the gas pedal results in 1–2 second delay before truck moves. Owner reports unsafe feeling in vehicle.
When: At stops, turns, and during straight driving; present at low mileage (200 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when accelerating from stop; 2-second delay before vehicle moves after pressing gas; Jerky acceleration; Occurs at stops, during turns, and while driving straight
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership blamed traction control and claimed mechanics could not replicate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership deflected to traction control; stated no mechanical issue found
Brake vibration and shuddering
Vehicle vibrates and shudders when braking, especially between 40 mph down to 10–15 mph; also during cruising between 25–45 mph. Occurs from day one of ownership. Dealership initially found nothing wrong, then replaced front brake rotors and pads, then rear axles, citing bent rear axles. Issue persists or worsens with multiple repairs.
When: From day one of ownership; during braking deceleration and light cruising
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and shuddering when braking 40–10 mph; Shuddering while cruising 25–45 mph; Vibration during light braking and deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Front brake rotors shaved and pads sanded; rear axles replaced (bent); issue persists. Owners report Toyota has been aware of problem for several years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership made multiple repairs (rotor shaving, pad sanding, axle replacement); issue not fully resolved
Rear axle noise and rattling
Rubbing or rattling noise from rear axles at low speeds. A TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) exists for defective rear axles on SR5 and lower trims, but not for TRD trims. Owner with TRD Off-Road has had axles replaced twice with continued noise; third axle on order. Dealership mechanics state it takes approximately 6 new axles to fully resolve issue.
When: Low-speed driving; present early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing or rattling noise from rear axles; Noise most prominent at low speeds; Noise from undercarriage when driving over bumps in Neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Two axle replacements completed; third axle ordered; dealership states typically 6 axles needed to resolve. TSB-0186-12 R2 related to bad axles, but applies only to SR5 and lower
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB exists but limited to SR5/lower trims; multiple axle replacements under warranty
Rear differential whine and howl
Loud whining or howling noise from rear differential during driving, most notably between 50–60 mph and during cruising at 40–50 mph. Noise sometimes heard during deceleration. Issue documented in previous model years and remains unfixed in 2019.
When: During highway driving at 40–60 mph cruise speeds and deceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whine from rear differential; Most prominent at 50–60 mph; Howling during cruising 40–50 mph; Noise sometimes during deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Issue noted as occurring in previous model years; not fixed in 2019 model
Manual transmission clutch pedal creaking
Clutch pedal makes loud creaking noise upon release in 6-speed manual transmission. Once truck is warm and driven, creaking occurs across full length of pedal motion with every clutch press. Previous model years affected; covered by TSB.
When: Upon release after engine warms up and truck driven; every clutch engagement
Symptoms owners cite: Loud creaking noise from clutch pedal upon release; Creaking across full length of pedal motion; Creaking with every clutch press after engine warm-up
Repairs/costs cited: Previous years had this issue; covered by T-SB-0186-12 R2
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered by TSB-0186-12 R2
Manual transmission rattling in Neutral at low speed
Rattling noise from transmission when rolling at low speed in Neutral. Noise intensifies when rolling over speed bumps in Neutral.
When: Rolling at low speeds in Neutral; most notable over bumps
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from transmission in Neutral; Noise intensifies over speed bumps
Fuel pump failure and stalling at highway speed
Faulty fuel pump can cause vehicle stall at high speed with no warning. Safety concern with potential for serious injury or death. Recall initiated November 2019, but parts remain unavailable months later and dealerships unable to provide definitive repair timelines.
When: Highway driving; recall initiated November 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stall at highway speed; No warning signs before stall
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty fuel pump requires replacement; parts not available as of complaint date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall initiated October 2019; dealership cannot provide consistent or definitive repair response; parts not available
Engine surge and power loss at highway speed
Engine surges with RPM gauge jumping rapidly while vehicle loses power and speed, lurching abruptly multiple times during highway driving. No check engine light or warning signals appear.
When: Highway driving at 236 miles on brand-new truck
Symptoms owners cite: RPM gauge jumping rapidly; Sudden power loss and speed loss; Multiple abrupt lurches; No warning lights before event
Repairs/costs cited: Later determined to be caused by failed transmission seal and massive fluid leak
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission replacement performed under warranty
Hesitation and jerking at low speeds (20–5 mph)
Occasional jerking at lower speeds between 20–5 mph. Some reports include random clicking sound during braking.
When: Low-speed driving and braking
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking at speeds 20–5 mph; Random clicking sound on brake
Brake system failure with multiple warning lights
Multiple warning lights illuminated simultaneously: Brake Malfunction light, Engine light, Traction Control Off light. Vehicle lost power, could only move 1 mile per hour. Brake Malfunction message indicated 'brake override.' Vehicle immobilized and required immediate dealership service.
When: During routine driving to UPS
Symptoms owners cite: Brake Malfunction light; Engine light; Traction Control Off light; Complete power loss; Severe speed restriction (1 mph max); Brake override message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner drove vehicle 100 feet to dealership for emergency service
Cooling system component failure (coolant bypass joint)
Coolant bypass joint made of inferior plastic material failed and leaked coolant at 44,000 miles. Same part in Lexus 3.5L V6 engines uses aluminum construction. Widespread failure since 2016 model years; Toyota refuses design or material change or warranty repair.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak from bypass joint; Inferior plastic material prone to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Part number 16356-31051; requires replacement; Toyota refuses warranty repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota refuses to change design, material, or repair under warranty despite widespread 2016+ failure
Engine head and valve failure
Full cylinder head replacement and valve work required at 60,000 miles; repair estimate $8,000.
When: 60,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Full replacement of cylinder 1 head and valves; estimated repair cost $8,000
Post-service vehicle vibration and shaking
After routine maintenance including tire rotation, vehicle began shaking, jerking, and shuddering. Owner feels unsafe driving vehicle.
When: Immediately after service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking and jerking; Shuddering; Vehicle acting 'off'
Repairs/costs cited: Issue occurred after tire rotation and maintenance
Engine performance issues (struggles uphill, surging, poor fuel economy)
Engine struggles to climb any hill regardless of size; engine jumps with irregular power delivery ('heartbeat' feeling); horrendous fuel economy. Potentially related to fuel pump or fuel system issues noted in recalls.
When: Routine driving, especially uphill
Symptoms owners cite: Struggling on hills of any size; Engine jumping/irregular power delivery ('heartbeat' sensation); Extremely poor fuel economy; Ragged/weird running condition
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects related to fuel pump recall (2019 fuel pump recall for fires/stalling)
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Clutch pedal makes a fairly loud creaking noise upon release in the 6 speed manual trim. Once the truck is warmed up and has been driven a little, while shifting gears and releasing the clutch, the pedal creaks the full length of motion from bottom to top every single press of the pedal. Previous years have had this issue and it is covered by t-sb-0186-12 r2.
My vehicle (VIN# [xxx]) has not had safety recall addressed by my local dealership. The recall was initiated on 28 october 2020. The local dealership has had more than a month to make a plan to fix the problem and has responded to my request by stating that parts are not yet available and feel I should continue to operate my vehicle in its current state. Information redacted pursuant to the…
Driving to the ups brake malfunction light came, engine light came on, traction control off light on, vehicle lost power, able to only move 1 mile an hour, brake malfunction light also said brake override, advise bring to dealer . Luckily I was a hundred feet away from the Toyota dealer when this happened living in a small town. Turn on my hazard lights and drove into Toyota dealership.
This tacoma sr5 is brand new, about 4700 miles on it so far. Noticing a lot of hesitation between the 35-60 MPH. After weeks of taking the vehicle back to savannah Toyota, its the torque converter. The vehicle has slow pick up and hard acceleration from a stop to position. Toyota says it's normal, but several other owners are having the same problem. I have attached the service order to the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 2,000 and 11,170 miles, with the median around 6,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 2,000; a quarter make it past 11,170. 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/2019/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.