Transmission 8-speed transmission problems pose a serious safety risk for drivers and other people on the road. They can lead to complete loss of power while driving, cause the vehicle to stall, or result in sudden acceleration or braking unexpectedly.
Toyota has recently been facing increased scrutiny for transmission problems, particularly in its trucks. Although there are some Toyota recalls for vehicle transmission defects, many drivers are still experiencing issues.
If you own a Toyota truck with 8-speed automatic transmission issues, you may not have to pay for repairs out of your pocket. Trucks still covered by a warranty with significant defects caused by shoddy manufacturing may qualify for lemon law protection in California.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common transmission problems in Toyota trucks – and what you can do if you are affected.
Common Toyota Transmission Issues
Slipping Automatic Transmission
When you shift gears while driving, you expect your vehicle to stay in that gear until you go to shift again. If you notice your car slipping out of gear or having trouble changing gears, this is a symptom of a slipping transmission. Not only is this frustrating, but it’s a safety hazard as it can cause you to lose control of your truck.
If you notice your Toyota truck’s transmission slipping, it could be due to a few different factors. One possibility is that the transmission fluid needs to be changed. Old or dirty fluid can cause the transmission to slip, and changing the fluid will usually fix the problem.
Another possibility is that there’s an issue with the transmission itself, such as a worn clutch or defective gears. In this case, Toyota automatic transmission troubleshooting at home may not be possible. Instead, you’ll need to take your truck to a mechanic or dealership for diagnosis and repair.
If they cannot repair your shifting transmission and your truck’s still under warranty, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement. Consult a CA lemon law attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Shifting Issues
Some drivers have also reported Toyota transmission issues with shifting, especially when moving from first to second gear. Shifting should be smooth and quick to respond. If you notice any delays or hesitations when you change gears, this is another sign that something may be wrong.
Like with a slipping transmission, this Toyota 8-speed transmission problem can often be fixed by changing the fluid. However, if this doesn’t solve the issue, there may be something wrong with the transmission itself.
It’s important to take your truck to a mechanic or dealership to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. You may be entitled to a refund or replacement under CA lemon law as this issue interferes with the vehicle’s safety and performance. However, you’ll need to give Toyota a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem before filing a lemon claim.
Premature Wear of Lower Ball Joints
Another common Toyota transmission issue is premature wear of the lower ball joints and upper control arms. This wear can cause a number of problems, including strange noises, vibrations, and poor handling. In some cases, it can also lead to transmission failure.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your truck in for inspection and repair. Worn ball joints can sometimes be replaced. However, the entire transmission may need repair if it’s a defect. Again, if Toyota has been unable to fix the problem, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement under CA lemon law.
What to Do if You’re Experiencing Toyota CVT Transmission Problems?
The first thing you’ll want to do is take your truck to a Toyota dealership or certified mechanic to have the Toyota 8-speed transmission problems inspected. As long as the warranty was in effect when you reported the problem, Toyota should repair it at no cost.
Yet, if the Toyota dealership is unable to fix the problem, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement. Of course, some other factors must be met for you to take legal action under CA lemon law.
To qualify as a lemon, you must meet these requirements:
- Your truck must be covered under the manufacturer or dealer warranty when the defect or nonconformity was first reported; and
- Have a defect or nonconformity that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety; and
- The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the defect or nonconformity; or
- Your truck must have been out of service for repairs on one or more defects/nonconformities for at least 30 days; and
- The defect or nonconformity must not have been caused by driver abuse or neglect.
Each case is different, so it’s important to consult with a lemon law attorney to see if you have a valid claim for Toyota 8-speed transmission problems. Experienced lawyers will know how to build a strong case and get you the best possible outcome.
Need a CA Lemon Law Lawyer?
If you’re experiencing Toyota CVT transmission problems and believe your truck may be a lemon, the team at Cline APC may be able to help. We have extensive experience handling Toyota lemon law claims and can fight to get you the best possible outcome. Even if you don’t have a valid claim, we’re happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
