2017 Toyota Tacoma Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA logged 68 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma, 28% of its 239 total complaints for the year. A related recall, 17V285000, covers rear differential oil leaks. Median mileage at failure was 5,000 miles.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 68
- 28% of 239
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 5,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Transmission slips or delays shifting from reverse to drive when the truck is cold, then upshifts too quickly at very low speeds.
- Rear differential fluid leaks near the axle housing, matching the condition addressed by recall 17V285000.
- Gears fluctuate between third and fourth while driving 30-40 mph, and the transmission fails to downshift properly when climbing hills, causing RPMs to spike.
- Truck unexpectedly surges or lunges forward while parked or with the brake depressed, in some cases linked to ECM/TCM software that was later updated.
- Vehicle fails to accelerate past low speeds when merging or entering a highway, sometimes requiring the driver to swerve to avoid a collision.
- A rotational or tracking noise is heard from underneath the rear of the truck, traced by some owners to the rear differential.
When 2017 Toyota Tacoma transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 15, 2016, latest Sep 2, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma
- NHTSA 17V285000Apr 27, 2017Transmission & Powertrain227,732 vehicles
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.
Risk: If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall June 19, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0G.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Tacoma model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2017 Toyota Tacoma have transmission problems?
- NHTSA lists 68 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Tacoma, making up 28% of all complaints filed for that model year. Owners describe rough shifting, rear differential leaks, and hesitation to accelerate.
- Is there a transmission or drivetrain recall on the 2017 Toyota Tacoma?
- Yes. Recall 17V285000, reported April 27, 2017, covers 2016-2017 Tacoma trucks where oil may leak at the rear differential carrier and axle housing joint. Dealers inspect the rear differential and address leaks found.
- At what mileage do 2017 Tacoma transmission problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Tacoma is 5,000 miles.
- How does the 2017 Tacoma compare to other years for this problem area?
- The 2017 Tacoma's 28% share of complaints in this area is lower than the 2016 model's 42% share but higher than most other model years, such as 2018 at 14% and 2015 at 9%.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to 2017 Tacoma transmission complaints?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2017 Tacoma includes 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the 68 reported complaints.