Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving and all of the sudden I felt a vibration when I let off the gas...I checked under and saw that the drive shaft/yoke was separated a little, so I decided not to drive it anymore and to disassemble it and found out that the lock nut is missing and more likely it came off. I've noticed that no sign that the lock been staked to lock in position (picture attached)...this is a near miss and could possibly there are more like this on the road that could lead to a very serious accident if this comes off while running in high speed. I bought this car in 2005 brand new, and I know for sure that this never been work on...I am a mechanic myself so I does the Maintenace to all my cars...I just want to make the company aware to prevent any possible serious accident...I owe 5 Toyota cars and I know one of the best and safest vehicle.
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. …
When the vehicle had around 112,000 miles on it the check engine light came on and it experienced irregularities with regard to shifting. The code was ran and the shift solenoid was the issue. A new transmission was recommended. We were not informed of this when we purchased the vehicle second hand. Approximately a year later the same thing happened with the shifting and the check engine light coming on. Unfortunately by the time we took it to a certified Toyota dealer the light was off and it was running smoothly. The inconsistency of the issue is frustrating because we don't know the actual issue and if the vehicle can be trusted. The certified dealer recommends a costly transmission replacement without being able to verify the issue.
Dt*: the contact stated when accelerating in 1st gear at 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled on 9 occasions. At other times, the shifter would not go into reverse. There was a clunking noise when shifting occurred that became constant as the problem worsened. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer but the problem was not corrected. An appointment was scheduled with another service dealer. The fuel warning light was not activated at the proper volume of fuel. These problems happened shortly after the carpeting was replaced due to water leaking through the firewall. The manufacturer was notified. The consumer stated the vehicle jumped out of park and into reverse. On numerous occasions the truck stalled. Updated 12/18/06.
I took my truck to malloy Toyota for frame inspection regarding the limited service campaign eod- frame rust recall. Dealer informed me there was rust, but no perforations. They recommended coating the frame with compounds. I feel that my truck May not have perforations, but it is just a matter of time before the frame becomes perforated, resulting in a dangerous / unsafe vehicle. Putting the compunds on the frame is a quick band-aid and does not fix the problem. This frame will become unsafe, it is just a matter of time. This will not only potentially jeopardize the safety of my family / occupants in the vehicle, but also the others that share the road with my truck.
Excessive corrosion and rusted through frame that is unable to support weight of vehicle. Had a brake line bust due to being rusted or corroded out. Also suspension shows excessive rust and corrosion. Cooling lines corroded. Power steering lines corroded. Transmission lines corroded. Any metal line is that's attached to this vehicle are corroded. And all brackets and hardware attached to frame and even the metal pulleys all excessively corroded.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 30 to 70 MPH, the drive train vibrated uncontrollably, and the seat and steering wheel also vibrated. The manufacturer was notified. The dealer replaced the tires, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
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. …
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. …
While driving on I-95 south of jacksonville florida in my 2006 Toyota Tacoma I was forced to accelerate rapidly to avoid an accident. The vehicle kept accelerating until I doing almost a 100 MPH weaving through traffic until I could get into the right hand lane and shut the engine off. Once stopped the first thing I checked was the floor mat as I had a problem with previous vehicle causing the accelerator to stick but the floor mat was no where near the accelerator pedal. I restarted the vehicle but it just revved wide open so I turned it back off and called arlington Toyota. I was advised to call a wrecker as they said they had not experienced this issue before. They had it for three days but could not find any problems as it run perfectly when off loaded off the wrecker. I was advised to install mat retaining pins. …
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, 7% of the model year's 782 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.