Toyota is recalling 250,000 Tacomas worldwide due to an oil leak that could damage the truck's differential.
Toyota announced it will recall 228,000 Tacomas in the U.S. to fix an oil leak that could increase the risk of a crash. The action impacts 2016 and 2017 model-year pickups.
The automaker said the truck could leak oil, potentially damaging the rear differential. If that occurs, there could be an increase “in noise and reduced propulsion.” If the problem is bad enough the differential could seize and the driver could lose control of the truck.
There are 250,000 trucks globally that are part of the recall. It is unclear at this point if there have been any complaints about crashes or injuries related to the problem. Toyota officials declined to comment, according to multiple reports.
As part of the recall, the company will check vehicles for oil leakage and replace parts if necessary. If no oil leakage is found, fasteners will be tightened to prevent damages. The automaker will begin notifying customers immediately if they are in the affected group of owners in mid-June.
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Owners of the trucks should visit toyota.com/recall and enter their vehicle’s VIN to see if their vehicle is subject to the recall. They can also visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at safercar.gov/vin.
This recall comes after Toyota paid out $3.4 billion last fall to settle with truck owners over rust issues.
In addition, owners can call Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331. The repairs will be made free of charge, the company said.
The Tacoma is a critical part of Toyota’s truck line-up as the midsize truck market is becoming increasingly competitive and this is a setback.
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With GM introducing the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon a few years back and Ford bringing back the Ranger in a few years a midsize pickup, having problems with the longtime leader in the segment is problematic.
Especially since the Japanese maker reached a $3.4 billion settlement last fall to cover complaints of excess corrosion in many of its trucks, including the Tacoma.
All told about 1.5 million Toyota Tundra and Tacoma pickups and Sequoia SUVs will be covered by the settlement in the U.S. Owners sued because the trucks lacked adequate rust protection that could cause breakage of the frame and other components. In some cases, parts would fall off while the vehicles were being driven.
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The settlement covers full-size Toyota Tundras produced from 2007 and 2008, smaller Tacomas made between 2005 and 2010, and Sequoia SUVs produced from 2005 to 2008. According to the original class action lawsuit, those models were not given adequate rust protection.