Toyota Corporation - USA Tacoma leaf spring failures - faulty design/bad engineering Torrance California

Own a 1995 Toyota Tacoma. 2 years ago one of my leaf springs broke which I replaced thinking that the problem was a fluke. Last week I noticed that both leaf springs were broken and this time became suspicious that this is due to a design problem. I rarely put any load at all in the truck and this is a part that simply should not break. I'm an engineer and from that perspective I know that this simply should not be happening.

After doing a small amount of web research I discovered that many individuals have had the same problem. Apparently Toyota avoided doing a full recall on the leaf springs in the early Tacomas by issuing a TSB that allowed owners to get them replaced (with redesigned parts), but only if they asked for it.

Well how is someone supposed to know that the leaf springs are faulty if they haven't broken yet? This is a safety issue because the broken springs could damage the tire and cause an accident, or worse, cause the whole rear axle to come off.

Toyota clearly was dodging the recall bullet on this one...they even issued the TSB under the premise that the replacement was meant to make the ride better. Toyota will not make any admission of their fault in this problem. I've worked through the local dealer and corporate headquarters without any help.

I bought a Toyota because they were known for their reliability, but if this exemplifies the standards that there trucks are built to then I would highly caution people on buying one. My family has been solid Toyota owners, but I'm afraid that era has come to an end.

Jason
Cascade, Colorado
U.S.A.