🪦 RIP Transmission at only 6500mi (2024 LCLC)

[jarussell4]

Just got off the phone with Toyota Brand Engagement. Couldn’t get any information regarding my questions on the buyback unless I commit to it and get a case manager assigned. Was also told it takes 30-60 days to process the buyback.

Not sure but maybe the lemon process would be faster?

My questions were based on the reimbursement on whether it covered loan interest, extended warranty and the dealer add ons I did not want like the $500 nitrogen package which is complete BS in the first place.

This was my first Toyota. I was confident on the purchase based on the brand reputation regarding customer support and reliability. Perhaps my decision making skills aren’t what I thought they were.

They (Toyota Brand Engagement) are useless!!! Jeep was so much better on that end. I thought by switching to Toyota was going to be an upgrade at all levels (including customer service and reliability), boy was I wrong. Come to find out that Toyota has an air of arrogance that makes it very hard as customer to ever be right. Somehow we are all lying. @JeepCares (equivelant of Toyota Brand Engagement) were always very responsive and they listen to the customer, and as long as the vehicle was under warranty they would pay for the rental as long as the car was in the shop, even for a half a day. I wish I had kept my Jeep. Too late now. I just have to deal with it and try to like my new vehicle.

 

[JSD]

I wonder if there’s any correlation with preferred drive mode? (Eco vs normal vs sport)?

I worry about this, too. I was running it in Eco essentially all the time those first 2,00 miles. Since getting it back, I'm mainly in standard mode, but I'm going to keep changing between modes to make sure this thing is now bulletproof.

To save you from finding my original post, Here are my updates since the transmission failed:

08/27/2025 UPDATE - I got some fairly good news from the Service Advisor. Toyota has ok'd the warranty repair and have specified that the Dealer only use new parts, not re-manufactured. They'll be replacing the transmission, the hybrid module, and the torque converter (not another module as I thought I heard earlier). The hybrid module and the torque converter have already arrived at the dealership. The transmission will arrive by September 15th. Thank you to Blue Sky for suggesting getting a Toyota Extra Care Platinum Warranty comp'ed. I haven't done that yet, but I'll be talking to the Toyota Customer Experience Center saying I expect one simply as compensation for being out of my car for a month (or possible more). Plus, the now ever present worry that it could happen again.

@MIkel.C007 asked if Toyota tried to blame vehicle modification (wheels/tires) for the failures. They did not. However, the only modification I made was the addition of Method wheels 318 Machined / Clear coat, 18x8.5 with a 40mm offset. I just transferred my stock tires over to them because I didn't like the look of the satin black rims that came on it.

09/15/2025 UPDATE - When I last posted, the Service Advisor had been given a delivery date of mid-September for the transmission (he had already received the torque converter and hybrid control module). In todays conversation, I found out that the delivery date is now mid-October for the transmission. I'm working now with Toyota Customer Experience as my LC will be well over the thirty working days stipulation needed to qualify for a replacement or buyback. I love the car, but I don't feel like I can trust it now. Something tells me that the dealers are going to have a few used low-mileage LC's for sale over the next year or so. I hope a redesigned transmission is in the works. I'd love to buy another one if they get this fixed.

09/22/2025 UPDATE - Two days after filing a claim with the Toyota Customer Experience Center early last week, the dealership received the transmission. They worked on the LC for three days (including the weekend) and have returned it back to me. The root cause for the failure listed that a P281671 Pressure Control Solenoid "H" actuator stuck, and a P08BA71 Pressure Control Solenoid "L" actuator stuck. The solution was to replace the Torque Converter Assy., replace the Transmission Assy., and replace the Hybrid Module Assy. The LC seems to be driving better than when it was new, but I did feel a bit of a jerk on a downshift when I stopped today. Naturally, though, I'm a bit hypersensitive to the slightest bump or noise right now, so the jury is still out. The Customer Experience folks have acknowledged my claim requesting Toyota to repurchase my vehicle which has been forwarded to a local field office who may request to perform a vehicle inspection. The letter also suggests we use the National Center for Dispute Settlement program which is essentially an arbitration board, hoping I'll keep a lawyer out of this. I also believe that filing the claim fast tracked my transmission delivery, but I have no proof of that. I have told the Customer Experience team that I would keep the LC if they gave me a 7 year/100,000 mile Toyota Extra Care Platinum Warranty at no charge.
I'll keep everyone updated as events unfold.

 

[gteech]

I worry about this, too. I was running it in Eco essentially all the time those first 2,00 miles. Since getting it back, I'm mainly in standard mode, but I'm going to keep changing between modes to make sure this thing is now bulletproof.

Mine is in ECO mode. How do I change it. I don't have 2,000 miles on mine.---Thanks!

 

[JSD]

Mine is in ECO mode. How do I change it. I don't have 2,000 miles on mine.---Thanks!

There's a knob on the dash just below the AC controls that says "Mode Select" just turn that to pick from one of the three modes. It'll show up on your dash as you move the knob.

 

[WeGo250]

For vehicles Toyota ultimately does buy back due to Lemon law etc., I wonder if the selling dealer then has to advertise that it was a buy back.....????

 

[eurospek]

That shows up on Carfax.

 

[WookieBait]

Most Disappointing Vehicle Ive Owned

My 2025 LC premium with 2600 miles on it is in the shop. It needs a new transmision, torque converter and hybrid power unit. I purchased the LC based on the claimed 25/23 MPG. The best Ive gotten is 17.8mpg. This wouldnt be such a deal breaker if it actual had a fule tank with descent capacity...

www.landcruiserforum.com

Looks like another failure..

 

[jarussell4]

 

[CO_Hawk]

I jsut got an update about my trans failure, same as above, they need to replace the tranny, hybrid module etc. I first went to the dealer on Oct 4 which is the day they determined it needed replacement. They are saying parts are due in the last week of November. This will be well past the 30 days, I'm trying to decide whether or not to persue a lemon law claim. I haven't called Toyota Customer Service yet, since it is a bit early in the process, but it sounds like it could speed things up.

I have never done a lemon law claim, is the juice worth the squeeze? Or is it a major PIA to go through it?

Thanks!

 

[TrailWhale]

I have never done a lemon law claim, is the juice worth the squeeze? Or is it a major PIA to go through it?

It varies by state. I have never filed a lemon law claim before, but I did a lot of research when my cruiser was in the shop. In my case, there wasn't anything really I could do until the 30 business days had passed aside from maybe prepare my letter.

ChatGPT is not a lawyer, but it's pretty good at exploring your specific state laws, and formulating a plan.

From what I understand, there are lots of lemon law lawyers out there, since this is probably a copy paste job for them. It might be necessary to get a lawyer, you might be able to do it yourself with a notarized letter of intent sent to dealer & toyota. But I'd start with a nice long conversation with ChatGPT to get the lay of the land. (which again, is not a lawyer and not 100% reliable, but it's really good at this kind of exploration)

 

[Lukin]

I jsut got an update about my trans failure, same as above, they need to replace the tranny, hybrid module etc. I first went to the dealer on Oct 4 which is the day they determined it needed replacement. They are saying parts are due in the last week of November. This will be well past the 30 days, I'm trying to decide whether or not to persue a lemon law claim. I haven't called Toyota Customer Service yet, since it is a bit early in the process, but it sounds like it could speed things up.

I have never done a lemon law claim, is the juice worth the squeeze? Or is it a major PIA to go through it?

Thanks!

My experience with Toyota Brand Engagement thus far has not been the same as the owner in the video. Everyone I’ve spoken with has been polite and are generally knowledgeable and forthcoming with information. From what I understand you can escalate the case in two directions. The lower level can help expedite the replacement parts to be allocated to your repair. In my case this did not improve the timeline. The next level of escalation is to enter into the buy back process. According to the information I received this takes 60 days. If your vehicle is repaired within that window you will have it back to use until the buy back is finalized. My understanding is that the buy back process is the Toyota response to avoid a Lemon Law claim. If your repair history or timeline is obviously within state Lemon Law guidelines, Toyota will work with a third party to process the buy back. The number to Toyota Brand Engagement is 800-331-4331

 

[CO_Hawk]

Thanks for your responses, gives me something to think about while I wait

 

[WookieBait]

Another two on the forums biting the dust:

Failed transmission with only 25k miles on 2024 First Edition.

Well, I have had to drop my truck off at the dealer to see what the God awful noise was that just recently started happening. Turns out the electric pump in the transmission failed and they evidently do not sell the part separately so I will be waiting for the arrival of a backordered...

www.landcruiserforum.com

Landcruiser 2024( LC250) transmission , gearbox issues

I recently purchased a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. I have only been driving it in the city, but after about 12,000 kilometers, I started experiencing serious issues with the transmission and gear shifting. The problem mainly occurs in gears 1, 2, and 3. When driving uphill or starting to move...

www.landcruiserforum.com

 

[t3lcfe]

Yesterday I was at a stop light and as I was about to start driving the cruiser had a pretty viscous jolt, almost felt like I got rear-ended. Immediately 3 warnings came on:

• “System Malfunction”
• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
• “Drive/Start Control Malfunction”.

The cruiser continued to operate but only in 1st gear. I didn’t turn it off until I got home in case it wouldn’t turn back on. Once parked, it did turn back on with only the “Hybrid system malfunction” error and it appeared to be shifting gears again with a test lap around the block.

This morning I drove it into the dealership. Only the "hybrid system malfunction" warning was up, and frankly, the cruiser was driving completely normal. I was hopeful!

Alas, the dreaded phone call arrived this afternoon. The transmission needs to be replaced entirely. And of course, they are on back order with no ETA. Could be a couple weeks, could be a couple months! All under warranty as expected. I'm reading up on the local lemon law here, in case this drags out. The dealership will provide a loaner, but I haven't picked that up yet. I'm expecting something lame like a Camry or worse.

I'm pretty bummed to say the least, right as summer adventure season is kicking off. My 2021 RAV4 is up for the challenge though, and quickly climbing its way back to 1st place of my favorite cars I own.

UPDATE 6/10/25 - Some details from the dealership. There were three codes set, indicating an internal solenoid failure. The guidance from Toyota is to replace the whole transmission instead of pulling it apart. Good news is we have an ETA on the replacement transmission now, we're now looking at 2-4 weeks.

Update 6/23/25 - No updates on incoming transmission "in transit". Picked up a loaner 2025 Tacoma that I'll have for the remainder of the wait.

Update 6/27/25 - Transmission has arrived at dealership, will be installed next week.

Update 7/14/15 - Work was completed on 7/11, I was out of town so I picked up today (7/14). Just over a month without the cruiser. Only 23 business days, so no lemon law (yet) which requires 30 business days.

Update 9/2/25 - Toyota USA customer service eventually reviewed my case I had filed with them, requesting some compensation for the presumed loss of resale value, lifestyle impact, and shaken confidence - specifically as a longtime repeat Toyota customer. They provided the 7yr/100k mi platinum extended warranty and a month of connected services as my 1yr trial had expired while in the shop.

---
I will try to keep a comprehensive log and add updates in this thread since I get the feeling folks are going to find this via search in the future.

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... on the bright side... maybe the new transmission will give me better fuel economy!
(haha, and you thought this wasn't going to be a MPG post!)

Appreciated for detail updates. Great to know your story…just in case ( the case /situation that non of us want to get into

 

[WookieBait]

Another one:

Horrible noise when vehicle is stopped

TL;DR - Horrible noise when the vehicle is in gear and at a complete stop. About 14,000 mi on the odometer. No prior warning. Other posts on this forum suggest this is likely the electric pump inside the transmission. Dealer confirmed this is the problem. Waiting on parts now. More to...

www.landcruiserforum.com

Looking more and more like this transmission just sucks.

 

[JSD]

Just got off the phone with Toyota Brand Engagement. Couldn’t get any information regarding my questions on the buyback unless I commit to it and get a case manager assigned. Was also told it takes 30-60 days to process the buyback.

Not sure but maybe the lemon process would be faster?

My questions were based on the reimbursement on whether it covered loan interest, extended warranty and the dealer add ons I did not want like the $500 nitrogen package which is complete BS in the first place.

This was my first Toyota. I was confident on the purchase based on the brand reputation regarding customer support and reliability. Perhaps my decision making skills aren’t what I thought they were.

I just completed a buyback on my LC with 5,000 miles on it. They gave me everything I paid: the value of my trade and the balance that I paid for the truck. They just paid the total at the bottom of the dealer contract, which was right around $88K inclusive of fees, tax and registration. One interesting note: they contacted me a couple weeks after I filed the claim. I told them, that while I still had trust issues after the failures and the length of time in the shop, I would probably keep the car if they would give me a 100,000 mile warranty. The claims processor said all she could do was present the buyback offer. She said once I made that decision, I would then have to contact customer care and ask them for the warranty. Since I would lose all leverage once I rejected the buyback, I simply took the money and ran. Sad story given how much I like the LC. However, all is not lost, I'm buying the Lexus GX Overtrail with a turbo-V6 out-the-door for $86,500. Hard to believe the Toyota Hybrid cost more for essentially the same truck. The only negatives I can see are the Lexus styling (the Toyota looks much better), and that, even though this is a traditional gas combustion engine, it still has the hybrid-sized gas tank so probably a 280-ish range.

As far as the lemon law, I believe once you get lawyers involved, it will be a much longer wait. Like months longer. I have no experience to prove that statement, but once you stick a middle man who wants to make money off of the buyback into the mix, it could drag out forever.

 

[RideWithYanu]

I just completed a buyback on my LC with 5,000 miles on it. They gave me everything I paid: the value of my trade and the balance that I paid for the truck. They just paid the total at the bottom of the dealer contract, which was right around $88K inclusive of fees, tax and registration. One interesting note: they contacted me a couple weeks after I filed the claim. I told them, that while I still had trust issues after the failures and the length of time in the shop, I would probably keep the car if they would give me a 100,000 mile warranty. The claims processor said all she could do was present the buyback offer. She said once I made that decision, I would then have to contact customer care and ask them for the warranty. Since I would lose all leverage once I rejected the buyback, I simply took the money and ran. Sad story given how much I like the LC. However, all is not lost, I'm buying the Lexus GX Overtrail with a turbo-V6 out-the-door for $86,500. Hard to believe the Toyota Hybrid cost more for essentially the same truck. The only negatives I can see are the Lexus styling (the Toyota looks much better), and that, even though this is a traditional gas combustion engine, it still has the hybrid-sized gas tank so probably a 280-ish range.

As far as the lemon law, I believe once you get lawyers involved, it will be a much longer wait. Like months longer. I have no experience to prove that statement, but once you stick a middle man who wants to make money off of the buyback into the mix, it could drag out forever.

What a horrible experience. I hope the GX treats you fantastically. Curious - why did your LC cost $88k? That’s crazy high. I paid $20k less a year ago for a loaded (premium package) model. Have prices on them gone up that much?

 

[JSD]

What a horrible experience. I hope the GX treats you fantastically. Curious - why did your LC cost $88k? That’s crazy high. I paid $20k less a year ago for a loaded (premium package) model. Have prices on them gone up that much?

Thank you, I hope it treats me e well, too! The sticker price was $77k then a $1200-documentation fee, 10.5% sales tax, the rest were California registration charges . Everything here is ridiculously expensive. Leaving California in 18 months for good!

 

[ultane]

Everything here is ridiculously expensive. Leaving California in 18 months for good!

Congratulations on your escape!!

 

[Vision83]

I'm buying the Lexus GX Overtrail with a turbo-V6 out-the-door for $86,500.

2024 GX was just recalled for the engine. Safe bet is to take the money and wait. We are seeing issues on both platforms and would wait this one out. If possible. I am making similar decisions now, but not many alternatives to the LC250 and GX550 that interest me.

Also thank you for sharing your story and posting a follow up. Most people don’t take the time while Toyota is looking out for Toyota.. so real information helps.