— Gulf States Toyota is recalling more than 1,400 vehicles in two recalls, one simply because the spare tires may not have enough air in them.
But in the largest recall, Gulf States says more than 1,000 model year 2016-2017 Toyota 4Runner SUVs are recalled if they are equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. If the 4Runner is equipped with that package, there is a chance the roof rack could detach and cause problems on the road.
Gulf States says it installed a non-Toyota roof racks as part of the TFORCE accessory packages for certain 2016-2017 Toyota 4Runner SUVs and then realized some fasteners may have been tightened improperly.
Those loose fasteners could cause a roof rack to detach from the 4Runner at any time, possibly without warning, although Gulf States says it doesn't know of any crashes or injuries related to the problem.
If a warning does occur, it will likely be a rattling noise coming from the roof of the SUV.
Dealers will need to inspect the racks and fasteners and make sure everything is attached properly. If things look too bad, dealers will install a new hardware kit that includes new fasteners.
The recall is expected to begin June 1, 2017. Affected 2016-2017 Toyota 4Runner owners with questions should call 800-444-1074 and ask about roof rack recall number 17R1.
Toyota Spare Tire Recall
A separate recall will see 409 Toyota models brought in to add air to the spare tires. Recalled are the following 2017 models:
- Toyota 4Runner
- Toyota 86
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Corolla iM
- Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Prius C
- Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid
- Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Yaris
Gulf States says the spare tire wasn't inflated to the correct pressure that matches the text on the tire pressure label. The tire could suffer from problems if a driver has a flat and needs to replace the bad tire with the spare, although no crashes or injuries are known to have been caused by the problem.
Gulf States says it discovered the problem during a routine audit of the vehicles, but didn't say if a person, machine or both caused the underinflated tires.
The spare tire recall will begin June 1, 2017, when Gulf States will start inspecting the tires and adding more air if necessary.
If you believe you own one of the 409 recalled vehicles, you may contact Gulf States at 800-444-1074 and refer to Toyota's recall number 17R2.
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