has anyone noticed this

[Antman]

Any other developments on this issue? My 8/2011 Trail has started to become more noticeable after about the 8,000 mile mark. I'm especially curious on:

1. Of those with trannies replaced, did that cure your issues after 10,000 miles? From the 4 threads I've read, the results seem mixed.
2. Are any people with 2012's experiencing the issue?
3. Why no TSB on it if they are voluntarily replacing 2011 transmissions and are aware of the problem?
4. Anyone know what part is responsible for this happening? I'm guessing something in the torque converter, but you'd think they'd only replace that instead of the whole transmission. I still find it hard to believe this can't be a fix via flash due to it not being evident in manual mode...

It sounds like it's present in all transmissions to some extent (mine is fairly rare and minor). I've done a ton of reading about this on multiple forums and the technical information is extremely scarce on this. I'm thinking I'll live with it if it doesn't get worse, but am curious what the details of the problem are and why Toyota isn't more forthcoming on the problem (other than "We'll go ahead and tear apart your 4Runner and throw a new transmission at it").

Mine is evident in manual mode as long as you shift at the same RPM under partial throttle.

I'm betting most people shift at a higher RPM while in manual mode causing the tranny to shift normally. Just a hypothesis!

 

[adsinclair]

Mine is evident in manual mode as long as you shift at the same RPM under partial throttle.

I'm betting most people shift at a higher RPM while in manual mode causing the tranny to shift normally. Just a hypothesis!

I've tried to use the same amount of throttle (very little) and shift at the same RPM. While it is still present in mine during the conditions, I can barely feel it. This is a weird one...

 

[Fernandina4runner]

Any other developments on this issue? My 8/2011 Trail has started to become more noticeable after about the 8,000 mile mark. I'm especially curious on:

1. Of those with trannies replaced, did that cure your issues after 10,000 miles? From the 4 threads I've read, the results seem mixed.
2. Are any people with 2012's experiencing the issue?
3. Why no TSB on it if they are voluntarily replacing 2011 transmissions and are aware of the problem?
4. Anyone know what part is responsible for this happening? I'm guessing something in the torque converter, but you'd think they'd only replace that instead of the whole transmission. I still find it hard to believe this can't be a fix via flash due to it not being evident in manual mode...

It sounds like it's present in all transmissions to some extent (mine is fairly rare and minor). I've done a ton of reading about this on multiple forums and the technical information is extremely scarce on this. I'm thinking I'll live with it if it doesn't get worse, but am curious what the details of the problem are and why Toyota isn't more forthcoming on the problem (other than "We'll go ahead and tear apart your 4Runner and throw a new transmission at it").

I wish I had more information for you, but my dealer was extremely helpful getting the tranny fixed, but also extremely secretive about any of the technical details.

I've had the new tranny in for 40,000 miles and the problem has not returned. Knock on Wood. Sorry I couldn't help with the details.

 

[Jivewalker]

I have a 2012 TE, 3k miles on it. I've noticed the shudder from day 1 but figured it was the nature of the beast. Havent paid atention to whether it's the up-shift or down-shift, but do know it's at slower speeds. My gut says it's the downshift, will pay closer attention. I do notice it happpens mainly after a short acceleration, followed by braking, followed by another short acceleration...usually when driving in slower moving traffic.

 

[brockeverly]

My 2010 shudders when stopping. I did notice it happens significantly less after I lubed the driveshaft. Could be coincidence, but I do not think it was. Perhaps it is the slip yokes in the driveshaft and not really the tranny at all for some of us?

 

[adsinclair]

My 2010 shudders when stopping. I did notice it happens significantly less after I lubed the driveshaft. Could be coincidence, but I do not think it was. Perhaps it is the slip yokes in the driveshaft and not really the tranny at all for some of us?

I was actually thinking about the slip yokes today as I was driving. I'm not a physics expert, but I would think it'd make sense in that the most harsh upshift would be the 1-2 due to the effort to start off accelerating the mass. The only thing hanging up that theory is the fact that mine only does it when hot. That would lean me to believe it has something to do with fluid temps or expansion of metal or clutch packs.

It was interesting to hear from Jivewalker saying that his '12 has it to some extent. Truthfully, the only person I trust to work on my 4Runner is myself (after previously working in an indy import auto shop and fixing dealership's mistakes) and hate the thought of having it tore apart only to have the same issue with a '12 tranny. Although this is driving me nuts, I may end up riding it out unless it gets worse or near the end of my 60 k/6 year warranty.

I'd still appreciate any feedback from anyone who hasn't already posted (or even if you have)... :hungry:

 

[Jtraskell]

^ Just so your not late, it's 60 months (5) year or 60K Miles (whichever comes first) power-train warranty.

 

[adsinclair]

^ Just so your not late, it's 60 months (5) year or 60K Miles (whichever comes first) power-train warranty.

My bad. You are correct. I knew the correct term, but wasn't thinking when I wrote that. Thanks for clarifying!

 

[gmoney2626]

I took Toyota to arbitration two weeks ago and had Gulf States Toyota representatives on the phone. They said they were told in a video conference that week (early February) that Toyota has decided to fix the problem of the transmission stutter/shudder by replacing the transmission and the engine computer with ones from from the 2012 4Runner. I was told the projected date was Jun 1, 2012, but could be as late as Sep/Oct 2012. The reason for the delay was that all parts are currently being used for new model production and they will issue a TSB to fix the issue once they feel enough parts are available. My reply to this statement was, "So what you are telling me is that Toyota is more concerned with making more cars and more money before fixing mine since they already have my money?". This elicited some giggles from the people in the room, but the representative said, "Well, yes.". What's even more amazing is that I received a letter from Toyota stating that they were aware that it was a problem and were looking for a fix, yet didn't feel it was a safety concern or de-valued the car, and to top it off, the arbitrator AGREED with Toyota and found in favor of Toyota. How is it that Toyota's evaluation of the problem and value of the car trumps MY concerns or perceived value of the car?!?

For all of those reading this website, I hope you spread the word to anyone considering buying a Toyota, to look elsewhere since there is NO customer service or customer loyalty. This is my third 4WD and second 4Runner, but it will definitely be my last. And, for those that have 2010-2011 4Runners and Tacomas, Toyota said the problem affected ALL of them, but not everyone complains about it so they never tried to fix it before. So, if you own one of these vehicles or know someone who does, start bugging Toyota to fix it and make them pay for putting out a known defect. Once you have a dealer service slip showing that you complained of the issue and Toyota serviced the car but did not fix it, you can call customer service and request arbitration. I figure if enough people start making Toyota pay for an arbitration hearing, then maybe they might decide to fix the problem sooner rather than later.

Good luck to everyone!

Its been a while since I have looked at this thread and found this update very interesting. Last week I finally got face time with my area rep and got what seemed to me was a canned company response. I was told that Toyota is aware and working on it however when I pressed him for details he had none. I expressed my concern that my issue was documented over a year ago and all I have heard is that "Toyota is working on it and trying several solutions and will should have a solution soon". I told him I felt that there should have been some feedback by now and seems to me that maybe no one is working it because it only impacts a small number of vehicles compared to the total number sold. He said he was going to make some calls and get back to the service manager with more detail. In the beginning my issue was only present when in ECO mode however now I can replicate it in sport/manual mode accelerating slowly.

I hope that I dont have to go to arbitration to get this level of information. It is a shame that they all aren't informed or forthcoming about what is happening on this issue.

If anyone sees a TSB posted about this or has any official response please post or send me a message. If I have any progress I will update as well.

 

[jamesq]

Its been a while since I have looked at this thread and found this update very interesting. Last week I finally got face time with my area rep and got what seemed to me was a canned company response. I was told that Toyota is aware and working on it however when I pressed him for details he had none. I expressed my concern that my issue was documented over a year ago and all I have heard is that "Toyota is working on it and trying several solutions and will should have a solution soon". I told him I felt that there should have been some feedback by now and seems to me that maybe no one is working it because it only impacts a small number of vehicles compared to the total number sold. He said he was going to make some calls and get back to the service manager with more detail. In the beginning my issue was only present when in ECO mode however now I can replicate it in sport/manual mode accelerating slowly.

I hope that I dont have to go to arbitration to get this level of information. It is a shame that they all aren't informed or forthcoming about what is happening on this issue.

If anyone sees a TSB posted about this or has any official response please post or send me a message. If I have any progress I will update as well.

My 4runner was made in May 2012, has all above problems, just over 3000miles.

 

[AGENT13]

sounds familiar. the gen before current rx330 had same problem and lot of the same issues.

 

[M.J]

11 Trail transmission

I am at the dealer now waiting to see if they are going to replace the tranny or just reflash the service tech told me that they were going to replace it but had to get verification from Toyota first. 2011 4 Runner Trail 37000 miles.

 

[Fernandina4runner]

I am at the dealer now waiting to see if they are going to replace the tranny or just reflash the service tech told me that they were going to replace it but had to get verification from Toyota first. 2011 4 Runner Trail 37000 miles.

The dealer tried several things on mine, before they got the new tranny approved.

They flushed the tranny 3 times, they reflashed the computer twice, and then they were approved to replace the tranny.

The only down side to them replacing the tranny, are the other little issues that are popping up now. The tranny leaked when I brought it home, I've had 4wd wires come loose, and now I'm getting noise from the front end that I think is a u-joint on the half shaft going. The noise may or may not be related to the tranny replacement. I don't know.

 

[Alamo El Jefe]

For those still having issues with the transmission shudder between 1-2 gears or the feeling of being rear-ended when coming to a stop, Toyota has issued a TSB, but kept it off their main site. From what the service manager told me, it costs Toyota ~$2500-$3000 to repair, so it isn't going to be made public since it affects all 4Runners from 2010-2012. It is TSB-0089-12, dated June 15, 2012. It calls for a full transmission replacement and computer reprograming. The bulletin is 6 pages long (which the service manager gave to me) and I am getting my new transmission tomorrow. Almost 2 years and $25K miles later my 4Runner might actually work like the $40K car it was meant to be! Hope this helps!

 

[cmills]

It's weird but after 44,000 miles I hardly ever notice it anymore, I imagine its just because I am so used to it, but it definitely hasn't gotten any worse. I'm glad they have possibly came out with a fix for it now though, I guess I'll have to start paying more attention and see if I can really notice it again and if so eventually get it fixed.

Thanks to everyone that has kept us updated on their situation!

 

[trailedition]

Transmission specialist for 13 years

It's weird but after 44,000 miles I hardly ever notice it anymore, I imagine its just because I am so used to it, but it definitely hasn't gotten any worse. I'm glad they have possibly came out with a fix for it now though, I guess I'll have to start paying more attention and see if I can really notice it again and if so eventually get it fixed.

Thanks to everyone that has kept us updated on their situation!

Just a heads up from a guy who was in the business for 13 years, in most cases the likely cause of a shudder in any gear in this case 1-2 up shift is caused by some sort of fluid leak (which could be anywhere internally) causing a pressure loss and at the same time creating too much pressure at the points where the fluid left and entered said chamber(s). In most cases a computer attempted fix would likely only be short lived if it worked at all. I have mentioned it to my selling dealer and have pointed out to them that when the vehicle has 80000+ Km's =50000+ miles I will bring it in for a replacement transmission. Then at least even if the replacement still has the same problem (unlikely) at least it would stand a better chance of another 80000 Km's = 50000 Miles. The good news is that in the world of transmissions even a poorly functioning Toyota transmission is considerably better than a USA made one. (No offense to the Americans here).

My advice is to drive the original transmission as long as you can and have it replaced. That's my Canadian 2 cents worth.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

For those still having issues with the transmission shudder between 1-2 gears or the feeling of being rear-ended when coming to a stop, Toyota has issued a TSB, but kept it off their main site. From what the service manager told me, it costs Toyota ~$2500-$3000 to repair, so it isn't going to be made public since it affects all 4Runners from 2010-2012. It is TSB-0089-12, dated June 15, 2012. It calls for a full transmission replacement and computer reprograming. The bulletin is 6 pages long (which the service manager gave to me) and I am getting my new transmission tomorrow. Almost 2 years and $25K miles later my 4Runner might actually work like the $40K car it was meant to be! Hope this helps!

Damn I just got my 55000 mile service done and wish I knew about this. I had the drive shaft replaced from the TSB. Maybe I will bring it in at 59000 miles so it is still under warranty.

 

[trailedition]

Damn I just got my 55000 mile service done and wish I knew about this. I had the drive shaft replaced from the TSB. Maybe I will bring it in at 59000 miles so it is still under warranty.

Keep in mind that since it is a known issue they would be hard pressed to deny any claim even if it was a bit late, however always better to contact them now and mention it then make a quick visit and set the appointment for when you are ready. As long as you have complained about it in person and they make notes you will be fine. (Good Luck)

 

[gmoney2626]

For those still having issues with the transmission shudder between 1-2 gears or the feeling of being rear-ended when coming to a stop, Toyota has issued a TSB, but kept it off their main site. From what the service manager told me, it costs Toyota ~$2500-$3000 to repair, so it isn't going to be made public since it affects all 4Runners from 2010-2012. It is TSB-0089-12, dated June 15, 2012. It calls for a full transmission replacement and computer reprograming. The bulletin is 6 pages long (which the service manager gave to me) and I am getting my new transmission tomorrow. Almost 2 years and $25K miles later my 4Runner might actually work like the $40K car it was meant to be! Hope this helps!

Alamo....... got any updates?

 

[gmoney2626]

For anyone still monitoring I decided to bring up the TSB when I took it in for 30k service. The TSB does exist, if you have a toyota case filed the system isnt registering that this TSB is the resolution. They didnt even know it existed till I told them. Anyway they replaced the transmission and computer and I have been driving on it for two weeks now. So far I think for the most part it is fixed. I say the most part because every once in a while in stop and go traffic when you accelerate slowly I think I feel a tiny hint of it. It also appears to not be consistent if it does happen. Keeping my fingers crossed that I dont experience this issue again. If I remember correctly the TSB does apply to 2010, 2011 and some 2012 models.