The Tacoma has a reputation for running forever. Its automatic transmissions, though, have a reputation for being a little weird. Depending on your model year, "weird" means anything from a truck that can't decide between 5th and 6th on the highway to a brand new truck that needs a brand new transmission. Here's how to tell which camp you're in.
2016-2023 Tacoma: the 6-speed that can't make up its mind
The third-generation Tacoma (2016-2023) with the 3.5-liter V6 uses a 6-speed automatic (Toyota calls it the AC60). The most common complaint is "hunting": on a slight grade or with cruise control on, the truck keeps shifting up and down like it's nervous. Owners on TrueDelta report the same handful of things over and over for 2016, 2017 and 2020 trucks: constant gear searching at highway speed, a hard 1-2 shift, and a lurch going from reverse to drive on a cold morning.
Toyota put the symptoms in writing. Its bulletin T-SB-0077-16 (2016-2017 Tacoma, 2GR V6, 6-speed automatic) lists:
- Delayed engagement from Park to Drive or Reverse to Drive
- Harsh 1st-to-2nd upshift
- Delayed upshift when using cruise control
- "Busy" shifting that feels like hunting at highway speed or on slight grades
- Engine flare on the 3-4 shift when the engine is cold after sitting a few hours
The fix is not a part. It's new software. The dealer reflashes the engine computer with a newer calibration using Toyota's Techstream tool. TrueDelta also lists a later bulletin, T-SB-0092-20, for shift logic on 2020 trucks, and one 2020 owner reported the reflash made "a big difference."
2024 Tacoma: the 8-speed bulletin
The fourth-generation Tacoma arrived for 2024 with a turbo 4-cylinder and a new 8-speed automatic. In September 2024 Toyota sent dealers a technical service bulletin (not a recall) for 2024 Tacomas with the 8-speed, both 2WD and 4WD. Manual-transmission trucks aren't included.
Reported symptoms were shifting problems and, in some trucks, stalling. The bulletin only applies if the truck has at least one of these six codes stored:
| Code | What it points to |
|---|---|
| P07407F | Torque converter clutch actuator stuck off |
| P079571 | Pressure control solenoid actuator stuck |
| P08BA71 | Pressure control solenoid actuator stuck |
| P271371 | Pressure control solenoid actuator stuck |
| P280771 | Pressure control solenoid actuator stuck |
| P281671 | Pressure control solenoid actuator stuck |
If a code is present, the dealer replaces the transmission assembly and the torque converter. No code, no new transmission under this bulletin. That's why it matters to get the truck scanned while the problem is happening.
What it costs
| Situation | Who does it | Likely cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 reflash (T-SB-0077-16), under 5 yr/60k mi | Toyota dealer | $0 |
| Reflash, out of warranty | Toyota dealer | Diagnostic plus a short programming charge (Toyota's labor time is 0.4 hours), ask for a quote |
| 2024 8-speed replacement with a listed code | Toyota dealer | $0 under the 5 yr/60k mi powertrain warranty |
| Low fluid top-off and leak check | Any shop | Usually small, but find the leak |
| Used or rebuilt transmission, out of warranty | Transmission shop | Get written quotes, this is the big one |
Easy things to check first
- Scan for codes. A cheap OBD-II reader shows whether anything is stored. On a 2024, write the code down exactly, letters and all.
- Check the fluid level the right way. Tacoma automatics don't have a normal dipstick, so this is a shop job, but it matters. One TrueDelta owner's 2016 was slipping and turned out to be 2 quarts low. Another's cold-start reverse-to-drive lag was traced to being half a quart low.
- Ask what calibration is installed. Dealers can see if your truck already has the latest software. If you bought it used, the reflash may never have been done.
- Notice the pattern. Hunting only with cruise on? Only cold? Only towing? Tell the dealer. Specifics help them match it to a bulletin.
What to ask the dealer
- "Has T-SB-0077-16 (or the newer calibration for my year) been applied to this VIN?"
- "Which trouble codes are stored, and do any match the 2024 8-speed bulletin?"
- "Is this covered under the 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty?"
- "Can I get the diagnosis in writing?"
Is it worth fixing?
Yes, and on most trucks it's cheap or free. For a 2016-2023 Tacoma the first step is software, not hardware. For a 2024 with a listed code, Toyota replaces the transmission. The only truly expensive scenario is an out-of-warranty truck with real internal damage, and even then a Tacoma's resale value usually justifies the repair.
More Tacoma help lives on the Toyota Tacoma page. Cracked glass too? See our Tacoma windshield replacement guide. Bulletin and warranty details checked October 14, 2026.
