In Australia, there’s an old saying—at least among the Outback community that consists of deranged loners who venture into the harsh, remote, and sparsely populated regions where even the kangaroos say, “Strewth, it’s too bloody hot, mate.”
Outbackers often remark that they drive into the outback in a Land Rover but return in a Toyota, reflecting the common belief that Toyotas are renowned for their bulletproof reliability.
Australia’s Outback is not to be underestimated; it’s a place where nature reigns supreme over both man and machine. Yet, Toyota has seemingly tamed it with their range of Outback-friendly pickups and SUVs. However, the myth of Toyota’s legendary reliability is starting to fade.
As Toyota has grown, the pursuit of profitability appears to be overshadowing the corporate ethos or principles that once guided the company. Its once-formidable reputation for reliability is rapidly declining.
No Longer Outback Proof
These days, if you buy a Toyota to ensure a safe return from the Outback, you might end up relying on your satellite phone to call emergency services.
Toyota has issued a recall for certain 2024 model year Tacoma pickups equipped with eight-speed automatic transmissions due to potential transmission failures. Owners of affected vehicles have reported issues ranging from transmission problems to complete failures, with some occurring within the first 1,000 miles of ownership.
The recall affects Tacomas with specific VIN numbers and requires that the vehicle exhibit transmission failure before a replacement can be provided. The affected transmissions are likely to display one of six specific trouble codes, indicating issues with the pressure control solenoid actuator or the torque converter clutch actuator.
This is the second major recall for Toyota in 2024. In July, the automaker announced a recall for certain Tundra trucks and Lexus LX SUVs due to engine manufacturing defects, with the total number of affected engines expected to exceed 100,000.