Possible Trans Axle Leak?

Hi!

New to the forum, but I've been lurking since I got my '07 Prius last year with 150k on it.

It now has 170k and I just finished a cross country drive from Oregon to New York. Before I left I had a tune-up that included a system check, oil change, and tranny fluid change. (Around 166K miles)

On my way over I started to hear a lot of metallic clanging. Like marbles in a jar or something like that. It's not the engine though because in park when i rev the engine there are no unusual sounds.
I can hear it when I drive next to a building when the sound ricochets back at me.

Also, on occasion, the car will shudder forward in park when I push the gas pedal and then let it back off.

I also have been experiencing, what feels like, mild vibration in the gas pedal. Not just from the road, but as if something is vibrating in the engine bay.

Today, I got out and looked under the car and saw this leak which I think may be burnt transmission fluid, but am not completely sure. Maybe a trans axle seal leak?

The car uses a little oil but not much. Mileage is 171K now. Any input would be great!

Thank you!

 

yes. it was a hybrid shop and I saw that they stocked the toyota brand ATF on the shelf. i could only assume at least....however it's a well-rated shop so i trusted them.

 

i have an appointment at a Toyota dealership in queens. they are going to do free recall work on the water pump and a couple other things. Im going to ask them to check everything out. I just hate the dealer because I know they aren't cheap and often times tell you something needs work when it doesn't...damn scare tactics.

My appointment is on the 15th so basically I am just hoping nothing catastrophic happens. I usually drive less than 50 miles a day.