The new brake recall for the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma impacts the truck's off-road reputation.

      Toyota

      Toyota's string of recalls shows no sign of stopping. Following recent engine troubles with the Tundra and transmission issues with the Tacoma, the brand, once synonymous with reliability, has faced a challenging few months. This week, yet another recall for the Tacoma was announced, affecting a relatively small number of trucks. Unfortunately, the issue is quite serious: Certain combinations of wheels and trim allow mud to compromise the brake lines, resulting in loss of brake fluid and, as expected, failure of the braking system.

      A letter from the NHTSA indicates that specific wheel and brake configurations on the Tacoma can lead to the accumulation of mud and dirt within the rear wheels. Over time, this debris buildup could damage the rear brake hoses, causing them to leak brake fluid.

      The recall impacts Tacoma models from the 2024-2025 model years, with an estimated 106,061 trucks possibly affected. However, the recall report suggests that only about 1% of trucks, roughly 1,000 units, are expected to have this issue. The problem seems to be primarily with four-wheel-drive Tacomas equipped with "16-inch brakes" and 17-inch wheels, where "brake hose length" is what Toyota is referring to, not the brake disc size. It appears that some lower-trim four-wheel-drive models are particularly vulnerable, as the more robust versions come with longer rear brake hoses.

      That said, it's quite disappointing to see any four-wheel-drive truck with the esteemed reputation of the Toyota Tacoma facing a problem as simple as "mud can detach the brake lines."

      A compromised brake line can ultimately lead to a loss of brake fluid, which obviously hampers stopping ability. Moreover, even minor brake fluid leaks pose significant issues—brake fluid is highly toxic and can damage paint rapidly, so it’s best to avoid having it leak onto wheels or the roadway. It also attracts moisture, meaning a broken line could potentially allow water into the brake system, leading to further complications.

      A separate safety recall report from the NHTSA elaborates that this specific combination of brake hose and wheel sizing fails to provide adequate clearance, which allows mud to remain long after off-road activities. An initial notification will be sent to owners in March, followed by a letter indicating that replacement brake hoses will be made available. Dealers will install these at no charge.

      However, other brake and wheel combinations may also be at risk. The recall report states that Toyota is investigating the 16-inch brake hose combined with an 18-inch wheel on Tacoma 4x4s, as well as two-wheel-drive models with either 17- or 18-inch wheels. Thus, the number of affected vehicles could grow.

      Since this issue seems limited to shorter brake hoses, Toyota has stated that Tacomas fitted with 17-inch hoses will not be included in the recall, as they are part of a distinct brake system design.

      Have you experienced any issues with your newer Tacoma? Feel free to reach out at [email protected]