Jul 10, 2025

Modern Toyota transmissions contain hundreds of intricate moving parts. Despite their complexity, they’re remarkably reliable and will perform smoothly for the lifespan of the car as long as you keep the fluid fresh. Nonetheless, it’s possible for problems to arise in the best gearboxes, and it pays to know the common signs of transmission trouble; here are a few to watch out for. If you notice these issues, visit your local Toyota dealership for transmission service without delay.

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Grinding Sounds

If gears are rounding out or the transmission fluid is low, you might hear the gears grinding when you shift. This may be accompanied by vibrations as the gears struggle to shift with insufficient lubrication. 

Whining Noises

When a transmission filter becomes clogged, the fluid is low, the torque converter is malfunctioning, or other gearbox parts are wearing out, drivers sometimes hear a whining sound from below. This whining may become louder when you accelerate or maintain higher speeds.

Delayed Shifting

Fluid issues, worn seals or bands, a bad solenoid, or a faulty planetary gear system could cause delayed engagement when shifting. If your gears seem to hesitate a few seconds before locking into place, have a trusted technician take a look before the problem worsens.

Slipping Gears

A more serious problem is when gears begin to shift on their own. This might begin with your car slipping into neutral when you’re driving, which is dangerous. Delayed and slipping gears are often accompanied by loud engine revving. 

Refusal To Shift

If allowed to develop, some of the aforementioned faults may eventually cause your gears to refuse to shift at all. A faulty powertrain control module or synchronizer might also be the culprit for this. You’ll need to have your unresponsive transmission repaired before you can drive safely again.

Visit Your Toyota Dealership for Routine Transmission Maintenance

The key to preventing transmission problems is regular servicing. Automatic Toyota transmissions usually only need to be flushed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, although you should check your owner’s manual for your model. However, it’s advisable to inspect the transmission fluid once a month along with your car’s other essential fluids.

Visit New Rochelle Toyota in New Rochelle, NY, to quickly resolve any gearbox issues and have your car shifting like new once more. We offer an extensive selection of vehicles and automotive services, all with courteous, personalized customer care.