2019 Toyota Tacoma V6 TRD off-road 4x4 review

Honda Man 66 9/26/2019 8:07am
9/26/2019 8:07am
I agree that I bought a bad one. I also agree the fuel smell inside the cab and the check engine light are related. The gas tank was removed and reinstalled when the fuel pump was replaced under warranty. The fuel smell started after that. So the check engine light is sensing a leak similar to a bad gas cap. The dealer was unresponsive when I notified them of the fuel smell. Now that the check engine light is on I will take it back again.
Another problem I am having is that I have gone 10 rounds with the dealer and the Toyota SE region rep. I think they hate me and no longer want to help.
I have not owned a Tacoma with the 4.0, but I have had a 4R with that engine. I never towed anything with it but it was adequate. I can’t tell much difference in the performance.
Besides the performance issues I am having I also have rattles and squeaks. The gap between my drivers door and front fender is 4mm. The gap between my passenger door and fender is 7mm at its widest point. On the drivers side of my rear bumper you can fit your thumb between the bumper and body. On the passenger side you can barely get your thumb in there. It’s so bad I thought they sold me a new truck that had been in an accident. We compared mine to other new ones. There were others on the lot with gaps just like mine. Buyer beware.
early
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early 9/26/2019 8:22am
9/26/2019 8:22am
Honda Man 66 wrote:
I agree that I bought a bad one. I also agree the fuel smell inside the cab and the check engine light are related. The gas...
I agree that I bought a bad one. I also agree the fuel smell inside the cab and the check engine light are related. The gas tank was removed and reinstalled when the fuel pump was replaced under warranty. The fuel smell started after that. So the check engine light is sensing a leak similar to a bad gas cap. The dealer was unresponsive when I notified them of the fuel smell. Now that the check engine light is on I will take it back again.
Another problem I am having is that I have gone 10 rounds with the dealer and the Toyota SE region rep. I think they hate me and no longer want to help.
I have not owned a Tacoma with the 4.0, but I have had a 4R with that engine. I never towed anything with it but it was adequate. I can’t tell much difference in the performance.
Besides the performance issues I am having I also have rattles and squeaks. The gap between my drivers door and front fender is 4mm. The gap between my passenger door and fender is 7mm at its widest point. On the drivers side of my rear bumper you can fit your thumb between the bumper and body. On the passenger side you can barely get your thumb in there. It’s so bad I thought they sold me a new truck that had been in an accident. We compared mine to other new ones. There were others on the lot with gaps just like mine. Buyer beware.
Gasket on the fuel pump was probably damaged, didn't seat right, or forgotten about causing the fuel smell and causing the fuel system to lose pressure causing the check engine light (same as a loose gas cap). I screwed up a fuel pp gasket before, not on a taco though.
OldPro277
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OldPro277 9/26/2019 9:18am
9/26/2019 9:18am
Honda Man 66 wrote:
I agree that I bought a bad one. I also agree the fuel smell inside the cab and the check engine light are related. The gas...
I agree that I bought a bad one. I also agree the fuel smell inside the cab and the check engine light are related. The gas tank was removed and reinstalled when the fuel pump was replaced under warranty. The fuel smell started after that. So the check engine light is sensing a leak similar to a bad gas cap. The dealer was unresponsive when I notified them of the fuel smell. Now that the check engine light is on I will take it back again.
Another problem I am having is that I have gone 10 rounds with the dealer and the Toyota SE region rep. I think they hate me and no longer want to help.
I have not owned a Tacoma with the 4.0, but I have had a 4R with that engine. I never towed anything with it but it was adequate. I can’t tell much difference in the performance.
Besides the performance issues I am having I also have rattles and squeaks. The gap between my drivers door and front fender is 4mm. The gap between my passenger door and fender is 7mm at its widest point. On the drivers side of my rear bumper you can fit your thumb between the bumper and body. On the passenger side you can barely get your thumb in there. It’s so bad I thought they sold me a new truck that had been in an accident. We compared mine to other new ones. There were others on the lot with gaps just like mine. Buyer beware.
All of those body fitment issues certainly raise a concern. Mine are about as perfect as they can be. Those body panel gaps were obviously there when you purchased the truck,and although its not your fault,it should have been enough to grab your attention before you signed out. Again, Its not something you should feel the need look for on a new, supposedly high quality vehicle ,but the gaps you're talking about are "eyeball" noticeable and should have been a red flag that something was amiss.

Out of curiosity, I had to take one of my techs's calipers out and measured my gaps. all my door gaps are 4.4mm to 4.8mm. My rear bumper spacing is 14.2 mm on both drivers and passenger side

Also , a quick cautionary tale. When I was a GM of a Chevrolet dealer back in the day, approx 20% of the new vehicles being delivered off the carrier were damaged in transit. Most were just dings and scratches, but some were far worse. Some were bad enough that they were repaired before they even got to us, others we had to get handled and charge the transportation company. Worse yet, back then we did NOT have to disclose most repairs. Hopefully things have gotten better in the past 15 years.

All this is leading me to believe that your Tacoma was damaged pretty heavily before you bought it. Also, I'll go on record that I'm not particularly fond of the "assembled in Mexico" idea, so its is possible there is a quality control issue at this plant. The Toyota's that have a "J" as the first letter of the VIN, denotes Japanese built. Those plants would NEVER ship a vehicle with those kind of quality control issues.

If it were me ,I would keep trying to have a sit-down come to Jesus meeting with someone that has enough horsepower to resolve your issues and satisfy you. Remember, Toyota was the ONLY company buying vehicles back at 125% of retail when they had the rusty frame issues( and believe me GM,Ford and Dodge ALL had rusty frame issues) Customer satisfaction is still a priority with them I'm sure . I am not a Toyota dealer or affiliated in any way with Toyota, but if I were ,I would jump in and do everything I could to help you. Good Luck
Honda Man 66 9/26/2019 9:39am
9/26/2019 9:39am
Hey OldPro,
I appreciate your advice. I escalated my problem to the Toyota SE region. My truck was already at the dealer for the fuel delivery issue. I stated very clearly that I wanted to talk to the field service rep in person. I had a doctors appointment the morning of his inspection. They told me no problem. He was going to spend all day with my vehicle and for me to come to the dealership after my appointment. I got to the dealer about 11:00 am. The tech had come and gone. My odometer reading showed the vehicle had been driven a total of 15 miles while it was in the shop. The field tech claimed my Tacoma was normal in every way. My case was closed and the dealer service manager and the Toyota SE region rep have ceased communication with me. Even when I notified them of the fuel smell, long before the check engine light came on, they did not respond to multiple emails.

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OldPro277
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OldPro277 9/26/2019 10:17am
9/26/2019 10:17am
That sucks, you can't determine a lot in a 15 mile ride on probably an interstate or smooth highway. Its extremely odd that the service manager won't even respond to emails. A good friend of mine owns a Toyota store in my area. (its where we get any recalls or factory warranty work done) Also its where I bought my new Tacoma , my daughter bought her 19 4Runner and my son-in-law ordered his 19 Tundra--- the resale values are so high that even at my wholesale/auction prices it doesnt make sense to buy a year or 2 old Yota for only a couple grand less than I can get a new one for,lol ) Anyway, I'm going to call him, tell him your story and see what he recommends. Surely there is someone higher up than this SE Service rep that may listen to you. I'll PM you if I get any positive avenues.
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fourfourone
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fourfourone 9/26/2019 12:19pm
9/26/2019 12:19pm
In my area the old body style tacomas like a 2015 are actually selling for more money then a used 16 or 17 with the same miles. The really messed up with the new generation.
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TXDirt
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TXDirt 9/26/2019 2:57pm
9/26/2019 2:57pm
I had I think it was an 07 or 06 Tacoma. Bought new from dealership. Loved that truck. Black long bed 4x4 quad cab.

It did have a very light weight tail gate and shitty rear shocks. Toyota had issued an TSB on those items. So if you complained about it they are to replace them. I complained to the dealer I bought the truck from that I wanted them replaced under the TSB. We went back and forth and they would not agree to replace them.

I actually filled out the contact form on the Toyota corporate website. Told my story. Within 5 days I had been contacted by corporate Toyota and was sent to another dealership that happily performed the work.
Honda Man 66 10/1/2019 9:35am
10/1/2019 9:35am
This morning I took my ‘19 Tacoma to the dealer I nought it from for the check engine light. The service manager refused to work on it because he thinks the problem was caused by World Toyota, the dealer that replaced the fuel pump. The service manager also told me that Toyota SE region told him I refused to test drive with their field service rep. That is a total lie. I wanted nothing more than to meet with him and show him everything in person. I said I agree that World Toyota did not repair properly but I did not want to go back there because I do not trust them. I asked please repair it here. . He said no. So it is back at World Toyota for correction. World Toyota said they need to keep it overnight. They did not offer a loaner vehicle. I have little faith that this will be the last problem I have with my brand new Tacoma.
crowe176
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crowe176 10/1/2019 12:32pm
10/1/2019 12:32pm
When my Tundra was getting the frame replaced, I had a decked out TRD taco for 1k miles and I thought it was great. Didn’t seem gutless for what it is to me. I almost bought it, but my 2000 tundra with a fresh frame was still good to go. I loved the JBL stereo as well. It was spendy, but they hold their value like nothing else.
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Honda Man 66 10/1/2019 12:56pm
10/1/2019 12:56pm
I got a bad one.
My advice to anyone considering a new Tacoma would be to look it over very closely and pay attention to the body gaps, because if you buy one like that you are stuck with it. Mechanical stuff can be fixed. It’s a pain in the ass going to the dealer all the time though. The dealer just called and said they need to keep it over night. My truck has been in the shop for almost a month this year. I’ve only owned it 10 months.
colintrax
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colintrax 10/1/2019 1:08pm
10/1/2019 1:08pm
Honda Man 66 wrote:
This morning I took my ‘19 Tacoma to the dealer I nought it from for the check engine light. The service manager refused to work on...
This morning I took my ‘19 Tacoma to the dealer I nought it from for the check engine light. The service manager refused to work on it because he thinks the problem was caused by World Toyota, the dealer that replaced the fuel pump. The service manager also told me that Toyota SE region told him I refused to test drive with their field service rep. That is a total lie. I wanted nothing more than to meet with him and show him everything in person. I said I agree that World Toyota did not repair properly but I did not want to go back there because I do not trust them. I asked please repair it here. . He said no. So it is back at World Toyota for correction. World Toyota said they need to keep it overnight. They did not offer a loaner vehicle. I have little faith that this will be the last problem I have with my brand new Tacoma.
If it makes ya feel better I had the same experience with Chevy. Daewoods in Chevy clothing aint worth a shit and I ought to have known better. Anyways throttle would stick open, engine randomly stall, AC didn't work worth a damn, radio made popping sounds. Car was a fucking turd. Ended up taking a huge bath trading it in, got a Colorado. The colorado has been an awesome truck so far. Hit 106,000 miles this morning. Just the baby 4 cylinder so I'd like more power, and it's just 2wd open diff truck, so I'd like a locker. Is what it is though. Averages 25+mpg, has towed everything I've dared to hitch up, ride is quiet and comfortable. Can't ask for much else.

Anyways I can't say I'd suggest you get another Tacoma because I'm biased against them... but if you get rid of this one I wouldn't swear off Toyota. Every brand makes shit. And dealers are useless.


Oh, and that piece of shit car? Throw out bearing had started squealing the day I took it to trade it in. Somehow they certified that thing and pushed the warranty out to 100,000 miles. Good for the poor person that ended up buying it, cause some odd months ago I saw it broke down on the side of 285.
Honda Man 66 10/1/2019 1:27pm
10/1/2019 1:27pm
They told me they had to remove the gas tank again. I suggested the mechanic smoke while doing so.
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Ebs
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Ebs 10/1/2019 6:22pm
10/1/2019 6:22pm
Honda Man 66 wrote:
I got a bad one. My advice to anyone considering a new Tacoma would be to look it over very closely and pay attention to the...
I got a bad one.
My advice to anyone considering a new Tacoma would be to look it over very closely and pay attention to the body gaps, because if you buy one like that you are stuck with it. Mechanical stuff can be fixed. It’s a pain in the ass going to the dealer all the time though. The dealer just called and said they need to keep it over night. My truck has been in the shop for almost a month this year. I’ve only owned it 10 months.
Look up the 'Lemon Law' rules. The dealer might have to take it back.
1
Honda Man 66 10/2/2019 5:37am
10/2/2019 5:37am
early wrote:
Gasket on the fuel pump was probably damaged, didn't seat right, or forgotten about causing the fuel smell and causing the fuel system to lose pressure...
Gasket on the fuel pump was probably damaged, didn't seat right, or forgotten about causing the fuel smell and causing the fuel system to lose pressure causing the check engine light (same as a loose gas cap). I screwed up a fuel pp gasket before, not on a taco though.
Early you are exactly correct. The dealer just called and said the gasket was pinched during reassembly. The new gasket had to be ordered so they’ll keep it over night again (3 days).
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TXDirt
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TXDirt 10/2/2019 5:52am
10/2/2019 5:52am
HondaMan How much of a loss would you take if you trade it in? You could also go down to Carmax and they will give you a free quote. Being a new vehicle I wonder how much you might lose. If I was dealing with this kind of trouble and was this unsatisfied I would definitely have no problem eating some kind of loss to be rid of this albatross.
Honda Man 66 10/2/2019 6:06am
10/2/2019 6:06am
Carmax offered $30k. It’s a ‘19 TRD off-road 4wd with every option.
That’s more than I owe because I traded a 4R and put down some cash. I have been looking around. I’ll trade it and be done with it when I find the right truck and the right deal. I plan to keep updating here for as long as I still have it.
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TXDirt
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TXDirt 10/2/2019 6:15am
10/2/2019 6:15am
Honda Man 66 wrote:
Carmax offered $30k. It’s a ‘19 TRD off-road 4wd with every option. That’s more than I owe because I traded a 4R and put down some...
Carmax offered $30k. It’s a ‘19 TRD off-road 4wd with every option.
That’s more than I owe because I traded a 4R and put down some cash. I have been looking around. I’ll trade it and be done with it when I find the right truck and the right deal. I plan to keep updating here for as long as I still have it.
Don’t know what you paid but man you can walk out the door for 35-38k with a brand new tricked out Tundra.
reded
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reded 10/2/2019 7:40am
10/2/2019 7:40am
I can’t seem to find the allure with these midsize pickups. Fuel mileage is on par with a full size while having less power, less interior and cargo room for roughly the same price.
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metabear18
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metabear18 10/2/2019 7:53pm
10/2/2019 7:53pm
I do prefer the older generation and model of Tacoma.
Honda Man 66 10/3/2019 1:34pm
10/3/2019 1:34pm
The dealer just called to tell me the gasket required to repair my Tacoma is on backorder with no due date.
early
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early 10/3/2019 1:51pm
10/3/2019 1:51pm
Honda Man 66 wrote:
The dealer just called to tell me the gasket required to repair my Tacoma is on backorder with no due date.
Wow. That sucks man.
Honda Man 66 10/7/2019 6:26am
10/7/2019 6:26am
The dealer called Friday afternoon and said they “miraculously received the gasket.” I was able to pick up the Tacoma Saturday morning. So far, so good.
I have been considering making a lemon law claim. I went to count up the days that my truck has been in the shop. I noticed on one of the tickets the dealer shows receiving the vehicle 2 days later than they actually did. Those two days are critical because without them I am under the “30 days in the repair shop” stipulation.
Honda Man 66 10/23/2019 6:20am
10/23/2019 6:20am
I still have the Tacoma and it still pulls to the left. I measured the distance from the fender flares to the ground. The bed was empty and no one was in the truck. In the rear it is 36” on both sides. My left front is 34 3/4” and my right front is 35 1/8”. Do you think this would cause the truck to pull to the left?
Bigoldbeef 10/23/2019 5:05pm
10/23/2019 5:05pm
Honda Man 66 wrote:
I still have the Tacoma and it still pulls to the left. I measured the distance from the fender flares to the ground. The bed was...
I still have the Tacoma and it still pulls to the left. I measured the distance from the fender flares to the ground. The bed was empty and no one was in the truck. In the rear it is 36” on both sides. My left front is 34 3/4” and my right front is 35 1/8”. Do you think this would cause the truck to pull to the left?
That sounds like normal "tacoma lean"

Are all the tire pressures equal?

Had the alignment checked?
colintrax
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colintrax 10/23/2019 6:09pm
10/23/2019 6:09pm
Honda Man 66 wrote:
I still have the Tacoma and it still pulls to the left. I measured the distance from the fender flares to the ground. The bed was...
I still have the Tacoma and it still pulls to the left. I measured the distance from the fender flares to the ground. The bed was empty and no one was in the truck. In the rear it is 36” on both sides. My left front is 34 3/4” and my right front is 35 1/8”. Do you think this would cause the truck to pull to the left?
That's 3/8" difference on a truck with soft suspension. Coulda been on a slight hill, or the gas tank is more/less full than usual.
FlickitFlat 10/23/2019 6:50pm
10/23/2019 6:50pm
I have a friend that has a 2019 and almost from the get go he had the fuel smell in the cab just like you described. I know the gasket is likely and probably is the problem since they took the tank and fuel pump out. But with my friends truck having never been worked on doing the same thing kind of makes me think they may be blowing a little smoke up your ass. IDK but we couldn't figure out why it smelled like gas and here is another one with the same problem. Seems it might be a common theme.
ohiomotoxer
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ohiomotoxer 10/24/2019 5:18am
10/24/2019 5:18am
Welllll shoot.
I was going to look at a taco for my next truck but the 2020 Chev 2500HD custom cew cab 4x4 caught my eye as did the 1500 lt trail boss. Not in the same category but $40 ish for a taco and $49ish for the Chevs.
Ill decide after a test drive later today.
Honda Man 66 10/24/2019 6:43am
10/24/2019 6:43am
Bigoldbeef wrote:
That sounds like normal "tacoma lean"

Are all the tire pressures equal?

Had the alignment checked?
I have driven Tacoma’s and 4R’s exclusively since ‘99 and had two Toyota trucks before that. I had never heard if the Toyota lean until recently. I’ve measured it twice on level ground with an empty truck. I figure it probably leans more with me in it. Tire pressure is even all the way around. My question is 3/8” sag in the left front enough to make it pull to the left while driving? I’ve had it aligned 4 times, 3 times at the dealer and the last time I took it to a shop that races sports cars. It is a little better now, but still pulls to the left.
seth505
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seth505 10/24/2019 7:18am
10/24/2019 7:18am
Are those a torsion bar setup in the front? A few years ago I didn't pay attention when putting in new ball joints on my last Ram 1500 and one side was an inch lower than the other. I just had to get underneath and adjust the torsion bars equally.
Honda Man 66 10/24/2019 7:38am
10/24/2019 7:38am
No torsion bars to adjust but these are available. I don’t think I should have to do this on a brand new 15k mile truck. Does anyone know if this would keep it from pulling if I installed and aligned again?

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