Toyota Recalls 381K Trucks Over Crash Risk

Toyota is recalling approximately 381,000 Tacoma pickup trucks due to a loose part that can separate from the rear axle, increasing the risk of a crash. The announcement comes as the latest in a series of recalls for the Japanese automaker over the past week.

The recall affects Toyota Tacoma trucks in the U.S. from the 2022 and 2023 model years. Toyota stated that welding debris left on the ends of the rear axles could cause some nuts to loosen over time before falling off, leading to another part separating from the axle. This could affect vehicle stability and brake performance if the part falls off.

Toyota dealers will inspect the rear axle and retighten the loose nuts at no cost to customers. Any damaged components will also be repaired or replaced without charge. Customers will be notified about the issue through the mail by late April.

Toyota declined to comment to Forbes about whether the issue has caused any crashes or injuries.

This recall is part of a series of recalls issued by Toyota in the last week. The Japanese automaker recalled nearly 280,000 Toyota Tundra, Sequoia, and Lexus LX 600 vehicles due to a defective transmission. Parts of the transmission do not immediately disengage when the vehicle is shifted into neutral, potentially transferring engine power to the wheels. This could cause vehicles to creep forward at lower speeds on flat surfaces, increasing the risk of a crash.

Additionally, Toyota recalled just over 4,000 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles from the 2023 and 2024 model years over a head restraint bracket that was insufficiently welded. A defective bracket may not properly restrain a passenger in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Toyota also recalled over 18,600 vehicles for a defective rearview camera that fails to display an image, reducing the driver’s rear view and increasing the risk of a crash. This recall affected some Toyota Mirai and Lexus vehicles from the 2023 model year.

In total, Toyota recalled 4.2 million vehicles last year, according to NHTSA data. Approximately 1 million vehicles were recalled in December due to a defective airbag sensor, which could prevent the airbag from deploying in a crash.