2024 TOYOTA Tacoma

The vehicle is a 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 that was later traded for a 2025 Tacoma SR5 due to a serious safety defect involving the rear brake lines. The problem is the same one described in Toyota’s recall: the rear brake hoses can be damaged by debris, resulting in brake fluid loss and potential brake failure. The safety risk was significant. The vehicle was used to transport a young child, and because the brake lines could fail without warning, the truck could not be safely operated for daily driving. Multiple franchised Toyota dealerships confirmed that they had no remedy parts available for several months and that the repair could not be performed. This left the vehicle without a functional safety repair for an extended period. The manufacturer’s public statements indicated that a fix existed, but dealerships consistently stated the opposite. No alternate transportation, loaner vehicle, or temporary replacement was provided during this period. The defect was not reproducible by driving because of the risk involved, but the safety issue was acknowledged by dealerships who stated that the recall was active and unresolved. The vehicle was effectively unusable for normal safe operation. No warning lights appeared on the dashboard; the hazard is related to the physical brake line design and exposure to debris rather than an electronic sensor. The vehicle was inspected by multiple Toyota dealerships, all of whom confirmed that no repair could be performed at the time. The component was not replaced, repaired, or made safe before the vehicle was traded out of due to the unresolved safety defect. The situation caused substantial safety concerns and financial hardship and appears to reflect a wider problem in remedy availability for this recall.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The multimedia head unit / Apple CarPlay system is malfunctioning. The screen randomly disconnects, goes black, and frequently fails to connect to iPhones. The system displays “Retry,” and at times Apple CarPlay will only reconnect through Bluetooth settings instead of normal wired/wireless operation. Both vehicles are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure creates a safety hazard because the screen disconnects or goes black while driving, causing sudden loss of navigation, phone functions, and display information. This forces the driver to look down, attempt to reconnect the phone, or search through Bluetooth menus while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of distraction and a potential collision. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I have already taken both of my new-generation Tacomas to Toyota for inspection. The dealership was unable to reproduce the malfunction, even though the issue happens repeatedly during normal driving. The problem occurs on multiple iPhones, confirming it is not phone-specific. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The multimedia system has only been inspected by Toyota, but no police, insurance, or manufacturer inspection beyond the dealership has taken place. The issue remains ongoing and can be inspected at any time. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The multimedia screen will: show “Retry” when attempting to connect disconnect mid-drive without warning go completely black switch to Bluetooth-only connection fail to recognize iPhones during startup These symptoms occur randomly, across different days, and on multiple iPhones

The multimedia head unit and Apple CarPlay system are malfunctioning. The screen randomly disconnects, goes black, and often fails to connect to iPhones. It shows “Retry,” and sometimes Apple CarPlay will only reconnect through the Bluetooth settings instead of normal wired or wireless CarPlay. Both of my new-generation Tacomas are available for inspection upon request. This issue creates a safety risk because the screen disconnects or goes black while driving, causing loss of navigation, hands-free calling, and vehicle information. This forces me to look down or try reconnecting the phone while the vehicle is in motion, which increases the risk of distraction and a possible accident. I have taken both of my Tacomas to Toyota for inspection, but the dealer was unable to reproduce the problem. The issue happens repeatedly during normal driving and occurs on multiple iPhones, so it is not a phone-specific issue. The vehicles have only been inspected by Toyota at the dealership level. No inspections have been done by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The problem is ongoing and the vehicles are available for inspection at any time. The symptoms include the screen showing “Retry,” disconnecting without warning, going completely black, switching to Bluetooth-only connection, and failing to recognize iPhones at startup. These issues appear randomly on different days and with multiple iPhones. No other vehicle warning lights were present.

Vehicle: Toyota Tacoma (2024 model year) Component: Factory-Installed Plastic Bed Cap Rail Covers I am reporting a recurring and potentially hazardous issue with the factory-installed plastic bed cap rail covers on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. These covers separate from the truck body, especially at the corners, during normal use. This is not caused by aftermarket accessories, but appears to result from the flawed design and attachment method. A significant number of 4th generation (2024+) Tacoma owners are experiencing similar problems with lifting and separation of these factory-installed covers. Owner forums, complaint boards, and dealer interactions reveal this is a widespread defect affecting many vehicles. Owners report frustration with the lack of a permanent solution from the manufacturer, and many have sought dealership repairs or warranty replacements, only to have the issue recur within days or weeks. The factory-installed (and warranty replacement) rail covers are attached using double-stick tape and a single row of plastic clips, which does not provide sufficient security, especially at highway speeds. The covers flex and flutter, increasing the risk of detachment while the vehicle is in motion. Detached rail covers may create a road hazard for other vehicles or pedestrians. Multiple warranty claims and dealership interactions have been pursued, but the problem persists. Replacement rail covers show the same tendency to separate within days of installation. Given the widespread nature of this defect and growing owner dissatisfaction, I respectfully request that NHTSA review and address this matter. A more robust solution is needed immediately to ensure the safety and reliability of these factory-installed components for all affected vehicles.

See attached document for complaint. I am writing to formally notify you of a serious unresolved safety issue regarding my leased 2024 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX), currently subject to the official safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 25V-058 / Toyota Recall No. 24TA04 - Interim Notice 25TB04). Despite repeated attempts to schedule the recall service with Toyota of Orlando, no effective remedy ha been provided to date. The recall documentation clearly states that the defect can cause brake fluid leakage and a potential loss of braking ability, significantly increasing the risk of crash. As a parent of a XXXXXXXXXXt, I cannot safely operate this vehicle under such circumstances. The inability of Toyota to resolve this urgent safety defect in a timely manner not only violates consumer trust but also places my family at unacceptable risk. Therefore: I. I demand immediate confirmation of when and how the recall repair will be completed. 2. If Toyota i unable or unwilling to promptly resolve this issue, I will be forced to escalate the matter through legal counsel, including seeking termination of my lease contract without penalty. 3. I am also notifying all relevant government agencies. including NHTSA of Toyota's failure to provide a timely and safe resolution. Attached are copies of the recall notice, service invoices, and related communications for your record . I expect a written response within 10 business days from the receipt of this letter.