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 2009 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the transmission suddenly disengaged causing the vehicle to stall. The contact turned off the vehicle and noticed that transmission fluid was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission line had rusted through causing the transmission failure. The transmission line was replaced; however, the forward gears remained inoperable. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
ODI #11516361 I bought this 2009 Toyota Tacoma with 20,990 miles on it on 11/22/2019. Then the pandemic hit the USA and the truck sat for many months. Then in April 2023 I brought the truck in for repairs and the mechanic told me the frame was rusted real bad and that the recall was past the deadline. I brought it to Toyota of Watertown Dealership on 4/07/2023 with 33,348 miles on it and they said there was nothing they could do because the truck was over the 12 years of manufacturing recall date. My truck was manufactured on 8/20/2009, so my recall ended on 8/20/2021. I owned the truck for 19 months during the recall and I never received a recall notice from Toyota. If I had known I would have had it inspected before the 12 years were up and Toyota would have been responsible for the rusted out frame. Toyota is negligent and liable for not informing me of the recall. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the brakes did not work. The brake pedal went to the floorboard momentarily and then started working again. In addition, the service engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician cleaned the brakes and stated that there was no brake failure. On another occasion, while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shifted from regular gear into four wheel drive on its own. Also, the traction control indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to joel confer Toyota [phone], located at 120 clinton ave, state college, pa 16803) where the technician added transmission fluid and removed a metal piece that broke off the fuel tank cover. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. …
I have exactly the same problem with read leaf springs as everybody else- the rear is sagging and and the front end is starting to rise(excessive tire wear) my truck has 66,000 miles and it only carries a 210lb vintage dirtbike 5 or 6 times a year. Do people have to start dying like GM's ignition switch before someone in the federal govt gets off their rear end and actually does their job? Also spiral cable recall that could damage driver's airbag(cob (c1b) I have paperwork from Toyota and dealer stating the recall and now they are denying that one exists or ever existed. Also, when transmission shifts at low speeds(usually downshifting, clunk is heard in drive shaft) too much lash in rearend or junk u-joints. I have an aas in automotive technolgy and over 105 credits in automotive engineering . I'm not just blowing smoke. …
Driveshaft and universal joint problem. Toyota has issued a "warranty enhancement - zh2" for this problem, but it should be a full recall, as the condition can lead to sudden driveshaft failure, loss of vehicle control, and death. The problem appears to also extend to the center bearing and possibly the driveshaft itself, as I took my truck in for service under warranty, and still have vibration issues even after the warrantied parts (and center support bearing at significant extra cost) were replaced. This vibration begins around 40 MPH and increases through 60 MPH. I am concerned that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and May sustain a sudden driveshaft failure from improper remediation of this issue under the zh2 campaign.
As soon as I came to a stop at an intersection, with my foot on the brake pedal, I noticed and felt a thump coming from underneath and towards the rear of the vehicle. It does not do it every time but this has happened several times already... Updated 09/30/15 updated 11/01/2017
After coming to a stop at a traffic light or stop sign, it feels like a "thud" under the vehicle and/or getting hit from behind. I noticed this on a rare occasion starting about a year ago, but it seems to now happen more often than not.
Have 2009 Toyota Tacoma trd sport pckg. Truck that I bought in February. When slowing down to turn onto another street, once I turn and press the gas pedal to accelerate, the engine revs and the transmission takes about 2-3 seconds to shift gears. Happens 5-6 times a week, whether engine is cold or hot. Serious safety hazard, as this has happened when making a u-turn in traffic with cars approaching. Two different Toyota mechanics told me the tranny is computer operated and needs to learn my driving habits. Told me it will take at least 5,000 miles for the computer to learn my driving habits and for transmission to adjust. I have over 3700 miles now and tranny still seems weird. Still slipping when slowing down and then accelerating onto another street. …
I purchased a new Toyota Tacoma sr5 pickup 8/27/09. Immediately I noticed a problem when I slowed down at speed bumps and to turn corners and then started to accelerate. The vehicle would hesitate then surge forward. I can stop the hesitation somewhat by very lightly pressing the accelerator after I slow down and then slowly accelerating. If I forget to very lightly accelerate, the vehicle will surge forward following the hesitation. One time this surge as I turned a corner almost took me into oncoming traffic. I attempted to resolve the issue with service representatives locally who told me the transmission was operating normally. I filed a complaint with Toyota, was given a case number and was told by their complaint center that it was Toyota's position that the transmission is operating normally. …
Shortly after purchase, I noticed that the truck nudges or slightly moves while at a stop, brake on and engine running. When brake is released it nudges again. I am unable to determine if this is a transmission issue or a brake issue. I have taken to Toyota on number of times. Nothing done. One comment from Toyota online was this is the characteristic of that year transmission. Funny, it did not do this when purchased. Now I cant sell it because of this problem. It seems to be getting worse, but no assistance from Toyota. Another find online from others was that this is a drive line wrap. Something to do with the drive shaft while under load. The truck runs great and I do not experience any issues with the shifting or drive-ability of the transmission while moving. New tires were installed last month and the problem seemed to diminish. It is now back to the same pattern...at every stop. …
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma, 14% of the model year's 519 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (44 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 13 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 2,000 miles, and 80% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.