Japanese automaker Toyota announced on Thursday it would be recalling 228,000 units of the 2016 and 2017 model-year Toyota Tacoma in the U.S. The recall applies to around 250,000 vehicles around the world. The pickup trucks are said to have a defect that could result in oil leakage, possibly increasing the crash risk. The Tacoma was recently redesigned, and the potential oil leakage could damage the rear differential. Toyota stated that the damage could “result in noise and reduced propulsion” and that there is the possibility the rear differential “could seize, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.” Any safety defect that could result in the loss of control of a vehicle means the vehicle does not meet the standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a recall must be undertaken. Toyota spokesman Victor Vanov declined to comment as to whether the company had received complaints due to crashes or injuries resulting from the defect. Toyota will be checking vehicles for oil leakage in the rear differentials, replacing the carrier gaskets and fasteners as necessary. Even if leaking oil is not present, tightening of the fasteners will still be done in order to prevent damage. Toyota customers will be notified if the recall concerns them and if they eligible for free repairs starting mid-June. Affected truck owners are urged to bring in their vehicles into a dealer for inspection. Further information regarding recalls of Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles can be found at Toyota.com/recall.

If your vehicle is recalled, you as the car owner are entitled to notification via mailed letter. This letter will provide you with important information about having your car repaired. Federal law mandates that consumers be entitled to recall remedies for free, without a lengthy wait time. For further information, the NHTSA provides consumers with a guide to vehicle defects and recalls, as well as a place to file complaints regarding safety defects in vehicles. Civil lawsuits can be filed against auto manufacturers in order to recoup damages from injuries that resulted from a crash due to a vehicle safety defect.