NHTSA Complaint #11670704 — 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA

My 2007 Toyota Tacoma has an open recall on the rear leaf springs due to the risk of fuel tank puncture and fire. However, Toyota and their authorized dealership are unable to perform this safety recall because the vehicle’s frame is too severely rusted. The dealership informed me that attempting the repair could further damage the vehicle, and they requested I sign a waiver releasing Toyota of liability if harm occurs during the recall process. They also informed me that replacement frames are no longer available, so the recall cannot be completed as I was interested to pay for this to get the recall safely completed This leaves me with a vehicle that presents a known, life-threatening safety hazard, which Toyota cannot resolve. The frame corrosion is due to a previously acknowledged defect for which Toyota offered limited-time frame replacements that expired before I owned the vehicle. I believe Toyota is violating its obligation to provide a remedy for this open recall. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue, as it appears Toyota is leaving customers with dangerous, unrepaired vehicles and no available remedy.