Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Twice I have had to replace the rear axel seals due to them leaking. When I had the rear axel seals replaced I have also had to replace the rear brakes due to the oil getting on the brakes. I discovered where the seals were all but gone when I had my tires replaced. I was told that I did not have any rear brakes due to so much oil leaking on the brakes. I live in the mountains of nc and I would have lost my brakes if I was hauling anything down the mountains.
Clutch pedal bracket on Toyota t 100 went through fire wall while driving. Could not get truck in our out of gear. Looked on net and found many have had this same problem. Contacted dealer no recall and no help with pricing to repair truck. Safety concern about not being able to get vehicle out of gear!
Additional information regarding claim no. 10451047. In reviewing claim I realized the safety issues not fully covered. A serious incident occurred while using this vehicle. While bringing bagged leaves to town recycling area, a bag fell from the truck. My son and I stopped in the road to retrieve the debris behind the truck. While retrieving the debris the vehicle began backing up and almost struck us. I had to run to the drivers door and enter the moving vehicle to apply the brake to prevent a crash. It became apparent that when placed in park the shifter May in fact be in reverse. This allows the vehicle to move unexpectedly. Unfortunately this can not be easily repaired as failure of the frame was identified as the cause for loss of the shifter support. …
Vehicle developed fuel leak discovered during inspection due to severe corrosion. Toyota failed to make repairs despite being covered by a federal emissions warranty enhancement. Severe rust of frame identified. Now shifter not working due to further corrosion. Letters to Toyota have been fruitless. Internet full of similar problems with these vehicles. Similar age tundra and tachomas recalled for the same problem. The t-100's are a serious threat to public safety and problem should be addressed by NHTSA as Toyota is not taking appropriate actions despite numerous complaints.
The firewall on my 1996 Toyota T100 has cracked where the master clutch cylinder attaches. I am unable to get the truck into gear. Approximately 80,000 miles. Many other people have reported this problem as well yet Toyota refuses to accept responsibility.
First the clutch pedal bracket bolt fell out whle stopping at an intersection. After pushing the vehicle across three lanes of traffic I put the bolt back in and proceeded to my destination. The clutch did not seem to work correctly thereafter. I took it to an independent Toyota maintenance shop and had they adjusted the clutch pedal. Things appeared to work OK after that for about a month. Then the bolt started backing out again, so I observed the lock washer was no longer functioning as designed and replaced the lock washer. Things seemed OK for about another month, and then I heard popping and squeaking when I depressed the clutch pedal. On further inspection, I found the clutch pedal bracket to be cracked at the firewall. Toyota customer service refuses to admit they have a safety design problem and have no service bulletins on the issue.
This bracket could only fail from defect in design or manufacture. It is the pivot point for the clutch pedal so if it breaks you cannot shift gears but will remain in gear and not be able to go to neutral. It is my opinion that the manufacturer should replace this part if it ever fails as in this case it is a failure in design. I have never seen the equivalent part fail in any vehicle regardless of mileage or abuse. The Toyota dealer stocks this item so failure can't be all that rare. This component is most likely used in Toyota tundra pickups also. The dealer also stocks the bracket of similar function for the brake pedal! Once more a part that should never fail. The probability of damage from an accident to this component would be small due to it's location mounted to the vehicle firewall and under the dash. …
The firewall flexes when I push in the clutch pedal making the truck difficult to shift. Additionally, the start switch on the clutch pedal bracket doesn't engage with the application of normal pressure to the clutch pedal making it necessary for me to reach under the dash to start the engine. This is hazardous, because it requires I override a safety switch manually in order to start my vehicle. Approximately 1.5 years ago, I had to replace a clutch and master cylinder caused by this poorly designed and supported clutch pedal. My firewall on the engine side of the clutch pedal is cracked and does not adequately support my clutch pedal bracket.
NHTSA investigations
Clutch pedal bracket/firewall
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota T100 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (26), 1995 (22) and 1997 (18) model years. Transmission complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Toyota T100 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Toyota T100 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Toyota T100 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles; 5% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the clutch assembly › pedal/hand lever(motorcycle) (22 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (19).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.