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Toyota Tacoma shudder problems

44 of the 8,489 owner complaints about the Toyota Tacoma describe shudder or vibration when accelerating, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
44
worst model year
2018
typical mileage
18,000
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    2
  • 2024
    2
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2020
    4
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    5
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    2
  • 2013
    3
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    4
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    2
  • 2005
    3
  • 2004
    2
  • 2002
    2
  • 2000
    1
  • 1996
    1

What owners say

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 40,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered, stalled, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure occurred on several occasions. The check engine and the active traction control warning lights were illuminated, with several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and the contact used a diagnostic tool to retrieve DTC: P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure was too Low). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the octane fuel or spark plugs might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Engine · 19,600 miles · UT

The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the vehicle experienced the same issue. Again and was returned to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed with a turbo mud and water found inside the air intake, water is covering the filter and there was no additional repairs that could be completed so the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 19,600.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NM

I am having same issue as the incident i found here 12/06/2025, LISTED UNDER COMPLAINTS-I live in Rio Rancho NM- Concern it involves the automatic transmission torque converter specifically torque-converter lock-up behavior, The issue presents as a vibration/shudder during steady -speed driving , we are driving around 30-40 miles per hour when it happens, The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. The vibration/shudder occurs during steady cruising at moderate speeds which affects vehicle smoothness and driver confidence, while no accident has occurred yet, the behavior is unexpected and distracting and could impact safe vehicle operation, particularly during highway driving or when maintaining steady speed in traffic, I Took it to my Toyota dealer a few months ago they said they could not find any issues, I am taking it again tomorrow and now I CAN SHOW THEM THAT I FOUND THE SAME ISSUE UNDER COMPLAINTS, I NEED TO TOYOTA TO FIX MY ISSUE ASAP,

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Transmission · NC

The concern involves the automatic transmission torque converter, specifically torque-converter lock-up behavior. The issue presents as a vibration/shudder during steady-speed driving. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. The vibration/shudder occurs during steady cruising at moderate speeds, which affects vehicle smoothness and driver confidence. While no accident occurred, the behavior is unexpected and distracting and could impact safe vehicle operation, particularly during highway driving or when maintaining steady speed in traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The concern has been reported to and evaluated by a Toyota dealership. Diagnostic checks did not produce fault codes, but the symptoms are consistent with torque-converter lock-up issues that occur without triggering warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a Toyota dealership service department. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, as no accident or collision occurred. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights or messages were displayed. The primary symptom was a noticeable vibration/shudder during steady-speed driving, which began after the vehicle was purchased in July and after routine dealer-performed maintenance. The condition developed without advance warning indicators.

Filed Nov 26, 2025 · Suspension · WA

I was driving to work when after running across a minor pothole I heard a clunking sound. It turns out it's the top cap for the front coil-over Bilstein shocks had broken allowing the shaft and the bump stop to protrude through the upper mounting plate. The coil did its job of keeping the vehicle suspended, but the shock piston has no ability to alleviate any stresses put upon the coil. Dealer states that because there was an outside contribution, i.e. a pothole, which had been driven around and over many times before, wasn't warrantable. There was no more than standard bump and sway than when driving around as usual. There was no shudder as though I was going too fast for the defect in the road. I dont know if there was pre existing stress damage from a recent collision(opposite corner of truck) or if the was a defect with the part. The top cap is made out of aluminum rather than steel, which I find disturbing after learning this is not the first to have broken. This vehicle has only been off pavement in gravel driveways and parking lots. I hope you can investigate this thoroughly.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Tires · 20,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma equipped with Toyo Tires, Tire Line: Open Country HT, Tire Size: 265/70/R16, DOT Number: CXLJA881918. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to Walmart for the tires to be balanced and the wheels rotated. The mechanic informed the contact that the service could not be performed because the front tires were out of round, the tires belts were separated, and the tire beads were fractured. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tire warranties were not transferable from the previous owner. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 144,549. The tires failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 16, 2025 · Transmission · MN

The morning my transmission failed... I started the truck and put it in R, at which point the entire truck shuddered for several seconds. At this point many, many warning messages appeared on the instrument cluster screen as well as the infotainment screen - and the truck would not move in Reverse. After moving the shifter into P and back to R, the truck backed out of the driveway. When the truck was shifted to D - nothing happened. The truck was shifted back to R and then back to D at which point the truck moved forward but would not shift out of 1st gear. Placed truck back in P and then back to D two more times and truck would move forward but not shift out of 1st gear. Turned truck off and on approximately 3 times and it began to shift gears when driving. I drove the truck to the closest Toyota dealership where the warning codes were checked, and I was told that my transmission was bad and needed to be replaced. I was told that it would need a new Torque Converter assy, new Automatic Transmission assy, and a new Hybrid Module assy. Total cost for parts would be $27,504.29.... Covered by warranty. My truck was purchased brand new in Virginia, MN on [XXX], and the failure occurred on [XXX] with less than 800 miles on the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 17, 2024 · Electrical · 50,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The contact became aware that the battery terminal was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced, and the repair was partially covered; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system turned off and on independently. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine made an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced, and the contact was informed that the repair would be partially covered. The contact stated that the battery failure had caused further electrical damage to the vehicle and was concerned that the battery replacement would not correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · Brakes · NV

This vehicle has had judder issues since new when braking. It has been in the shop over 10 times for this issue with the last being this week. I conducted an internet search and see other new owners complaining about the same issue with no resolve. I was told I would be getting new rotors and when I picked my vehicle up from Toyota of Las Vegas on 10/24/24, however, they are only resurfaced, not new. They have been resurfaced 3 times, with the first being performed around 500 miles. With other owners having the same issue when the vehicle is still new, it has to be a defect in the original part. Even though my vehicle is under warranty, Toyota has yet to change this part out. It is a safey issue because it causes judder, sometimes severe while braking. Lastly, my vehicle was one of the first to have the welding debris recall issue. My issue started long before that recall. As you can see, my vehicle has lived in Toyota service centers since purchase and it's getting old. I hope you all can please help. Thank you.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Transmission · CA

New vehicle abruptly began rumbling and shuddering. Vehicle became increasingly difficult to steer and control. Out of concern for driver safety, vehicle towed to dealer. Diagnosed with failed universal joint bearing and subsequent driveshaft damage.

Related recalls

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported October 1, 2025 · 5,960 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles. The front driveshaft constant-velocity (CV) joint may deform and break.
Risk
A broken driveshaft can impair steering. Vehicles with full-time 4WD may experience a vehicle rollaway while parked without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace both front driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 11, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB11 and 25TA11.

Recall number 25V656000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assemblyReported February 27, 2024 · 381,199 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
Risk
Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB05 and 24TA05.

Recall number 24V152000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported April 27, 2017 · 227,732 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall June 19, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0G.

Recall number 17V285000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported February 18, 2010 · 8,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 toyota tacoma pickup trucks. The propeller shaft may develop cracks during the manufacturing process. Over time, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the propeller shaft.
Risk
This may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front propeller shaft on affected vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on march 22, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 10V042000 · Recall details

Power train: drivelineReported July 26, 2007 · 108 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks equipped with four wheel drive, a section of the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly cast.
Risk
The front side of the rear propeller shaft could separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface which could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the possibility of a crash.
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.

Recall number 07V324000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota Tacoma shudder

Which Toyota Tacoma years have shudder or vibration when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (5 complaints), 2010 (4 complaints) and 2020 (4 complaints).

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