Differential Unit problems of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma

33 problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma based on all problems reported for the 2016 Tacoma.

1 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2018

The rear differential is misaligned and the current solution doesn't resolve the noise. I'm afraid excessive wear is happening and issue will arise much sooner.

2 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 08/22/2017

Recall for rear differential leak. Upon inspection tech found rear diff leaking parts on order. Performance Toyota grounded my vehicle and parts were ordered on 8/22/17. Took my vehicle back from dealership and to this day, still no word on the parts. Something sticks. . . . Recall on my truck and then have no parts to fix it and then tell me that you are not responsible for damage in result of vehicle being driven.

3 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2017

2016 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to leaking differential. The consumer stated the parts were unavailable to complete the repairs. The consumer believed that the repair exceeded a reasonable amount of time to be completed. The consumer was provided a rental, but it was not a truck. Updated 10/16/2017.

4 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2017

Toyota recall -- received notice of recall and took truck to local dealer June 22, 2017 I was advised the it failed the rear differential leak, and I was informed of a new recall for the crank shaft but neither could be fixed due to no parts. I was told I can drive it until the parts come in, but the seriousness of the NHTSA website leads me to believe that I could have crashed by continuing to drive it. I needed the truck, to drive to cincinnati, OH and back on July 11-13 so I had retrieved it back from the dealer based on the service manager's assurance that it was o. K. To drive. On the way back from the trip to cincinnati on July 13, 2017, I put it in drive and applied gas, but nothing happened, just as I went to put it back in park, it lunged forward and I almost hit a car. It "delayed" like that anytime I stopped to rest and started to continue back on the trip. I then had another trip to alabama I had to go on and there were no rental cars available, and again, I was told it was ok to drive. The delay got worse on that trip and I took it back to the dealer on July 22, 2017. It is still at the dealer and no relief in sight yet after 6 weeks so far.

5 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2017

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v285000 (power train); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (cornhesker Toyota) stated that the remedy would not be available until late July of 2017. The dealer diagnosed that there was a leak in the differential. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the dealer's diagnosis. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

6 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2017

I was notified of safety recall 17v-285 rear differential leak in July 2017. I took my vehicle in and they said part is on order. Now, five months later, it is sitll on order. This seems to be an unreasonable period of time for a safety issue.

7 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2017

Rear differential gasket leaks. Couldnt fix it when I went in because they didnt have parts. Refused to give me a rental truck. Told me I needed to prove I owned a business. They also wanted to keep my vehicle but I have no other means to get to work. And they didnt know how long it was going to take to get the parts. Told me 8 plus weeks to get a gasket.

8 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2017

Toyota recalled my 2016 Tacoma for rear differential leak safety recall. After dropping my truck off today they said they would be able to repair it if they get the parts from Toyota, which they said could take months. My question is, why should they inconvenience me for months to repair my vehicle. Toyota required me to leave my vehicle at the dealership because it is a safety recall. They did provide me with a rental car, which does me no good because I bought a truck and I need a truck. At the dealership at vineland NJ they already had 15 Tacoma's in the back lot. The manager told me they would be fixed on a first come first serve basis. He said he had a small dealership and he wasn't sure how fast he could get parts because there were 288,000 Tacoma's involved. I am out of a truck for god knows how long.

9 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/27/2017

I took my Tacoma with 15619 miles on the odometer in for the leaking differential check on may 2, 2017 at a Toyota dealer. They performed the Toyota specified recall by checking for leaks and apparently found none and re tightened the fasteners. On June 27 I was checking the Tacoma prior to our leaving on vacation and noticed seepage on the rear differential in 3 locations. I emailed Toyota with my concern. I informed them I would be taking my Tacoma to the dealer on June 28, 2017 to have it looked at. I took the Tacoma on June 28, 2017 to 2ndtoyota dealer. I informed the service advisor of my concern with the differential. The master tech looked at it. I followed up with Toyota corporate by phone informed them of my concerns and was advised to speak with the service mgr. And I did. After the tech had a chance to look at the Tacoma I was advised that I would need to have the rear differential replaced. The service mgr. Told me that they would order the parts to repair my Tacoma and I could have use of a truck on loan from the dealership until my Tacoma could be repaired. I returned from vacation my truck was not repaired was told Toyota was having some type of issue because 1st dealer had all ready performed the recall. However, the Tacoma begin leaking and the differential was making a loud noise after the recall was performed initially. I am confused as it still should be a warranty covered issue even if another dealer had all ready did a recall. The service advisor agreed and they are still trying to get the truck repaired. It is my contention that the 1st dealer did the recall correctly and the differential failed because of substandard parts or design after the first recall was done. My concern is that my Tacoma is potentially a risk of crash as noted in the official Toyota recall. My vehicle has been at the dealer since June 28th 2017 or 15 days and counting.

10 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/25/2017

Received recall notice 17v285000 for rear differential leak. I took the truck to the dealership with less than 9k miles and the truck had the dreaded leak. Dealership grounded the vehicle. It has been over a month and 4 check ins with the dealer and no eta for fix. Called customer service and they cannot give a time for a fix. They have provided a rental vehicle, first a Dodge truck since I had obligations, they provided that for 2 weeks then requested I get a car. I agreed but now it is time for vacation and need a truck again. Called customer service to explain frustration with delay the gave me a case number 1707241363 and stated since I was requesting an immediate fix or for them to purchase a case manager would have to call me within 24 hours. Case manager did not call within 24 hours but did receive a call from the dealership that enterprise had no trucks at this time but as soon as one was available they would provide me with a truck. I called back to customer service and was connected to case manager joan who said, "did the dealership call you? " I explained yes but there must be some confusion. I want my truck back fixed or for them to purchase truck back. She got very loud and unprofessional and stated. " it is a recall and we are only providing loaners and no buybacks". This has made the situation worse and I explained that there are other issues that have been reported to the dealer as well such as transmission not going into gear and squeaky leaf springs. I let them know that I thought Toyota would have had a better plan in place to have the parts available and the length of wait time is unacceptable. Perhaps a class action law suit needs to start now. I had to ask 4 times for her managers name and she finally said she would call me within 1 business day and her name is melinda. This is my first new vehicle for me and not a good feeling.

11 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/21/2017

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 17v285000 (power train) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The dealer had possession of the vehicle for three weeks. The contact observed the recall notification in June of 2017, but did not receive the recall letter until July of 2017. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (balise Toyota 1399 riverdale st, west springfield, MA, 01089) for an oil change and was informed afterwards that there was a leak from the rear differential. The dealer stated that the parts were available. The next day, the contact was supposed to be notified by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The contact was not notified and called the dealer, but no one answered. When the contact received a call back, he was informed that the parts were unavailable. The dealer stated that the parts should be available by July 20, 2017 although the vehicle had been there since June 21, 2017. There was no guarantee that the parts would be available on that specific date. The manufacturer was also contacted at 1-800-331-4331 and provided case number: 1706262451. The manufacturer confirmed that the parts were unavailable for the repair and suggested that the contact call around to other dealers and inquire on part availability. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

12 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/16/2017

Took my Toyota for normal service and they indicate a recall for the rear differential. They said it would be repaired within a day. It has been 12 days and Toyota said they do not when they will get parts or when they will fix it. They said it could be a month or more. I asked for an update today and they said it could be months.

13 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2017

Recall for rear differential leaking.

14 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2017

Tl- the contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number:17v285000 (power train) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to sunnyvale Toyota dealer, located on 898 w el camino real, sunnyvale, CA 94087, phone number:(408) 338-0063, where it was informed that the differential leaking oil but the remedy part for the repair not available. The vehicle was not repair. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure and informed the contact the remedy part will not be available at sunnyvale dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 22,550. VIN tool confirms part not available. Aw.

15 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/31/2017

Took my car to the dealer, marietta Toyota, for service and it was impounded on may 31, 2017 due to safety recall of rear differential leak. I was informed at that time that the parts to fix the issue would not be available for at least two months. It has now been a month and I would like some information on what action I can take.

16 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/24/2017

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v285000 (power train); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to Toyota vallejo (201 auto mall pkwy, CA 94591, (707) 552-4545) where a leak was identified between the rear differential and the rear axle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that no parts were available for the recall repair and could not provide an accurate date. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was provided case number: 1705250853. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

17 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2017

I took my truck in on may 17, 2017 for 20,000 mile service. My truck was confiscated by the dealership for rear differential recall. I have been in 2 rentals since then and no parts are available to fix my truck. This is unacceptable.

18 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/11/2017

Took my truck to dealer for 15k routine service/oil change. They announced a recall regrading a "leaking rear differential" advised keeping the truck until repairs were completed,(provided rental) but no time frame for completion. This is causing a hardship on both my personal and work related travel (I go out of state a lot).

19 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2017

Brought my 2016 Toyota Tacoma in for 20,000 mile service to right Toyota on may 5th 2017. Was told by service manager my truck rear differential was leaking and was under recall. They would have to hold my vehicle. They were not sure when Toyota would come up with a repair. I called right Toyota on may 30th to see if my vehicle was any closer to being repaired. Was told Toyota still does not have a procedure for repair yet. Nor did they know when they would. My vehicle also had a hesitation when I took it in for service. So I still don't have my truck back that I use for my business. They say it is unsafe to drive. No time frame of how long for repair. Has been a month now.

20 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/04/2017

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer, a leak was found in the rear axle differential where the bolts and the carrier needed to be replaced. The dealer was not sure when the parts would be available. The sales manager stated that it would be approximately 1 to 2 months for the parts and to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the parts would be available at the end of the month. The contact called the manufacturer the second time and was informed that they were not sure when the parts would be available. Case number: 1705042710 was provided. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 13,200.

21 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2017

Rear differential on my trd off road model 4x4 truck is showing seepage despite not being included in recall from Toyota.

22 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 04/29/2017

2016 Toyota Tacoma recalled for leaky rear differential. I bought it brand new 11 months ago and it has been in the shop a month and a half of that. I still have to make payments while my truck sits at the dealership. I called southeast Toyota and they lied to me telling me if I had financed through Toyota financial that I wouldn't have to make payments right now. I am still paying for the truck that's been sitting at the dealer for 6 weeks. Toyota says they have no idea when they will fix my truck. I also have taken it in for a noise coming from the passenger side dash that was never fixed. I took my truck in for the 15000 mile tire rotation and was informed it had a leaky rear differential and have never seen my truck that I am still paying for again,.

23 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2017

Rear differential is leaking oil. Was informed of a recall nearly 2 months ago and also informed that it would be unsafe to continue to drive it. Toyota has yet to have this vehicle repaired. Please help.

24 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2017

Rear end differential gear howling from 52-59mph - all driving conditions. Toyota says it is 'normal' however it only does it on a few vehicles.

25 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 04/10/2017

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. While driving various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (alamo Toyota 18019 north u. S. Hwy 281, san antonio, TX 78232), but the cause of the failure was not determined. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, it was discovered that the rear differential had an oil leak. The dealer stated that the parts were on backorder. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v285000 (power train) in April of 2017. The manufacturer was notified and stated that parts were not available and there was no time frame for when they would arrive. The failure mileage was approximately 1,900.

26 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 02/11/2017

The rear differential is leaking fluid. On February 11, 2017 the vehicle was taken in for routine service and inspected for a clunking sound that occurs sporadically upon braking. The feeling can best be described as if the vehicle has been bumped from behind. The service department was not able to duplicate the problem. On may 5, 2017 the vehicle was taken in for routine maintenance and retained by the Toyota dealer due to a leaking rear differential that was described as a serious safety defect. The vehicle has not been repaired as of June 24, 2017.

27 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2017

The rear wheels on my 2016 Toyota Tacoma locked up as I was travelling straight at approx. 55 mph on the 110 north freeway during rush hour. The truck went into a fishtail which I was able to control and bring to a stop the dealer tells me the bolts on the rear differential came loose and the oil drained out causing the rear diff to seize and stop the tires from rotating. Truck has 12,500 miles on it and just a year old. No accident occurred so no report was filed. Chp was on the scene until a tow truck came to tow me off the highway.

28 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2017

2016 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to transmission issues. The consumer stated the vehicle shifting as erratic and unreliable. The rear differential leaked, when the vehicle stopped it made a loud clunk, and there was a loud whining noise. The consumer requested to be able to sale back the vehicle, be reimbursed for the rental and for hiring an outside mechanic.

29 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 09/28/2016

All of the problems listed below have been reported to my local Toyota dealership, gullo Toyota, conroe, texas. 1) engine misfires (5 attempts at repair. Still misfires. ). 2) vehicle stalls due to transmission searching for the correct gear (developed after the last attempt to repair misfire in September 2016). 2) engine has developed a rattle after 20,000 + miles and sometimes sounds like a rod is knocking. Sounds like engine is not being lubricated properly. This may lead to early failure of the smog control system and excessive oil consumption (Toyota claims this is normal for this truck). 3) bump sound comes from beneath truck when stopping and may be loose or broken motor or transmission mount (Toyota stated that the truck is operating as designed). 4) grinding sound comes from rear end when rear wheels slip and automatic limited slip is selected (Toyota has stated that the truck is operating as designed). 5) engine revs unexpectedly when backing out of or driving into garage (Toyota has stated that the truck is operating as designed). 6) loud bang comes from beneath truck when coming to a quick stop. Sounds like the guts of the transmission shift forward (dealership has not arranged to provide a loaner truck so that this problem and all the persistent problems listed above can be repaired. Toyota insist that I bring my truck to the dealership and drive my truck around and demonstrate the existence of these problems to the Toyota's field service tech. Dealership is aware that this truck has been recalled for rear differential problems and engine misfire and stalling. I need the dealership to accept responsibility for this defective truck and take it into their service department and keep it until it is repaired. I need a loaner truck while the repairs are made. I have put much needed work on-hold for a year due to this truck. ).

30 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2016

While driving eastbound on the 210 freeway in glendora, CA at approx 35mph the vehicle came to a sudden and violent stop and veered slightly into the lane to my right. I was not braking at the time. Rear wheels had locked and vehicle had to be dragged to the shoulder as rear wheels would not turn. There were no indications of any problem at the time of the incident. Vehicle was in drive, and seemed to be operating normally. Vehicle was taken to Toyota of glendora in glendora, CA for service. I was told that the rear differential had leaked out, and it along with the rear tires had been replaced under warranty. This was a new vehicle with less than 4500 miles on it. It had not had its first oil change nor any other service. The problem was not caused by external damage, and it was explained to me by the dealership's service advisor that the part had not been properly sealed. Vehicle has no warning system or dash light to communicate a loss of differential fluid as it would with oil, tire pressure, temperature, etc.

31 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2016

Car hesitates when needing to accelerate rapidly. While slowing down the car feels like it is pushing ,not down shifting fast enough. The differential bang at time when coming to a stop, it seems like it is not disengaging. I think there is a programming issue that Toyota is not admitting to. I also heard that there is a blower issue. The transmission disengages at different speeds when you go to accelerate then don't and then do. Car goes into neurtal hunting for a gear.

32 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 01/30/2016

First incident occured while vehicle was stuck in light snow and ice condition. 4-wheel drive system did not appear to be operating properly. Engaged new "crawl-control" system per owner's manual instructions. During use of crawl-control the motor rpm's exceeded 5,500; immediately pressed engine-stop button and applied brakes. Incident resulted in catastrophic damage of front drive-line. Damage included front drive-shaft failure; dealer indicated "drive-line" replaced. Significant damage to components adjacent to front drive-shaft. Vehicle repaired under warranty. Two days after service random brake lock-up occurs while driving; vehicle skids out of control. No malfunction indicators showing. Abs also does not activate during panic stop brake application. Brake lockup experienced in winter conditions at high elevation nearly causing potentially fatal accident (1,000ft drop from road to canyon bottom, no guard-rails). While driving at 30mph the rear end of the truck begins to slide sideways. Upon coming to a stop it is discovered that the vehicle will not drive forward. Engaged 4-wheel drive and vehicle struggled to move. Engaged differential lock and drove backwards for 80ft. Wheels appear to become un-locked. Drive forward for another 500 yards and same situation occurs.

33 Differential Unit problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2015

The differential needed replacement at <10,000 due to a loud howling noise when cruising at 55 mph. The noise was noted when I first picked up the vehicle from the dealership, but the volume got much louder over time. Even my 4 year old child asked, "what's that sound?" the service records noted metal "silver shavings" were found in the differential. Even after replacing the differential, there has been no change in the howling sound at 55 mph. I'm concerned the differential is defective. Many other Tacoma owners have reported the exact same symptom. . Read more...



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