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 ↗2020 Toyota Tacoma powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Tacoma | 131 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 63 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 25 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 36 |
| 2020 Tacoma (this page) | 14 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 10 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 10 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 4 |
| 2024 Tacoma | 51 |
When does it fail?
Of the 14 powertrain complaints filed for the 2020 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 ↗TT: Some 2020-2023 Manual Transmission Tacoma vehicles may exhibit an abnormal clutch pedal creak/squeak sound during operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some 2020-2023 Manual Transmission Tacoma vehicles may exhibit an abnormal clutch pedal creak/squeak sound during operation.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2020 Toyota Tacomas describe a range of powertrain problems that fall into two broad camps: transmission and drivability faults, plus startup and engine-related issues. On the transmission side, complaints center on torque converter shudder during highway cruising (confirmed by dealers but generating no fault codes), transmission lurching when shifting from reverse to drive, delayed gear engagement while the transmission "hunts" between gears at low speeds and on the interstate, and loss of power during downshifts while cornering. Several owners report unwanted acceleration at highway speed and RPM surge during normal acceleration attempts. One owner describes a throwout bearing failure at low mileage with subsequent noise and wear.
Starting and idle problems include extended crank times during warm startup with grinding or clicking noises from the starter, rough idle with tachometer dips after firing, and delayed engine start requiring prolonged key holding. One owner reported a new cylinder head needed at 48,200 miles following a check engine light. Limp mode activations (dropping to 25 mph) occur without generating diagnostic codes; shudder precedes these events. Additional faults include stalling at 79 mph without warning, rollback on hills with insufficient oil, and brake skipping with unwanted 4WD engagement. Most owners report dealership visits that either find no codes or offer no repairs, and several cite dealer refusal of warranty work despite demonstrating problems in-shop.
Same Toyota Tacoma powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Lock-Up Vibration/Shudder
Automatic transmission torque converter exhibits unwanted vibration and shudder during steady-speed cruising. No diagnostic trouble codes are generated despite confirmed dealership inspection. The symptom occurs after routine maintenance and develops without warning lights.
When: Steady cruising at 30–40 mph and moderate speeds; began after vehicle purchase (July) and routine dealer maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: vibration/shudder during steady-speed driving; affects vehicle smoothness and driver confidence; no warning lights or diagnostic codes
Hard Start with Extended Crank Time and Starter Noise
Vehicle experiences severe hesitation and prolonged cranking during warm startup. Starter makes grinding or clicking/popping noises. Rough idle and tachometer dips follow startup. Owner reports strong gasoline smell during the extended crank period. Dealership has declined warranty work despite video evidence and repeated demonstration by owner.
When: Warm startup conditions
Symptoms owners cite: extended crank time before firing; audible grinding noise from starter; single click/pop noise after start button; rough idle after starting; tachometer dips low; truck shakes as if about to stall; noticeable gasoline smell
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused warranty work despite owner providing video evidence and duplicating issue in front of dealer
Check Engine Light with Cylinder Head Issue
Vehicle threw check engine light requiring new cylinder head at 48,200 miles. Owner states dealership inspection video shows the defect. Owner reports finding a pattern of similar issues in newer Tacomas via error code history. Owner expresses concern that catastrophic engine failure could occur if driver ignores the check engine light on highway.
When: 48,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light
Codes mentioned: [REDACTED]
Repairs/costs cited: New cylinder head required
Loss of Power During Acceleration and Hesitation
Vehicle fails to respond to throttle input when accelerating from stop or entering traffic with pedal pressed hard. Truck remains stationary despite aggressive pedal application. Separate issue where RPMs increase without corresponding acceleration. Unintended engine surge and lurching occur when driver lifts foot from brake at stop.
When: Warm engine conditions; recurring over multiple years
Symptoms owners cite: no response to full throttle input when entering traffic; truck does not move despite aggressive pedal; reverse lunge when applying gas; engine revs and lurches forward without throttle input; RPMs increase without acceleration
Limp Mode Activation Without Codes
Vehicle enters limp mode (power loss, speed limited to ~25 mph) five times over three years, typically when pulling into traffic. No diagnostic codes are registered despite dealership evaluation. Truck shudders before entering limp mode. Power is restored after engine shutdown and restart. Computer system does not log the event.
When: When pulling into traffic; recurring over three years
Symptoms owners cite: loss of power, reduced to ~25 mph; truck shudders prior to limp mode; no warning lamps or messages; no codes registered by computer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership found no codes on 4/28/2023 evaluation
Rollback on Hills and Stalling
Vehicle rolls backward when accelerator is released while driving uphill. Dealership diagnosed insufficient oil causing stall. No warning light illuminated prior to failure. Issue recurred after initial dealer visit; vehicle was not repaired despite diagnosis.
When: 7,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle rolls backward when releasing accelerator on uphill; engine stalls; no warning light illuminated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no assistance
Transmission Lurching and Gear Hunting
Transmission lurches when shifting from reverse to drive; driver must apply harder brake pressure than normal. Vehicle loses power during downshift while cornering. Transmission hunts for proper gear around 35 and 43 mph on flat surfaces, downhill, and uphill; also occurs on interstate at 65–70 mph. Occurs daily since purchase in September 2020.
When: Daily since 9/11/2020 purchase date
Symptoms owners cite: lurch from reverse to drive; loss of power during downshift while accelerating around corners; hunting for gear at 35 and 43 mph on flat, downhill, and uphill surfaces; occurs at 65–70 mph on interstate
Unwanted Acceleration and RPM Surge Without Throttle Input
Vehicle accelerates on its own at highway speed, requiring hard braking to stop. Separate recurring issue where RPMs increase when attempting to accelerate but vehicle does not respond; happened five times over 1.5 years. Most severe instance prevented acceleration entirely until driver pulled over and shifted to park, then back to drive. Dealership has been unable to duplicate or fix the problem.
When: Recurring over 1.5 years; highway speeds and during acceleration attempts
Symptoms owners cite: unwanted acceleration at highway speed; RPMs increase without vehicle accelerating; inability to accelerate until shifting to park and back to drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to duplicate or fix problem despite multiple visits
Delayed Engine Start and Crank Resistance
Vehicle struggles to start using normal procedures. Ignition system delays startup, requiring abnormally prolonged key holding. If vehicle does not start within 3–5 seconds of first attempt, it will crank but not start; second attempt required. Dealership service advisor told owner this behavior is normal for late-model Tacomas.
When: At startup
Symptoms owners cite: struggles to start with normal procedures; ignition delays startup; prolonged crank required; delayed ignition on first attempt; second start attempt often required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service advisor stated this is normal for late-model Tacomas
Throwout Bearing Premature Failure
Throwout bearing failed prematurely, requiring replacement along with pressure plate due to wear. New throwout bearing subsequently developed noise and wear on the shaft it rides on. Owner reports harsh shifting and potential transmission failure risk while merging into traffic. States this is a very common problem that should be addressed as a failure point.
When: Low mileage (specific mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: premature throwout bearing failure; harsh shifting; potential failure to go into gear during traffic merge; noise and wear on throwout bearing shaft
Repairs/costs cited: New throwout bearing installed; pressure plate replaced due to wear
Stalling at Highway Speed Without Warning
Vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning while driving at 79 mph. Dealership found no cause for failure. Unknown software update was performed. Manufacturer was not notified.
When: 48,000 miles; at 79 mph
Symptoms owners cite: loss of motive power; stalling without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown software update performed
Startup Noise and Brake Skipping
Vehicle produces hissing or electric shock rattle at startup. Upon driving, vehicle lacks power and 4WD engages unintentionally. Braking causes tire skipping.
When: At startup and during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: hissing or electric shock rattle at startup; no power after starting; 4WD engages when not requested; brake skipping causing tire jump
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2020 Toyota tacoma trd off road has severe hesitation issues during warm startup. Truck cranks over fine but drags for an extended period of time before firing. There is a noticeable smell of gasoline when this happens. Sometimes the starter seems to stick and makes a loud grinding noise. Other times there is an audible single click/pop noise immediately after pushing the start button but the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 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?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 11,316 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.