Toyota is recalling 73,000 of their 2016 and 2017 Toyota
Tundra pickup trucks. All affected models are equipped with a rear bumper steps
and reinforcement brackets made out of resin. The problem is within the resin
itself. If the Tundra is involved in a collision that affects a rear corner of
the truck, the resin may be damaged without the owner knowing there is a
problem. And the next time someone tries to use the step, it could break and
they could be injured.
In
order to remedy the issue, Toyota will replace the resin reinforcement brackets
with steel ones. The rear bumper tread covers will also be replaced. The steel
bracket should eliminate the issue. Toyota says affected owners will receive
notifications by first-class mail starting in the middle of February, so the
recall should start sometime after that.
Additionally,
Toyota has added another 543,000 vcehicles in the US to the Takata Airbag
recall. Toyota announced the following models to be added to the list: the
2008-2009 Scion xB; 2009 and 2012 Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2007-2009 and
2012 Toyota Yaris, 2012 4Runner and Sienna and various versions of Lexus made
between 2006-2012.
Takata
uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to cause a small explosion designed to
inflate the air bags in a crash. At least 16 people have been killed worldwide
and about 180 have been injured. More than 100 million vehicles involving 17
automakers have been recalled worldwide. Because of the scope of the recalls,
the replacements are going to take years.
Owners
may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. You can schedule your service
recall with us here at Smart Toyota. And while your
vehicle is being fixed take a look at our inventory and contact us today to schedule an appointment.
