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 2008 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Bought my 08'Toyota Tacoma used 10/21/19. Not knowing about the rust problem these seemed to have. It had 174000 miles on it, and so far I am first having to get a new oil pan, (rust hole) it is about a 7+ hour job because the cross member can not be removed . Cost will be about $800.00, while waiting for that to happen the rear axle (differential) started to leak. Another rust hole...the differential is one piece, no removable cover. Now I'm in for a used one and add labor it will be some around $1200.00 to $1500.00 to fix...what gives, this is way over the top for a 11 year old truck! I got rid of my 2000 Ford ranger with when I bough it had 200,000 miles on it. At 206,000 when I got rid of it, no leaks anywhere, the body was rusted out but this ny. This should have been a recall problem long ago and I asking why it wasn't. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 55 MPH the rear differential locked and the vehicle veered to the left and crashed into a ditch. During the crash the left rear wheel came off along with the axle and brakes. The contact was dazed from the crash and passerby notified 911. The contact sustained injuries to the entire right side of his body and was taken to the hospital. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The dealer was informed of the crash and advised the contact that a representative would inspect the vehicle to determine if the damage was covered by the warranty. The inspection has not determined if the vehicle was destroyed or not. The failure mileage was 16,700.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact smelled a fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, when the clutch was shifted, a burning odor emitted inside the vehicle without warning. In addition, the contact mentioned that the clutch failed to switch gears intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle operating as designed, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
While operating this vehicle on my property in 4wd the transfer case became stuck in 4wd. It still is stuck in 4wd and won't return to 2wd as it should. I've been forced to remove the front driveshaft (no easy task) to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the front differential. After reading numerous forums relating to this subject I've determined that this is a common occurrence with this model transfer case.
Part inside differential broke and punched hole in differential case. Differential could have locked up at high speed. I was lucky to discover that oil was leaking from the differential before an accident happened. Truck had less than 18,000 miles on odometer.
My 2008 Toyota Tacoma accelerates on its own without warning when driving normal speeds. This happened twice in the last week. Both times the accelerator pedal was not blocked or impeded. When I subsequently shifted to neutral, the first time the engine returned to normal, the second time the engine raced to redline so I turned off the ignition. Thereafter, I started the engine and it raced to redline, so I shut it down. The second time I started it, the engine returned to normal. The first time the problem happened, I think that had been using cruise control earlier in the 45 minute drive. The second time, cruise control had never been turned on or engaged and the problem occurred in the first 2/10 of a mile into my drive. The pedal did not get stuck after I had pressed it all the way down. In both cases, I was driving a constant 35-45 MPH when the truck took off on me. …
I have a 2008 Toyota Tacoma and it has vibration at different speeds, I have carried it to 2 Toyota dealerships and they both say they don't feel it, well they are lying because it is very noticeable. Every time I drive it , it vibrates. It does not feel like a tire vibration, more like a drive shaft vibration . As of now nothing has been done to correct this problem and it is getting a little worse everytime I drive it. I am very disappointed in Toyota for not trying to help me. I carried it to dave edwards Toyota in spartanburg,s.c. And Toyota of greer s.c. The same day of September 22,2008. I bought the truck in August 2, 2008. Why can I not get it fixed by Toyota? And now they are coming out saying the 2010 is on recall for vibration, it does not make any sense. I would hate to hire an attorney to clear this up but if you cannot get me any satisfaction I might not have any choice. …
Several Toyota models, including my 2008 Tacoma experience premature front wheel bearing and hub failures. Incidences have been reported for these models as far back as 2002 and the issue has not been resolved by Toyota. The failure in my vehicle was caught before becoming catastrophic, but as you might imagine, a front wheel bearing failure at high speed can be a devastating accident. This first failure on my vehicle was resolved at my expense in excess $800, but internet reports suggest this repair is not a fix. It is probable that this will occur again as Toyota has not fixed the problem, but is making repairs at the consumers cost. Please have Toyota stand behind their engineering failures.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was idling at a complete stop, the rpms increased rapidly. The contact was not depressing the accelerator pedal at the time. The vehicle acted as if it was going to lunge forward. He took the vehicle to the dealer at least four times and they stated that the manner in which the vehicle was driven caused the surges and increased rpms. The failure still persists. The failure mileage was less than 100 and current mileage was 4,515. Updated 4/6/09 the consumer stated the vehicle would suddenly surge on its own. Even when he shifted gears the truck would make a loud noise as well. Updated 06/09/09. Updated 03/19/10.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle has a 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicles RPM levels increased although the vehicle was not in gear. When the vehicle speed was 70 MPH and the contact shifted into 5th gear, the vehicle accelerated to 95 MPH without him pressing on the gas pedal. The failure mileage was 15. The current mileage was 26,000. Updated 03/30/10 the consumer stated the vehicle has an electrical problem and the vehicle doesn't go back to idle in between gears; especially between 4th and 5th gear. And a slight to moderate down hill the RPM's don't go to idle. Updated 08/18/10
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, 5% of the model year's 449 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 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 2008 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.