Recalls: Toyota’s Tacoma recalled for rust on leaf springs and a fire risk
The Toyota Tacoma is a great truck, but those who’ve owned them on the long term know the Tacoma is very associated with rust. And unfortunately, this relationship was exacerbated as Toyota announced to be recalling 690,000 Tacomas from 2005-2011 due to rusting leaf springs in the rear suspension.
The leaf springs could rust and eventually crack, leading to serious problems with the suspension. Moreover, should a leaf spring snap, the suspension would sag enough to raise a flag of caution of suspension parts colliding with the fuel tank. And that’s no bueno.
No reports of crashes or fatalities have been reported, so Toyota is issuing this recall as a precaution. All owners are to be notified and affected cars are due for a trip to the dealer for inspection and a repair, free of charge.
Check out the press release after the jump.
TOYOTA ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL OF CERTAIN TACOMA PICKUP TRUCKS FOR REAR LEAF SPRINGS
TORRANCE, Calif., September 29, 2014 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it has advised the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of plans to conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 690,000 Model Year 2005-2011 Tacoma 4×4 and Tacoma Pre-Runner pickup trucks. The involved vehicles’ rear suspension system contains leaf springs that are constructed of either three or four leaves. There is a possibility that a leaf could fracture due to stress and corrosion. If this occurs and the vehicle continues to be operated, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components, including the fuel tank. If the broken leaf contacts the fuel tank repeatedly, it could puncture the tank and cause a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, this could result in a fire.Toyota is not aware of any fires, crashes, injuries or fatalities associated with this condition.
Owners of the vehicles involved in this recall will receive a notification by first class mail. Toyota dealers will remedy the condition at no cost to the owner.
Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
– By: Chris Chin