Power Steering Fluid Leak

Let me get this straight. You had a Tacoma that had multiple issue and was, in your words, a pain in the butt, but decided it was a good idea to buy another one the first year it out after a remodel? Sorry, but the sympathy meters reading pretty low right now. Toyota makes good vehicles, but their first year track record is not great. Example: 2013 Avalon (a car the starts over $30k) had a ton of issues, everything from seat backs falling off to headliners dropping.

 

Disagree. I bought first year 2nd gen. No major issues 10 years later.

 

If I remember right 1995-1996 is when the "all new redesigned" tacoma came out. First time it got the v6.

 

There really isn't all that much white sheeted new in the 2016. Engine technology from Lexus, I am sure Toyota did not reinvent the wheel with the 2016 Tacoma (to a fault to some people who expected a lot more "new" and less Gen 2)

I don't expect anything major. Sure there will be TSBs and maybe some recalls. But so much of the truck is GEN 2, If there are issues, we can be sure Toyota will jump on them quickly to ensure their QDR remains intact.

 

Baja Mexicali built FTMFF!

 

I bought another Tacoma thinking I would NOT have the issues I had with my '11. I wanted to give Toyota another shot or a do-over if you will, and since I was going to buy another Tacoma anyway why waste my money on a '15 when the '16s were right around the corner. And who knows, like many people were saying it might have just been air in the line. Everything else on the vehicle looks and feels solid as hell, and worst case scenario I can take it in under warranty and have stuff addressed. I'm not mad really, but it seems on TW you get a lot of good feedback and lot of negative comments from people who may not fully understand situations other truck owners are dealing with.

 

OP, Haikin

Is the power steering fluid level still dropping or has it stabilized?

 

I'm gonna go outside now and look. It's been ~ 24 hrs since the dealer topped it off.

 

Well I think Texas_bjj may have nailed it on this one unless some sort of other seal, clamp or whatever else just seemed to fix itself. But here is the reservoir level as of 30 minutes ago, over one day since they topped it off at the dealer.

 

It beats me but either the dealer fixed/tightened something and didn't notify me or the air in the lines bleed out and was replaced with fluid. Anyway, it looks fine and no more noisy steering rack at the moment.

 

Well at first glance it did seem to be a leak, that would be a good portion of people's first inclination when they see their steering reservoir is low. But I will give you that since it is a brand new vehicle, that the possibility of it not being fully filled from the factory may have occurred. Either way, small details like that should not be overlooked by the techs and QA staff at the manufacturing sites. What if they forgot to put the correct amount of engine oil, things would be a little different Swimmer wouldn't you say?

 

Toyota hired the CIA to stealth blackhawk to your house and fix it in your driveway

 

No you're just being sarcastic

 

OP.
At this point I would check the level on a regular basis. If drops again, I would at least look around for signs of fluid on the frame, engine, etc.

I agree that if it was an oversight by the factory or the prep at the dealer they need to do a better job. Yet, nothing replaces the drivers inspection of the vehicle. (I had a abs module leaking on my Ram. First repair the dealer did was replace one of the lines. That didn't work, so they ended up replacing the module. That did work). Never was a large leak, it was like 1 drop on the driveway ever so often).

Keep us posted how it turns out.

 

Update:

As of 5 pm MST the power steering fluid is almost drained back down to empty. I've just about had it, this is horsecrap. Toyota better make good by me or they'll lose a customer forever.

 

calm down and keep adding. its still probably not full.

 

How can you tell me to be calm when I drop 40k on a lemon. You'd be mad too

 

Haikin

I agree Toyota needs to address your issue. Have you looked for leaks since the last top off? It would seem that there should be a wet spot somewhere. (Hose, on the frame, etc, drops on the ground).

While its a hassle, take it back. Ask them to fix it for good this time.
(it took Dodge 3 times to fix a abs brake leak in my Ram. It has been good for a year now).