Toyota announced Thursday that affected vehicles’ rear differential — or a set of gears that sends power out to the rear wheels — could leak oil, potentially increasing the risk of crash.
“If a vehicle is continuously operated in this condition, the rear differential could become damaged, which can result in noise and reduced propulsion,” the automaker said in a statement. “In some cases the rear differential could seize, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.”
Customers can find out whether their Tacoma is included the recall on Toyota’s website. The company says it will send notices in the mail to affected customers.
Toyota is encouraging owners of recalled Tacomas to bring them into a dealer to get checked out. If there’s an issue, the company says necessary parts will be replaced free of charge.
It was not immediately clear whether Toyota had received any complaints of crashes or injuries connected to the defect. Toyota spokesman Victor Vanov declined to comment.
Source: USA Today