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 2017 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after shutting off the vehicle with the push-button keyless ignition, the vehicle was parked inside of the garage with the garage door remaining opened and the contact exited the vehicle. When the contact came back to the garage, he noticed that the vehicle was missing as it had reversed down the driveway inadvertently while the engine was off. However, the transmission gear shifter was on the drive position. The vehicle had crashed into two trees in the woods. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a body shop and remained at the body shop, waiting for repairs to the front and rear passenger side doors, rear windshield, rear fender, and passenger side mirror. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
The Tacoma still has only 10,000 original miles. We yearly replace the oil when we have our annual vehicle inspection. The truck has been trouble since the beginning. Early on I noticed when going downhill, the automatic transmission seems to slip when applying the gas. I have taken the truck back to the dealer in Kona to be told that it is not part of the rear end differential recall some years ago. I asked them to make a notation of this should the transmission or rear end differential fail in the future. Recently, we received an informational letter from Toyota regarding something about a possible faulty high pressure fuel pump. I made an appointment at the dealer and since I was there asked them for tire rotation, oil change and annual vehicle inspection. I explained to the service writer that I still believe there is a rear end or transmission problem. …
My 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road (manual transmission) makes a constant chirping sound when the engine is running and increases chirping sound when accelerator is pressed. The chirping sound ceases when the clutch is pressed in. It's clear through research that this is a "throw out bearing" issue. Toyota dealership confirmed the same issue and replaced the throw out bearing on 6/24/26 through 7/2/26 (as covered by extended warranty). On 7/3/26, the chirping sound remains, possibly worse/louder. On 8/28/26 through 8/31/26, a different Toyota dealer changed the throw out bearing again, but added changing the entire clutch system (being clutch disc assembly, clutch cover assembly, pressure plate, fly wheel and fly wheel sub assembly). Car was picked up and still makes chirping noise. …
I have been having several intermittent issue with the automatic transmission on my 2017 Tacoma TRD off Road with 43000 miles. Among them are as follows: It fails to shift correctly (hunting for gears) on the highway and hesitates to accelerate when needed, Also the transmission sometimes has a delayed engagement when putting it into reverse or drive from a standstill. The engine will rev up like it was in neutral then abruptly catch the reverse gear causing a loud and disturbing "BANG" and even some tire spin on the pavement. I also intermittently experience a loud "CLUNK" when slowing down to a stop in traffic as if the transmission is not downshifting properly from the higher gears to the lower ones and is forced to come to an abrupt halt. The dealer has performed a software update but this has not helped. …
I was driving on the highway when my vehicle suddenly lost power. The engine light and traction control light came on, and I lost power, and the engine started sputtering. I had to pull off to the side and put on hazards. My Tacoma would only drive about 25 MPH after this happened. Based on a quick search, this is a very common problem in 3rd-generation Tacomas!
Transmission line was described by two auto mechanics (one from a Toyota dealership) as "rusted out" and "porous", "low pressure/fluid" and "needs to be fixed". I was totally unaware of the issue until I had to get my AC recharged. Note: this is a 2017 truck with 82,000 miles driven in Massachusetts. No warning lights went off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the odor of burning oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V285000 (power train). Later, while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently and three unspecified warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown component had disconnected and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered a loaner vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.
I pulled up to park the truck. After put in park the 2017 Toyota Tacoma lunged forward. This caused the vehicle to hit a brick wall. There was almost $5950.00 in damage to the truck and the airbags did not go off. I watched myself crash into the wall and could not stop the truck.
Transmission has jerky shifting and low at fluid. Purchased 4x2 automatic on feb 2017 with 20 miles on it. Within 2 days of driving it I felt the hard jerks of the transmission at the start of the day. Once it runs for more than 7 minutes the hard shifting of gears stops. I called service dept at the dealer they told me it is the adaptive transmission learning, not to worry it is normal and it will stop after 600 miles. I also noticed it is very stiff shifting from p to r and d in mornings only. At 650miles the hard shifting continued. I went to dealer and after a cursory inspection and 5 minute drive tech told me nothing is wrong. I asked him to check the atf level because many people wrote online about low atf levels causing the problems. Tech said they do not send out vehicles without proper levels of fluids and it could not be. I asked manager to make someone check. …
Vehicle was in motion trying to accelerate from a slow speed to a higher speed entering a high speed road. The truck failed to accelerate and would not go over 20 miles an hour. I had to swerve off the road to avoid an accident. The truck was towed to Toyota since its under warranty. It was diagnosed and was told I have one of several trucks out there that have this computer issue the causes this. I was told they do not have a fix for this but they could get it operating correctly but its still not fixed and May happen again. I mentioned I almost got into a car accident and I don't feel safe driving it until it is fixed. Toyota said they have to release the car to me since its operating correctly now even though the problem isn't fixed. I learned from them they have more trucks with the same problem and they are working on a solution but don't have one yet. …
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket.
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 68 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Toyota Tacoma, 28% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › differential unit (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-285 (differential unit, Apr 27, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2017 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 5,000 miles, and 87% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire 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.