2004 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems

Filed Nov 1, 2025 · Transmission · PA

My 2004 Toyota Tacoma was part of the frame replacement back in the fall of 2018 when Bobby Rahal Toyota in Mechanicsburg, PA has by truck for over 6 months while they replaced my frame. It has been determined that my rear differential is rusted and is now to the point of needing replaced. For over the last year I have tried working with Bobby Rahal to come to and understanding on having this repaired due to the fact that my mechanic believes that this rust is in fact the same issue as the frame and should have been replaced when the frame was. All they will tell me is that the recall is closed and there is nothing they can do.  Very disappointed in the fact that this was handled when it should have been. Now I am stuck trying to figure out how to pay for this myself. I have taken very good care of my truck for over 21 years and there is no reason for me to have to pay out of pocket for something that they should have taken care of during the recall. I don't have a lift to check the underneath of my truck, I trust when there is a recall that the dealership will do its job and fix everything safely and not put an unsafe vehicle back on the road and wait until a vehicle rusts completely through. Bobby Rahal was also inspecting the truck at this time so they knew the rear differential was rusted. My current mechanic said the Rear differential has been rusted since the time they replaced the frame and and has been for many years.  It is irresponsible for Bobby Rahal Toyota to have not replaced the Rear differential axel knowing it was rusted and unsafe.Â

Filed Mar 13, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 113,000 miles · OH

Vehicle has 113,000 miles on it but is undriveable because frame is rusted through.

Filed May 23, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 190,000 miles · MI

Problem with the electronic throttle control on acceleration, the throttle drops off like I let my foot off the pedal, the dealer replaced the throttle body per customer request (me) and it fixed the problem, only to happen again several months later, this happened one time again, a total of 2 new throttle bodys were replaced, now a few years later it failed again trying to pass a car and I almost caused an accident because the throttle failed.

Filed Apr 15, 2016 · Brakes, Transmission · 60,000 miles · OH

Both rear axel seals leak gear oil onto and into the rear brake drums which substantially reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes. This condition began around the 60,000 mile mark and will continue indefinitely until the gear lube is all drained off, which then will most certainly cause severe power train damage.

Filed May 18, 2015 · Body, Transmission · 190,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the transmission rear differential was corroded and leaking transmission fluid while the local mechanic performed routine maintenance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000. Updated 7/14/15

Filed Mar 22, 2014 · Transmission · 27,000 miles · MD

Oil changed at toyota dealer, mechanic discovered rear differential leak. Took the vehicle to private mechanic and discovered the rear differential leak was caused by rust to the body. The 2004 tacoma had only 27,000 original miles which was brought new. Web search discovered 20 complaints at least on the differential rusting thru. Talking to the mechanic reveal this can be a catastrophic event on a highway with the wheels locking up causing fatalities. Toyota dealers contacted provided no help or did not return phone calls.

Filed Sep 4, 2013 · Fuel system, Transmission · 100,000 miles · TN

On several occasions my truck has completely lost power. A few times it happened while pulling into traffic resulting in me almost being hung out in a busy intersection. When I push the gas pedal, it starts to move forward, then suddenly loses power. I believe the problem is somewhere in the throttle body. I also get some hesitation when lightly hitting the accelerator at highway speeds.

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Body, Transmission · NY

My 2004 toyota tacoma was recalled in 2012. The recall letter stated that in certain states where road salt is used to manage winter driving conditions, the potential existed for premature rust/corrosion of the frame. I brought the truck in to the dealership where it was then determined that the frame should be replaced. Six months later I noticed that the rear differential housing was leaking. Why didn't the recall cover these components, which are located in the same general area and subject to the same corrosive conditions as the frame, leaf springs, control arms, etc., all of which were replaced? If the fluid drains from the housing as a result of rust/corrosion, the potential exists for the drivetrain to lock up, especially at higher speeds, resulting in an obviously dangerous situation. No real options exist to address the issue aside from replacing the differential housing, a repair that costs several thousand dollars. My complaint is that toyota chose not to cover the replacement of all parts necessary in order to insure the safe operation of the vehicle in light of the premature rust/corrosion issue, nor did they raise the issue in any way. I cannot imagine how toyota could be unaware of this condition.

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Transmission · 10 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 to 60 MPH, the fifth gear disengaged without any warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10. The current mileage was approximately 116,000. Updated 04/02/13

Filed Jan 31, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 120,732 miles · NY

Frame: I had my tacoma in for work (the clutch would not return fully to the up position) and the dealer (tj toyota, potsdam, ny) said there were holes in the frame. There was one on the left side near there sway bar and two on the right side just in front of the passenger door. The dealer called toyota and toyota said the program for undercoating the frame ended in december and they would not do anything. I bought this truck in january 2011 from the dealer (tj toyota, potsdam ny) and they did not undercoat the frame before they sold the truck to me (with 77,500 mi). I am currently fighting with toyota and because my truck cant pass inspection (which expires today) I can not legally drive my truck to work and there for cant work because I am a mechanic and work out of my truck.