2023 TOYOTA TACOMA

STEERING:COLUMN

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.

Risk: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

STEERING:COLUMN

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer gauge failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the instrument panel had a factory defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the rack and pinion recently failed. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the right and the left independently while driving with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer gauge failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the instrument panel had a factory defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the rack and pinion recently failed. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the right and the left independently while driving with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer gauge failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the instrument panel had a factory defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the rack and pinion recently failed. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the right and the left independently while driving with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Passenger side windshield washer nozzle sprays the lower part of the hood. Only a little of the stream reaches the windshield. Outcome is that dust, grime, debris typically smear on passenger side of the windshield. This causes reduced visibility. Truck is a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (TPO) delivered 18Mar24 at 13K miles. Washer nozzle problem has been existent since delivery. Repair request was made at first oil change. Unlike many other brands & makes, the nozzle can't be re-aimed by simple bending. Problem could be solved by using a nozzle with a lower "aim," or some sort of adjustment. Nozzle part is difficult for car owner to remove and replace.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon refueling, the fuel gauge indicated that there was 1/8 tank full, even though the fuel tank was full. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,700.

ENGINE

Engine began making abnormal ticking noise, heard primarily on the passenger side of vehicle. Upon removal of valve cover for inspection, found that there are chunks of camshafts breaking off causing the noise. Appears to be a manufacturing defect. Local dealer said they have seen this issue before. This issue could result in catastrophic engine failure and/or loss of power and cause a crash. My truck has 70k miles on it, regularly maintained and operated.

ENGINE

This vehicle thermostat and sensor system are faulty! My sensor started lighting up within a year and half after purchasing. Engine was not overheating at first, they said it will eventually happen and it did; all dealers said to replace but I was out of 360000 miles due to commute to Seattle. This vehicle is less then 3 years old and should have this item listed specifically in power train warranty since connected to engine directly. If engine overheats it is no longer usable and truck is useless! Engine warranty if this is a know issue from Toyota dealerships. Contacted 3-4 dealerships in the state of WA and all had known of issue. One dealer stated anything from 2020 to current has had thermostat issues. This is serious concern knowing the engine can seize up! Their thermostat and sensor should not be a combined item in my opinion. Please advise and or confirm this is an issue that should be looked into. If the engine overheats then the vehicle could cause an accident! This is a huge safety risk that can be avoided! I work and make it from paycheck to paycheck this was very expensive to fix and had to paid out of pocket. Please help others be aware of situation!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The owner and operator of the vehicle, stated that they were driving the vehicle on the Interstate when they noticed white smoke and ashes emanating from the steering column. They pulled into the parking lot to investigate and opened the hood to see no smoke or fire. When they returned to the passenger compartment, the smoke turned black in color, and they observed fire emanating from the steering column. I am the Lead Fire Investigator on this incident for the Edmond Fire Department. The electrical components in the area observed with fire contained electrical arc sites and melting. No other accidental heat sources were present, and natural causes and human involvement were ruled out as well. Incident number is [XXX] in Edmond, OK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Driver's door unlatched during the winter (January 2025) while stopping at an intersection. The incident repeated yesterday April 19, 2025, while driving on the freeway and turning right. The door partially opened and a warning light appeared on the dashboard. Reduced speed / stopped, to be able to completely open the door and close again. The vehicle has approximately 25,200 miles. Vehicle is being taken to a Toyota dealer to have the door latch inspected and to try to reproduce the failure mode. No explanation needed on why a door unlatching on its own, while cruising on a freeway, is a safety risk to the driver and others.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Exploded sunroof with no apparent debris hitting it. No vehicles around and clear sky’s. Dealer said that something most have hit it and suggested I use comprehensive part of insurance. The assembly and slide was damaged while trying to clear glass. First estimate is $4,165. Reports that even though windshield was not damaged, this also needs replaced and recalibrated. Sounds strange to replace a windshield when there is no damage to it. Upwards break suggest explosion and not hit with debris.

ENGINE

ONLY 1 catalytic converter cover is on my truck. This could cause a fire in tall grass or combustible areas. Not everyone goes to parks for picnics or parties where there is taller grasses. This could start a forest fire if the weather is just hot and dry. Every Car or truck I owned with a catalytic converter had a cover on each of them. Dealer said that's the way it came from the factory. Doing some research the cover was missing on the right side of other trucks. Mine is missing the Left drivers side. Please advise, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Brake booster failure. When pressing and holding onto brake, it makes a buzzing/clicking noise. Just like the toyota prius brake booster recall/failure. Toyota claimed to be normal.

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake booster failure. When pressing and holding onto brake, it makes a buzzing/clicking noise. Just like the toyota prius brake booster recall/failure. Toyota claimed to be normal.