Toyota Kluger Gearbox & Transmission Problems

The absolute best advice here is to not drive the vehicle any farther and take it straight to the Toyota dealership from which you bought it. This could be anything from a minor to a major problem, but any brand-new car that is not shifting gears smoothly and silently is a cause for concern.

The mechanics might try to convince you that this is something all Klugers do, but don’t be afraid to question that. In fact, since it’s a dealership, get them to take you for a ride in another Kluger of the same specification to see if it makes the same noises. If you’re still not happy and not getting anywhere at dealer level, try Toyota Australia’s customer service department.

The eight-speed automatic in the Kluger is a well known quantity and doesn’t seem to have any inherent weaknesses. Which means anything odd like a vibration or noise needs to be checked out before any further damage is done.

We haven’t heard of the Kluger jumping out of gear as a common problem, but it’s definitely one you need a mechanic to look at as there’s an obvious safety implication if you lose drive at a critical moment. The 'flaring' could simply be the behaviour that’s been programmed into the vehicle at the factory. The idea is that when you start to use large throttle inputs (say, when overtaking) the vehicle interprets that as you driving on a winding, uphill road. So, to keep the engine making lots of power, it holds on to a lower gear than seems normal. And that’s what you’re feeling when the revs stay high beyond your overtaking move. Try adjusting the car’s mode from Sport to Normal or even Economy, at which point the transmission should become a little less frenetic.

The good news is that, if there’s something wrong, your car should still be covered by Toyota’s factory warranty (which was three-years/100,000km when your car was bought new) so make it Toyota’s problem. If you’re not happy with your dealer, talk to Toyota Australia’s customer service department.

Talk directly to Toyota’s customer assistance service (1800 869 682) and clarify what part was replaced, and why they say it isn’t covered by the warranty.

It's interesting that the dealer has told you there is a problem, but Toyota denied it. I reckon I would believe the dealer in this instance, and suggest that Toyota is fobbing you off while they scratch their collective heads and try to work out what's wrong. I reckon it's an issue with the lock-up torque converter. Press for a solution.

Take it to another mechanic who knows Toyotas and have it assessed. I have seen reports of a whining noise coming from the front differential and transfer case. I doubt that it is the automatic transmission itself.

Generally today carmakers do not recommend servicing automatic transmissions, the transmissions are "filled for life" in the factory and according to the carmakers don't need any servicing. Auto transmission experts would disagree and say that you should change the oil every 25,000 km or so, and carry out a major service every 100,000 km or so. On that basis you could have the oil changed as a precaution, but if you're not towing with your vehicle you could safely let it go for a few more kays.

We haven't had any other reports of this failure on the Kluger, but cracked flexplates are not uncommon and I have seen many of different makes and models. I would certainly have a crack at Toyota, particularly if you have your car's full service records and the cracked flexplate to show them.

IT'S a little-used function in Australia where we seldom have to drive in snowy or icy conditions. But in other countries where snow and ice are common it's very useful. Most often it switches the gearbox over so it starts off in second gear. It's harder to spin the wheels when you start in a higher gear.