2024 Tacoma Grille Shutter Issue Update

drktacoma · 2025-05-31T23:53:28+00:00

Recently I relocated from Utah to Nashville Tennessee one and a half weeks after buying my new 4G Tacoma. I towed a 5x8 Uhaul travel trailer with all my crap loaded to the brim and I wanted to share my experience on how the truck handled it. For starters I have a TRD Offroad iForce-MAX Premium Package (tow haul etc), DCSB. No vehicle or performance modifications. 5x8 Uhaul EMPTY trailer weight: 900 lbs Max Load: 1,800 lbs Max Load + Trailer Weight: 2,700 lbs Actual Load: 1,500 lbs Total Load + Trailer Weight: 2,400 lbs I didn't have a lot of skepticism on how the truck would handle the trailer and weight rather I had no expectations other than the fact that it would handle it better than my previous 3G. The 3 day journey was actually ENJOYABLE driving the truck with the trailer. I split up the days into two 9 hours and one 5 hour drive and it was quite relaxing. You most certainly know there is a trailer back there but it didn't gear hunt, held a constant rpm and delivered instant power when I asked for it. The trailer had no brakes so therefore I didn't utilize the trailer brake system and handled normal braking just fine! I did utilize the tow/haul mode on the selector on the lower pedestal and it held a higher RPM around 1000 more than if you weren't towing. Over the course of 3 days (1650 miles) I averaged 75 MPHS with a consistent 3000 RPM and 14.5 MPG with cruise control on 65% of the time with a dang headwind or crosswind the entire drive. I didn't utilize the backup assist features as I didn't have time to set it up before hand but the visibility from the mirrors and backup camera was suitable for manual reversing. To say I was impressed and happy would be an understatement, the truck exceeded my expectations. Would I do it again? Yea if I had to...sure the truck was super comfortable with the new seats, infotainment and climate control that it was as pleasurable an XC road trip can be through half a dozen flat states. Overall this put another stamp of approval on liking the 4G and being happy with the switch from the 3G. If you have any questions about it let me know I'm happy to answer! Overnight stop in St. Louis. Overnight stop in North Platte Nebraska.

TRD JON

Administrator

Staff member

Aug 1, 2024

Hey guys, a month or so ago now, I had a check engine light come onto my Tacoma which indicated that the Grille Shutter had a malfunction. I have since had the dealership fix this issue, and I am happy to say that it appears to be a permanent fix, let me explain.

I recently had an interview with Tacoma Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown which I will eventually be posting to my YouTube channel. In this I asked him about known issues that they were aware of with the Tacoma and the grille shutter came up in conversation. He let me know that there was a connector that was slightly out of tolerance which allowed some moisture to get inside, mess with the readings, and essentially force the CEL to come on.

Sheldon said that they noticed this very early in their production process which actually led to one of the QC holds of the Tacoma early on. I guess my truck just slipped through and eventually had the issue show itself when I got too close to the connector with my power washer 10K miles later.