2016 Trail Leaking Transfer Case Fluid

[Runer4Life]

I was going to change my oil and came across this. Looks to me like red Transfer Case fluid. To all 14,15,16 4Runner Trail owners I would recommend you to check your Transfer Case to see if it has any fluid leaks like mine. I traded in my other vehicles because of problems like this. Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep and now this! So Sad.... So Sad.


Revised!

It's Transmission fluid that is leaking. It's not from the Transfer Case. It looks like it's coming from the end of the Transmission where the Transfer Case bolts onto. My 4Runner has 12,800 miles.

 

[shahsmerdis]

This why multi point inspections are good. Especially the part where they check the fluid levels, except probably one ever does.

What are they going to do for you?

 

[Runer4Life]

This why multi point inspections are good. Especially the part where they check the fluid levels, except probably one ever does.

What are they going to do for you?

Yup! I always make sure my fluids are topped out to spec at every oil change, except for one, the transmission fluid. Thanks to Toyota Engineers, we cannot check our transmission fluid level. I haven't gotten a response from my dealer yet, but I will keep you all posted.

 

[wcjeep]

Did you or the dealership check the vent?

 

[Runer4Life]

Did you or the dealership check the vent?

No I did not check the vent but I am sure the dealership will. I hope it is the vent and nothing big, but I doubt it because everything is clean on top of the transmission. The leak is all at the bottom as shown on the lower picture.

 

[amalik]

More poor 5th gen engineering.

 

[JmetzFA5]

Noticed mine seeping like that at 10k miles. Dealer changed gasket and no issues or leaks since.

 

[Runer4Life]

Dealer changed gasket and no issues or leaks since.

Same here, but looks like they added Red Hi-Temp RTV Silicone to mine.

 

[stephen3484]

Yikes. I'll keep an eye on mine. 11/16 production date. I wonder if there is a VIN range of the affected vehicles?? Mine only has 200 miles on it, but again, I'll keep an eye out. Thanks.

 

[Runer4Life]

Just wondering if anyone has had a chance to look under their 4Runner Trail for leaks? My dealership came across 6 with the same problem.

 

[aqu]

Mine is 2015 and no leak on the transfer case. But the front differential has been replaced......

 

[Runer4Life]

Mine is 2015 and no leak on the transfer case. But the front differential has been replaced......

How did you find out there was something wrong with the differential? Did you notice anything different with the performance of your 4Runner?

 

[aqu]

Had the exact same noise described in the TSB002615 front differential groaning/grinding cyclical noise. Rode with the technican and he confirmed it was a bad differential. Cause was "filings throughout carrier"

 

[Cytronus]

Chirping noise - source found!

I have a 2016 Trail Premium and had a chirping noise coming from the front end. It sounded like it may have been coming from the right wheel well or suspension, even to people walking next to the car while driving slowly, however, it was coming from the silver colored front bumper valence that comes on all Trail and TRD models.

A couple of the white clips were broken and 2 of the plastic clip retainers on the valence were also broken, likely from thrashing around on the Pismo dunes. The vibrations on those plastic break points was causing the noise. When I removed the valence in prep for a new SSS bumper, I discovered the broken clips and subsequently, the noise disappeared entirely.

 

[5ontheFloor]

I'll check when I get home. 1400 miles on my 1.5month old 16 TE

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[Runer4Life]

I'll check when I get home. 1400 miles on my 1.5month old 16 TE

Hey Floor, did you get a chance to check your 4Runner?

 

[5ontheFloor]

Hey Floor, did you get a chance to check your 4Runner?

Dude it's been so crazy I totally forgot. For sure I'll check this afternoon. Working on call is a b***h!

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[5ontheFloor]

Hey Floor, did you get a chance to check your 4Runner?

Checked it this afternoon. No leaks. Will keep an eye on it

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[outdoor4runner]

I have a 2016 TRD Pro and noticed the leak today. It's minor and it looks exactly like your pictures. I called the dealer. Hope it's nothing major. My only concern: Is it okay to drive?

 

[Runer4Life]

I have a 2016 TRD Pro and noticed the leak today. It's minor and it looks exactly like your pictures. I called the dealer. Hope it's nothing major. My only concern: Is it okay to drive?

You could drive it around as long as you don't start feeling any jerking while you make a stop. Also, they are going to have to drop your transmission and remove your center console. hwell: