Recall 17V285 affects 227,732 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma trucks for a rear differential oil leak. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 227,732 2016-2017 Tacoma trucks because oil can leak where the rear differential carrier meets the rear axle housing. If the differential loses enough oil, it can seize and cause loss of control, and Toyota dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear differential on the 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma is the gear assembly at the rear axle that sends engine power to the rear wheels. Inside it, gear oil lubricates the ring gear, pinion, bearings, and the carrier that holds those parts in place. The rear differential carrier bolts to the rear axle housing, and that joint has to stay sealed so the oil stays inside.
On affected Tacoma trucks, the problem is at the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to the rear axle housing. Oil leaks from that joint, leaving the differential with less lubrication than designed. Only trucks equipped with the BD20D rear differential carrier are included; other rear differential carriers are not part of this recall.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the leak is visible, an owner can notice wet oil around the rear axle or spots under the truck, but the recall record does not identify a certain early symptom.
Who's affected?
Covers two Tacoma model years, with the same driveline differential unit listed for each.
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2017 Toyota Tacoma | driveline |
| Units affected | 227,732 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific pickup truck.
What's the safety risk?
If the rear differential has too little oil, it can seize, which can cause loss of control and increase crash risk. Have the Tacoma inspected soon, and treat any suspected rear differential oil leak as a reason to call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free rear-differential inspection and repair for the oil leak at the rear axle.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota sent one, or reference recall number 17V285 and Toyota recall H0G when you call.
- Watch for oil under the rear axle and avoid driving if you see a leak before the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician inspects the rear differential for oil leakage where the carrier meets the rear axle housing. Based on that inspection, the technician tightens the fastening nuts or replaces the fastening nuts and gasket. If rear differential parts are damaged, Toyota replaces the rear differential carrier assembly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Toyota's standard reimbursement plan is on file for eligible out-of-pocket repairs already paid before the owner notice. Keep repair paperwork and contact Toyota customer service about the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 27, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 12, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 12, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 19, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V285?
Recall 17V285 covers 227,732 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma trucks with a rear differential oil leak at the carrier-to-axle-housing joint. If oil runs low, the differential can seize and cause loss of control. Toyota dealers inspect and repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V285. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the rear differential inspection and repair. Reference Toyota recall H0G or campaign 17V285 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost. Toyota dealers will inspect the rear differential, tighten or replace the fastening nuts and gasket, and replace the rear differential carrier assembly if damaged, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Toyota Tacoma before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction. Watch for oil leaking near the rear axle area, unusual noise, vibration, or driveline binding. If you notice those signs, stop driving and ask a Toyota dealer how to move the truck safely.
What if I bought my Toyota Tacoma used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall 17V285 or Toyota recall H0G.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V285000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V285 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V285000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →