New 4x4 Tacoma Has Vibration When Braking

16 now, not including a week prior for the hood glue, and a week or more for a tailgate manufacturing issue + new leafs for the diff howl.

Oh yeah and upcoming for the oil leak that may be the timing chain cover...

Hate to say it but I may be talking to some lawyers about lemon laws in my state.

 

Update post-arbitration with Toyota and NCDS.

Last week I met with the arbitration rep from the National Center for Dispute Settlement, the Toyota Field Technical Specialist who has worked on my last two trucks, my dealer service manager and shop foreman to discuss the buy-back case with my truck. I explained my history with my last vehicle (see my other posts for details) and described the issues with my current vehicle. I described my driving habits as non-abusive, don't tow etc. and I concluded saying that an unknown mechanical issue is causing the rear-drums to warp and cause the rear-end vibration. Then the Toyota FTS went through a description of the work they've done, checked the axle run out, etc. and concluded saying they don't know what it causing the rear drum warping, but that it must be driver habit/use. They also noted that there was slight blueing of the drums showing heat stress.

I received the arbitration decision today, stating that they side with Toyota and will not buy back my vehicle.

My suggestion to anyone who feels the vibration: Call Toyota Corporate and open a case with them. This takes 5 minutes to do. Here is their number: 800-331-4331. The more cases that are opened regarding this, the better chance we have at getting a real long term fix, not just replacing drums every 2-5k miles.

Oh by the way, Toyota corporate says that they will no longer cover brake issues under my warranty since they say the issues are caused by driver habits. I purchased an extended warranty when I bought the truck.

 

This is horribly disheartening... There seems to be an OBVIOUS issue with the rear drums and/or axles (causing the drum issue). How is Toyota going to hang you out to dry on this one? They even have a TSB and have replaced other people's axles and drums.

 

Any update on this? I know your appt. was just yesterday but the turnaround for my drum replacement was really quick!

 

The current TSB does not apply to TRD OR/PRO models.

 

Right -- but by the reports of this issue, it's NOT just non-TRD models. I wouldn't be surprised if they update the TSB at some point to include TRD models.

 

Agreed. They did measure my axle flange multiple times and said it was within spec. Hopefully Toyota will direct some attention towards this and find a fix soon.

 

I hope so. With 75% or more of the braking done by the front brakes, I'd really like to hear a scenario where the operator caused the REAR drums to go out-of-round...

 

Just bought my first truck, 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport and have noticed the same thing. Pulled slightly on the parking brake the other day and it's definitely the rear drums and there's only 900 miles on him so far. Glad to see I am not the only one having issues, will have to take it to the dealership and have it checked out.

 

Same as always, vibrating like a slight washboard feel from 25-30ish down to 15mph. Toyota said it's normal, and tech said my axles and drums were in spec. Who knows? I've got this documented, issue/checks/etc, and have the paperwork for it. Guess I'm going to drive it till the wheels fall off... or the back end starts shaking like crazy and take it back and see.

 

PS- just rolled over 2,000mi today. I really do love the truck (hauled a motorcycle for sale to Austin and back Sunday), it's just disheartening to hear about others' issues and see that Toyota doesn't have a "fix" for the vibrations on deceleration.

 

So you are done? No additional legal action?

 

Yeah, I think I'll keep the truck for a while and see if Toyota responds to the issue. The cost of legal fees and time to pursue something further isn't worth the amount I would lose in resale value right now.

 

This sucks! Sorry to sound like a broken record here. I am back at my dealership tomorrow, and hoping the case they opened with Toyota opens a solution path. I’ll post up what happens, in hopes it helps you or someone else out.

 

My vibrations were really bad from around 50 down to 0 before the axle TSB was performed (which took two dealerships and 16 days out of the first month I owned it not in my possession...). Since then I still have the 30-15 vibration. It is better but still pretty irritating. I think they are telling the truth that it is normal (normal being common and repeatable but not necessarily acceptable). I drove another brand new one identical to mine and it did the same thing. Between all this and the low rpm stumble/false misfire/torque converter issue mine also has I'm just not sure what to do. I don't have the time or patience to be at the dealership every f*cking week. I had big plans for this truck and already spent about $2000 on accessories for it but I'm afraid to put anymore money into it. I'm almost to the point of trying to get the dealer to take it back and give me a 4 Runner or I'm may just say screw it and trade it towards a new ZR2. The sad thing is I really like the Tacoma more than anything else....if it didn't have all these issues. The other factor is even if I get these things fixed how many more problems are going to occur in the future considering how it has gone so far? Joining this forum definitely did not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling about the quality of this truck. There are sooooooo MANY complaints!

 

Just an update on mine. It was in the shop for 9 days due to the dealership purchasing the incorrect axle and had to re-order one for the TRD OR (the one they originally ordered was for non-TRD). Anyway, they replaced the axle and resurfaced the drum brakes. So far it drives well, took it on the freeway and applied the brakes at 50+mph. No more hard vibrations from what I can tell. But only time will tell.... I'll report back once I put a few hundred more miles on it.

 

Willing to part with any of the accessories?

 

@MAFbeard, I agree with your sentiment. This forum is awesome, the information sharing is great, but it is shaking my confidence in the most expensive vehicle I have ever purchased. Since this is still new to me, and these Tacos hold value, I am willing to ride it out a bit before I bail.
Based on @El_Taco_Blanco’s experience, Toyota is not willing to own up to its responsibilities, IMO.

Best of luck to us all!

 

Mine does it at low speed, almost feels like an ABS vibration but lighter. Done it since new.

 

Dayum dude, do you wait for the husband to be put in the ground before you hit on the widow? And in this case, there isn’t even a body. Calm yo vulture ass down.