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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,273 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems

transmission problem

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2006 Toyota Tacoma Owner Comments

problem #16

Sep 142010

Tacoma

  • 85,118 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated the vehicle has had problems with the cruise control. The failure began after the contact had the transmission serviced and the transmission was not refilled properly. After the service, the contact stated that the cruise control started to accelerate pass the speed that it was set with being reset by the driver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and repairs were made to the electronic control unit, which has caused the rpms to idle either excessively low or excessively high. The contact stated the vehicle will also downshift from fifth gear to second gear when driving with the cruise control set to 55 mph and above. The failure mileage was 85,118 and the current mileage was 85,557.

- Warner Springs, CA, USA

problem #15

May 202009

Tacoma

  • 75,000 miles
The incident occurred in a 2006 Toyota Tacoma double cab (automatic transmission) on dry pavement during congested evening rush-hour traffic in redmond, Washington, usa. The vehicle was coasting (decelerating) up a gentle right-bending grade to a yield sign from southbound 148th ave ne to westbound redmond way (rte 908). As the vehicle coasted to the yield sign slowing through a speed of approximately 25-30 mph, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated at full power with the tachometer needle indicating approximately 5000-6000 RPM. The driver states with utmost certainty that his foot was not in contact with the accelerator pedal immediately prior to or during the acceleration. The vehicle's cruise control was turned on but the driver states with utmost certainty that the cruise control was not set/engaged immediately prior to or during the incident. Within approximately 2 seconds of the onset of the rapid unexpected acceleration, the driver applied heavy braking and the acceleration ceased. The vehicle operated normally immediately after the application of brakes. The driver states that no subsequent unexpected accelerations have occurred since the reported incident.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #14

Jul 122009

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • 15,000 miles
I own a 2006 Toyota Tacoma prerunner double cab 4X2 V6. I bought the truck new from the dealership and have experienced four instances where after pressing the gas pedal hard, thus into overdrive, the truck either kept speeding up or did not rev back down. 1st instance - about 6 months after buying the vehicle, I was entering the freeway and needed to speed up to enter into traffic at speed. I pressed the gas pedal hard enough to boost speed. As I entered traffic, the truck just kept speeding up. After applying a light brake, I pumped the gas pedal several times and it the transmission finally engaged and geared back down. 2nd instance - while leaving the freeway @ 65 mph I slowed to 45 mph and switched lanes to the right. Then I applied gas to speed up to merge and the truck did not slow down. Again the link between the throttle and the transmission did not seem to reaction as in a normal situation. I had to merge back because the would not slow down fast enough. After 4-5 seconds the truck slowed down. 3rd instance - again entering the freeway. I applied pressure to the gas pedal to speed up enough to enter the traffic. This time the throttle opened full bore. I put the truck in neutral, lightly applied the brake, and pumped the gas pedal. After 5 seconds the truck finally revved back down. I reached a speed of over 90 mph in this instance. 4th instance - driving uphill the car automatically increased throttle with a small amount of additional pressure to the pedal, the truck surged forward, again full bore. I used the same technique and it eventually slowed. This problem is definitely not a floor mat problem. I now drive my truck very gingerly so as not to replicate the issue. I have taken the truck to two dealerships, both have not been helpful or have recognized the problem. Saying that "your truck is not on the recall list we see here, call this Toyota number." I know that others with the same model have this problem.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #13

Jun 162006

Tacoma

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma with 43,800 miles on it. I have taken the Tacoma in to valley high Toyota in victorville numerous times for a terrible braking problem that they are now recognizing on the prius. The truck does not stop when driving over any uneven surface. When we went to valley high Toyota we were told that it is ABS brakes trying not to lock up. In fact, the brakes don't work at all in this situation which could lead to a very serious accident. Furthermore, there seems to be a problem with the motor mounts as well. In 2007 we took the truck in for its first motor mount problem, it seems that both motor mounts were stretched beyond repair and had to be replaced. We thought the problem was over, but in Nov. 2009 the driver side motor mount snapped completely through. The truck has never been driven roughly and this should not have happened. I researched this problem and found that there were new designs put into place on the 2007 Tacoma models. The mechanic working on the truck said he could tell the truck had not been driven hard and stated that he had seen this happen before. We have also noticed that since the first motor mount problem the transmission has been shifting extremely rough. We've asked valley high Toyota about the transmission several times and they have said there's nothing wrong with it. Our warranty is almost up and I'm worried we could have a transmission failure within the next several months. My daughter drives this truck, and I no longer feel it's safe for her to drive. I am very concerned about these problems and the fact that our local Toyota dealer won't do anything about the brakes or the transmission, we are fortunate that the motor mounts did not cause the engine to fall out of the truck, causing serious damage to the vehicle and injury to my daughter and anyone else.

- Victorville, CA, USA

problem #12

May 152009

Tacoma

  • 22,000 miles
2006 Toyota Tacoma regularly surges forward when at full stop with brakes applied. This happens unpredictably and whether A/C is on or not. It is not idle speed increase associated with compressor turn on, and causes the vehicle to move forward- no other vehicle that I have had has done this. This is very likely a software issue with the ECU and needs to be addressed in this manner. Your previous investigation may not have been designed to find a software defect, which by nature, can be intermittent and difficult to find. Research into the code is required. (I am an engineer involved in aviation software- these abnormalities must be properly researched.)

- Ridgecrest, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 162008

Tacoma

  • 45,000 miles
Rear axle seals continue to leak after being repaired by the dealer twice.

- Saskatoon, 00, USA

problem #10

Sep 182007

Tacoma

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2006 double cab Tacoma trd off road tends to lunge forward as I am coming to a stop. It has never caused me to wreck but it could some day. It seems to be a transmission issue with the deceleration or something.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #9

Aug 122008

Tacoma

  • 11,000 miles
My 2006 4 door 4X4 Toyota Tacoma has an unintended acceleration problem. The first incident: I was driving down the ramp of a parking garage when the Tacoma suddenly started accelerating out of control. My foot was covering the brake when the acceleration began and when I put hard pressure on the brakes the truck was still accelerating. Nothing slowed it down, I was slamming through the (automatic) gears desperately trying to stop the truck. I had to go over walk ways and curbs to avoid pedestrians and cement barriers. I finally came to a stop against a Lincoln town car. The second incident (yesterday) I was driving through an intersection when the truck suddenly felt like it was floored and took off. I was slamming the brakes and going through the auto gears and it continued for about 30 seconds until it came to a stop. I am very disappointed to read that Toyota is denying this issue. Peoples lives are at stake and the problem really does exist according to the 423 complaints. I have always loved Toyota trucks but I am sad to say this one is going to have to go. What if the Toyota Tacoma kills someone next time this happens" I wish someone could do something about this...how many accidents will it take"

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #8

Jul 142007

Tacoma 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,445 miles
When stopping the vehicle sometimes once stopped the truck will lurch forward for no reason. The truck feels as though it is going to get away from me. This has happened several times and no one seems to be able to help.

- Stanhope, NJ, USA

problem #7

Jul 242007

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles
As many many many others have experienced, I just purchased a used 2006 Tacoma about 3 weeks ago and he lurching at red lights with the ac on is dangerous. I never know when the truck is going to go too far and strike the vehicle in front of me at the stop light. Also, the erratic shifting, mainly between 4th and 5th gear worries me of early transmission failure. The excessive acceleration on cruise control is ridiculous!!! there is no need for the aggressive down shifting to gain 2 mph. Right now I am concerned with the quality of the product and it's ability to last it's expected life span.

- Youngtown, AZ, USA

problem #6

Jul 042007

Tacoma 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 13,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When driving between 50-60 mph a noise and vibration appears as documented by many others and as being reported by the dealership and Toyota as being a normal characteristic of a Tacoma 6 speed truck. When using the A/C unit after waiting 24 hours or longer a loud noise upon engaging the unit can be heard. Toyota and the dealership explain this is normal operation, and the warranty does not cover it. Numerous other owners report experience this also. 3 6 speed transmission is clunky (noisy) and makes loud noises when engaging and disengaging the clutch. Also stated by Toyota and the dealership as normal, and reported by many owners from day one of ownership. Difficulty and failure to engage or low as well as the rr diff lock, also failure to disengage unless the vehicle is turned off. Reported by Toyota and dealership as normal due to non-use and requires a break in period. Owners report this from day one to as much as 40K miles. My vehcile has 12K and it performs as others and as I have described. Toyota and the dealership claim this is normal operation as designed. Steering pulls to the left even after alignment, and tire balance and rotation. Numerous painted areas have missing paint due to it lifts off the vehicle revealing the metal surface below without impact or damage as if it was poorly applied. Vehicle mpg averages 10-12 city and 10-15 highway way below listed and documented ranges.

- Fountain Hills, AZ, USA

problem #5

Jan 022007

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
2006 Toyota Tacoma, many times when stopped at a red light I too have experience the "lurching". I will have my foot on the brake and for some reason the engine goes to a higher idle and the break is no longer adequate to keep the truck stopped and so it jumps/lurches ahead. Pressing harder on the brake is the answer to this issue. I also at times feel like the trusk does not want to stop...when coasting to a red light the truck kinda wants to keep going. I too thought I was being pick but now that I have read these other posts I'm going to take this vehicke back to the dealership and demand a fix..

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #4

Sep 272006

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles
I have an '06 Toyota Tacoma that "lurches" when at a stop but still in drive. After a few seconds from coming to a stop, the vehicle idles higher and if the brakes are not depressed to the floor the vehicle will move forward.

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #3

May 252006

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200 miles
Rear-end whines between 50 & 65 mph, going up grade. (auto trans.reg. Cab, 2.7 engine) I took it to my Toyota dealer and they told me it was road noise. Well I know the difference between road noise & a mechanical noise. I just want this to go on record. Thank you.

- Dolan Springs, AZ, USA

problem #2

Sep 102006

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles
Erratic, sometimes dangerous transmission shifting while using the cruise control.

- Tempe, AZ, USA

problem #1

Nov 182005

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
The contact states when starting the vehicle in the morning the idle was high. It took approximately one to one and a half miles of driving for the idle to return to normal. The accelerator pedal stuck. When shifting from fourth gear to fifth without foot on the accelerator the vehicle accelerated on its own. She stated that fourth gear could not be used. The vehicle must be shifted from third gear to fifth gear. The vehicle has been to the dealership twice, and they stated the computer was learning. The manufacturer was contacted, and they agreed with the dealership. Therefore, no repairs have been made. Updated 01/25/06

- Leona Valley, CA, USA

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