WASHINGTON — Toyota is recalling 110,000 2000-'03 Tundra trucks sold or in use in cold climate states with high road salt usage because excessive corrosion of the rear crossmember could cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed and may also affect the functionality of the rear brake line, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"Separation of the spare tire and rear brake failure could increase the risk of a crash," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.
Toyota is asking owners of the affected vehicles to remove the spare tire from under the vehicle before driving.
In other documentation filed with the federal government, Toyota Motor Sales USA said: "Please note that while Toyota has not determined a defect exists in 2004-'06 Tundra vehicles, Toyota plans on initiating a field action in the near future to prevent future corrosion on those vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the affected region at no cost to the owner." No details were available on how it plans to prevent future corrosion on those models.
The affected states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Toyota dealers will inspect the rear crossmember of the 2000-'03 Tundra including the brake line at the proportioning valve, which is mounted on the rear crossmember assembly, and replace them if necessary. It may also apply a corrosion-resistant compound to the rear crossmember. "In the event replacement components are not available, a temporary solution, such as the removal of the spare tire and securing it to the truck bed, will be performed until parts are available," said Toyota in a statement.
The recall is expected to begin on December 15. Toyota owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or NHTSA at 888-327-4236.
Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Tundra, you may want to remove that spare tire from under the vehicle and secure it elsewhere until you can get to your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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