A recent issue requiring the replacement of some Tacoma automatic transmissions sheds some doubt on the automaker’s reputation for dependability.

Don’t call it a recall, but Toyota will replace the eight-speed transmissions in certain Tacomas. If you frequently visit Toyota forums, then you probably noticed that a not insignificant number of owners of the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma have been complaining about transmission gremlins.

A blemish on Toyota’s reputation for reliability appeared last month as reports poured in from 2024 Tacoma owners about the truck’s transmission failing. In response, Toyota issued a technical service bulletin last week stating the eight-speed automatic transmission should be replaced if it exhibits one of six diagnostic trouble codes.

Toyota has a hard-earned reputation for reliability, but when you sell over ten million units a year, every major recall is a record-breaker.

Rather than repairing individual components, the TSB orders dealers to install new transmissions and torque converters on affected trucks.

A service bulletin says affected Tacomas will get a new eight-speed auto.

Toyota rolled out the new Tacoma to much fanfare, showing up with a yaffle of trims and replacing a truck which was still popular but undeniably long in the tooth. In Canada, models range from an entry-level SR5 Double Cab priced in the ballpark of 50 grand; all the way up to a burly Trailhunter, with a six-foot bed and an MSRP cresting $80,000.

Dealers will replace failed eight-speed automatic transmissions in the mid-size trucks if they have a specific set of problems listed on a technical service bulletin from Toyota.

I’ve lost count of how many times the internet has lost it over the death of manual transmissions. I understand why—everybody’s worried that their favorite sports car will go auto-only. But as a truck guy,