Transmission Getting Replaced at 5K Miles

[208mutt-runner]

Picked up my 2026 TRD OR Pro (hybrid) in January. 2 weeks ago at just over 5k miles, heard/felt a clunk when lightly accelerating. Got multiple codes including hybrid system malfunction and drive start control malfunction and car went into limp mode. Was able to turn vehicle off/on (thank goodness for stop and go rush hour on freeway) to get out of limp mode and drove the rest of the way home functioning normally. Took to dealer next morning and next day got a not from service advisor that they are replacing transmission, TC and some other part of the hybrid system that engages the transmission. I am curious how common this failure is and if I should be worried about more issues with this system or if I am just unlucky and experienced a random failure that happens from time to time. Driving a loaner 4 runner from dealer without the hybrid and I am missing my rig!

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[Dario]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. I have not heard of other 6th gen transmission replacements. I do get an occasional "clunk" when accelerating and the the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd. I'm not sure if it's the tranny or part of the hybrid system doing something odd. Probably nothing, but I'll try to pay more attention to it. I have never gotten any codes.

 

[sstarrx2]

Bummer...yours is the first I have heard of this failure. The transmission is a little searchy between 10 and 20 under light throttle but when it decides what gear it wants it is does not slam into gear or make loud noises. This is 2nd model year of 6 gen...I think it is just bad luck. Having said that the tranny in the 6 gen needs a new tune I think. Once my warranty is up I may spring for one.

 

[zcmack]

add yours to this thread of nightmare fuel

 

[AF VETERAN]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. I have not heard of other 6th gen transmission replacements. I do get an occasional "clunk" when accelerating and the the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd. I'm not sure if it's the tranny or part of the hybrid system doing something odd. Probably nothing, but I'll try to pay more attention to it. I have never gotten any codes.

Experiencing the same “clunk noise” on my ride, like you will start paying closer attention. First transmission/hybrid failure I have heard of.

 

[sstarrx2]

Experiencing the same “clunk noise” on my ride, like you will start paying closer attention. First transmission/hybrid failure I have heard of.

Every 4x4 I have ever owned...that would be many, across most manufactuers has a rough shift before the the tranny fluid is up to temp. That is normal. If it does it after you have been driving for plenty of time to warm up...that may be a problem.

 

[208mutt-runner]

I know the clunk that a few of you are referring to in lower gears or when not up to temp. I think part of that is the hybrid system engaging/disengaging. The clunk I experienced when this issue occurred was much more alarming and pronounced, almost like the car came out of gear completely. Not sure if one of these things led to another, but just clarifying my experience.

 

[sstarrx2]

I know the clunk that a few of you are referring to in lower gears or when not up to temp. I think part of that is the hybrid system engaging/disengaging. The clunk I experienced when this issue occurred was much more alarming and pronounced, almost like the car came out of gear completely. Not sure if one of these things led to another, but just clarifying my experience.

No...happens on my SR5 as well. Really has nithing to do with Hybrid system.

 

[pmedicj]

Seeing quite a few 6th gen transmission replacements and issues.
I wonder if this is what the never ending quality hold is really all about?

 

[sstarrx2]

Seeing quite a few 6th gen transmission replacements and issues.
I wonder if this is what the never ending quality hold is really all about?

Since when? Been on this forum awhile and this is the first I have heard of it. Where you hearing different?

 

[pmedicj]

Since when? Been on this forum awhile and this is the first I have heard of it. Whrre you hearing different?

On Here, Facebook, Tacoma forums, Reddit

The all-new 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner features a new 8-speed automatic transmission. First-year growing pains include reports of a harsh 1-to-2 gear "clunk," delayed shifting, and metal debris found in transmission pans, alongside a broader quality control (QC) hold related to parts and assembly. [1]

Known Transmission Symptoms & Issues

• Hard Shifting/Clunking: Early 6th-gen owners have documented noticeable, abrupt clunking sensations, particularly when shifting between 1st and 2nd gear.
• Metal Debris: In some severe instances, inspecting the transmission pan has revealed metal shavings and debris, which often points to premature component wear or manufacturing defects in new models.
• Recall & QC Delays: Because the transmission shares a direct link to the platform's powertrain, Toyota instituted quality control holds and pauses on deliveries while addressing early-production bugs affecting both the 4Runner and the new Tacoma. [1, 2]

 

[sstarrx2]

On Here, Facebook, Tacoma forums, Reddit

Yeah...very few and this is the first I have heard a tranny being replaced under warranty. I searched reddit and could find no posts with major tranny problems. This is no longer a new model...if there were systemic problems...we would know about it. Folks not liking the cold shifting is not a problem.

 

[Overland Toy]

Mine started doing the loud clunk and hard shifts in first and second gear the other day, only while cold. I have about 4,200 miles on it and will be addressing this issue at my 5,000 mile check-up.

 

[sstarrx2]

Mine started doing the loud clunk and hard shifts in first and second gear the other day, only while cold. I have about 4,200 miles on it and will be addressing this issue at my 5,000 mile check-up.

Good luck...totally normal behavior...I got $1000 that says that is what they will tell you. Because it is.

 

[FrozenTater]

No issues here. No cold or warm “clunks” just some very mild searching (while warm) from from 1-2 2-1 but it’s super rare, and nothing I’m worried about. I don’t think my transmission is going to go prematurely. If it does, that’s Toyotas problem. Nothing you can do lol

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