The History of Toyota Tacoma Frame Recall
Let’s learn about the history of the Toyota Tacoma frame recall to grasp a better understanding of the situation back then! The Toyota Tacoma, a pickup truck manufactured in the United States by the Japanese automobile giant, Toyota.
First-generation of this beast of a truck was from 1999 to 2004, when it was a compact truck. The second generation has models of 2005, and the third has models from 2015 and onwards.
Toyota Tacoma is a widely known pickup truck in both the US and Mexico. It also garnered the Most Trendy Truck of the Year award back in 2005.
However, one of the unfortunate incidents that happened with this vehicle was the infamous frame recall, which made many loyal fans furious over rust problems.
What Is The Toyota Tacoma Frame Recall?
The Toyota Tacoma trucks had rust problems, which repeatedly led the leaf springs on the rear axle to corrode and puncture the fuel tank or destroy the rear brake line.
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Now, we will provide you with information about what exactly went wrong with the Toyota Tacoma trucks.
1. What Went Wrong With Toyota Tacoma Pickup Trucks?
Around 700,000 of the Tacoma trucks, especially the 4×4 and Pre-Runner models from 2005 to 2011 come fit with leaf springs above the rear axle.
These might fail to function owing to corrosion or stress. One of the leaves can separate and contact the fuel tank or brake line, which will sever one or both of them.
Once the first reports of broken springs came into the company’s notice across North America back in 2006, Toyota installed a clip to hold the leaves together in October 2010.
It is a crucial fact to know if you want to understand what led to the Toyota Tacoma frame recall situation.
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2. What Did Toyota Resolve The Issue?
To address these concerns, Toyota initiated a recall campaign, demonstrating its proactive approach to maintaining the quality and safety of its vehicles.
On receiving wide-scale complaints, the company ran an investigation between November 2010 and December 2011 to check on the broken leaf springs. It closed the study, as there were not enough damaged gas tanks and brake lines.
During November 2012, Toyota recalled a total of 150,000 Tacoma truck models from 2001 to 2004 for the rusted spare tire carrier under the bed, which would break and cause the tire to come loose.
In November of 2008, the 1995 to 2004 Tacoma suffered so much damage that the company had to repurchase them. Toyota then conducted extensive frame repairs and extended the frame-corrosion warranty by 15 years.
However, between May and September of 2014, Toyota did come across many broken leaf springs and decided to conduct a recall.
A total of 690,000 trucks affected in the US received notifications to get their vehicles repaired in November. It was another significant event in the Toyota Tacoma frame rust recall.
FAQs on The Toyota Tacoma Frame Recall
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How do I know if my Toyota Tacoma is affected by the frame recall?
Toyota notified owners of affected vehicles through official channels. You can also check your vehicle’s eligibility for recall by using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on Toyota’s official website or contacting a Toyota dealership.
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What steps should I take if my Tacoma is part of the recall?
If your Tacoma is part of the recall, it’s crucial to follow Toyota’s instructions for inspection and potential repairs. Contact your local Toyota dealership to schedule an inspection and discuss the necessary actions.
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Will Toyota cover the costs of frame replacements or repairs?
If the inspection reveals frame corrosion issues covered by the recall, Toyota will typically cover the costs of frame replacements or apply rust-resistant coatings at no cost to the owner.
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How can I prevent frame rust on my Tacoma or other vehicles?
Regular cleaning, especially in winter months, and applying protective coatings can help prevent frame rust. Keeping the undercarriage clean and avoiding prolonged exposure to salt and moisture are key.
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Is my Tacoma safe to drive if it’s part of the recall?
If your Tacoma is part of the recall, it’s recommended to follow Toyota’s instructions promptly to ensure the safety of both yourself and other road users. Toyota will provide guidance on whether the vehicle is safe to drive before inspection.
Check out this video from Donut to learn more about the story of one of the world’s most-loved trucks along with their frame issue!
Summary
The Toyota Tacoma frame recall showcases Toyota’s dedication to safety and customer satisfaction. By proactively addressing frame corrosion concerns, Toyota demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of its vehicles.
If you own a Toyota Tacoma from the affected model years, it’s essential to take the necessary steps outlined by Toyota to ensure your vehicle’s safety and longevity.
