12V battery problems 24 TrailHunter

[TacoFreak]

It is really no fun having battery anxiety.

No, not at all. I have driven only Toyota products for years. I spent more on this truck than I ever thought I would for a Toyota and it is the first one I don't 100% feel like I can trust. Not a good feeling.

But once I realized that Toyota doesn't care about my truck or even my next purchase I moved on. With occasional trickle charging and a jump pack in the glove box I can trust it again. When the low SOC finally kills the OEM 12 volt I will get an Optima yellow top and I think it will be a lot better.

But I will never forget that this was the first time Toyota totally let me down and I found out that they don't even care. That was an eye opener for me.

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[lauren01]

No, not at all. I have driven only Toyota products for years. I spent more on this truck than I ever thought I would for a Toyota and it is the first one I don't 100% feel like I can trust. Not a good feeling.

But once I realized that Toyota doesn't care about my truck or even my next purchase I moved on. With occasional trickle charging and a jump pack in the glove box I can trust it again. When the low SOC finally kills the OEM 12 volt I will get an Optima yellow top and I think it will be a lot better.

But I will never forget that this was the first time Toyota totally let me down and I found out that they don't even care. That was an eye opener for me.

I have heard several stories like yours. Sad to hear this. My Hondas have never let me down. I have driven a 1978, two 1984s, a 1987, a 2001, a 2013, and a 2023. A few things have worn out, but nothing has broken. N=plenty enough for a solid trend. I just happened to be out working on my truck with a Honda shirt on lol. But I love my Trailhunter hat. If the Ridgeline were capable like the Tacoma, I may well have bought it. And I do love this truck and my mom’s new Lexus RX350h, but I have the same two worries you do. Hope to get the Optima installed next week if the shop gets it in. If not, I will hit up Walmart.

 

[Bcphoto3]

It is really no fun having battery anxiety.

Lauren,
Are you replacing your OEM battery with an Optima battery and, if so, which one. Not sure if Toyota will/ can add an alternator to the 24 TH but I am asking tomorrow at Oil change. Also interested in when and where you guys will be wine tasting at HipCamp in couple of months. Might be when we are in area.

 

[lauren01]

Lauren,
Are you replacing your OEM battery with an Optima battery and, if so, which one. Not sure if Toyota will/ can add an alternator to the 24 TH but I am asking tomorrow at Oil change. Also interested in when and where you guys will be wine tasting at HipCamp in couple of months. Might be when we are in area.

Optima Yellowtop DH7, rated to 880 cca, pic attached.

We are planning to visit Shale Oak Winery — will ask them as the time draws near, to confirm that our dog is welcome to accompany us. Late Sept. timeframe.

 

[djevans]

I gave up hoping that my truck could keep its 12V charged or that Toyota would do something to fix it. It is in my garage right now with a trickle charger on it, and if I do that every 1-2 weeks it is fine. My wife's RZ can't keep its 12V charged either and it has gone stone dead several times. When I take the charger off of my truck I put it on her SUV, and that keeps them both running.

We both carry jump packs so we don't get stranded, but for two vehicles that cost over $125k combined, I expected more. At least Lexus will replace the battery for 48 months, versus only 24 months for a Toyota product.

I've worn Lexus (dealer and Lexus Corporate customer satisfaction) out, thinking they might be more receptive to solving the issue. No, if that battery reaches 70-80% SOC, that's perfect operation for them. Because her trips are more infrequent and shorter, she might park it at or under 70% and then not drive it for a week. I hate charging the battery every week. But, there is nobody else. For us, no US or foreign manufacturer makes a better vehicle. (reliability (V35 aside)) But I definitely am disappointed with Toyota... I like the Tacoma much better and do drive it more frequently. Still top it off a couple of times a month...

 

[TacoFreak]

I've worn Lexus (dealer and Lexus Corporate customer satisfaction) out, thinking they might be more receptive to solving the issue.

The difference between Toyota and Lexus that I have found is how honest they are.

Toyota just says my truck is fine and this it is my fault for not driving it enough. End of discussion, I can figure out what I want to do and it does not involve them. They have to know that their hybrid charging systems leave a lot to be desired, but bottom line, they don't care.

Lexus on the other hand does care, even though they have no solution, they do admit that it is a know problem. At least they will keep her SUV is 12 volts batteries for longer.

I love my truck and I plan to keep it despite this issue and it being in the VIN range for possible transmission failure. It is great looking and I think the balance between good handling, quiet ride and off road ability is magical. I have had a number of off road trucks and this is the only one that I can actually say is fun to drive on a winding two lane.

From another manufacturer I wouldn't even blink, but Toyota has taught me to completely trust them, and this truck does disappoint there. I traded in a 14 year old Tundra that I am pretty sure will still be on the road after I have finally moved on from my Pro. But automotive quality took a hit in 2020 and it does not look like it will ever get back to where it was. The domestic truck makers have had a lot worse problems and thousands of engine and transmission failures.

 

[lauren01]

The difference between Toyota and Lexus that I have found is how honest they are.

Toyota just says my truck is fine and this it is my fault for not driving it enough. End of discussion, I can figure out what I want to do and it does not involve them. They have to know that their hybrid charging systems leave a lot to be desired, but bottom line, they don't care.

Lexus on the other hand does care, even though they have no solution, they do admit that it is a know problem. At least they will keep her SUV is 12 volts batteries for longer.

I love my truck and I plan to keep it despite this issue and it being in the VIN range for possible transmission failure. It is great looking and I think the balance between good handling, quiet ride and off road ability is magical. I have had a number of off road trucks and this is the only one that I can actually say is fun to drive on a winding two lane.

From another manufacturer I wouldn't even blink, but Toyota has taught me to completely trust them, and this truck does disappoint there. I traded in a 14 year old Tundra that I am pretty sure will still be on the road after I have finally moved on from my Pro. But automotive quality took a hit in 2020 and it does not look like it will ever get back to where it was. The domestic truck makers have had a lot worse problems and thousands of engine and transmission failures.

It seems we have two choices: take it or leave it.
I am enjoying the heck out of what works with the truck.
Am ever grateful that I still have the Integra. I love the truck more, but respect the Acura (Honda) more.

 

[Will721]

But automotive quality took a hit in 2020 and it does not look like it will ever get back to where it was. The domestic truck makers have had a lot worse problems and thousands of engine and transmission failures.

I wouldn't call it a quality hit, thats not exactly the issue. It all comes down to government over regulation that has caused all these issues. Junk CVTs are due to overwhelming fuel economy regulations. The domestics eating their valvetrain is due to emissions. Diesels are having issues with dpf and egr from emissions. Low tension ring issues are from fuel economy. We don't even get some of the best, and well designed engine options available due to emissions. These charging system issues are likely due to Toyota chasing economy numbers by reducing overall engine load. All of it comes down to three groups pushing and pulling manufacturers to get what they want.

The NHTSA wants safer cars. The best way to do that is to add more material for larger crumple zones. This makes cars bigger and heavier. Meanwhile the EPA wants fuel economy and emissions. Heavy cars aren't good for economy so manufacturers have to shave weight wherever they can which is why we see so much plastic where it doesn't belong. Not to mention overly complex vehicle controls, emissions equipment, low friction cylinde linings (that fail), transmissions with way mor gears, auto start stop, and smaller displacement with turbos.

Meanwhile the consumer doesn't care for most of that. They want a relatively safe car thats decent on gas but want as much horsepower as they can. Not to go fast, but to get that bloated heavy hunk of metal up to speed on the highway comfortably. But horsepower isn't good for fuel economy or emissions. But the nhtsa makes sure you need more of it year after year. To put it in perspective, a 4th gen Tacoma (Midsize truck) weighs more than this by 200lbs:

At the end of the day, this is an America problem. Manufacturers have run out of options. They are being pulled in every direction with no end in site. Its why every manufacturer was pushing so hard into EVs, they are easier to meet regulations. But the consumer didn't want them. They have too many drawbacks. Which is why so many are now doubling back.

 

[djevans]

The difference between Toyota and Lexus that I have found is how honest they are.

Toyota just says my truck is fine and this it is my fault for not driving it enough. End of discussion, I can figure out what I want to do and it does not involve them. They have to know that their hybrid charging systems leave a lot to be desired, but bottom line, they don't care.

Lexus on the other hand does care, even though they have no solution, they do admit that it is a know problem. At least they will keep her SUV is 12 volts batteries for longer.

I love my truck and I plan to keep it despite this issue and it being in the VIN range for possible transmission failure. It is great looking and I think the balance between good handling, quiet ride and off road ability is magical. I have had a number of off road trucks and this is the only one that I can actually say is fun to drive on a winding two lane.

From another manufacturer I wouldn't even blink, but Toyota has taught me to completely trust them, and this truck does disappoint there. I traded in a 14 year old Tundra that I am pretty sure will still be on the road after I have finally moved on from my Pro. But automotive quality took a hit in 2020 and it does not look like it will ever get back to where it was. The domestic truck makers have had a lot worse problems and thousands of engine and transmission failures.

Well, there wouldn’t even have been a discussion. “IF” Lexus made trucks…. There’s a reason we’ve had 5 (or 6?) Lexus’s in a row. But it’s still Toyota and this makes so little sense. After posting yesterday, I went down and measured her battery. 12.16 V. I just shouldn’t have to keep charging it. Any service at Lexus is treated with a loaner car and a sense of urgency. But I view this issue “as designed” as a change I simply can’t understand…. Yes, you’re right this is my first dealing with Toyota and it’s a whole different experience, this to me is substandard design. I really don’t know if a battery with more capacity is the answer. You might repost if it helps.

 

[Will721]

If your dealer isn't providing a loaner, thats a crap dealer and not on Toyota. My dealer gives me a car for any service. My wife uses to drop her car off for service before work. They would shuttle her to work and pick her up when she got off. They'd even pick her up on her lunch break and run her to get food if she asked. That's just for the standard "free" services.

 

[JayZap]

25 TH with an alternator, 11 months of ownership. I suspect with your shirt drives and the engine on/off the generator doesn’t charge the battery enough.

I too drive frequent short trips. I always drive tow/haul mode so the engine on/off can’t kick in.

 

[TacoFreak]

After posting yesterday, I went down and measured her battery. 12.16 V. I just shouldn’t have to keep charging it.

That is about where my 12 volt sits if I never put my charger on it. Before I started to trickle charge it, it would sometime be under 12 volts, but the truck would still turn on. If I do trickle it from time to time it is more like 12.3-12.4 V. That is better and might help the battery last longer, but no, it is not enough.

Yes, you’re right this is my first dealing with Toyota and it’s a whole different experience, this to me is substandard design. I really don’t know if a battery with more capacity is the answer. You might repost if it helps.

I am a software dev and what bothers me is that I think it is by design. If the system works like I think it does, how well it charges the 12 volt is defined in software. There is massively more power in the traction battery and it could keep the 12 volt charged if it was designed to.

My understanding is that anytime the ignition is on the DC/DC converter draws power from the traction battery, converts it to 12 volts and charges the battery. I can see that if I monitor the battery level with my Carista. It will be at its low SOC and as soon as the truck is on, the battery is getting charged at a 13 -14 volt level. But short drives never fully charge the battery and even if I start with 12.4 volts and drive for a long time it never goes above 12.5.

If I was designing the system I would use the traction battery to maintain a minimum charge in the 12 volt, even when the truck was not turned on. It would need a floor so that it never depleted the traction battery which is a big no no. But mine and my wife's will let the 12 volt get too low to even turn on the truck, even with lots of power in the traction battery. I think a better battery, like an AGM deep discharge type would help, but to me the charging system seems designed to fail unless you drive it a lot.

 

[shackley]

Driving a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TrailHunter.. Hybrid.. First 12v Battery dead at 18 months.. Noticed it because the Ultrasonic Collision sensors started throwing codes. Now checking the replacement battery (2 weeks ago) as the Ultrasonic front sensors started throwing codes again.. Guess what, Voltage at 12.1.. My driving is short 5-15 minute trips around town with occasional longer trip maybe once every couple of weeks.. i have heard that Toyota put alternators on certain models of Tacoma starting in 2025.. Toyota engineers are rather stupid to ignore this problem and let it occur in the first place.

Yes, my 2026 TH has an alternator. I do charge it periodically however. It does get down to 12.4 at times. I also drive short distances most of the time.

 

[shackley]

I also have battery jumper packs in both the Lexus and the Toyota. . .

I do the same with my TH and my wife's 2023 RAV4 Prime. We've had the RAV battery replaced once.

 

[TacoFreak]

25 TH with an alternator, 11 months of ownership. I suspect with your shirt drives and the engine on/off the generator doesn’t charge the battery enough.

I too drive frequent short trips. I always drive tow/haul mode so the engine on/off can’t kick in.

Some people think that the alternator in the newer trucks is not used to charge the 12 volt, which seems strange. Toyota does not reveal details like that, so I don't know if that is true or not. I have talked to people who don't drive their hybrids with an alternator often and some of them still have a very low resting SOC and if they don't drive for a week or two the truck will not have enough power to turn on.

I have a friend who drove a nice Acura sedan (non-hybrid) and it would die when parked in an airport lot when he travelled. The Acura dealer said it was the battery and that his car was fine. The Battery shop said the battery was fine and it was the car. He finally gave up and just sold it because he travels a lot for his job.

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