The vehicle was being operated in 4-wheel-drive, mode 4H, and when turning to the left at low speed, there was a grinding noise from the front of the vehicle and it would not proceed. The vehicle had to be put back in 2-wheel-drive, mode 2H, put in reverse, backed up a short distance, and then put back in drive, and then it was able to proceed. This is likely the CV joint issue reported in other…
2025 Toyota Tacoma powertrain problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 4 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2025 Tacoma is subject to a power train recall (25V656000) due to significant transmission issues including harsh shifting, slipping, and overheating warnings that are affecting safety. Repair parts remain unavailable months after recall notification, leaving owners without resolution and some vehicles stranded at dealerships.
Owners of the 2025 Tacoma report transmission issues starting early in the vehicle's life. The most common complaint is harsh, clunky shifts—particularly from park to reverse and from 2nd to 3rd gear. One owner described it as a loud clunk "like a bowling ball falling out of the transmission" when coming to a stop. Another reported the transmission slips during acceleration from idle, creating safety concerns during merging and passing.
A separate issue emerged: transmission overheating warnings during normal highway driving without towing or extra load, which the dealership claims is normal but the owner found unacceptable and unsafe.
An owner towing a 2,500-pound trailer discovered that when the engine is turned off and restarted, the vehicle does not exit tow/haul mode—and there's no warning it's still active. This caused unexpected reduced acceleration during a highway merge, creating a real safety hazard.
One owner reported grinding from the front end when turning left in 4-wheel-drive mode at low speed, likely a CV joint issue.
Most telling: Toyota issued NHTSA Campaign 25V656000 for power train problems, but as of October 2025, repair parts remain unavailable. Multiple owners have reported the recall was supposed to be completed by November 2025, then pushed to Q1 2026, with no resolution. Some vehicles have sat at dealerships for weeks waiting for parts.
Same Toyota Tacoma powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Harsh transmission shifts and slipping
Transmission shifts harshly between gears (especially 2nd to 3rd), slips during acceleration from idle, and engages roughly when shifting from park to reverse. One owner reported a loud clunk feeling like a bowling ball falling out when coming to a stop. Low transmission fluid was found in at least one case and topped off, but the harsh shifting persisted.
When: Began at 5,000–1,500 miles; occurs intermittently when shifting gears or accelerating from idle
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh shift from park to reverse; Harsh shift from 2nd to 3rd gear; Slipping acceleration when vehicle is idle; Loud clunk when stopping; Rough transmission engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid was topped off at dealership; harsh shifting continued despite fluid level correction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 25V656000 (Power Train recall issued; parts unavailable as of October 2025)
Transmission overheating warning
Transmission overheating warning light appeared during freeway driving with no towing or unusual load. Light came on twice during normal highway operation. Dealership attributed it to harsh acceleration but owner reports no unusual driving. Light disappeared after pulling over to cool the vehicle.
When: At 1,500 miles; occurred during normal freeway operation
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheating warning light; Transmission overheating during normal highway driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership indicated this is normal operation
Tow/haul mode retention after key-off
When engine is turned off and restarted, vehicle does not automatically reset tow/haul mode setting. This led to unexpected reduced acceleration on a highway merge after stopping at a rest area, creating a safety hazard. No warning or indicator that the mode remained active.
When: Occurred during towing with 2,500 lb trailer; happened after engine restart
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle remained in tow/haul mode after ignition cycle; No warning when mode remained active; Unexpected reduced acceleration after engine restart
Front-end grinding in 4-wheel-drive with left turn
Vehicle made grinding noise from the front when turning left at low speed while in 4H (4-wheel-drive mode) and would not proceed. Issue resolved by switching to 2H, backing up, and returning to drive. Likely CV joint issue per owner. Dealer notified.
When: Condition encountered during low-speed left turn in 4H mode
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from front of vehicle; Vehicle would not proceed when turning left in 4H mode; Issue resolved by switching to 2H and reversing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer notified; vehicle to be taken in for service
Jerking on downshift while going uphill
Single incident of jerking motion when downshifting on a small incline. Occurred four times during uphill travel. No repeat issues reported since the incident on March 22, 2025.
When: March 22, 2025; early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking when downshifting on incline
Recall 25V656000 — delayed repair parts availability
Multiple owners received NHTSA Campaign 25V656000 (Power Train) recall notification, but repair parts were unavailable as of October 2025 and beyond. Owners report manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall resolution. Some vehicles left at dealerships since October awaiting parts. One owner notes Toyota has not handled the recall in a timely manner, with original November 2025 deadline missed and pushed to Q1 2026.
When: Recall issued approximately six months prior to owner complaints; as of October 2025, parts still unavailable
Symptoms owners cite: Recall issued but parts unavailable for repair; Extended delay in recall completion
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 25V656000
Repairs/costs cited: Parts unavailable; vehicles awaiting repair at dealerships
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V656000 (Power Train); manufacturer opened buyback case for at least one vehicle; recall delayed past original November 2025 timeline
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I purchased a 2025 Toyota Tacoma from Carver Toyota of Columbus, IN, 47280 brand new with only 15 miles. I also purchased the 100,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty that covers third party parts. After driving the vehicle for 5,000 miles, I noticed problems with Transmission or the Powertrain…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2025 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 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2025/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.