Toyota Recalls 381,000 Tacoma Trucks in the U.S. Over Potential Rear-Axle Shaft Defect
Toyota is recalling approximately 381,000 Tacoma trucks in the U.S. due to a potential rear-axle shaft defect that could result in loss of vehicle control.
Recall Details
Toyota has announced a recall of around 381,000 Tacoma trucks in the United States. The recall is being issued because of a potential defect in the rear-axle shaft that could lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle. This announcement was made in a notice posted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to Toyota, the issue arises from welding debris that may have been left on the ends of the rear-axle assembly during the manufacturing process. Over time, certain retaining nuts may loosen and eventually fall off, causing a part to separate from the axle. This separation can affect vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Affected Models and Warning Signs
The recall covers a total of 381,199 Toyota Tacoma trucks from the 2022 and 2023 model years. Drivers who are operating vehicles with loosened nuts may notice several warning signs. These include vibrations, abnormal noise, or leakage of differential oil, which is also known as gear oil and is found in the axle housing.
Toyota will be sending out recall notifications to affected customers through the mail by late April. Once contacted, customers should take their vehicles to Toyota dealers for inspection. The dealers will then check the rear axle assembly and retighten the axle retaining nuts free of charge. In cases where the problem has caused damage to axle components, the necessary repairs or replacements will be made by the dealers.
Contact and Further Information
Customers who own Tacoma trucks that fall under the recall can find more information by visiting Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls. They can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information to check if their vehicle is affected.
For any additional questions or concerns, Toyota customer support can be reached by calling the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at (800) 331-4331. Alternatively, owners can also contact NHTSA's safety hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov. The specific recall notice issued by NHTSA is No. 24V15200 and can be viewed on their website.
