Third brake light leak warning.

All of the above. Faulty gasket,over torquing and also the light cracks and separates away from body.

 

I have a 16 DCSB, my third brake light began to leak. I was just out of warranty. Was quoted about $850 to fix at the dealership. I asked how much the part was and was told about $150. The service tech recommended I do not do the work due to having to pull the head liner.

So me and a buddy got it done in about 2.5 hours.

 

Whoa! First time seeing this. Thanks ya'll for the info.

 

Did you actually have to pull the head liner?

 

Anyone know if this affects the 2021’s as well? Tried searching but didn’t see any confirmation either way.

 

Thank you. As far as I know mine is not leaking but im going to apply some sort of sealant both body-housing and housing-cover.

Can someone who experienced leak confirm that this TSB does not show up on your recall checker on Toyota website?(VIN required)
Mine doesnt show but if there are bunch of people who dont see this but experienced leak, i would definitely put sealant on mine.

 

It is a TSB not a recall,some dealers are fixing it since they know it is a problem,some are refusing and charge you 600-900 to fix. If you go in before 36k warranty runs out they fix, if you have extended warranty they says lights arent covered.

 

I have seen a post where one did not pull headliner,with tiny hands and maneuvering he managed to sneak in the bolts. Look back on posts.

 

Awesome tell us more about the install.

 

I just did the Meso 3rd break light install. The process is essentially the same as replacing oem. You have to pop off the two grab handles in the back seat and the two hooks in the back above the rear window. Then you have to pull off the trim on the c pillars, I also pulled the trim off the b pillars. The c pillars have a cover you have to pull off that says srs airbag and there's a 10mm bolt behind it you have to remove. All the other trim pieces are just plastic clips and tabs that come off once you pull with a little bit of force. Once all of this is down I found it helpful to pull the door weather stripping off and the headliner just kinda droops. It droops enough that you can get you arm behind and access the 3rd break light bolts. You need a long and skinny 10mm socket or 7/16ths I believe to access it. Once you get the two nuts off you can pull the brake light off from the outside. You'll need a pry tool or plastic razor to get the brake light off from the outside. When I did it I did not enticipate it taking as long as it did and to be as labor intensive. I started it Wednesday night and finished Thursday after work.

 

Yes. It was not real difficult. Remove all the plastic trim from the c pillar to the b pillar. Then I could let the head liner droop on the front seat head rests. Bolts are incorporated to the third brake light, so loosen the nuts and replace. Then put it all back together. I did the passenger side while my buddy did the driver side. Just go slow.

 

Just wanted to add that I too have had this issue and created a case with Toyota Corporate. My dealership had explained that my extended warranty should cover the rear light ($700 with install), but not the stained headliner ($1,200 part only). Also note I am currently at 84k miles.

 

I saw on a thread someone mentioned a class action suit; has then been looked into? As much as some of us are having to pay and the health impacts this can have not only on us, our children and family members. Surely, we can do something with the way Toyota is scamming us! Sorry, just venting at the moment!

 

Hello Channel,

I would like to inform all of you that as of a couple of weeks ago I received a letter from Toyota titled "Certain 2016-2019 Model Year Double Cab Tacoma Vehicles Center HIgh-Mounted Stop Lamp - Water Leak Limited Service Campaign 21TD03 (Remedy Notice)".

It explains that "The Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp on the involved vehicles has a seal between the lamp and the vehicle body which can deteriorate over time. If the seal deteriorates sufficiently, water from outside the vehicle could leak into the vehicle cabin through the seal. " and that Toyota will "Any authorized Toyota dealer will inspect the vehicles headliner to determine if a water leak resulting from this condition has occurred. If no such water leak is identified, the dealer will install the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp Repair Kit FREE OF CHARGE. If the aforementioned water leak is identified, the dealer will (1) either install the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp Repair Kit or a new Center High Mount Stop Lamp Assembly, as appropriate; and (2) clean and/or replace interior components damaged by the aforementioned water leak, as appropriate, FREE OF CHARGE."

Furthermore, I read that "This Program will be offered until April 30, 2025, and will only be available at an authorized Toyota dealer."

I officially see that Toyota has decided to do the right thing on this! I hope this message reaches anyone that has had a previous issue or have any future issues!

Regards,
Your fellow TacomaWorld Member

 

Yes Toyota finally said they will now fix,but i already brought mine in a long time ago and they told me i pried on the light and that is why it is leaking. So i wonder will they now fix it or stick to their idiocy to save face.

 

Just go to a diifferent Dealer.

 

True i could try another dealer,sucks to have to travel over 50 miles. I think i will call the number on the notice first,tell them the issue with the dealer,i might get treated better next time.

 

Update: my Toyota dealer just happen to call me,and wanted to schedule the free frame coat and check the 3rd brake light since there is an issue, AH well lets talk about that i said since i already brought it in for that reason and you told me i got into the back of my truck bed and pried on it and thats why it leaks,now you are saying Toyota has an issue and will pay to fix it? Are you going to fix it or stick to your dumb blonde female scenario? AH AH Well AH Yes we will fix it.
You guys have no idea how frustrating it is for a woman to go into a dealer,they treat you like a dumb blonde every time. I grew up in a garage with men working on stuff all the time,I have worked in a maintenance facility for 23 years. I have walked by a pickup truck in the shop that a mechanic was trying to start and said it isn't getting fuel,got laughed at then 2 days later the mechanic figures out it isn't getting fuel. Yes i am use to it but this dealer had better make a note in my file that says i have more experience in maintenance than his kid mechanics,and don't try to screw me over. Rant over LOL.