Broken rear driver side leaf springs on 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4WD extended cab led to poor vehicular control and tire damage

- Richardson, TX, USA

Bad rear leaf springs, causing extreme instability. Vehicle: 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 regular cab, regular bed, 4cylinder. The middle rear leaf spring has a tendancy to break, even under light loads. On my truck, the driver's side broke at around 100,000 miles, the passenger side broke at about 110,000 miles. This created two problems: 1) the rear of the truck tends to leave the ground on even small bumps. 2) there is less weight towards the front of the vehicle, causing a serious degradation in steering control. My springs broke with no load, I heard it happen each time. I contacted a Toyota dealership expecting there is some sort of recall on these springs, they said no, but there was a 'technical bulletin' for replacement of these springs. Toyota would not pay for the replacement, except if under warranty. (my warranty expired at 100,000 miles) they wanted $345 each side, plus labor to have the problem fixed. There was no way I could afford it. I drove around with for a year and a half with a broken leaf spring on each side, wondering when I would get in a crash. How many other Tacoma's out there have this same problem? many! I did some research into fixing the problem myself. I called a local Toyota repair shop (not the dealership), they stated that this is a major and very very common problem with 1996 Tacoma's, that I was the fourth caller for that day alone asking about the springs. Doing more research on the internet, I learned about countless cases of both leaf springs breaking, with and without a load. This needs to be a safety recall because the springs are prone to failure and the vehicle is extremely unstable when they are broken. I have high quality digital photo's available, the web site is still being developed tacomasprings.home.comcast.net email or call, I can send out the whole cd, I have more than 50 photos total, all taken at 3.1megpixel. Otar@fastermail.com thank you. Sean

- Kent, WA, USA

Rear leaf spring on passenger side (# 2 leaf) has cracked, leading to unpredictable rear suspesion behavior over bumps. This is a widely known problem. Toyota is aware that there is a high failure rate on Tacoma leaf springs, as are all parts and service personnel that I have spoken to. This is a very expensive repair for a known problem, Toyota should be providing assistance/recall.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

Noticed right rear wheel bounce, investigated noticed middle leaf protruding and rubbing on shock absorber. Called Toyota about problem, they indicated that they would not replace it, and I had to take it back to the dealer for repair at my expense. Called dealer, dealer said both leaf springs should be replaced on left and right sides. Repair cost would be around $1200. One other note, this truck was never used to carry large loads.

- Ansonia, CT, USA

The middle leaf spring on my truck broke in half. I bought replacement springs at lexington auto springs, the salesman told me that they have already replaced the rear springs on about 30 Tacoma's (all 96 or 97 models) in the last couple of months.

- Stamping Ground, KY, USA

Both rear leaf springs cracked, this is a problem Toyota is aware of but won't repair at their expense, Toyota claims it is not dangerous, perhaps after first death they will take notice

- Coventry, RI, USA

Rear leaf spring broke. Dealer has been notified. Please provide additional information.

- Summerset, KY, USA

Under normal driving conditions rear leaf springs both left and right sides broke and separated. (tiresize: 10.5 30 15)( dot number: Tire size: 10.5 30 15 )

- Hagerstown, MD, USA

I recently noticed that both of my rear #2 leaf springs were broken in half and had shifted out of place. In trying to figuree out where the cheapest place to get the leaf springs would be I found out that this has been an "known problem" with the Tacoma. One person even knew the prolem before I could even tell him about it.

- Bountiful, UT, USA

Heard a metal-like rubbing sound approximately 3-4 weeks before noticing problem. Two rear leaf springs broke, which may have caused a tire blow out and may result in an accident. Toyota is aware of the problem and has new design O rear leaf spring.

- Rumney, NH, USA

Leaf spring failed.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA