OBSOLETE NOTICE April 15, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2024 Toyota Tacoma powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma have filed 51 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 →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Tacoma | 14 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 10 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 10 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 4 |
| 2024 Tacoma (this page) | 51 |
| 2025 Tacoma | 17 |
Powertrain accounts for 37% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 51 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.
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.
Some 2024 model year Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present: •P07407F – Torque Converter Clutch Actuator Stuck Off •P074571 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Actuator Stuck •P079571 – Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Actuator Stuck •P08BA71 – Pressure Control Solenoid "L" Actuator Stuck •P271371 – Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Actuator Stuck •P280771 – Pressure Control Solenoid "G" Actuator Stuck •P281671 – Pressure Control Solenoid "H" Actuator Stuck The automatic transmission assembly and torque converter need to be replaced to address this condition for Tacoma vehicles. The automatic transmissio
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗OBSOLETE NOTICE October 14, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0094-24.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2024 model year Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present: •P07407F – Torque Converter Clutch Actuator Stuck Off •P074571 – Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Actuator Stuck •P079571 – Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Actuator Stuck •P08BA71 – Pressure Control Solenoid "L" Actuator Stuck •P271371 – Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Actuator Stuck •P280771 – Pressure Control Solenoid "G" Actuator Stuck •P281671 – Pressure Control Solenoid "H" Actuator Stuck The automatic transmission assembly and torque converter need to be replaced to address this condition for Tacoma vehicles. The automatic transmissio
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2024 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present: •P07407F – Torque Converter Clutch Actuator Stuck Off •P079571 – Pressure Control Solenoid "C" Actuator Stuck •P08BA71 – Pressure Control Solenoid "L" Actuator Stuck •P271371 – Pressure Control Solenoid "D" Actuator Stuck •P280771 – Pressure Control Solenoid "G" Actuator Stuck •P281671 – Pressure Control Solenoid "H" Actuator Stuck The automatic transmission assembly and torque converter need to be replaced 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 2024 Tacomas describe a transmission that fails abruptly, often before 1,000 miles. The most common scenario: vehicle jerks or lurches during shift, then loses gears entirely—stuck in sixth, or unable to shift into second, fourth, or sixth. Some owners report transmission acting like it's in neutral at highway speeds, RPM climbing with no power, before the vehicle either lurches into gear or enters limp mode. Multiple sensor warnings typically follow: Hybrid System Malfunction, Drive Start Control malfunction, ADAS malfunction, and Engine Control System fault codes.
Metal shavings inside transmission fluid appear in several inspections, indicating internal wear or manufacturing defect. One owner reports a transmission that lost all forward gears except 1st and 2nd within 1,500 miles.
Beyond catastrophic failure, owners describe roughness: hard shifts from park to drive, shuddering when shifting from reverse to forward, delayed engagement after throttle input (coasting sensation before gear catches), and transmission slipping during acceleration.
Dealers confirm transmission must be replaced in every case, with torque converters and hybrid modules sometimes needing replacement too. Parts are severely backordered—owners wait 1 to 3+ months with no loaner vehicles. One owner facing military deployment was denied a rental. Two owners note dealers initially refused warranty coverage citing inability to replicate the issue, despite diagnostic codes showing stuck solenoids.
A separate fuel-injector issue on 2.4L turbos causes excessive fuel draining into the oil by 5,000 miles. One owner also reports a CV axle boot unclamped from the factory, allowing grease to contaminate brakes.
Same Toyota Tacoma powertrain reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shift lag, rough shifting, and neutral engagement at startup
Vehicle jerks when shifted from park into drive or reverse. During acceleration, transmission exhibits 'gear searching' with rough shifts. Downshifting occurs prematurely with feeling of engine braking. Transmission lag occurs where engine revs but vehicle does not engage (coasting sensation) before gear catches.
When: Low speed operation; present from 13–17 mph range
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking when shifting from park to drive or reverse; Rough shifting during acceleration; Early downshifting with engine braking sensation; Transmission lag with extended rev before engagement; Metal shavings found in transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and torque converter replaced; issue persisted after replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claimed inability to reproduce; field technician found performance normal compared to new units on lot
Complete transmission failure—loss of forward or reverse gears
Transmission fails to engage multiple gears or becomes stuck in single gear (commonly 6th). Vehicle shifts into neutral unexpectedly while driving. Check engine light and multiple warning codes (Drive Start Control malfunction, ADAS malfunction, Engine Control malfunction) appear. Vehicle may not shift out of 1st gear or be stuck in higher gear, making acceleration impossible.
When: Occurs within first 1,000–2,500 miles; sometimes within days of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to shift into 2nd, 4th, 6th gears or forward/reverse entirely; Vehicle stuck in single gear (often 6th); Sudden shift into neutral while driving; Check engine light; multiple sensor warnings (Hybrid System Malfunction, Drive Start Control, ADAS malfunction); Sluggish acceleration; no power response; Metal shavings in transmission fluid; Vehicle goes into limp mode
Codes mentioned: Drive Start Control System malfunction, Advanced Ultrasonic Detection and Ranging (ADAS) system malfunction, Engine Control System malfunction, Hybrid System Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; torque converter and hybrid module also replaced in some cases. Transmission unavailable; backorder delays 1–3+ months. Parts cost approximately $27,504 for transmission, torque converter, and hybrid module assembly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covers replacement; manufacturer aware of issue across fleet; no safety recall issued despite multiple complaints
4WD mode lock in 4LO with flashing indicator lights
Vehicle becomes stuck in 4LO (low gear) with 4LO/4HI indicator lights flashing continuously. Vehicle is unable to shift back to 2HI and becomes undriveable. Occurs during off-road operation and requires towing to dealership.
When: During off-road use; recurrence after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in 4LO gear; 4LO/4HI lights flashing continuously; Unable to engage 2HI; Vehicle not driveable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership retained vehicle for 10 days and identified 15 parts requiring replacement; issue recurred on next use
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; acknowledged as known Toyota problem by dealership
Transmission stuck in 6th gear and solenoid failure
Transmission becomes stuck in 6th gear, preventing downshift and limiting power delivery. Solenoid failure is root cause. Vehicle feels sluggish and underpowered, as if stuck in high gear with no engine response.
When: Can occur within 1,000 miles or at traffic stops
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in 6th gear; No downshift capability; Sluggish acceleration; Multiple sensor warnings (Hybrid System Malfunction, Engine malfunction codes); Limited power delivery
Codes mentioned: Hybrid System Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; parts on backorder with delivery estimates 4+ weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covers repair; no rental vehicle offered to customer
Transmission vibration and jerking at low to moderate speeds
Vehicle exhibits vibration and pulsing sensation at 25–45 mph. Thump and surge in drivetrain when slowing to a stop, as if a load has shifted. When starting from dead stop, engine revs with no response for a second, then clunks harshly into gear. Rough shifting occurs, especially when cold (overnight/several hours parked).
When: 30–45 mph range; cold starts; stop-and-go driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and pulsing at 30–45 mph; Thump and surge at low speeds; Rough shift into 2nd gear when cold; Delay between throttle input and gear engagement; Hard clunking shift into gear; Hard shifting when transmission warmed up
Repairs/costs cited: Tire balance attempted ($75 cost); no fix identified; dealer suggested vehicle trade-in with $10,000 deduction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed no fix available; suggested trade-in
Transmission slipping and power loss during acceleration
Transmission slips during acceleration, losing power and feeling like vehicle is in neutral. RPM flutter occurs. Vehicle unable to maintain highway speeds (68–70 mph) with sluggish response. Transmission fluid may leak.
When: During acceleration; highway driving; low-mileage operation (under 400–6,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping during acceleration; Loss of power when shifting; Feeling like neutral during acceleration; High RPM with no power response; RPM flutter; Inability to maintain highway speeds; Loud rumbling from transmission; Transmission fluid leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; defective transmission diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case number assigned for investigation; no recall issued
Transmission solenoid failure and sensor warnings
Solenoids stuck in transmission prevent proper gear engagement. Multiple sensor warnings appear on dash (Hybrid System Malfunction, Drive Start Control malfunction, ADAS malfunction) even without illuminated check engine light in some cases. Transmission diagnostics show solenoid faults but dealer refuses replacement citing inability to replicate.
When: Low mileage (under 2,000 miles typical)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle locked in single gear; Multiple sensor warning messages; Dashboard display codes indicating solenoid failure; No warning lamp in some cases
Codes mentioned: Transmission solenoid stuck (diagnostic codes show malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and torque converter replacement; some dealers refuse to proceed without replication
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known fault acknowledged; some dealers cite need for replication before authorizing repair despite diagnostic codes showing solenoid failure
Direct fuel injector malfunction causing fuel in oil
2.4L turbocharged engine has faulty direct fuel injectors spraying excessive fuel into cylinders. Fuel drains into oil reservoir, contaminating engine oil. Piston tops become dirty or washed despite low mileage. Oil changes at 1K, 5K, and 10K miles reveal issue. Check engine light and excessive engine chatter occur.
When: As early as 5,000 miles; recurring issue despite oil changes
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive fuel in engine oil; Check engine light; Excessive engine chatter; Dirty or washed piston tops; Oil contamination at regular service intervals
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (fuel/injector-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil changes required; visual inspection of pistons for fuel washdown; no permanent repair identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known Toyota engineering issue per service manager; no recall issued; dealers instructed to inspect cylinders; concern for fire risk noted by owner
CV axle boot failure allowing grease loss and brake contamination
Driver-side front CV axle boot not clamped at factory. Grease escapes into wheel well and contaminates brake components. No warning lamps or indicator lights.
When: Present from factory; detected at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Unclamped CV axle boot; Grease dispersed throughout wheel well; Grease contamination on brake components
Repairs/costs cited: Parts to repair not available; no ETA provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed issue; no parts available
Universal joint bearing failure and driveshaft damage
Universal joint bearing fails, causing driveshaft damage. Vehicle develops severe rumbling, shuddering, and becomes difficult to steer and control. Issue presents as safety hazard requiring towing.
When: New vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Rumbling and shuddering; Difficult steering and vehicle control; Driveshaft failure secondary to universal joint bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Universal joint bearing and driveshaft replacement required
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Stopping at a stop light, after coming to a complete stop, vehicle will want to slowly creep forward and you need to press a little harder on the brake pedal. If you don't pay attention, you will creep into the vehicle in front of you. I am in the transmission TSB range.
My 2024 Tacoma SR5 was stuttering and felt like the wheels are locking up when I accelerate I have to go very slow because when going anything over 30 MPH feels very unsafe and is hard to control and handle it shut off a lot of my systems like crash detection and 2-3 other ones are cut off on my dash it threw a check engine light so going to take it in to Toyota tomorrow to get it looked at I…
I bought the truck at 6 pm on [XXX] in Pennsylvania and drove straight home in Brooklyn, when trying to find a parking spot the truck started to act weird(10pm after 190 miles). The rpm was going really high with no power to the wheels and abruptly it seems to find gear and jumped off really fast a couple of times. I was driving in a residential area at low speed and was able to pull over to the…
My new 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro with 2440 miles experienced a transmission failure as I was driving up a mountain highway. I lost most propulsion of the vehicle with no advanced notice. I barely was able to make it to a portion of the road with a shoulder. There was heavy traffic due to the thanksgiving holiday traffic. The error on the Vehicle indicated Hybrid System Failure. In the…
When I was driving my new truck the transmission failed. It would not change gears forward or reverse. The RMP started ramping up in the red. Check engine light on drive start control malfunction. Advanced ultrasonic detecting and ranging system. The led screen was going hoops asking for code and updating while driving day before transmission went. Called dealer. Had the car towed. Later that…
When starting from a stop on at a stop light on a steep hill, the truck did not accelerate and started rolling backward almost hitting multiple vehicles. I was able to get it stopped but had to wait to get help to move it off the road before being able to get it moving forward again.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 51 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 51 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 2,422 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.