Toyota has launched a Safety Recall which involves approximately 110,000 Tundra vehicles which are sold in the United States.

Certain 2000 through 2003 model year Tundra vehicles which are operated in cold climates that have high road salt use, can exhibit excessive corrosion on the frame rear cross-member. According to Toyota, this may cause the spare tire stowed under the truck bed to become separated from the rear cross-member, which can create a road hazard for following vehicles and may increase the likelihood of a crash.

Another concern is that excessive corrosion of the rear cross-member can eventually affect the functionality of the rear brake line at the proportioning valve. If this occurs, it can lead to the loss of the rear brake circuits, which will increase vehicle stopping distances and the risk of a crash.

In addition to the District of Columbia, this involves the following 20 cold climate states with high road salt usage:  

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Maryland
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• Vermont
• Wisconsin
• West Virginia

Beginning in December 2009 through early 2010, owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Safety Recall notification via first class mail asking them to take their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for an initial inspection of the rear cross-member. During this inspection, the rear cross-member including the surrounding components such as, the brake line at the proportioning valve (which is mounted on the cross-member assembly) will also be inspected.

In those relatively rare cases where the rear cross-member is significantly corroded and can no longer safely support the spare tire, but the rear cross-member cannot be replaced due to excessive frame corrosion at the mounting location (e.g., if the side rails are too damaged), Toyota will develop an appropriate remedy for those vehicles on a case-by-case basis.

This inspection will take approximately 20 minutes depending on dealer scheduling.

Toyota recommends that until your vehicle is inspected, you can minimize the risk of the spare tire separating from the rear cross-member by removing it. Toyota says that if you choose to do so, be sure not to be under the rear cross-member or spare tire carrier during the lowering process

Customers with questions are asked to call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1 800 331-4331.

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