Toyota recall woes have worsened. The Japanese manufacturer has announced all 200o-2003 Tundra pickups sold in the United States will be fixed to address part of the truck’s frame that could corrode, causing spare tires or the gas tank to drop.
Last November, Toyota recalled 110,000 Tundras sold in 20 cold-weather states, saying exposure to heavy road salt could cause the corrosion. Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons was unable to say how many additional vehicles are now involved.
The recall will now expand nationwide, according to announcements mailed to dealers. The manufacturer reported the rear cross-member of the frame of the Tundra could corrode in some cases, and that could cause loss of rear brake circuits, making it harder for drivers to stop.
The fuel tank might may also be separated from the vehicle, potentially causing a crash or fire, the company said in its notice to dealers.
Toyota redesigned the Tundra in 2007 in an attempt in infiltrate the market for full-size work trucks dominated by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.
Article Last Updated: March 9, 2010.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.