2022 Tacoma TRD Sport rear shock backordered

Newbie on the forum but long time Toyota owner. So here's some background that leads to my question for the membership.

8/27/22 Picked up TRD Sport long bed dual cab, drove 200 miles back home.
9/02/22 Noted oil spot on garage floor beneath right rear shock (mileage 10+200)
9/07/22 Called for service appointment at local dealership, soonest avail. 9/26.
9/26/22 Service tech. confirms right rear shock is leaking and orders part. Part available in "5 to 7 days" (mileage now 1025 miles)
10/10/22 Call to inquire on part order status and informed now on backorder with no ETA.
10/28/22 Call to inquire on part order status and informed "national shortage with hundreds on backorder" and an "estimated ETA of December 2nd"!!

Okay, so I'm very disappointed in Toyota in that the same shock is being used to build new vehicles while those who have paid for their product are left with defective vehicles.

Finally is it worth waiting to put OEM shocks on my truck or will the warranty be affected? I'm asking if anyone has had a similar experience and what decisions were made.

Thanks in advance, Bill

FYI Toyota shock part number is 48530-8Z077

 

I'd say No because they will be toast in 50k anyway. The tough part is that you really don't want to swap the rears if you are not going to deal with the fronts. The difference in feel with a quality shock will be noticeable.

If you wanna jump down the hole there, I would highly recommend Bilstein 5100s for being a cost effective option with great quality and handling. 5100s all around if you're staying at the stock height. Consider 5125 rears if you are going to lift it.

Contact @memario1214 / HotshotOffroad.com for great service and pricing.

 

So you have a leaky shock, BFD. Parts (warranty) are on order, WTH is the problem?! I highly doubt the shock is going to run dry in the mean time, shocks will generally run for thousands of miles with a bad seal. Sure the shock will mark it's territory, if it bothers you that much, ty-wrap a rag around the shock and replace it once in a while.

Sorry to be so harsh but damn. Everyone is having parts availability issues. A guy I know custom ordered a $195k Porsche and can't take delivery (vehicle has arrived @ the dealer) because the amp for the sound system is unavailable. You're bitching about an $80 (?) shock and the vehicle is still driveable. Yes, it's disappointing but damn.

 

If its bad enough to actually drip on the floor, it is a bit of an issue. You could get axle bouncing at higher speeds causing tire wear.

Unfortunately there is a backorder and there's not much to be done. If it completely leaks out its a non-driveable and you would be entitled to a rental. But thats dealer by dealer case.

The sport shocks are hit and miss like this. Very frustrating but every vehicle has issues.

I'd personally just watch it, and if its not replaced by early December as mentioned, start raising a stink.

 

Put Bilstein 5100's on the rear and don't look back. Much better setup anyway.

 

If he has no interest in lifting but wants to improve the ride quality, the Bilstien 4600 series might be a good choice as well... of course any suggestions depends on availability as well...

 

Can't say I'm really surprised it's backordered. Took me a while to track down an instrument cluster lens for my truck, they were out of stock on pretty much all dealers' online parts centers/other toyota parts wholesalers. So many supply chain issues, it's unreal.

Anyways, I don't know what you're plans are with your truck. You seem to have just gotten it, and congrats to you on that. Welcome to the Taco family and TW. Happy to have you. I got my '18 Sport used in March. I didn't like the way it rode really, because I thought the TRD sport shocks in combo with the springs were a little too harsh for my liking. I upgraded to OME Nitrochargers all around w/ 887 coils and Icon AAL's, and I haven't looked back. Ride is phenomenal compared to what it was.

That being said, you did just get the truck and chances are you probably aren't planning on dumping your whole wallet on it (yet, but you will). Definitely don't blame you for wanting to get it fixed under warranty. Honestly I would've too if I just bought a brand new truck. Shit happens though.

Suspension upgrades are just something to think about, unless you're completely content with the ride of the Sport, then go ahead and rock it.

 

I heard good things about them. Still digressive valving, so take that for what it is. Some people say that the 4600s ride smoother than the 5100s though, or maybe they ride similar but the 5100's just ride harsher when the clip is at a higher setting. I don't know, I don't really have any experience with Bilstein. I was close to going with the 4600s though, but I'm glad I didn't in the long run because I ended up putting 887s on my nitrochargers to get a little extra height.

OME's do ride super nice in my experience when paired with OME coils. Oh and they make them in soft and firm valving options for the struts, so if you want a firmer ride you get firm valving and if you want a softer ride then go soft valving. All in all I really like them.

 

There are also a lot of OEM sport takeoffs for sale on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. I sold my stock OR shocks for $50 for the pair and they only had 5k on them. Another option to think about..

 

Example: probably could find them cheaper for just the rears. This is a complete set near me.

 

Meh. They're not quite stock OR level, but why pay for that?

The price of 5100s was surprising for a cheap ass like me.

 

Back orders everywhere, I don’t think I’d blame Toyota

 

I swapped to Eibach Pro-Truck Coilovers... still digressive but I found that the rebound was the hardest part of the Sport shocks... rebound is much nicer with the Eibach's. I am sure the Bilstein kits are similar.

 

Ive gears good things about eibach as well

 

C'mon...undriveable?! We've all seen vehicles running down the road that have at least 200k on the clock and never had a shock changed, tires bouncing madly with every bump. It's still driveable, far from right or acceptable, but driveable.

I doubt that OP would get to that situation in a month or whatever it takes.

 

Still a bummer on a brand new truck but hear what you’re saying

 

They paid for a complete truck, why give up and allow for failure to pass?

How often do shocks leak oil on the ground? Not very often. When I see them that bad they literally float and the tire hammers against the pavement as you drive. This causes flat spots on tires and is not suitable for driving.

I’ve seen rentals for far less.

 

Had a similar problem with a brand new Jeep a few years ago, except my issue was a cylinder head. Out of stock, backordered, no ETA. Difference was my vehicle was not drivable and because of that I was able to start the lemon law process after 15 days out of service. A new cylinder head showed up at the dealership via Fedex 3 days after the manufacturer received the lemon law notice.

Unfortunately in your case the only alternative you have is to open a case with Toyota. Not sure what, if anything, that will do, but it's worth the 20 min on the phone it will take. Good look with resolving your issue.

 

Hey everyone, this guy knows a guy… everyone give him a high five.

you are ridiculous and missing the point.

 

Okay, first of all my thanks to the membership for reading my post and considering my situation. The suggestions of alternative products and your product perspective is valuable information should that be required, thank you again. I apologize if some took my statement of facts (no emotion attached) as "bitching" but I don't find the delivery of a defective product or service to be acceptable, ever. When spending my hard earned dollars on anything, including a new vehicle, I will make my voice heard for improvement. Maybe I'm old school with that opinion and but that's me.

Lastly, the local Toyota service manager did call me back to discuss the delay in the backordered part. He and I discussed options for correcting the situation and we will pursue regional approval for correction under Toyota's warranty. I will update this post upon problem correction. Have a great weekend!