The 2008 Toyota Tacoma has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a rear leaf spring that can fracture and puncture the fuel tank, creating a fire risk.
On certain Pre-Runner and 4x4 trims, stress or corrosion can crack the leaf spring, and if the broken spring strikes the fuel tank, fuel can leak near potential ignition sources. Separately, on vehicles equipped with aftermarket heated seats, the copper heating element in the seat cushion can short circuit and start a fire. Two recalls address the driver's airbag: steering wheel vibration can damage the spiral cable assembly that powers the airbag module, and a flexible flat cable in the steering column can also lose connectivity to the module, either way leaving the driver's airbag inactive in a crash. This vehicle only covers the spiral cable issue for the 2009-2010 model years, so only one of those two airbag concerns applies here. Finally, on Access Cab models, repeatedly slamming the rear doors can gradually loosen the screws holding the front seatbelt pretensioner in place, and if it detaches fully, the belt will not tighten properly during a crash.
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.
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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.
