Toyota Recall Issued for 106,000 Tacoma Vehicles Due to Potential Brake Fluid Leaks: NHTSA

Manufacturer has received multiple warranty claims related to a design flaw in the brake hose.

Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall of 106,061 model year 2024 and 2025 Toyota Tacoma vehicles due to a potential defect with the brake hose, which could increase the risk of an auto accident.

On February 6, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a Toyota Tacoma recall, warning that certain design flaws in the vehicles could allow dirt and mud to build up inside the wheels.

Officials warned the defect could potentially damage the brake hoses, cause brake fluid to leak, and reduce braking performance, which could lead to accidents that result in severe injuries or death.

Brake hoses are flexible rubber tubes that connect to the parts of the brakes that hold the brake pads. These tubes carry brake fluid, which helps apply pressure to the brakes when pressing the brake pedal. This pressure pushes the brake pads against the wheels, helping to slow the car down.

Toyota first became aware of the issue in July 2024, after receiving reports from dealers of the vehicle’s rear brake hoses leaking. The automaker subsequently launched an investigation into the issue in July 2024, which identified clearance issues between the brake hose and the wheel.

Between November 2024 and January 2025, Toyota conducted testing and determined that certain four-wheel drive Tacoma vehicles with 16-inch rear brakes and 17-inch wheels may experience rear brake hose damage due to the reduced clearance.

In these instances, if mud and dirt accumulate inside the wheels and come into contact with the brake hose, it may gradually wear through, causing a brake fluid leak. This could reduce brake performance, increase stopping distance, and raise the risk of a crash. Due to this risk, Toyota announced a voluntary recall (PDF) on January 31.

While the Defect Information Report (PDF) does not mention any accidents or injuries, Toyota is aware of at least five field reports and 12 warranty claims related to the issue.

Customers will begin receiving notification letters on March 24, informing them of the safety risk. A second letter will be sent when a solution becomes available, allowing owners to schedule a free replacement of both rear brake hoses with improved ones.

Any vehicle owners who have already had this repair performed at their own expense prior to receiving the recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement.

Customers may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-424-9153, or the company’s contact for this recall, Debora Crews, via email at debora.crews@dot.gov, and reference the recall numbers 25TB04 and 25TA04.

Owners with any additional questions may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.