Toyota, in yet another in what seems to be a stream of recent recalls, is recalling 110,000 Tundra pick-up trucks from the model years 2000-2003. The recall is attempting to address excessive rust on the trucks’ frames, and the government (NHTSA) is urging owners to remove the spare tire from the vehicle because it is concerned the tire could drop into the roadway, which could cause hazards for motorists.
The corrosion can also cause problems with the rear brake lines, leading to brake system failures, according to NHTSA. This is, of course, a potential safety issue for motorists as well.
The recall is for 20 "cold weather" states, including Virginia and the District of Columbia. Other states include: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Owners are asked to take their trucks to a local dealer who will repair the damaged portion of the frame, or apply a rust resistant compound to the affected area, depending upon the severity of the corrosion.
This is the second major recall by Toyota in the past several months, with the other affecting Toyota and Lexus models because of safety issues concerning floor mats.
I am afraid Toyota is slipping some. I own a Toyota that has 70,000 miles on it, and I have had to have more work done to it than other Toyotas I have owned. I also think Toyota got caught up in the big truck, SUV, craze that overcame many other manufacturers, and got away some from what it did best: building high quality, high value, economical cars. I suspect, however, that Toyota will right the ship and get back on track at some point in the near future.
Comments for this article are closed.