The 2009 Toyota Tacoma has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from aftermarket seat heaters and a separate fire risk from rear leaf springs that can fracture and puncture the fuel tank.
The seat heater issue applies to vehicles equipped with aftermarket heated seats installed through Southeast Toyota Distributors: if the copper heating element is damaged, it can short circuit and start a fire. The leaf spring issue affects Pre-Runner and 4x4 models, where a rear leaf spring can crack from stress or corrosion, swing down, and pierce the fuel tank below it.
Two recalls address the driver's airbag. Steering wheel vibration over time can wear out the spiral cable assembly that carries electrical current to the airbag module, and a similar problem affects the flexible flat cable inside the steering column. In either case, the electrical connection to the driver's airbag can fail and leave the bag unable to deploy in a crash. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve both of these issues, which is why two separate campaigns exist.
There is also a seatbelt concern specific to Access Cab models. Repeatedly slamming the rear access doors can gradually loosen the screws that anchor the front seatbelt pretensioner to its retractor. If the pretensioner detaches entirely, it cannot tighten the belt during a crash, reducing the restraint system's ability to hold an occupant in a severe impact.
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.
