Toyota Recalls Nearly 50,000 Tacoma Models Due to Potential Shock Absorber Detachment Risk

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is initiating a voluntary safety recall impacting approximately 48,280 of its 2024-2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. The recall, submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 6, 2026, addresses a defect in the shock absorber assemblies that could lead to the detachment of an external oil reservoir. This detachment poses a road hazard, potentially increasing the risk of a crash or injury to other road users.

The issue stems from the front and rear shock absorber assemblies, which feature an external oil reservoir attached by a welded flange. Over time, moisture intrusion can cause corrosion on the untreated metal surfaces between the flange, reservoir, and the shock absorber body. This corrosion can build pressure on the welds holding the reservoir, leading to weld failure and, in some instances, the detachment of the reservoir. While the exact percentage of vehicles affected by this defect is unknown, Toyota has identified that this issue is specific to vehicles equipped with certain shock absorbers from a particular supplier, featuring an external reservoir attached by a flange of a specific length. Other Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in the U.S. are not equipped with these particular shock absorbers.

The chronology of events leading to this recall began in September 2025 when Toyota received two reports of leaking shock absorbers. Upon inspection, one vehicle was found to have a detached reservoir. Subsequently, Toyota initiated part recovery and dynamic testing to understand the effects of a detached reservoir, observing that it could indeed create a road hazard. Further investigation throughout late 2025 and early 2026, involving part teardowns, inspections, and bench testing that combined rock chipping and salt spray exposure, led Toyota to hypothesize that these conditions could accelerate corrosion. Complementary CAE analysis in April 2026 revealed that the welds on the flange were susceptible to failure under pressure, mirroring the condition of some field-recovered parts. Dye penetration tests further indicated that corrosion could occur even without visible damage to the shock absorber’s exterior. Based on these findings, Toyota’s engineering judgment concluded that sufficient corrosion could lead to weld failure, reservoir detachment, and a subsequent reduction in suspension dampening for the driver, alongside the creation of a road hazard. As of July 27, 2026, Toyota had recorded 20 Field Technical Reports and 62 warranty claims in the U.S. related to this condition.

To address this safety concern, Toyota will notify all known owners of the affected vehicles. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to a Toyota dealership, where the front and rear shock absorber assemblies will be inspected. Any affected shock absorber assemblies will be replaced with improved units at no cost to the owner. Notifications to dealers are scheduled to begin on August 6, 2026, with owner notifications commencing between September 21 and October 5, 2026.

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

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