Toyota announces recall of 381,000 Tacomas amid warning that parts might fall off axles: Alert comes just days after company revealed 280,000 pick-ups and SUVs have faulty transmission

Toyota is recalling about 381,000 Tacoma midsize pickups in the U.S. because a part of the rear axle could come loose, increasing the risk of a crash. This is the automaker’s second recall in less than a week.

The latest recall affects certain 2022 and 2023 model trucks.

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, said in a statement Tuesday that weld residue left on the ends of axles can cause some nuts to loosen over time and eventually fall out.

This can cause the part to become loose from the axle, which can affect stability and braking performance.

Toyota has not said whether any accidents or injuries have been caused by the problem.

Dealers will inspect the rear axles and tighten the lock nuts at no cost to owners. Any damaged parts will be repaired or replaced.

Customers will be informed by email at the end of April, the company says.

Last week, the company announced it is recalling about 280,000 pickup trucks and SUVs in America to fix a transmission problem that could cause the vehicles to creep forward in neutral.

The recall affects certain Toyota Tundra pickups and Lexus LX 600 SUVs from model years 2022 through 2024.

Also included are the 2023 and 2024 Toyota Sequoia SUVs.

Toyota said last week that certain parts of vehicles’ automatic transmissions may not immediately disengage when placed in neutral.

That can transfer some of the engine power to the wheels. The vehicles can creep forward at low speed on level surfaces if the brakes are not applied, increasing the risk of an accident.

Last week, the company announced it is recalling about 280,000 pickup trucks and SUVs in America to fix a transmission problem that could cause the vehicles to creep forward while in neutral.

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, said in a statement Tuesday that weld residue left on the ends of axles can cause some nuts to loosen over time and eventually fall off.

Toyota has not said whether any accidents or injuries have been caused by the problem

Dealers will inspect the rear axles and tighten the lock nuts at no cost to owners. Any damaged parts will be repaired or replaced

As with this week’s recall, the company will not say whether there have been any crashes or injuries as a result of these failures.

Dealers will update the transmission software to resolve the problem. As with the new recall, owners will be notified in late April.

Toyota said in a statement: ‘Certain parts of the transmission may not immediately disengage when the vehicle is shifted to neutral.

‘This may still allow some of the engine power to be transferred to the wheels and may cause the vehicle to inadvertently creep forward at low speed when on a level surface and without braking, leading to an increased risk of an accident. ‘

There is a recall for vehicles driving in neutral one of three that Toyota announced a week ago on Wednesday.

The company is recalling another 19,000 cars – select Mirai and Lexus LS, LC and ES models in North America, made between 2023 and 2024 – due to a software issue.

The issue means that “the rearview image may not be displayed within the time required by certain U.S. safety regulations after the driver puts the vehicle in reverse, increasing the risk of a crash while the vehicle is in reverse.”

Another 4,000 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles are being recalled because of head restraints on the folding rear seats that “increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.”

Last week, the company announced it is recalling about 280,000 pickup trucks and SUVs in America to fix a transmission problem that could cause the vehicles to creep forward while in neutral.

Dealers will update the transmission software to resolve the issue affecting Tundra pickups

Toyota said last Wednesday that certain parts of vehicles’ automatic transmissions may not immediately disengage when placed in neutral. In the photo: Toyota Tundra

In another recall in January, Toyota issued an urgent “do not drive” advisory for 61,000 vehicles equipped with dangerous Takata airbags, which can explode and hurl “sharp metal fragments” at motorists.

The voluntary recall will affect 50,000 Toyotas, including the 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix and 2004-2005 RAV4.

Also covered are 11,000 2003 and 2004 Pontiac Vibes, which are essentially the same car as the Matrix and made in the same California factory.

“If the airbag deploys, a component inside it is more likely to explode and throw sharp metal fragments, which could cause serious injury or death to the driver or passengers,” Toyota said in a statement.