I have been sent many notices from Toyota indicating a recall on my 1997 Toyota 4 runner. The dealer refused to fix the recall since it involved removing aftermarket equipment in the area of the defect. I wrote Toyota and told them the circumstances and they replied by phone that I would have to remove the equipment first. I continue to get these recall notices and am finally complaining to the NHTSA to assist in convincing Toyota that it is their liability, not mine. The aftermarket equipment in question is just two small airbags inserted in the rear springs to assist in leveling the truck when carrying heavy loads. The airbags will most probably not have to be removed to affect the repair, but the dealers won't touch the truck, since it adds time and they will lose money on the flat rate paid by Toyota. If the truck suspension fails, as it might at this late stage, the liability will be solely on Toyota as I have complied with their requests to the letter, which states simply to bring the truck in for the retrofit/installation of new parts, and no where in the recall letter is there any language stating that a customer will be refused if additional hours of labor will be involved. If Toyota is worried about liability issues that might arise from the removal and replacement of the airbags, I would think that this would pale in comparison to what they would have to pay if the rear suspension failed while driving this truck at highway speeds. I have written them letters, spoken to them on the phone and they continue to send me letters re: The recall and noting that the truck is unsafe. Again, Toyota should affect this repair no matter what additions have been put in place in the area of the rear suspension. If anything, the addition of the airbags have made this truck more stable and safer than it was when it was delivered. Toyota needs to contact me with the name of a dealer who will institute the recall repairs with the truck in the current condition.

- Leesburg, VA, USA