Toyota (TM) Recalls 690K Tacoma Trucks for Risk of Fire

Toyota Motor Corporation TM has recalled 690,000 Tacoma pickup trucks on concerns that the leaf springs in the rear suspension system could break due to pressure and rust. If a vehicle is driven in such a situation, the broken particles can come in contact with surrounding vehicle parts, including the fuel tank, and pierce them. This can give rise to a fuel leak and even set the vehicle on fire.

Toyota has recalled the Tacoma Four-by-Four and Tacoma pre-runner pickup trucks of model years 2005 to 2011 for the problem. These trucks have 3–4 leaves in the leaf springs of the rear suspension system.

However, Toyota does not have any reports of injuries, accidents or fires due to the issue. The company will inform the owners of the recalled vehicles by mail and its dealers will repair the vehicles free of cost.

Frequent recalls have been a problem for most automakers this year and Toyota is no exception. The company recently announced a global recall of 20,000 vehicles equipped with its 2GR-FE V-6 engines. According to Toyota, the supplier may not have properly welded the end cap on the right-hand fuel delivery pipe in the engine compartment of these vehicles. This glitch could lead to fuel leakage from the fuel delivery pipe, resulting in fire.

Earlier, Toyota announced the recall of 130,000 Tundra pickup trucks of model year 2014 to fix a problem in the side air bags. The Japanese automaker also announced the recall of 1,800 Model Year 2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles equipped with the optional “Trail Teams Ultimate Edition” package. The company believes that the front lower ball joint of some of these vehicles may separate from the steering knuckle, which will result in loss of steering control.

Toyota is the largest automaker in Japan followed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. HMC. Its peers in the global auto market include heavyweights like General Motors Company GM and Ford Motor Co. F.