I've read countless problems with these Tacoma Transmissions - Here's what worked for me. Digging through this site, I came across a Toyota Tech, that gave up the fix, after getting the run around himself from Toyota. Of course that post has been removed....go figure.

In 2016 Toyota changed the design so the customer no longer had the option of checking the transmission oil level conveniently under the hood. That must have been too easy. They also stopped making them here in the US, and started producing them in Japan. They were shipped with only a little more than 1 quart of transmission fluid, and assembled in the same fashion. Unless the dealer topped that transmission off before putting that unit on the sales lot, as instructed from the design team across the pond, that transmission was doomed from day 1. Of course the dealer will never be able to duplicate the problem. Even though the service manager was covering his ass with the paperwork, I captured and measured the amount of transmission fluid that came out of my truck.....just a little more than a quart, and it was pitch black.

Along with improper fluid level - there was an update that also needed to be performed, and was never done at the dealer. Funny how I purchased a CERTIFIED USED TACOMA - and yet it doesn't have the proper update...WTF Toyota? That multi point certified used inspection isn't worth paying extra for, this isn't the only item Toyota's $102 an hour Tech's have conveniently missed. The computer update info I have is TSB-0077-16. I'm sure there is a more recent update out there, this one has eliminated the delayed engagement in my 2016 Tacoma. It's had 1 other transmission fluid change since, and been a great little machine.

When transmission is cold I back out of the garage put the truck if D and it takes 2 to 3 seconds before it engages into D. No problems when warmed up. Have a Toyota care appointment in June will talk to them about it. I had 4 Toyota Trucks before and never had any problem with shifting. I hope they will look into this problem.

Update from Apr 18, 2017: took my truck to the toyota dealer on 3-21-2017 explaining my problem with the delayed shifting. I took it in at 9am and they called me at 1pm said my truck was done. when I picked it up I talked to the mechanic and he said he knew right away what the problem was. They did a TSB which was to update the ECU programming. He said this was a common problem with the 2016 Tacomas.

My truck was parked in my garage and the next morning as usual went to take it out. I pressed the lever to reverse gear and nothing happened when I released brake. Went back to park mode and shifted back to reverse and nothing happened when I released break. reverse gear did not engage. went into drive mode and nothing happened here again. turned ignition off and tried again and nothing happened in reverse again. I have to back my truck from the garage and at this point it was really frustrating and worrisome. I once again went into reverse mode and this time pressed the accelerator a bit more. Truck lurched and engaged into reverse in a hurry. I had to press the brake hard in order to back off slowly since there is not much room in the side of truck with garage. I think it is a very dangerous situation just to press the accelerator so hard just to engage into reverse mode. I could have easily hit the side of garage at that speed if the truck were not perfectly aligned with my garage. Luckily nothing happened. I am really pissed off since it has less than 5000miles. Did not expect this from Toyota.

surging when cold

Why the hell does the vehicle lunge either forward or reverse when the engine/transmission is cold, I'm not talking cold temps, but when the vehicle is first started even in mild mid 60's temps, backing out of my garage I get the lunge, like accelerating on it's own. Frankly I think the transmission sucks, have thought that from day one of ownership, they should have kept it a 5 speed automatic, it shifts far too much, and is very sluggish at low speeds. Again, might just get rid of it. I like the looks of the truck, but the tick tick tick engine and the crappy transmission will have me in another vehicle soon.

I live in Az so this is not just about the transmission not engaging in cold weather as it was 102 here today. The transmission will not engage without a 5 to 10 second delay anytime of the day. When you start the truck and place it in reverse it will hesitate before shifting, if you press the gas before it engages the engine will race and then it will drop into gear and fly backwards. If you place it in drive it will hesitate at least 5 seconds every time before it drops into drive and starts moving forward. This is especially dangerous if you have backed out onto a street as the truck will not move for 5 to 10 seconds.

I have taken it to 3 different Toyota dealers in Az and they all say that it is normal, the truck is designed that way. I traded in a 2008 Tacoma on this truck and I wish I had it back, 8 years old and was never in the shop for anything. Love the truck but hate the drivetrain/transmission, am really disappointed with Toyota over this design.

Update from Jun 1, 2016: I backed out of a driveway with a slight up hill grade. When I moved the gear in to drive the transmission would not engage. After waiting for app 1 minute without the transmission engaging I had to place the truck in park then back into drive before it would engage, this is a major safety issue as you can be stranded in traffic until the transmission engages. I took it back to the dealer who again says there is nothing wrong with the truck that is the way it is designed. I no longer have to worry about it though as today I took it to a ford dealer and traded it in on a new F150. A Toyota Tacoma 5 months old, app 4000 miles on it and I lost over $5000 on the deal but at least I don't have Toyota with a bad transmission anymore. I have had several Toyotas and loved them but the 2016 Tacoma is a failure.