Leaking Shocks?

Hey all,

I had my 2020 Tacoma in for general maintenance (oil change, brake fluid flush, etc) over the weekend and the dealership let me know my passenger rear shock is leaking. All the other shocks are fine. I've been quoted $340 + tax to replace both rear shocks.

My truck was bought new in July 2020 and currently has 30,6XX miles on it. Is it normal for shocks to fail so quickly? It is out of warranty, unfortunately. I had it at the same dealership last year in July and the shocks were fine then. I have only put around 2,500 or so miles on it since. I don't go off roading and while I do live in Arizona where it gets hot in the summers, the truck was garaged most of the time until I moved last year, where it currently lives under a carport when parked.

Is this something I should pursue with Toyota to try and have them warranty the shocks? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

They're out of warranty and it's not a part that is maintained, so it's not a winnable fight. Shocks fail, install new shocks, pay the bill. Them being "fine" could mean they failed since or went unnoticed.

 

I doubt you will get anywhere with Toyota if you try to get them to warranty the shocks. If you have the Bilstein shocks, you could try to get them to replace under warranty. Shocks are a wear item that is not typically covered by the Toyota power train warranty. If it were me, I would use this as an opportunity to upgrade to a better quality/better performing set of shocks on my own dime.

 

There has to be a Lawyer out there willing to take up this fight. Good luck op, good luck.

 

Thanks for the input y'all! I'll pay and be happy with my truck lol. I did consider putting on better shocks but I'm not sure if it's worth it since it's not a 4x4 so no real off-roading for me. But, I have time to think about it as the parts are on backorder at the dealership, anyways. Thanks again!

 

First, I would check and see if they are really leaking,,,, could be dealer upselling. As mentioned, shocks can fail at anytime, but 4 years old and 30k miles has me suspicious.
Rear shocks is a driveway job you can do without lifting the truck, they can be compressed by hand, the leaf springs are holding the weight.

 

For what it's worth, this is the photo they attached in the PDF checklist they sent me lol. I'm not any sort of vehicle expert but it does look like there's discoloration from a leak? For all I know, they just sprayed it with something But I will say, I've had good experiences with this dealership so I'd like to think (hope?) they're being honest.

 

Shocks are like tires, brake pads, and wiper blades.

 

Yup! I do understand that part. I just wasn't sure if it was normal for one to fail at such a low mileage under typical driving conditions, so I figured I'd ask around to see if anyone else experienced this. But it looks like I've gotten my answer! So thanks again everyone!

 

It’s unusual for it to leak so early unless it’s seen heavy use, kind of makes me wonder what the previous owner was up to.

 

I'm the original owner and can confirm I have been up to nothing exciting with this truck! I bought it brand new in 2020 and it occasionally drove on nice dirt roads for work, and sometimes hauled around a small bag of tools used to sample materials that may or may not contain asbestos lol. But nothing crazy at all

 

How does the truck drive? If they are truly toast you will have a noticeable bounce, especially at highway speeds. Also the tires may show excessive "choppiness."

Post a pic of the other rear shock when you get a chance. To me the one that you posted looks ok. A look at the tires would be helpful as well.

If the tires are wearing normally and you don't have excessive bounce when driving I would just let it ride until your current tires are ready for replacement. When you need new tires re-evaluate your situation. Monitor it until then and if something changes or deteriorates noticeably you can always call an audible.

 

One of my front and rear shocks started leaking instead of going to the dealer and overpaying for factory replacements, I just got Bilsteins all the way around, had a shop install those in the front for lift. Mine were replaced at 68,000 and my truck stays on the road for the most part.

 

I have replaced rear shocks on Tacomas with 5000 miles on them. Thing fail. If you are handy, you could replace them with some aftermarket shock from a parts store for less than half of what you were quoted.