2018 Toyota Tacoma: Power Train complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma that list the power train component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11626240 (filed 11/19/2024): “I have had below issue at 57000 miles on my tacoma. i was told by the dealer that i am not under the warranty, and coporate that there is no recall for my truck by search vin, but its clear im experiencing the same issues as below and seeing other videos on youtube experiencing the same issue, so it…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11496942 (filed 12/11/2022): “When i go to accelerate at low speed my vehicle shudders shakes and vibrates, no engine lights or codes have popped up, the issue is somewhere from transmission to the rear end. im guessing transmission or torque converter. with my vehicle only having 136,000 miles and is well taken care of this is …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11492242 (filed 11/04/2022): “2018 2wd tacoma. auto transmission. ever since new and even today, when traveling 30-40 mph and slowing to anywhere from 10-25 mph, and then trying to accelerate, the engine and/or transmission stumbles/hesitates for at least a full second, and then the engine races higher and a hard transmission do…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .