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One mechanic vents in a recent Reddit r/Toyota forum discussion titled “As a Toyota Master Tech, the New Tundra and Tacoma Make Me Wanna Kill Myself” shows that while the more recent generations of Toyota trucks are problematic, so are their owners and how dealerships mistreat their mechanics.
The mechanic’s rant reveals not only the Toyota Tundra problems and Tacoma reliability concerns that owners face, but also the difficult position dealership technicians are put in when customers expect bulletproof trucks that simply don’t exist anymore.
So, is the Master Tech exaggerating, or is there a real problem with Toyota’s most popular trucks?
Why the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma Remain So Popular
Despite complaints, both trucks continue to dominate their markets.
- Toyota Tundra: Full-size buyers love its towing capacity, strong payload ratings, and Toyota’s reputation for durability. The new i-Force twin-turbo V6 and hybrid powertrain promise better torque and fuel efficiency compared to the earlier 5.7L V8. While it doesn’t outsell the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado, it appeals to buyers seeking a reliable alternative to Detroit brands.
- Toyota Tacoma: For nearly two decades, the Tacoma has been America’s best-selling midsize pickup. With its off-road TRD trims, strong resale value, and overlanding lifestyle appeal, it’s still the top choice for buyers who want a smaller truck. Even with the move from the old 4.0L V6 to turbocharged four-cylinder and hybrid options, sales remain strong.
But much of this loyalty comes from the reliability reputation of older models (the 4.0L V6 Tacoma and 5.7L V8 Tundra) rather than what’s happening with the new designs.
Common Issues with the New Toyota Trucks
According to techs and owners alike, the latest models are not problem-free:
Toyota Tacoma 2025 Problems
- Dashboard electrical warnings
- Infotainment glitches
- Hybrid battery hiccups
- Brake hose recall
Toyota Tundra 2022–2025 Problems
- Turbocharger/wastegate failures
- Throttle lag and poor drivability
- Creeping in neutral
- Infotainment freezes
- Seal and trim defects
- Electrical faults and early misfires
- Alignment-related tire wear
- Reverse light recall
The good news? These tend to be annoyances rather than catastrophic engine or transmission failures. Still, they’ve been enough to push some mechanics and owners over the edge.
Toyota Master Tech Complaints: “This isn’t a cry for help post, this is just a warning to anyone who gets one of these trucks”
As the frustrated OP recently vented on Reddit:
“I can’t make any hours because my days are just spent dealing with owners of these [expletive] trucks and jumping through hoops with Toyota just to find out the condition is ‘normal.’ I worked 60+ hours this week and only got paid for 23.
Every new generation has its issues, but these new trucks are absolute dog (expletive) and the customers expect them to be as comfortable as a Rolls-Royce, and handle like a Corvette.
I’ve put all my skills and knowledge into Toyota and now I feel like I can’t go anywhere else.”
– Jesse3195
Advertising
Other dealership employees chimed in with similar frustrations:
“Vehicle is operating within normal parameters. ‘If you say “No Problem Found’ they can claim, ‘Oh! So there is a problem, but you can’t find it?!’” ‒Tolerance Respect
As a professional auto tech (not Toyota), ‘Can not duplicate customer concern’ is what a lot of us use.” ‒davethadude
I’m in the service side making appointments for customers who own Tacos and Tundras. And they both have a lot of issues. Customers come in with a litany of items that can’t be resolved or duplicated. If under the 3yr/36 warranty the customer doesn’t get charged the $250 diagnostic fee but then the technician also does not get paid flat rate for all of the time he took trying to find the problem bc it comes back as “normal”. ‒Dense-Nobody340
Congratulations, you got tricked into being paid like a contractor. I left Toyota for Volvo—at least I get paid properly.” – SileAnimus
Flat-rate pay, warranty restrictions, and rising new Toyota truck issues have combined to create a tough environment for dealership mechanics.
The Root of the Problem: Flat-rate pay, warranty restrictions, and new Toyota truck issues
Toyota’s new generation of truck models have created a tough environment for dealership mechanics.
Like the OP, their frustrations boil down to three main factors:
- Flat-rate pay system – Mechanics only get paid for confirmed repairs, not time spent chasing hard-to-replicate issues.
- Toyota manufacturing slip-ups – The latest trucks don’t have the same bulletproof reliability that made earlier generations legendary.
- Customer expectations – Many owners still believe a Toyota truck should never have issues, creating tension when service advisors report: “Cannot duplicate customer concern.”
Tacoma vs Tundra: Reliability vs Reality
At the end of the day, both the Tacoma and Tundra are still strong choices compared to some rivals. But they’re no longer flawless.
- The Tacoma offers lifestyle appeal and resale value but suffers from early-model teething problems.
- The Tundra boasts impressive powertrains and towing ability, but its complexity has created more opportunities for glitches.
If you’re considering one, it’s important to separate Toyota’s reputation from reality and be prepared for more dealership visits than older generations required.
Related article: Truth from a Toyota Mechanic Might Offend Toyota Truck Owners
Your Turn: Are Toyota Trucks Still Worth It?
Do you agree with the OP’s complaints about the Toyota Tundra problems and Tacoma reliability issues? Or are mechanics like the OP exaggerating the situation? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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Source: torquenews.com
