Toyota: Tacoma Trucks Have Faulty Driveshafts

Toyota is recalling about 6,000 Tacoma pickup trucks due to a defect in certain four-wheel-drive models.

The trucks’ driveshaft joints may have been manufactured with the wrong material, the automaker recently told federal regulators. Ball cages in the joints may deform or degrade over time, leading to joint failure and limiting the vehicle’s ability to turn or shift into park.

“If the ball cage deforms or breaks, a driver may experience limited steering rotation and may not be able to complete a turn as intended,” Toyota said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If the vehicle is a full-time 4WD model and the ball cage breaks, the vehicle may also move while the transmission is in ‘Park’ if the Electronic Parking Brake is not applied.”

“These conditions may increase the risk of a crash,” Toyota added.

The recall covers certain 2025 Tacoma pickups built between January and March. 

Toyota plans to notify owners of recalled trucks via mail by the end of November. Owners will be asked to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for free inspection and repair. “Dealers will inspect the front drive shaft assembly serial numbers and replace one or both front drive shaft assemblies if found to be from the affected production period,” the company said.

Toyota Safety Issues

These kinds of recalls are all too common for Toyota and other major auto manufacturers.

The company recently announced that it is calling back nearly 400,000 trucks and sport utility vehicles for defective cameras, for example. Toyota Supras are also part of another massive recall related to engine fire risks.

Recalls like these often are announced long after defective cars have left factory floors and hit the road, posing safety risks. Even when automakers call back vehicles, they often struggle to properly fix the issues.

Fortunately, Californians have some important rights and protections when it comes to malfunctioning and defective cars. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get your car fixed, with the vehicle manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.