2017 Toyota Tacoma power train problems

“My 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road (manual transmission) makes a constant chirping sound when the engine is running and increases chirping sound when accelerator is pressed. The chirping sound ceases when the clutch is pressed in. It's clear through research that this is a "throw out bearing" issue. Toyota dealership confirmed the same issue and replaced the throw out bearing on 6/24/26 through 7/2/26 (as covered by extended warranty). On 7/3/26, the chirping sound remains, possibly worse/louder. On 8/28/26 through 8/31/26, a different Toyota dealer changed the throw out bearing again, but added changing the entire clutch system (being clutch disc assembly, clutch cover assembly, pressure plate, fly wheel and fly wheel sub assembly). Car was picked up and still makes chirping noise. Research of this issue notes: Quill Wear: The aluminum snout (quill) the bearing slides on can groove and wear down over time; and Toyota TSB: Dealerships previously addressed this under technical service bulletins with updated OEM replacement parts, though the noise can sometimes return if the core design interaction isn't changed. This is a design flaw, using an aluminum snout/quill…”

“I was driving on the highway when my vehicle suddenly lost power. The engine light and traction control light came on, and I lost power, and the engine started sputtering. I had to pull off to the side and put on hazards. My Tacoma would only drive about 25 MPH after this happened. Based on a quick search, this is a very common problem in 3rd-generation Tacomas!”

“The Tacoma still has only 10,000 original miles. We yearly replace the oil when we have our annual vehicle inspection. The truck has been trouble since the beginning. Early on I noticed when going downhill, the automatic transmission seems to slip when applying the gas. I have taken the truck back to the dealer in Kona to be told that it is not part of the rear end differential recall some years ago. I asked them to make a notation of this should the transmission or rear end differential fail in the future. Recently, we received an informational letter from Toyota regarding something about a possible faulty high pressure fuel pump. I made an appointment at the dealer and since I was there asked them for tire rotation, oil change and annual vehicle inspection. I explained to the service writer that I still believe there is a rear end or transmission problem. At first, she said, the recall was never done and later said it was done. More importantly, I have been smelling gasoline when I exit the truck although I see no visible fuel on the ground. I believe that this is related to the fuel pump issue which I received the letter from you. I was told several hours…”

“Transmission line was described by two auto mechanics (one from a Toyota dealership) as “rusted out” and “porous”, “low pressure/fluid” and “needs to be fixed”. I was totally unaware of the issue until I had to get my AC recharged. Note: this is a 2017 truck with 82,000 miles driven in Massachusetts. No warning lights went off.”

“The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after shutting off the vehicle with the push-button keyless ignition, the vehicle was parked inside of the garage with the garage door remaining opened and the contact exited the vehicle. When the contact came back to the garage, he noticed that the vehicle was missing as it had reversed down the driveway inadvertently while the engine was off. However, the transmission gear shifter was on the drive position. The vehicle had crashed into two trees in the woods. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a body shop and remained at the body shop, waiting for repairs to the front and rear passenger side doors, rear windshield, rear fender, and passenger side mirror. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.”

“I have been having several intermittent issue with the automatic transmission on my 2017 Tacoma TRD off Road with 43000 miles. Among them are as follows: It fails to shift correctly (hunting for gears) on the highway and hesitates to accelerate when needed, Also the transmission sometimes has a delayed engagement when putting it into reverse or drive from a standstill. The engine will rev up like it was in neutral then abruptly catch the reverse gear causing a loud and disturbing “BANG” and even some tire spin on the pavement. I also intermittently experience a loud “CLUNK” when slowing down to a stop in traffic as if the transmission is not downshifting properly from the higher gears to the lower ones and is forced to come to an abrupt halt. The dealer has performed a software update but this has not helped. The dealer also cannot replicate these problems because the issues are intermittent. I understand that a lot of 3’rd generation Tacoma owners are experiencing the same exact issues but it seems that Toyota is not issuing a recall for some reason. I believe this is a potential safety hazard and should be addressed.”