Toyota recalls more than 400,000 Tacoma pickups globally over loose part concerns

WASHINGTON — Toyota Motor North America is recalling more than 400,000 Tacoma midsize pickups globally because of a manufacturing defect that could cause a part to loosen and fall off.

The recall covers certain Tacoma pickups from the 2022-23 model years. About 381,000 vehicles in the U.S. are affected.

"Welding debris left on the ends of the rear axle assembly during manufacturing could cause certain retaining nuts to loosen over time and eventually fall off, potentially causing a part to separate from the axle," Toyota said Tuesday in a news release. "If separation occurs, this can affect vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash."

A Toyota spokesperson declined to comment on whether the automaker was aware of any injuries, crashes or deaths related to the issue.

To fix the defect, dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly and tighten the retaining nuts. If the axle components are damaged because of the defect, they will be repaired or replaced.

Toyota said it will notify affected customers by late April.

The Tacoma recall comes after the Japanese automaker last week said it was recalling more than 280,000 pickups and SUVs to address concerns over unexpected movement caused when vehicles are in neutral and brakes are not applied.

The recall, which posted to NHTSA's website Tuesday, covers certain Tundra, Tundra hybrids and Lexus LX600 vehicles produced between 2022 and 2024 as well as Sequoia SUVs manufactured last year.

Before the Tacoma recall, Toyota had issued three recalls in 2024, affecting more than 303,000 vehicles in the U.S., according to NHTSA data.