Yes, another leaking third brake light thread...

I used clear exterior window caulk around it. Toothpicks to pull it away a bit, then glued and removed toothpics. No issues and you cannot see that I bubbad it.

 

Our dealership emailed corporate told how all our Yotas came from them and how all maintenance is done at that dealership. Corporate authorized full payment of the replacement and labor! Praise the Lord! Just wanted to update yall!

 

Just confirming that Toyota will cover this issue. Replacing my headliner, back seats and carpet on my 2016 with 66,000 miles on it. Also issued a free rental car during repair!

 

I'm going out on a limb here but this seems to be a problem only relegated to the 2017s

 

It's not. Three seconds of searching will tell you that. Reading the post above your post will tell you that too.

 

My son has a 2017 TRD Sport and we found out today his is leaking. He told me a few weeks ago it had an odd smell in the truck. Water hose confirmed the third brake light is leaking water in. Truck is out of warranty and two Toyota dealers tell me they have never heard of this problem. For now he just put some electrical tape on it.

 

That's unfortunate, you might have to do some research and find a corporate Toyota customer service. I was told by my service representative that Toyota wants help its customers fix the problem.

 

I called two more dealers late yesterday and they both told me the same thing. They had never heard of this problem and that he would have to bring the truck in and let them judge where the water was coming in.

Of course they both said it would be around $100 for them to diagnose even though I told them I used a garden hose and I can see the water coming in. I now wonder if they are told to say this.

I do understand dealers are in trouble right now and I wonder how they are staying in business. Our local Ford dealer has been in business for 50 years . They have only 10 vehicles on the lot. All used. I drive by it everyday.

I will tell him to contact Toyota customer service and see what happens. For now we will just seal it with clear silicone because that tape is not going to stay on. It was very old electrical tape he used. All I had in my shop at the time. Thanks

 

Silicone (even clear) will stain the paint, be careful with it

 

Thanks, I didn't know it would hurt the paint. Really the only fix is replace the light or gasket. Need to find the steps to removing the headliner. I hope not much damage has been done.

 

Yep, just got me too. 2016 Tacoma Double Cab. Noticed it when I left my car at the airport for a week and when I came back the inside was seriously wet and smelly. Thought maybe I left a window open, then someone told me the third brake lights leak a lot on their trucks so I took a look when it started raining and sure enough.

$800 parts and labor out the door at the dealership. Should've tried the silicone but I found this thread too late...

 

I think I might use the Gorilla silicone. The cheap tape is coming off even though it stopped the leaking for now. We are having tons of rain. Toyota should do the right thing and have a recall on this. Mold is a safety issue but I doubt they ever will.
Customer support said he would have to take the truck to a dealer and let them diagnose the problem at a fee of $120. After that they said there might be a chance they would fix it. Funny that I called three more dealers yesterday and everyone of them told me they had never heard of this problem. I say BS

 

Just noticed my 2016 SR5 Double Cab is leaking after 70k miles. Dealer acknowledged problem with the trucks but wanted money to diagnose. Prob will find some kind of sealant instead. And sealant recommendations?? I read above silicone will stain paint, hmm.

 

If I fix it myself, do I have to get a new $150 light or can I just replace the gasket? Is there anything different with the light itself or if it's not broken and just leaking then a gasket alone is fine?

Any tips on how you managed that? I called and was told too bad since I'm out of warranty. I even escalated to the next level and got the same story.

 

Seeing this thread continue is sad on Toyotas part. My dealer wanted to charge me to have a look at it when admitted there is a known issue. When I called same thing, out of warranty nothing we can do. I got some $6 silicone and fixed it myself rather the headache of pulling down the headliner, etc. Sad rant, end. Carry on

 

Silicone will stain paint? So, you aren't peeling it off anyway and leave a very thin bead around the light. As far as the smell I would pull the liner and make sure theres no mold and make sure its bone dry

 

These is now a recall on these trucks. My 2019 was on the list and they repaired it yesterday after they did the fuel pump install. My son's 2017 is now on the list and he will make an appointment this week. I watched the tech do mine. Everything was done from the outside with a kit. Can't tell where it was put on even when you look close at it.
I did see him from a distance use sealer and a template .

 

It's a 3rd Gen DBL Cab issue - all years

 

i know(all too well)... hence the laughter