NHTSA Complaint #11590921 — 2022 TOYOTA TACOMA

Vehicle exhibits symptoms typically associated with (at least in older vehicles) of a failing torque converter. Initial onset was around the 5k mile mark, the truck was purchased brand new. Vehicles shudders under load, especially uphill or from a stop, the truck frequently hunts for the gears during shifts (truck will initiate a shift and then just rev up and down, depending on if you remove your foot when it does it to avoid damaging the engine), I have clanking and a metallic clicking sound coming from the bell housing, tranmission casing and bell housing radiate heat from under the vehicle hot enough to be uncomfortable climbing out of the vehicle after a 30-45 minute drive (my youngest recently started asking me to pick her up out of the truck cause it "burns" **is hot** on her leg, where she used to love climbing and jumping off my steps), my avg milage dropped from low to mid 20s to avg 14-18 miles per gallon since the initial onset, and the dealership and toyota customer service keep telling me there's nothing wrong with it, they all do that, and they're just "Vehicle Characteristics" of the Tacoma.. I've driven friends and family members tacomas of the same generation that did not do it, and mine DID NOT DO IT NEW! They told me at first it was just the transmission learning my driving habits and I told them I would give it time.. Last interaction with dealer, who hinted they would buy it, toyota told me that I would have to pay for a transmission service in order to check it properly (manually/not with an OBD scanner) and IF there was a confirmed issue that I could TRY and apply for reimbursement. This vehicle has 22k miles on it and has been serviced as instructed everytime. Originally only very slight surging felt between 40-50mph, now it is at any speeds and significantly more violent at lower speeds or when trying to merge on interstate (truck loses traction to rear end occasionally during 55mph shift in moist or foggy weather while merging)