TOYOTA TACOMA Recall

On February 18, 2010, Toyota Motor Corp. notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ) of its intention to conduct a safety recall involving about 8,000 model 2010 Tacoma pickup trucks in the United States. The recall is the latest in a series that have damaged the world's largest automaker's sales and reputation for quality.

In a communication to U.S. dealers, Toyota stated that  all-wheel drive 2010 Tacoma trucks may have a component containing cracks in the joint portion of the drive shaft that developed during the manufacturing process. As the vehicles are used, the cracks could lead to the separation of the driveshaft at the joint portion.

The document also warned that separated shaft could come into contact with the road surface, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. But Toyota denied it was aware of any accidents related to the problem.

The affected Tacomas were produced from mid-December 2009 to early February. The front drive shafts are manufactured by Dana Holding Corporation, where the potential defect was discovered.

Toyota said it will notify Tacoma owners in mid-march and that dealers will inspect the vehicles and may replace the front drive shaft. Customers can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331.

The Tacoma is also included in a larger Toyota recall for loose floormats or sticky accelerator pedals that may lead to unintended acceleration. Toyota sold about 112,000 Tacomas in the U.S. in 2009.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a late model Toyota Tacoma, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.