2020 Toyota Tacoma Power Train

The concern involves the automatic transmission torque converter, specifically torque-converter lock-up behavior. The issue presents as a vibration/shudder during steady-speed driving. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. The vibration/shudder occurs during steady cruising at moderate speeds, which affects vehicle smoothness and driver confidence. While no accident occurred, the behavior is unexpected and distracting and could impact safe vehicle operation, particularly during highway driving or when maintaining steady speed in traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The concern has been reported to and evaluated by a Toyota dealership. Diagnostic checks did not produce fault codes, but the symptoms are consistent with torque-converter lock-up issues that occur without triggering warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a Toyota dealership service department. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, as no accident or collision occurred. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights or messages were displayed. The primary symptom was a noticeable vibration/shudder during steady-speed driving, which began after the vehicle was purchased in July and after routine dealer-performed maintenance. The condition developed without advance warning indicators.

Throwout bearing premature failure. Saftey was put at risk with harsh shifting and potential transmission failure while merging into traffic due to not going into gear. Was brought to a shop to install a new TOB and had to replace my pressure plate as well due to wear. TOB is now doing something similar causing noises due to wear on the shaft it rides on. This is a very very common problem and should be addressed as a failure point especially for what little milage is on the truck.

While driving my Tacoma truck it has gone into "limp mode" (looses power and you can get but about 25mph) when I have pulled out into traffic 5 times over the last 3 years. I took it to a Toyota dealership on 4/28/2023 for evaluation but no codes where found to indicate a problem. When the truck goes into limp mode I pull over and cut the engine off. I immediately turn the engine back on and the truck operates normally. I know this is a protective system but if you are pulling out into traffic and the truck goes into limp mode for no good reason, it could result in an accident. In addition, the trucks computer system is not registering the event. I haven't noticed any warning lamps, messages prior to the failure. I did notice that the truck shuck prior to going into limp mode.

WITH THE TRUCK WARMED UP: PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR TO ENTER TRAFFIC THE TRUCK JUST SAT THERE AND DID NOT MOVE THIS HAPPENED TWICE. THE ONLY WAY THE TRUCK WOULD MOVE WAS TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL SLOW AND ENTER THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AT REDUCED SPEED. WITH THE TRUCK WARMED UP: PUTTING THE TRUCK IN REVERSE AND PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL THE TRUCK DID NOTHING. TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL WHILE STILL IN REVERSE THE TRUCK LUNGED BACKWARDS. I HAD TO STOP THE TRUCK WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE TRUCK LUNGED BACKWARDS IN REVERSE TWICE WHILE GIVING IT GAS. WITH THE TRUCK WARMED UP: STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO MOVE FORWARD AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND LUNGED FORWARD I HAD TO STOP THE TRUCK WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE BECAUSE IT WAS MOVING SO FAST AND I WAS NOT PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL.