Approximately 228,000 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks (2016 and 2017 model years) are being recalled for a leaking rear differential housing. The recall affects trucks sold in the United States. (Editor’s note: we do not cover all safety recalls, but, given the number of vehicles, we find this one important).
According to Toyota, “The involved vehicles have rear differentials that may leak oil. If a vehicle is continuously operated in this condition, the rear differential could become damaged, which can result in noise and reduced propulsion. In some cases the rear differential could seize, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.”
The solution requires a Toyota dealer inspecting your truck. If there is no leak found, then the differential housing fasteners will be retightened. If some oil is missing, then a new gasket and fasteners will be installed and tightened properly. If rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced with a new one. Naturally, this recall work is done at no cost to the customers. Owners of affected pickups will be notified in the middle of June.
However, you don’t have to wait. You can contact Toyota or safecar.gov, find the recall page and enter your vin number. Better to be safe than sorry – right?
Customers can also access current information on open safety recalls by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at: www.toyota.com/recall or http://www.safercar.gov/
We took a 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro to Moab, UT for an off-road adventure. We did not experience a leaking rear differential.
