Automatic Transmission Column Shift Problems of Toyota Tacoma

This is to clarify NHTSA odi #742258, filed by me on 3/11/01. I was driving south on 35w from st. Paul minnesota at approximately 7 am. The temperature was close to zero and it was snowing lightly. I had gone about 75 miles when I came upon packed snow and random patches of ice on the highway. I had passed several cars in the ditch. I was reasonably worried about my safety, so I attempted to pull the lever to engage my 4-wheel drive. It would not engage. I pulled hard, but not as hard as I could, fearing that something would break. I continued to drive in 2-wheel for another 10-20 minutes. The highway was still icy and I had passed more cars in the ditch. I tried again to engage the 4-wheel drive and again could not. I did not try again for another half hour and when I did, it engaged. I reported the incident to scott nichols' service manager, who phoned Toyota. He told me that they said they had had 'a few' similar reports from drivers in cold areas, but that no accidents had resulted.

See all problems of the 1999 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Location: s. Minnesota, approx. Zero degrees, random ice and snow on pavement; was unable to engage 4-wheel drive for protection; tried twice; 75 miles later was able to engage. Complained to vendor, who called Toyota and was told they'd had "a few" similar incidents during extremely cold weather, but no injuries resulted.

Transfer case shift lever designed without safety switch, allowing vehicle to roll while in park gear if this shift lever is accidently bumped.

See all problems of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

About two weeks ago driver accidentally bumped the shifter and it went into neutral without pressing the lock. Consumer considers this to be a serious safety issue. The dealer was contacted, who stated this is normal for that vehicle.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.