Toyota is recalling 150,000 units of the Tacoma pickup because the spare tires can fall from beneath the trucks.
The affected vehicles from the 2001 to 2004 model years were sold or registered in the District of Columbia and 20 states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
A plate used to hold the spare tire under the truck bed can rust after being exposed to road salt for a long time. In some cases, the plate can break and the tire can fall to the ground. The plates weren't treated properly against corrosion, the Japanese carmaker said in a statement.
The recall is expected to begin in December and dealers will inspect and replace the spare-tire carrier assembly. Meanwhile, owners can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
