My 2024 Toyota Tacoma's One-Hour Tire Rotation Turned Into an 8-Hour Brake Line Replacement, Now the Dealer Says There’s a Brake Fluid Leak Issue

Toyota reliability comes into question again.

Imagine the surprise of a 2024 Toyota Tacoma owner who went in for a routine tire rotation, only to be told by the dealer that the brake lines could leak and needed to be replaced before he left the dealer.

This unexpected news has left many Tacoma owners questioning Toyota's reliability.

Rick Nunley, a member of the Toyota Tacoma Owners Facebook page, shares his experience. He went in for a routine tire rotation, expecting the work to be done in an hour. However, eight hours later, his truck was finally ready.

He says, "I took the Taco to the Toyota dealer for tire rotation and two recalls, and it took eight hours, but it's finally done. I was told the brake line replacement recalls started this morning."

Rick's truck needed all new brake lines.

The Toyota service advisor told him, while he was waiting for his truck to be repaired, that it would take quite a while for them to complete the work. The advisor stated that there were two recalls on his vehicle, one of which involved replacing the brake lines on his new Tacoma. 

It was an eight-hour job.

Rick wasn't happy, but he wanted his Tacoma to be safe. The service advisor informed him that his truck was at risk, as the brake lines could start leaking and needed to be replaced immediately due to a safety issue.

Here is why the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma has a safety recall related to its brake lines.

The Toyota Tacoma has a recall for brake line replacement due to a potential issue with brake fluid leaks. Specifically, certain 2024-2025 4-wheel drive Tacomas with 16-inch brakes and 17-inch wheels are affected. 

The issue stems from the buildup of mud and dirt, which can potentially damage the rear brake hoses, leading to leaks and reduced braking performance. 

The NHTSA states that 2024 and 2025 Toyota Tacomas equipped with 16-inch brake systems, where the brake hoses, attached to the rear brake calipers, transfer brake fluid under hydraulic pressure to the calipers for braking. 

"These components are positioned inside the rear Toyota 17-inch wheels. The brake calipers and wheels of this specific size combination have clearance between the brake hoses and wheels, such that if mud and dirt build up on the interior of the wheels under certain off-road conditions, this mud/dirt can contact the brake hoses." 

"Over time, this may damage and wear through the brake hoses, causing a brake fluid leak. This can lead to a reduction in brake performance and an increase in brake stopping distance, which in turn increases the risk of a crash." 

What Toyota Tacoma Owners Need to Know.

• Recall Status: Toyota announced the recall in February 2025, and notifications to owners were sent out starting April 7, 2025.
• Toyota will replace the brake hoses of 2024-2025 Tacoma models affected by the issue at no cost to the owners under Toyota's new car warranty.
• Toyota reports that 106,061 4WD Tacoma pickups are affected, although the actual number may be higher. 

The NHTSA says, "Toyota continues to investigate MY2024-2025 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 2-wheel drive and a combination of 16-inch brakes with either 17-inch or 18-inch Toyota wheels, and other 4-wheel drive Tacoma vehicles with 16-inch brakes and 18-inch Toyota wheels to determine whether there is a potential for a brake fluid leak."

How to Check if Your Tacoma is Affected:

You should have received a recall letter from Toyota. If you did not receive the notice:

Visit Toyota's recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

You can also contact your local Toyota dealership for assistance. 

What's Going On With Toyota's Reliability?

Toyota's reliability has come into question with the recent Tacoma brake line recalls, Tacoma transmission issues, and Tundra engine replacements. 

I reported last year that the new Tacoma is experiencing transmission issues. A report from Christopher Pearce (@thechristopherpearce) suggests that the quality of the latest generation Toyota Tacoma may be declining. 

He says, "Owners of the new Toyota Tacoma are reporting that their trucks are breaking down with less than 1,000 miles. A problem reportedly stems from the truck's new eight-speed automatic transmission." 

"It's a huge red flag when you consider the last generation Tacoma was regularly getting over half a million miles." 

"Along with Tundra's engine problems, now, Toyota's crown jewel, the Tacoma, is also in trouble. This model year (2024), Toyota refreshed its entire lineup, including the Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, and Sequoia. Pretty much every truck got a new look and also a new powertrain."

"Unfortunately, the new engines and transmissions are smaller but more efficient, and now they have been plagued with problems." 

"Now, the brand has just announced that they'll replace all the transmissions for affected trucks. Toyota has not released an official number of how many owners are affected by the issue, and they are not calling this an official recall even though it sounds like it should be." 

Should you be concerned about the quality of the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra trucks? 

There will be issues whenever any automaker gives a vehicle a complete redesign, like the new Tundra and Tacoma. The longer a model is in production, the more likely it is that the vehicle will have fewer problems. 

Rick Nunley, even though he had to wait eight hours to get his 2024 Tacoma's brake lines replaced, isn't too worried, at least not yet.

He says, "I'm still loving my Tacoma!"

How About You?

Are you concerned with Toyota's reliability? Do you own a 2024 or 2025 Tacoma pickup? What is your experience with the new pickup? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota Tacoma story: Only 148 Miles In, My 2024 Toyota Tacoma Blew a Front Tire, the Dealer In a Rush, Didn’t Check the Tire Pressure Off the Transport Truck

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Rick Nunley