CNN
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Toyota is recalling 381,000 Tacoma pickups as a result of bolts within the rear axle might loosen and fall off, which might ultimately enable a part of the rear axle to detach.
It’s unclear precisely what number of vehicles have been affected, however in at the very least a few of these vehicles, metallic from welding spattered onto areas the place bolts wanted to be tightened down. The additional metallic beneath the bolts might need prevented them from being totally secured throughout manufacturing unit meeting and, over time, they might vibrate free and even come off altogether. This might enable axle-shaft sub-assemblies to come back free.
As these nuts start to loosen, drivers might expertise vibrations and noises. Oil would possibly start to leak from the truck’s rear differential beneath the automobile, in line with Toyota. If the axle shafts separate, the automobile might turn into unstable and the brakes received’t work as nicely leading to an elevated crash danger, Toyota stated.
Toyota declined to say whether or not any accidents or accidents have resulted from this subject.
The vehicles concerned are mannequin 12 months 2022 and 2023 Tacoma pickups. Homeowners of recalled vehicles will obtain letters advising them to take their truck to a Toyota supplier to have the rear axle inspected and the nuts retightened if crucial. Letters shall be despatched out to homeowners by late April, Toyota stated.
Toyota just lately recalled 280,000 trucks and SUVs for a special subject that resulted in vehicles “creeping” ahead when put in impartial. The autos concerned in that recall had been Toyota’s massive Tundra pickup and Sequoia and Lexus LX 600 massive SUVs. Late final 12 months, Toyota recalled 1 million vehicles for a sensor subject that might make airbags deploy after they shouldn’t.