Bittersweet Day, Toyota Bought Back My 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter 27K In, It’s Bad Ass, But Too Many Issues For a $70K Truck, I Couldn’t Depend On It Any Longer

The $70K 2025 Toyota Tacoma Lemon. Find out why one owner's "bad ass" Trailhunter was bought back under the Lemon Law—and if other owners are facing similar extreme issues.

The excitement surrounding the new-gen Toyota Tacoma, especially the range-topping Trailhunter, has been understandable. Toyota marketed this $70,000 rig as the ultimate factory-backed overlanding machine. But Ron tells a much darker story.

The latest, and perhaps most definitive, warning shot came from Ron Preadmore on the Taco Nation Facebook page. He summarized the heartbreak many are feeling:

"Bittersweet day today... Bought a Trailhunter in December, and it was breakdown after breakdown. The damn Snorkel intake has the oiled TRD air filter, and at 249 miles, it sucked oil into the intake, causing it to go into limp mode. Again at 5,000 miles, again at 9,000 miles, and again at 15,000 miles. Every time it shorted out the MAF sensor and had to be replaced." 

"Then I took it to Gatlinburg for a work outing and hit a 3 out of 10 trail from one, and 2100 feet up, the transmission overheated. Too many issues for a $70,000 truck. Toyota bought it back today under the Lemon Law. So sad to see it go. Such a Bad Ass truck, but I couldn't depend on it any longer. It has 27,000 miles on it. Any other Trailhunter owners have issues to this extreme?"

Ron's story is critical because it highlights not one, but two compounding factory-spec issues that current and prospective owners should know about.

1. The Oiled Filter Flaw:

The first issue centers on the combination of the optional snorkel intake and the oiled TRD air filter. For those seeking answers to the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter oiled air filter MAF sensor failure, the technical explanation is straightforward but often overlooked by dealership techs.

Oiled air filters, while sometimes offering a slight increase in airflow, utilize oil designed to capture fine dust. When this oil is over-applied—or when the air path is short, as it is with the snorkel configuration—the filter medium can wick the oil into the air stream. The most sensitive part of the intake system is the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, which uses a delicate, heated platinum wire to measure air density. That oil vapor coats the wire, causing it to send corrupted or zero readings to the ECU.

This immediately triggers the truck's protection protocol, resulting in "limp mode," as Ron experienced repeatedly. Replacing the MAF sensor fixes the symptom, but not the cause.

What's The Fix?

If you are asking how to fix the recurring Tacoma limp mode due to the TRD intake, the solution is simple and immediate:

• Switch to Dry: Immediately replace the oiled TRD air filter with a high-quality, non-oiled (dry) synthetic filter equivalent. This eliminates the source of the oil contamination.
• Clean the MAF: Buy a dedicated MAF sensor cleaner (do NOT use brake cleaner or other solvents) and carefully clean the current sensor. Owners should do this preventively every 5,000 miles, even with a dry filter, given the sensitivity of the new engine's electronics.

This simple maintenance change moves the truck from being a recurrent lemon candidate to a reliable rig in the air-intake department.

2. The Transmission Overheat Issue:

Ron's second failure—transmission overheating on a "3 out of 10 trail"—raises a much larger question about the Trailhunter's factory heavy-duty claims. The issue that plagues the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter transmission overheating on moderate trails stems from the new 8-speed Automatic Transmission (AC80F) combined with the heavy Trailhunter trim and specific off-road conditions.

Modern transmissions are designed to run hot for fuel efficiency, but heavy loads, slow speeds, high ambient temperatures, and low airflow (all common in serious off-roading or overlanding) can quickly push ATF temperatures past their thermal limits. The Trailhunter, which weighs significantly more than a standard SR5 and carries the load of the overlanding gear, has a higher thermal threshold. When the computer detects this, it pulls power to protect the transmission, leading to the same frustrating limp-mode scenario.

While Toyota likely addressed the oil filter issue in later production runs, the thermal management of the new 8-speed is a core design challenge. Owners are right to question whether the 2024 Tacoma 8-speed automatic transmission is reliable for off-roading. The answer is yes, but only with caution and potentially aftermarket intervention.

The Fix:

• Aggressive Fluid Service: While Toyota suggests longer intervals, I recommend a transmission fluid service (drain and fill—not a flush) every 30,000 to 45,000 miles for any truck that sees regular off-road or towing duty. Fresh fluid handles heat better.
• External Monitoring: Consider installing a third-party temperature gauge/monitor that gives you real-time transmission temperature data (not just a warning light). If the temperature creeps above 230°F (110°C), stop and let the unit cool down.
• Auxiliary Cooling: The ultimate long-term solution for high-mileage, serious users is often an aftermarket auxiliary transmission cooler.

What the Community is Saying

The conversation is echoing Ron's sentiment. Owners are thrilled with the looks and suspension, but mechanical reliability has been a major disappointment for a truck known for its bulletproof reliability.

• Kai Rados - Not a trail hunter, but I have a 25 TRD Off-Road with 17,000km, and I have the same transmission issue. Only happens when going super slow, like crawling, or going uphill on a trail. The only way to make it better is to use 4low or manual mode to maintain high rpm. Which is fine, but it definitely shouldn't be happening regardless.
• Kris Weist - It's sad that Toyota is destroying its brand by doing the same thing as all the other manufacturers: excessive electronics, unproven technology, and high prices.
• Scott Hebert - The reliability/dependability is lost on the new-gen Toyotas. My neighbor just had a new engine put in his Tundra at 47k miles.

My Related Stories:

This isn't the first time we've seen problems on a major Toyota redesign. I've covered the history of new-gen issues extensively.

1. How Stupid Would I Be to Trade My 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD PRO for a 2025 Tacoma Trailhunter? But I've Had More Issues With the Tundra Than Any Toyota I've Owned
2. My 2025 Tacoma SR5, With 2,000 Miles Just Up and Died On the Highway, I Had It Towed to the Dealer, and 4 Weeks Later, They Finally Diagnosed the Problem

The Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Ron Preadmore's journey from enthusiastic owner to Lemon Law buyback is a painful lesson. However, it's not a widespread problem, as most owners report they love the truck and have had no issues.

• Kelly Prymek - Just about 20k and no issues. Besides chipped paint in the bed from gravel roads. I love this truck. I have a 2018 Pro as well. I will take the Trailhunter over the Pro any day.
• Miles Leigh - 2024 TRD Off Road here. Zero issues. And I beat the piss out of it. That snorkel is the problem —it's loud and obnoxious.

Now, I want to hear from you:

If you own a Tacoma Trailhunter, which of these two issues (MAF/Limp Mode or Transmission Heat) is the more significant long-term reliability concern for you? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know what advice you have for potential buyers. 

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Ron Preadmore