Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION - FRONT
96V129000TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD. V (Vehicle)9000009/06/1996MFRTOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.07/10/199607/15/1996
Defect SummaryUnder certain driving conditions, the front suspension support can crack leading to failure of the support.
Consequence SummaryThis condition can result in loss of vehicle control.
Corrective SummaryDealers will repair the suspension support.
NotesSystem: suspension; independent; front. vehicle description: light duty pickup truck. owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin in late august 1996. note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - LEAF
SU0019701/31/199751262To improve road feel and ride comfort under certain rough road conditions, changes have been made to the rear leaf springs and all four shock absorbers. *jd06/27/1997

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
12/30/2011217668
 Tl-the contact owns a 1995 toyota tacoma. the contact had taken the vehicle to an authorized dealer for routine maintenance and the technician detected that the front driver
12/30/2011217668
 Tl-the contact owns a 1995 toyota tacoma. the contact had taken the vehicle to an authorized for routine maintenance and the technician detected the front driver
SUSPENSION - FRONT
03/27/201199500
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 96v129000 (suspension: front). recently, the contact discovered that the entire frame was bent and completely rusted. the front passenger side of the frame was severely corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 99,500.
03/27/201199500
 Tl-the contact owns a 1995 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 96v129000 (suspension: front). recently, the contact discovered that the entire frame was bent and completely rusted. the front passenger side of the frame exhibited the most severe damage. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 99,500. js
08/25/2008220000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 toyota tacoma. while driving 25 mph, the front passenger side of the vehicle, including the ball joints and wheel, fell underneath the front end of the vehicle. the dealer stated that there was no recall for the failure and the repair would be the contact's responsibility. the current and failure mileages were 220,000.
12/06/1999105/01/1996
 Vehicle has had unresolved front end vibration since 40,000 miles but now dealer will not cover under warranty. *ak
05/10/1996105/01/1995
 I've had a bumping in my left front since right after i got my truck i thought it was my tires so at 22000 miles my tires were completly worn out so i bought a new set and had the front end lined up well i still have the problem it always wears out the outside of the tire. 2 sets of tires worn out is this normal? the inside tread is still good i also have found a lot of play in the left front hub&steering is this normal for a truck with only 51000 miles ? this is my forth and last toyota if there is no help!!!! i have 5year 60000 mile drivetrain warranty willthis fall in that catagory? thankyou. *ak
08/06/1995208/01/1995
 Recall only helped problem, band aid repair, soon after recall repair had been done [?] aligment keeps chaging , vibration in front axle both about 15mph and 45mph this vibration comes and go's. i have contacted the manifacture this problem meny times, the last time 04/22/99, but it appears that as the campain was done, their feeling is that they will not inspect this vehicle or aid in with the repair of this vehicle in any way
03/10/1997110/11/1995
 Suspension recall repairs delayed due to scheduling problems.
12/01/1995406/15/1995
 Front suspension misaligned.
10/12/1996107/15/1995
 Left front suspension failure. *ak
 Consumer was driving on higway in dry weather, tried to change lanes truck slipped sideways and caused an accident, hit another car in front. please describe . *ak
09/11/1996
 Crown toyota sscto696v129, dealership will only weld the front supsension. representative commented they will not install the re-enforcement kit.*ak
10/04/1995
 When making a right turn the consumer loses control of the vehicle.*ak
05/01/19961
 Front suspension failure. *ak
 While stopped at an intersection, with brake applied vehicle tended to shimmy and vibrate in front suspension and steering, dealer's unable to correct. *ak
08/01/1995
 When vehicle hits rough road or a hole, vehicle comes up off the road. *ak
06/12/19951
 Front suspension failure, when going over a bump, vehicle will go out of control. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM
02/01/1998105/20/1995
 Independent front control arm suspension bolt pulled through, causing loss of control.
02/04/199805/20/1995
 While driving the right front control arm tilted, causing the driver to lose control of vehicle. the dealer has been notified. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
04/01/1998209/01/1995
 Both leaf springs broke in the same spot.
01/12/1999105/01/1997
 The driver's side rear middle leaf spring as i was coming home from work. when it broke it began to make the truck vibrate real bad..i was able to clamp it back together to get home. i called the service manager to see if there was a recall on the rear sprins but i was told they there were no problems with
SUSPENSION - REAR
05/23/2000207/01/1995
 Left and right rear springs broke during normal driving conditions, they swung out and made contact with rear wheels. i notified mark at route 44 toyota, no response as of 5-31.*ak
02/15/1998207/01/1997
 No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak
08/05/19971
 Consumer states that the rear springs are broken on vehicle. dealer ordered the springs on june 24 th. springs are on back order. *ak *slc
SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER
11/01/2000110/01/1995
 On december 6th, i took my truck into the local toyota dealership for new shocks. for the last few months the rear of the truck has bounced and rocked much more than usual, so i assumed it needed new shocks. the dealership informed me that both rear leaf springs on the truck were broken. the mechanic showed me the damage, and explained that they had been broken for some time. i was told it would be more than $1200 to replace the springs. since i don't haul anything heavy, or go 4-wheeling i decided to look into this situation. mine will be the 34th complaint in your database for broken leaf springs on 1995 tacoma trucks. additionally, there are 20 complaints on 1996 models and several on 1997 models. clearly, there is a problem here that warrants investigation by your agency. since i have done nothing to abuse my truck, i will be asking the dealership and/or toyota to replace the leafsprings at their expense. i would appreciate a response from you indicating whether or not you plan to investigate this problem.
 Rear leaf spring broke which caused a banging noise from under the truck. the leaf spring is sticking out, rubbing the tire. dealer needs to replace both rear shock absorbers and leaf springs. *ak
05/29/1999105/01/1998
 These must have been cracking for quite some time, cause the ride was getting worse in the past month. hard to handle on curves. thought i needed shocks. good thing i had my boyfriend look at it. i feel it's a saftey hazard. and toyota should make it right and replace the springs at their cost. *ak
06/30/199750
 Rear leaf spring completely failed, did not support suspension; bottomed out. vehicle sagged/noisy leaf spring. shock absorber went out, vehicle bounced u/down, rear wheels did not stay in contact with road, allowing truck to wander, could cause crash, dealer replaced spring. *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS
08/15/200240000109/15/2001
 Dt: rear left springs failed. the caller said it was on both sides. this dealer and manufacturer said they could do nothing to help him. *ak the consumer had to replace 2 leafs in one spring. *nm
05/10/200320500007/26/1995
 Middle leaf in both rear springs on 1995 toyota tacoma 4x4 std cab were found broken in two. break is just in front (towards engine) of axle u-bolts. drivers side front broken piece had rotated inward towards 18 gallon gas tank (within two inches) and passenger side front broken piece had rotated inward and hit and dented shock casing. *nlm
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
11/17/2006104970208/01/1995
 Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle was taken to a service dealer for regular maintenance, the dealer noted that there were 2 cracked leaf springs in the rear suspension. the manufacturer was also notified. updated 01/10/07. *jb
08/23/2004151003108/23/2004
 Tom scott motors of caldwell idaho sold me a used vehicle that was unsafe to drive. in contacting the dealership the problem is still not resolved and they are waiting to see if they can purchase the parts from a wrecking yard. the dealership knew that the vehicle needed new leaf springs on the rear of the truck( this is evident because they under coated the broken parts) they did nothing to fix it before selling it and allowed me to purchase it and drive from caldwell idaho to la grande oregon which is about 140 miles one way. *jb
04/07/200418600201/16/1996
 Rear 3-leaf spring assembly has failed twice,both times breaking in the middle and damaging rear shock. both time this has broken were under normal driving conditions with little or no load. local dealership deny's hearing of this problem, but was quick to schedule a replacement for $1200!. *ak
06/01/200380000110/01/2001
 In june 2003, the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop because it was not riding smoothly in the rear. the mechanic said that the leaf springs were split in half. *ak the dealer also stated that he hasn't fixed a lot of these for the same problem. *scc *jb
02/21/2003101200108/20/1995
 Broken rear leaf spring on the drivers side (left). *jb
11/07/2001112/16/1996
 The left rear and right rear leaf springs snapped in half near mounting point on axle, one of the broken springs swung in and punctured the shock. nlm
03/10/2002
 While driving 40mph left rear leaf spring broke. contacted manufacturer.*ak
03/01/2001209/01/1995
 Leaf spring broke in two locations. one portion dislodged and also damaged nearby shock absorber and nearly severed rear brake line. *ak
11/07/2001112/16/1996
 The left rear and right rear leaf springs snapped in half near mounting point on axle, one of the broken springs swung in and punctured the shock. nlm
11/06/2001212/01/1996
 Both springs failed and damaged rear shock causing loss of control. *ak
08/13/2001
 Rear leaf spring disconnected while pulling out of the parking lot of 5 mph. dealer was notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
11/01/2000110/01/1995
 On december 6th, i took my truck into the local toyota dealership for new shocks. for the last few months the rear of the truck has bounced and rocked much more than usual, so i assumed it needed new shocks. the dealership informed me that both rear leaf springs on the truck were broken. the mechanic showed me the damage, and explained that they had been broken for some time. i was told it would be more than $1200 to replace the springs. since i don't haul anything heavy, or go 4-wheeling i decided to look into this situation. mine will be the 34th complaint in your database for broken leaf springs on 1995 tacoma trucks. additionally, there are 20 complaints on 1996 models and several on 1997 models. clearly, there is a problem here that warrants investigation by your agency. since i have done nothing to abuse my truck, i will be asking the dealership and/or toyota to replace the leafsprings at their expense. i would appreciate a response from you indicating whether or not you plan to investigate this problem.
 Both rear leaf springs broke. dealer has been notified. please provide further details. *ak
08/01/2000111/01/1995
 Rear leaf spring has rotated over & punctured the shock absorber severely compromising vehicle handling. the manufacturer has replaced springs & shocks on many of the same vehicles previously due to the same design defect, but is refusing to do so in our case. also, the rear leaf spring on the right side has broken.
06/01/1998108/01/1995
 Leaf springs were sagging at 53000, broken at 87000. toyota refused to cover replacement costs. *ak
04/01/1998209/01/1995
 Both leaf springs broke in the same spot.
04/29/2000110/01/1997
 Right rear leaf spring failed, replaced spring, left leaf spring failed, replaced both springs. toyota refuses to acknowledge problem or reimburse me for the springs even though there is a known problem that others have reported. they cite being out of warranty (excess mileage) as a reason. reported to toyota under case # 200005040162. plan on continuing legal action against toyota. *ak
05/01/1999204/01/1997
 Both leaf springs on the rear right side of the vehicle broke off. yh
02/21/2000
 Rear leaf springs broke because they were weak. the leaf springs have been replaced by the owner. *ak
02/20/2000108/01/1995
 Rear springs broke in half, dealer fixed problem. *ak *ml
08/19/1999202/01/1996
 During brake work dealership advised me leaf spring assemblies on both left & right side had broken centre spring. rh sping broken in 2 places causing centre portion to turn and damage shock absorber. dealer replaced both leaf assemblies and shocks no charge. new leafs replaced with 4 spring assembly. vehicle operated under normal driving conditions only.
 Rear leaf spring broke which caused a banging noise from under the truck. the leaf spring is sticking out, rubbing the tire. dealer needs to replace both rear shock absorbers and leaf springs. *ak
08/08/1998208/01/1995
 Noticed a bad ride with excessive squeaking.had vehicle inspected by mechanic who verified both springs were cracked.
01/01/1999210/01/1995
 The center leaf on both springs has failed. toyota knows of the problem, but told me too many miles on the vehicle. although they did replace headgasket for a recall at 135k. i went to an auto/truck spring shop and when i went inside, the gentleman there said broken rear springs? before i said anything. they keep them in stock, replacing so many. ive been lucky, the part that broke isn't a mounting point. so the suspension had continued to hold up the tuck. it's going to be expensive for me to repair, $800+ between the springs, shocks(leaf slid over and ate the shock) and the exhaust pipe(slid over and ate that.) i've resigned that i've got to do it, but maybe toyota has to do some better research on their components. thanks. *ak
111/01/1998
 The springs slide into the left rear tire, rubbed it, busted the tire, and lost control of the truck causing it to roll over 3 times. the truck was totaled. *ak( dot number: tire size: 265-75r15 )
06/01/199906/01/1995
 Left rear leaf spring broke at 45,000 miles. toyota replaced it. did not replace both springs.the other leaf spring failed at 85,000 and toyota would not provide replacement. failed under normal driving conditions, neither driving off-road or with heavy load. *ak
04/05/1999109/01/1995
 The rear leaf spring broke, a 4 section is missing from the middle. the still attatched part had swug round and was rubbing against the inside wall of the tire. the potential for an accident is plain to see, especially since all of the problems with leaf springs/suspension that this model has had. the heaviest item ever carried in this truck weighed 480# and has never been used off road and never hit a pothole or the likes. *ak
11/13/19983
 While driving at 20 mph the rear leaf springs broke off which caused consumer to lose control, and hit a cliff. this is the third time the springs broke, and the second time the consumer has had an accident due to the springs breaking off. *ak *ml
06/10/199804/10/1997
 Both rear leaf springs were broken. this seems to be a common problem with this model vehicle.
07/18/1998206/01/1996
 Leaf springs broke, causing noise from front end. (qcaw)
06/01/1998108/22/1995
 Middle leaf of a three leaf spring broke aft of the center shackle.
 The rear suspension springs went out, causing the vehicle to be unstable, while driving around a corner. please provide details. *ak
04/01/199809/15/1995
 Right/left sides leaf springs broke.
09/09/199711/01/1995
 Defective rear leaf spring assembly. *ak
06/30/199750
 Rear leaf spring completely failed, did not support suspension; bottomed out. vehicle sagged/noisy leaf spring. shock absorber went out, vehicle bounced u/down, rear wheels did not stay in contact with road, allowing truck to wander, could cause crash, dealer replaced spring. *ak
 Owner states that the rear springs make noise and that when vehicle starts to move from a stand still to about 30 to 40 mph ripples are heard and vehicle becomes hard to control. *ak
04/01/1995107/08/1995
 Rear leaf spring sagged for no apparent reason. *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - LEAF
06/23/2005232065206/13/1995
 1. truck primarily used as a passenger vehicle. only infrequent use truly as a truck. 2. while carrying a moderate load on the highway, a grating noise was heard from the driver's side spring. the lower long leaf (2 leaf + helper) had broken off forward of the differential and dislodged itself from the assembly such that it was rubbing against gas tank seam. upon further investigation, i discovered that the passenger side rear leaf spring was also broken but only slightly dislodged. both had been broken for an undetermined amount of time since the broken ends were well rusted. 3. was approx. 200 miles from home and fortunately had a hammer to free the broken spring from the tank. stopped every 30 miles to check it. the problem is not yet corrected and still installed on vehicle. this could have potentially caused a fire if the tank was ruptured. toyota was called to see if there were any recalls on this issue. they took my vin number and said that there was a recall but my particular vin was not part of the recall. in trying to obtain used parts from auto recyclers, more than one has stated that they have had quite a few inquiries for used springs for tacomas. and after searching the nhtsa database, i believe that the problem is more widespread than is reported to toyota or the nhtsa.
09/26/2004109/09/2004
 Shortly after purchasing the used 1995 tacoma, under normal driving conditions, the middle rear driver's spring apparently broke and came in contact with shock, causing hard squeaking. checking with local suspension repair shops and junkyards, all parties indicate how common an occurance this is. several junkyards stated they cannot keep enough of these replacement springs in stock.*ak
02/25/200392000208/15/2001
 Leaf springs broken on rear of truck under normal driving conditions. a recall should be issued for this problem. just wait until someone who is pulling a camper with their family in the truck has one fail and it causes a crash that kills them all can you say lawsuit?*jb
03/10/2002111/01/1995
 Rear leaf springs broke and spun out 1/2 inch away from catching the back wheels. dealer and toyota were contacted. *ak *slc
01/02/2002206/01/2000
 The rear leaf springs broke under normal operation conditions ! i called the toyota dealer and said they are aware of the problem and have a fix for $600.00! i called 10 junkyards looking for used springs and they all just laughed and said they sell them as fast as they get them because it is such a common failure. i now ask everyone i see driving one of these trucks if thiers has broke and about 80% of them say yes! if the truck had been loaded or if i had been going fast when it broke it would have been a heck of a wreack! how could so many trucks be doing this and toyota not be made to make it good? thanks, greg. *ak
109/01/1995
 Left rear leaf spring - middle spring cracked. dealer and 2 local spring shops say it is common with this truck; however, dealer will not repair at less than full cost. *ak
05/03/2001110/25/1995
 There was a broken rear leaf spring on right passenger's side . contacted dealer, and dealer will check into it.*ak consumer states as of may 8, 2001 neither the dealer or the manufacturer has done anything to remedy the problem, consumer was advised that vehicle is out of warranty, consumer states there was nothing wrong with vehicel until he brought it in for service for an unrelated repair. *jb
 Rear leaf springs that hold the wheels on the axle broke, causing wheels to wobble. they could possibly break off if not noticed. dealer has been contacted. *ak
05/12/1999
 Ie98037, passenger's leaf spring broke, which may cause a loss of vehicle control. a very common problem. manufacturer is paying the cost of the leaf spring, but not for the labor. manufacturer has changed the regular 3-leaf spring to a 4-leaf spring.
02/01/1998105/01/1995
 Vehicle's left spring on rear axle broke under normal driving condtions. toyota does not acknowledge that there is a problem.
09/01/19960
 Heard a big noise and the truck failed to the right, then checked under the truck and saw that the leaf spring in the rear had broken. took the truck to the dealer and the rear leaf spring was replaced with the old leaf spring. the rear leaf spring broke again august 28,1997 at 42000 miles and now waiting on the newly designed leaf spring. *ak