The 2009 Toyota Tacoma has 5 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a rear leaf spring that can fracture and puncture the fuel tank, and a short circuit in aftermarket seat heaters that can ignite.
The leaf spring issue affects Pre-Runner and 4x4 trims only. The seat heater recall covers vehicles equipped with specific aftermarket heated seat systems where a copper heating element can short circuit. On the occupant safety side, two recalls involve the driver's airbag becoming deactivated: steering wheel vibration can damage the spiral cable assembly that powers the airbag, and a separate wiring connection within that same assembly can lose continuity and cut power to the airbag module. Both issues leave the driver's airbag unable to deploy in a crash. There is also a seatbelt concern on Access Cab trims, where repeatedly slamming the rear access doors can gradually loosen the screws holding the front seatbelt pretensioner in place, preventing it from pulling the belt tight in a serious collision.
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.
