- Toyota is recalling over 48,000 Tacoma models due to an issue with their Bilstein dampers.
- The welded flange connecting the damper’s external oil reservoir may corrode and possibly cause the part to fall off, according to documents filed with NHTSA.
- The recall affects 2024–2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road models; Toyota says a dealer will inspect the dampers and replace them for free if necessary.
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road comes standard with upgraded Bilstein dampers that feature external oil reservoirs for improved off-road capability. However, on certain 2024 and 2025 models, the piece that marries these piggyback-style reservoirs with the shock absorber may be compromised. This has caused Toyota to recall 48,280 trucks, though not all of them were sold in the United States.
According to a recall report filed earlier this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain Tacoma models equipped with the Bilstein dampers (standard on the TRD Off-Road) feature a welded flange that secures the external reservoirs. However, between the reservoir, flange, and damper body, there’s an untreated metal area that’s prone to corrosion over time. This can potentially cause the weld to fail and the remote reservoir to break free and fall off. Obviously, this can create a road hazard if it happens while the truck is moving, and that could lead to an accident or injury.
The issue was first discovered back in September 2025, after Toyota learned about two claims of a leaky damper. A dealership inspection revealed that one of the reservoirs was missing, triggering a wider investigation that involved a supplier teardown and analysis. Bilstein concluded that the flange’s length combined with exposure to salt spray and rock chipping could exacerbate the corrosion; Toyota’s engineers also found that flanges of a certain length are more susceptible to corrosion. Toyota estimated at the end of July that the issue resulted in 20 field technical reports and 62 warranty claims.
Toyota is recommending that affected Tacomas be taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The front and rear damper assemblies will be replaced for free under warranty with improved parts. Dealers were notified earlier this month, while owners will be notified by mail by October 5, 2026.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
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