Three problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma based on all problems reported for the 2001 Tacoma.
Loud noise coming from the rear end. It appears the differential case rotted out leaving the rear end with no gear fluid. When they replaced the frame (as it rotted out to). . . They shoud have replaced the differential housing. Lucky this happen around town and not on the highway. I can imagine what would have happened if the differential blew apart at high speed (with flying metal and no control of acceleration if needed to avoid or cause an accident). I called Toyota car care and they said they would go in half on the repair and get back to me in a few days with the details. They didn't. . . I called them a few days later and they said they couldn't help me. Looked to be a +/- $2,000 repair.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle differential was completely corroded and leaking oil. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 76,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and during the repair they discovered that the rear differential housing was leaking and exhibited substantial rust. The technician stated that the failure was a common defect. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Updated 02/17/lj updated 05/11/11.