The 2008 Toyota Tacoma has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from aftermarket heated seat wiring that can short circuit, and a separate risk of a punctured fuel tank and fire from a rear leaf spring that can fracture and drop onto the fuel tank.
Two recalls involve the driver's airbag failing to deploy in a crash. In one, steering wheel vibration over time can damage the clockspring, the electrical connector that runs power to the airbag, causing the airbag warning light to come on and the airbag to go inactive. In the other, a flexible flat cable inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly can lose its connection to the airbag module, also leaving the driver without airbag protection in a crash. Both issues affect the same part of the steering column and produce the same result: the driver's airbag may not fire when needed. On the restraint side, this Tacoma recall only applies to Access Cab models: repeatedly slamming the rear access doors can slowly loosen the screws that hold the seatbelt pretensioner to the retractor, and if the pretensioner pulls free from the assembly, it cannot tighten the belt during a crash, raising the risk of injury.
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.
