Toyota Recalls Thousands of Tacoma Trucks Over Steering and Parking Concerns

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is initiating a recall for approximately 5,960 model year 2025 Toyota Tacoma vehicles due to a defect in the front driveshaft assembly that could lead to limited steering capabilities and, in some full-time four-wheel-drive models, unintended vehicle movement while parked. This recall affects both the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Compressed Natural Gas variants produced between January 23, 2025, and March 31, 2025, for the hybrid model, and January 23, 2025, to March 05, 2025, for the CNG model.

The issue stems from front driveshaft assemblies manufactured by a specific supplier using an incorrect material for the ball cage in the constant-velocity (CV) joint. This sub-standard material could lead to deformation or breakage of the ball cage during normal driving. Such failure could result in a driver experiencing reduced steering rotation, potentially making it difficult to complete a turn as intended. Furthermore, for vehicles equipped with full-time four-wheel drive, a broken ball cage could cause the vehicle to move while in “Park” if the electronic parking brake is not engaged. These potential consequences significantly increase the risk of a crash.

The problem was brought to Toyota’s attention through dealer reports starting in February 2025, initially noting loud popping noises and reduced steering ability. While one dealer replaced a front driveshaft, the part was not recovered. Subsequent reports described popping or grinding sounds, with one instance of steering difficulty. Toyota was able to recover these parts and initiated an investigation with the supplier. By April 2025, the supplier identified cracked ball cages in the affected CV joints and confirmed through hardness and metallurgical testing that the parts did not meet specifications and were not manufactured with the correct material. Further investigation traced the root cause to an incorrect tube material used during a specific cutting process by the sub-supplier, resulting in parts fabricated with the wrong material on January 10, 2025.

Following extensive engineering analysis and performance testing from June to September 2025, Toyota determined that the deformed or broken ball cage could indeed compromise steering and, in full-time 4WD models, could lead to a loss of driving force from a stop or unintended movement while parked if the parking brake is not applied. These identified risks led Toyota to voluntarily initiate this safety recall on September 25, 2025. As of the recall announcement, Toyota had received five field technical reports and 69 warranty claims from U.S. sources related to this condition.

Owners of the affected Toyota Tacoma vehicles will be notified by mail between November 16 and November 30, 2025. Dealers will inspect the serial numbers of the front driveshaft assemblies. Any assembly identified as being from the affected production period will be replaced, either in part or in full, at no cost to the owner. Toyota has stated that this repair will be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, indicating owners will not incur out-of-pocket expenses for this remedy. The company also indicated that it utilizes a general reimbursement plan on file for any potential owner expenses. The remedy component for the recall will differ from the recalled component, implying an improved or corrected part will be used for replacement.

For owners of these specific Toyota Tacoma models, it is advisable to heed the notification and schedule an appointment with an authorized Toyota dealer as soon as possible. Until the vehicles are inspected and potentially repaired, Toyota advises owners of affected vehicles not to drive them and to park them outside, implying a heightened concern for the potential to move while parked.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

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