So I took my 2011 4Runner with nearly 239,000 miles to the dealership for a full inspection last Friday. Everything checked out okay, except the tech noticed a shudder when accelerating around 30-40 mph. I brought it in specifically because of this shudder. Other mechanics thought it might be a suspension or tire issue, so I replaced the shocks and thought that would solve it, it didn’t. The dealership ruled out tires, even though mine are getting low on tread. Turns out, they think it’s a worn torque converter in the transmission.
My mom bought this 4Runner brand new in 2011, but we never really kept up with all the factory maintenance, just basic stuff like oil changes, tires, and brakes. I actually changed the AT fluid for the first time this summer, and it was super black. I figured changing all the fluids might help prevent further issues, but the shuddering was already happening before that. The shop manager suggested replacing the torque converter for $3,500 or the whole transmission for $5,000—without labor. The 4Runner is still driveable, but the shudder is noticeable around 30-40 mph.
Now I’m wondering, are they playing into the whole ‘stealership’ thing here? Those prices seem pretty wild, especially when I see used transmissions from totaled 4Runners on eBay for about $1,000. I’m thinking about swapping the transmission fluid regularly to make up for years of neglect and see if that helps reduce the shuddering. I know it’s not a full flush, but it could be worth a shot.
If I go the route of getting a salvaged transmission, what should I look out for? Would it matter if the transmission came from a 2WD or 4WD model? Can I use one from a 4th-gen 4Runner or even a Tacoma if they’re compatible?
Check with a transmission shop about rebuilding the one you have, including a new torque converter. They often offer a year or 12,000-mile warranty, sometimes more. A rebuild might end up costing around the same as installing a used transmission but you’d be starting fresh instead of with a unit that already has 100,000 miles.
And yes, 2WD vs. 4x4 definitely makes a difference when looking at used transmissions.
@Teal
I’ve heard some shops won’t touch a rebuild because it’s too complicated or requires factory-specific settings? Not sure if that’s true, but I’ll look into it!
Look into getting a remanufactured transmission from Jasper. Our shop has used them a bunch of times, and they’ve always been reliable. Plus, they come with a solid warranty.
Gia said:
Hey, I know this is an older post, but I’m curious what you decided to do. I’m dealing with a similar issue.
I ended up finding a low-mileage transmission from a wrecked 4Runner in California. Got it shipped and had a local shop do the swap. So far, no issues with the used transmission. I’m planning to get the filter and fluid replaced at Toyota every 30,000 miles to avoid future torque converter issues.
I’d definitely recommend this route if you can find a good used transmission and a shop willing to install it. It’s way cheaper than buying a new 4Runner! Feel free to DM if you have more questions.
@Chambers
Thanks for the advice! Mine is actually a RAV4, but I’m having the same shuddering issue. I’ve seen similar complaints from other Toyota models too, so I guess it’s a common problem. Did you ever get a quote for a rebuild or just the remanufactured option?
@Gia
Toyota’s quote for a remanufactured transmission was way higher than what I paid for a used one from a wrecked 4Runner. And since a remanufactured transmission is technically still used, I figured why not go with a cheaper low-mileage option?
But yeah, Toyota makes solid transmissions overall. Just don’t skip fluid changes like I did, or you’ll end up with problems like this!