2020 Toyota Tacoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 17%of 90 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma, 17% of the 90 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I start vehicle a hissing or electric shock rattles and seems as I start to drive there is no power and 4 wd is on when I brake it skips making tires jump.”
NHTSA complaint #11389547, filed 2021-01, 4,312 miles“With the truck warmed up: pushing the gas pedal almost to the floor to enter traffic the truck just sat there and did not move this happened twice. The only way the truck would move was to push the gas pedal slow and enter the flow of traffic at reduced speed. With the truck warmed up: putting the truck in reverse and pushing on the gas pedal the truck did nothing. Taking my foot off the gas pedal while still in reverse the truck lunged backwards. I had to stop the truck with my foot on the brake. The truck lunged backwards in reverse twice while giving it gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #11390085, filed 2021-01, 6,000 miles“Vehicle struggles to start with normal starting procedures. Vehicle's ignition delays normal starting procedures sometimes allowing the key to be held systematically for an abnormal period of time before vehicle starting. If vehicle fails to start in the first try within 3-5 seconds vehicle would crank but would not start. Then a second attempt would have to be made. This is not common for a gas engine vehicle . Was taken to dealer for further inspection and service advisor said this is normal for most late model tacomas.”
NHTSA complaint #11320325, filed 2020-04, 2,400 miles“2020 Toyota Tacoma trd sport, transmission lurks from reverse into drive you have to press the brake pedal a little harder than normal to keep from lurking. Sometimes the vehicle seems to loose power when down shifting while accelerating (going around a corner). The truck also seems like its hunting for a gear around the 35mph or 43 MPH, on flat surface, going down hill, or going up hill. This also happens on the interstate while going 65-70mph, which would be cause for concern. This feels like its a transmission issue but also could be an engine misfire of a spark plug or something. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405425, filed 2021-03, 5,200 miles“2020 Toyota Tacoma trd off road has severe hesitation issues during warm startup. Truck cranks over fine but drags for an extended period of time before firing. There is a noticeable smell of gasoline when this happens. Sometimes the starter seems to stick and makes a loud grinding noise. Other times there is an audible single click/pop noise immediately after pushing the start button but the truck still starts. After the truck is started it will occasionally idle rough and the tachometer will dip low and the truck will shake slightly as if the truck is going to stall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375605, filed 2020-11, 5,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244108Aug 16, 2023TSB: Some 2005 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit a squeak or creak noise from the clutch pedal when it is depressed or released.
- 10241402Jul 21, 2023TSB: Some 2019 ? 2023 model year Tacoma Double Cab vehicles may exhibit a whine noise from the rear of the vehicle. This condition may occur while driving around 50 mph (80 kph)…
- 10234311Mar 6, 2023TT: Some 2020-2023 Manual Transmission Tacoma vehicles may exhibit an abnormal clutch pedal creak/squeak sound during operation.
- 10235239Feb 20, 2023TT: Some 2020-2023 Manual Transmission Tacoma vehicles may exhibit an abnormal clutch pedal creak/squeak sound during operation.
- 10227899Nov 28, 2022TSB: Some 2016 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission (6AT) may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) typically between…
- 10224177Sep 26, 2022TT: If you see this condition, please create a TAS case and contact TAS for instruction prior to diagnosing or repairing of the vehicle. If it is a weekend or holiday, continue…
- 10214326Mar 17, 2022TT: Water intrusion to the ADD actuator is currently being investigated as a cause of 4WD inoperative complaints. P17A0 and P17A4 DTCs may set for this condition but not always
- 10198138May 19, 2021TT: This Tech Tip applies to Tacoma vehicles equipped with a BD20 rear differential ? Part Number: 41110-04130. Some 2020-2021 model year Tacoma customers may be concerned with a…
- 10188922Feb 12, 2021TSB: Some 2016 ? 2020 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FKS engine and a manual transmission may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)…
- 10187246Dec 15, 2020TSB: Some 2016 ? 2021 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) between 30 ? 10 mph…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 31% |
| 2025 | 22 | 19% |
| 2024 | 55 | 35% |
| 2023 | 7 | 13% |
| 2022 | 10 | 17% |
| 2021 | 14 | 17% |
| 2020 | 15 | 17% |
| 2019 | 40 | 18% |
| 2018 | 29 | 14% |
| 2017 | 68 | 28% |
| 2016 | 136 | 42% |
| 2015 | 9 | 9% |
| 2014 | 13 | 14% |
| 2013 | 22 | 18% |
| 2012 | 35 | 12% |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% |
| 2010 | 29 | 10% |
| 2009 | 75 | 14% |
| 2008 | 23 | 5% |
| 2007 | 68 | 13% |
| 2006 | 56 | 7% |
| 2005 | 57 | 8% |
| 2004 | 22 | 5% |
| 2003 | 18 | 5% |
| 2002 | 21 | 6% |
| 2001 | 15 | 4% |
| 2000 | 11 | 5% |
| 1999 | 16 | 6% |
| 1998 | 10 | 3% |
| 1997 | 9 | 7% |
| 1996 | 14 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
23 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsForward collision avoidance
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsLane departure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology