Toyota has recalled the 2022-2023 Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck for loose nuts that could cause parts of the rear axle to separate, thereby compromising vehicle stability and braking, Toyota announced on Wednesday. 

Welding debris left on the ends of the rear axle assembly during the manufacturing process in Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas, plant could cause the axle’s retaining nuts to loosen over time and “eventually fall off.” Toyota noted the effects on stability and braking could increase the risk of a crash. It affects both rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive models. 

The recall affects 381,000 Tacoma models. This marks the third recall for the 2022-2023 Tacoma, which also had welding issues for the child seat safety latch. The other recall was for an illegible payload label. 

The third-generation Tacoma arrived in 2016. Toyota redesigned its popular midsize truck for 2024 and made the bestseller available in three body configurations, four powertrain options including one with a 6-speed manual, and eight trim levels. Larger beds, modern tech, a hybrid powertrain option, and a new Trailhunter off-road model highlight the redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma. 

A notice for the rear axle recall will be sent by mail to Tacoma owners by late April. The notice will request owners and lessees take their Tacoma into a Toyota service center for an inspection and for techs to retighten the rear axle retaining nuts. If components are damaged due to the issue, Toyota will repair or replace the parts at no cost to owners. 

For more info on the recall, contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 or visit Toyota’s dedicated recall hub.