Toyota announced a voluntary recall of approximately 690,000 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck due to possible rear leaf spring fracturing that can also cause a fire. This recall affects 4×4 and 2WD PreRunner Tacoma models.
Toyota explains the Tacoma leaf springs consist of either three or four leaves. It’s possible for one or more leaves to fracture due to corrosion and stress. If the suspension is not repaired and the truck is continued to be used, the fractured leaves can move out of place and contact surrounding components. It so happens that the truck’s fuel tank is one of such components. Repeated rubbing may cause for the fuel tank to be punctured. Obviously, this is a cause for alarm as a fire is likely in this case.
Toyota is not aware of any accidents, injury, or deaths related to this problem. Nonetheless, the owners of these trucks will be contacted via first class mail and asked to bring their Tacomas to the dealerships to be checked and fixed at no cost to the owner.
Check out this fun and informative TFLtruck first drive review of the much newer 2015 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro edition.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
