Spare Tire problems of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while having a routine check up at lithia Toyota of redding (250 e. Cypress Ave, redding, CA 96002, (530) 250-3207) the technician informed him that the spare tire had severe corrosion, as well as the rear subframe. The vehicle was not repaired due to part not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 450,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

After getting off the highway, as I was pulling away at the end of the exit ramp I noticed the spare tire had fallen from the truck and was in the middle of the road. I was able to quickly back up and load the spare onto the back of the truck. I noticed part of the carrier was rusted to the spare, but the middle of the carrier had rusted through. I had participated in Toyota's frame recall a little over a year ago and believe they should have seen how bad the situation was at that time, and done something to rectify the problem. I had just spent a half-hour driving home on the highway. I can't imagine the damage that could have been caused had the tire dropped at highway speeds during rush hour rather than at 10 mph!! in searching the internet, this is an all too common occurrence for older Tacomas. I don't understand why this isn't considered a safety issue and subject to recall.

Wednesday April 14,2010 at approximately 8:30 am while I was getting onto a highway (101 e/b in bedford nh) my spare tire broke off from the underbed carrier. There was a motorcyclist right behind me that had to make a evasive action to avoid being hit by my spare tire. The plate had rusted out.

2003 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame rust recall notice issues. The consumer stated the mechanic discovered the frame on the front driver's side near the spring hanger was rusted. In September 2009, the vehicle was inspected and no rust was found. In January 2009, the spare tire carrier was replaced.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with goodyear dunlop tires, size 215/70/15. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph the tire pressure warning indicator illuminated and a loud noise emitted outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact noticed that the rear passenger's side tire exploded. The spare tire was mounted temporarily. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spare tire was replaced with a new tire. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,400. The VIN and dot numbers were unavailable.

While driving 55 mph, the left front tire exploded. The consumer was able to pull over to the shoulder and called road side assistance to change the tire. Three days later the left rear tire blew out, the consumer was told that the spare tire was in the process of about to fail as well. The next day, Toyota had the vehicle towed and all 5 tires were replaced.