Toyota completely redesigned its full-size Tundra pickup for the 2022 model year. The automaker made headlines when it launched its naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 and only offered its third-generation Tundra with a twin-turbocharged V6. But Toyota also swapped out the old truck’s six-speed automatic transmission for a next-generation 10-speed unit, which is responsible for much of the truck’s performance improvements.
Do Toyota Tundras have transmission problems?
Toyota released the second-generation Tundra pickup truck for the 2007 model year, and the new truck suffered from several serious transmission problems. But the automaker sought to address all of these through recalls or redesigns for 2008.
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According to ItStillRuns.com, the second-generation Tundra experienced transmission problems so bad that they put a dent in the automaker’s stellar reputation for reliability. The 2007 Tundra introduced an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that obviously needed some fine-tuning.
The first problem many second-generation Tundra buyers experienced was the transmission’s tendency to “rumble.” The six-speed transmission’s first-year torque converter would sometimes fail to disengage during a shift, forcing the transmission to rapidly oscillate between two gears. The result was, you guessed it, bumpy like driving on a soundtrack.
To make matters worse, Toyota’s supplier had not properly heat treated the automatic transmission propshaft seal on many 4×4 trucks. Affected trucks could come loose from their driveshaft when pulling a heavy load.
Finally, Toyota couldn’t get the transmission fluid levels correct in enough 2007 Tundras, so they sent a bulletin to owners to double check their transmission fluid levels. Tundras with very low automatic transmission fluid levels would actually hesitate during shifts and then jerk.
What type of transmission does the 2023 Toyota Tundra have?
A major upgrade from the second generation Tundra to the third generation was swapping out the old six-speed automatic transmission for a new 10-speed unit made by Aisin.
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The automatic transmission in the 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundra is the Aisin AWR10L65, also known as the “Direct Shift-10A” 10-speed. Paired with the new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, this 10-speed transmission makes it one of the most capable Tundras yet.
A properly equipped 2WD Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds. That’s a ton more than the early six-speed Tundras. motor trend He also found that the new truck can hit 60 MPH in just 6.2 seconds.
The upgraded transmission also contributes to better fuel economy. A second generation Tundra 4WD only got 13 city/17 highway MPG (14 combined). A 2WD version fared slightly better with a 13 city/17 highway (15 combined) MPG rating. But the new Tundra blows them both out of the water. The 4WD truck gets 17 city/23 highway (19 combined) MPG and the 2WD gets 18 city/24 highway (20 combined) MPG, according to the EPA.
Although Aisin has been Toyota’s longtime Tundra transmission supplier, the new 10-speed transmission has none of the problems that plagued the previous six-speed. Aisin also makes heavy-duty transmissions that Ram offers in its Cummins-powered trucks, rated to tow up to 31,000 pounds.
Does the Toyota Tundra have a hybrid transmission?
If you opt for the new Tundra’s i-FORCE MAX powertrain, Toyoat pairs the 3.4-liter V6 with a hybrid transmission. This 10-speed automatic transmission incorporates an electric motor/generator that generates an additional 184 pound-feet of torque.
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Toyota claims it tuned the i-FORCE MAX for power, not efficiency. So it’s no surprise to hear that the hybrid pickup makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. What may surprise you are the driving characteristics of the truck.
The automaker claimed it was looking for a flat “diesel-like” torque curve. Reviewers claim it accomplished this. When you touch the Tundra Hybrid’s accelerator, the electric motor in its transmission launches it off the line and it accelerates smoothly to 18 MPH. At this point, the V6 fires up, but the electric motor keeps pushing until the engine’s turbochargers have built up momentum.
Next, read about new Toyota Tundra turbocharger failures or watch the Mode S review of the new Tundra transmission in the video below:
Learn more about the towing capacity of the new Tundra transmission in this final video:
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