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 2007 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. While attempting to reverse, the vehicle lunged forward without warning and crashed into a wall. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000.
2007 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to sudden vibration when vehicle was at a stop. The consumer stated the vehicle would idle really low. When he turned on the ac, the idle would increase and the truck would stop vibrating. Also, if he put the vehicle in neutral, the RPM would increase and it would stop vibrating. The consumer stated he checked under the vehicle, but didn't see any visual leaks. As he proceeded to slide from under the truck, the front tire rolled over his head and chest. The truck rolled across the street and hit a street sign. The consumer stated he and a friend re-created the incident. The consumer stated when the friend touched a linkage, he saw the shifter move toward the back of the truck, staying in the slot for park. The truck then rolled while making a clicking noise. …
After a couple of months I started experiencing a loud "squeak" coming from the rear of the vehicle and a "whistle" at speeds of 65-80mph. I contacted dealer and took it in for them to troubleshoot the issues. After about 4 months of ownership along with the above mentioned problems I started noticing a heavy vibration at slow speeds. I bought new tires, front end alignment, and had tires balanced as per my dealers recommendation. Then the acceleration issues started..... I took it back to my dealership and they performed the "floor mat fix". The vibrations just kept getting worse and the constant visits to my dealer and calls to Toyota's corporate office always ending with the "that's normal for these trucks" saying. …
Vehicle infected with extreme frame rust. Motor support ; transmission and transfer case support; power steering tubing rusted holes making steering impossible. The dealership known as ramey Toyota has my truck and charging me with unnecessary charges on towing the vehicle to their facility due to a spring clip become loose allowing the vehicle's right rear wheel to sway therefore it had to be towed. Contacted Toyota authorized the tow as well as a vehicle to ride so they can replace the leaf spring. Toyota now denies they authorized these two issues and left me with holding the charges. They called the towing service and not I so therefore I am not responsible. Please note all the aggravation caused from the above and added danger from this vehicle is the rust on the frame! Please contact this dealership and get the dangers of driving this truck on the road. …
On a routine commute home, I was traveling approximately 70 MPH in the #3 lane on the freeway when I noticed I lost acceleration, but the engine would rev. It regained acceleration then went away again with a harsh sound. I was able to safely move over to the shoulder and inspected the vehicle. It would not move in any gear and upon inspection of the underside, smoke/steam was coming from the differential and it was very hot to the touch. The towing company spent an hour trying to pull it onto the flatbed due to both rear wheels being locked despite all brakes being off and the transmission being in neutral. Once it was dropped off at my residence, I removed the third member assembly. I discovered there was no fluid and the pinion gear looked ground down and there were metal flakes. …
The rear propeller shaft broke while driving on hwy 2 at 60 m.p.h. (washington state). The driveline flailed around and damaged the exhaust pipe and the metal bracket common to the fuel tank. This is a 2007 Toyota Tacoma 4wd. I found a safety recall for this exact problem NHTSA # 07V324000 that states the propeller shaft was incorrectly cast and could snap (just like this one did). I called Toyota and they said they would not cover it because my VIN did not match with this recall. The photos I am uploading shows the shaft broken off in a classic case of metal fatigue due to improper casting.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the rear drive shaft detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unknown destination but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V604000 (suspension) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 8/10/15
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, she heard a popping sound in the steering wheel. The steering wheel locked up without warning, steered the vehicle to the right where it crashed into a pole. The driver was injured with a fractured pelvis. A police report was filed. The vehicle was completely destroyed and was towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. Updated 05/05/2014 updated 05/09/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the shift interlock control unit failed while pulling into a parking space. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter ceased in park. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,287.
Moderate to severe vibration started from 5-40 MPH then vibration is still there at > 40mph but not as bad. Does not matter is hot or cold, city or highway I had tires balanced and rotated but vehicle still vibrates. TSB's from Toyota point to drive train vibrations in Tacoma models. Now, at times, the drive train squeals like a bad u-joint or hanger bearing. Dealer said they are aware but no recall. This needs a recall. Vehicle has around 147000 miles.
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline
On certain pickup trucks equipped with four wheel drive, a section of the rear propeller shaft May have been improperly cast.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear propeller shaft with a new one free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2007. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 68 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Toyota Tacoma, 13% of the model year's 541 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-324 (driveline, Jul 26, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.