The 2006 Toyota Tacoma has 7 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from an aftermarket seat heater whose copper heating element can short circuit, and a separate leaf spring that can fracture and puncture the fuel tank.
The tire recalls cover the same underlying defect: the tire bead can be damaged during assembly, allowing air to leak and a sidewall bulge to form. A tire running significantly underinflated in this condition can fail without much warning and cause a loss of vehicle control. Two recalls address the driver's airbag: steering wheel vibration can wear down the spiral cable assembly that powers the airbag module, and a flexible flat cable within that same assembly can also lose its electrical connection to the module. In either case, the airbag warning light may come on and the driver's airbag can be deactivated, leaving the driver without that protection in a crash. The leaf spring recall is specific to Pre-Runner and 4x4 trims. Finally, on Access Cab models, the screws holding the front seatbelt pretensioner to the retractor can loosen over time from repeated forceful door closings. If the pretensioner separates entirely from the seatbelt assembly, it cannot tighten the belt during a crash, reducing the restraint's ability to protect the occupant.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
A rear leaf spring may crack from stress or corrosion. If it breaks while driving, the fractured piece could shift and puncture the fuel tank, causing a fuel leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear leaf spring assembly with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible flat cable in the steering column that connects to the driver's airbag can become damaged when you turn the steering wheel due to its retainer design and position.
What the fix does
The steering column assembly will be inspected and repaired or replaced to prevent the cable from being damaged during steering wheel operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Repeated forceful closing of the access doors can loosen the screws securing the seat belt pre-tensioner to the retractor. If screws fully loosen, the pre-tensioner and retractor spring cover may detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly and either replace it or install new pre-tensioner screws with thread-locking sealant and a modified spring cover to prevent loosening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Steering wheel vibration can damage the spiral cable assembly (clockspring) that controls the driver's air bag. When damaged, the air bag warning light comes on and the air bag may stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire bead may be damaged during assembly onto the wheel, which can cause the tire to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace them if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During tire assembly, the tire bead—where the tire seals to the wheel—may have been damaged. This can cause the tire sidewall to bulge and leak air, leading to under-inflation, premature failure, and possible crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace them if damage to the bead is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
