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New Toyota Tacoma Warranty Extension For Universal Joint & Prop Shaft Vibrations 2005-2011

Toyota is extending the warranty on Tacoma driveshafts for some customers who experience vibrations and shudders. Details here.

Toyota is now extending the warranty for its 2005-2011 Tacomas for customers who experience trouble with driveshaft vibrations and shuddering. The Toyota program is called "Customer Support Program ZH2 - Coverage For Propeller Shaft Universal Joints." Torque News has viewed the documentation on a recent repair courtesy of Tacoma owner and Facebook Toyota Tacoma Enthusiasts Club contributor, Daniel Delatorres, who gave us permission to use his image above.

Tacoma prop shaft, or driveshaft and universal join troubles are not new to owners. CarComplaints lists 41 technical service bulletins for the 2007 Tacoma (just an example) and at least ten of those are related to the prop shaft.

Daniel reports that his (unlifted) Tacoma experienced a vibration and he took it to his local dealer. To his surprise, the dealer replaced both halves of the prop shaft assembly and the universal joint and hanger. There was no charge for the service or parts. In addition, Daniel was provided with a Toyota internal memo to dealer service department managers dated October 30, 2017.

The key elements are:
- 2005 through 2011 Model year coverage
- Produced from Mid-September '04 through early December 2010
- Unlimited Mileage
- Program runs till April 2019
- Vehicles repaired once will then be covered 12 years from the primary coverage (unless we misunderstand that)

Our thanks to Daniel for his detailed overview and his permission to share this with a wider audience. If you are not already a member, Facebook's Toyota Tacoma Enthusiasts is a great club for owners.

Related Stories:
- Why Toyota Tacoma owners should not fear the frame recall
- Toyota Struggles To Manage Tacoma Rear Differential Recall

Comments

Patrick (not verified)    March 7, 2018 - 10:32PM

In reply to by Jody Walker (not verified)

I had 3 universal joints replaced in my 2010 Toyota Tacoma today. Vibration actually appears to be worse. Will now balance tires to see it that mitigates it..

Optimus (not verified)    December 8, 2017 - 12:10PM

I've had '06 prerunner for 6 years and have replaced the carrier bearing and U-joints twice.
I wish they would compensate those of us that have already paid for repairs.

Shelly Miller (not verified)    December 8, 2017 - 1:11PM

I just changed 1 - U Joint on my 2003 Tacoma pre-runner (4 Door) . My truck still isn't riding good. Feel the vibration so I have 2 more to change. I think the recall should start at 2003, my truck has been making a noise when I stop and go in reverse for the past 5 or so years. I figured it was the U joint I just changed , that was causing the noise but it wasn't because it still does it.

TacoNC (not verified)    December 8, 2017 - 11:52PM

Took the advice from this today and went to the local Toyota dealership about my ongoing vibration issue and they informed me that my problem was not the prop shaft as listed and the greedy service department wanted me to fork out 2k for repairs. The vibration saga continues for me after 3 year of this nonsense.

Gary Z (not verified)    December 13, 2017 - 7:57AM

My joints and bearings we're replaced originally by my father about 5 years ago and this past summer I needed to replace the rear bearing and 1 U-joint and have 2 regreased. Taking a chance today and seeing if the dealer will stand up and correct this.

Jason Palmer (not verified)    January 14, 2018 - 1:36AM

Completed recall repairs (ZH2) on my 2006 Tacoma base model at Toyota dealer today. Replaced driveshaft U-Joint. I'm sad to report that the vibration is still there. It might be better, but still feels like something is just not right. Everything else about the truck is amazing. In the past the Goodyear tire store gave me free tires since he couldn't figure out the tiny vibration. Still searching for a way to fix this.

Jim Lis (not verified)    February 21, 2018 - 12:49AM

In reply to by Jason Palmer (not verified)

Check your rear end oil. If your truck has positraction the only oil recommended is a LISD (limited slip) oil. My 2005 was vibrating in conjunction with my drive shaft. After the drive shaft was replaced I still had vibration. Dealer suggested I change the rear end oil. Wala, vibration went away. Can’t hurt to gives it a try, if you are still having vibration issues.

Doug Samples (not verified)    October 1, 2020 - 3:21PM

In reply to by Jason Palmer (not verified)

Another drive line vibration story. changed both u[joints (no center bearing) still have vibration, took to dealer they said the dampener board inside the driveshaft has come loose and is flopping around...new complete drive shaft 750 bucks....no help from Toyota

Marc Barlow (not verified)    March 12, 2018 - 4:46PM

Its hard to trust Big Two Toyota in my area, Gilbert AZ. I dont even go there anymore. Last time they quoted me $2,000 for needed repair work. Much of what was on their list had already been done at another dealership.

Mike Frels (not verified)    March 20, 2018 - 9:50AM

Finally took my 2010 regular cab into nearby dealer yesterday afternoon. I had received the notice in the mail about two weeks ago regarding this universal joint program. I explained to service assistant manager how I have had a highway speed vibration in the vehicle since I got it used in Jan-2016 and I am now on my fourth set of tires and uncountable re-balances trying to get rid of the shake. He said they would test drive it and look at the driveshaft. Two hours later I get called back to the dealer by the assistant manager to pick up vehicle. He explains that the u-joints on my truck were fine and the shops installing my tires must not have used a tire balance machine that has a road-force measurement and would I like them to check my tires on their machine. Obviously not hearing anything I said previously about my saga with reputable tire installers and that I witnessed the tire installations and balancing of on machines that did test for road force factors. I let my adrenaline settle, asked for my keys, and drove home.

William Scardanello (not verified)    May 18, 2018 - 3:44PM

just took my 06 Tacoma 2 wheel drive in for this campaign....ZH2 Driveline Vibration . service dept called & said needed only 2 u joints ....wants $ 285.00 for the repair . I see in the notification no where does it state the repairs are cost free....it states to see the details pertaining to this campaign . Searched all over Toyota websites & cannot find any particulars of the " details " stated in the notification . Anyone out there have any info on this ?

Helen snyder (not verified)    October 13, 2018 - 1:40AM

I was wondering if one of the signs of this problem, is shaking and sputtering when you step on the gas. After stopping.. Also when stopping it will feel like the vehicle is jumping as if someone has hit you from behind. Have had my truck to the shop twice with this problem and they couldn’t find anything wrong.

AustinF (not verified)    November 13, 2018 - 11:33PM

I lemon'd mine (was brand new 2012 4 door TRD with manual trans). Toyota denied there was a problem the entire time, even during arbitration, which I won after proving the problem. Toyota USA even told the dealer not to write a repair order or accept my truck in - because each documented visit counted towards becoming a lemon. I've had 3 F150's since, and love them.

Muddy Fingers (not verified)    January 15, 2019 - 3:13PM

Took my truck in to Toyota of Plano Texas for this noise and they told me it was the left front wheel bearing, which they would helpfully replace for $1300. Never heard of a wheel bearing noise that comes from the middle of the truck and goes away when you push in in the clutch. SO thanks for this information. I greased the U joint and the noise went away temporarily. Now it is is back and I am off to try to find an honest dealer.

Mike (not verified)    March 12, 2019 - 9:18PM

In reply to by Joel Horta (not verified)

I am the second owner and they covered mine, eventually. One dealer said they did the inspection and it was ok. I knew that was wrong and took it to a second dealer and they took care of it.

Mack McCurry (not verified)    March 16, 2019 - 3:07PM

My 06’ has had this vibration for a bit now and now it is worsening. I had tires rotated and balanced to eliminate them. I drove straight to the Toyota dealer and mentioned that I now know it’s drivetrain related. He did say that this vibration is common. I left it there and before I left I looked under truck and could see some leakage at the front U-Joint seal. I quickly “Googled” the issue and asked them to check the TSB’s and program ZH2. The problem started as a slight vibration while at slow speeds that felt like wash boarding but now is worse. I’ll find out in a couple of days what the issue is.

Mike G (not verified)    July 14, 2019 - 4:05PM

really? just did 3 U joints and a mid shaft bearing. I have 193K, small lift. I just figured it was maintenance for having a small lift.

Leo C (not verified)    July 30, 2019 - 4:49PM

Took my 08' Tacoma in for the dealer to replace the driveshaft & U-joint. He called said they replaced it but the Transfer Case needed to be replaced for $3,500. Wondering if the vibration caused by the driveshaft on the recall could be causing the wearing within the transfer case?