1998 Toyota Tacoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“My wife stopped at the edge of our driveway to let a pedestrian pass and then proceed to enter the driveway by making a right turn. As she accelerated to entered the driveway, the Tacoma took off with the engine screaming at a very high RPM and, despite her efforts to stop the truck by pressing hard on the brake, she crashed into the garage and east wall of the house. Despite the enormous damage to the front end of the vehicle, it is a total, I think, the air bags never deployed.obviously the Tacoma suffered from the same accelerator problem that has plagued Toyota units. …”

“When accelerating in 2nd gear there is a bad vibration(2000-2500 RPM). It also clunks when shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear. The higher the RPM the worse it clunks . Vehicle purchased in november 1999. Taken to dealer twice regarding problem. Dealer says it is normal . I am concerned that the transmission synchronizers are worn out and want to get problem resolved while covered under 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty.”

“When driving vehicle and attempting to park the shift interlock solenoid failed. Vehicle difficult to put in park and remove key. When re-started difficult to get out of park. Transmission would get stuck in reverse, drive and park and was difficult or impossible to get out of gear. Toyota claimed not covered with powertrain warranty, no reason given for component failure. Created potentially hazardous driving situation.”

“Vehicle has a clutch chatter problem which could cause other damages. Dealer has replaced 4 clutches/ 4 pressure plates, and 2 fly wheels. But defect still occurs. Dealer claims it is normal characteristic. Please provide further information.”

“We have intermittent loss of shift from drive to neutral, reverse, or park. At times, the truck down-shifts unexpectantly( at cruise speeds ) it also takes a long time to change gears”