Leaf Spring Recall

Looked at the other Leaf Spring recall threads and didn't quite find the answer to my question...

I have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma SR5. 110,000km. Four leaf spings. Both sides are missing a chuck on the third leaf down.

Checking the Transportation Canada Recall Database I can find the recall discussed elsewhere on the forum.

However, checking my VIN in Recall & Campaign Lookup web page reveals that mine isn't covered in that recall.

Checking this thread Leafs with three clips should be covered (which mine has).

So my question: Why wouldn't mine be covered?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

I have a 2009 Tacoma and i got my leaf springs changed out due to the recall about two years ago at the Toyota dealership. Toyota sent me a letter stating that my Tacoma was under the recall. I believe it was for certain models and years but i do not know the exact details. Toyota is usually pretty good about notifying owners of their vehicle is under the recall I’m sure you could contact Toyota to get further details

 

Check here.

https://www.toyota.com/recall

 

Toyota is telling me mine isn't covered. My question: is why wouldn't it be?
Under certain conditions the broken leafs(leaves?) that have slid forwards can be easily moved back and forth, and I can totally see how the left side could swing inwards towards the gas tank (the issue the recall is trying to prevent).
Should I just pay the $800+ to replace them myself because my VIN isn't covered?

 

It would be much easier to upgrade to new aftermarket leaf pack ie Dakar(way less than $800). I'm sure there are labor day sales going from various vendors so perfect timing.

 

I'm having problems finding those in Ontario (Windsor area). I've check through this thread, but have not found a price. I've emailed arbcanada.com about the Dakars, waiting on price. Looking at Rockauto, I'd be looking at $586.92 each for four leaf packs. If I want to drop down to 3 leaves, I could pay less.... But they still look to be in the $400 range.

 

Another route is look into used tsb leaf packs on craigslist or whatever classifieds. They're going for sub $200 or less, atleast that's what ive been seeing here in Cali.

 

mine were replace last year by warranty on my 09 4x4 CCLB v6 SR5

 

You are correct about the three clips. Now the question is, why does a four leaf pack only have three clips. Are you the original owner of the truck? If not, did the PO jack with it?
Either way, I'd try and check out trucks in your area that are the same year, model and see what setup they have. Or maybe someone on this site has a truck like yours.
I didn't check the thread you provide, but I have seen an illustration put out Toyota showing the four and three pack leaf springs with their corresponding clip set up. This was to show which leaf springs were involved with the recall.
The recall noted that a leaf could dislodge and puncture the fuel tank. If you already have a "chunk" missing and only three clips, to me this is a red flag that could end up being a real shit train for Toyota.

 

thats the only way to fix them toyota screwed me on my 11 tacoma cut off was 9/25/10 on the vin

 

I'm the original owner. No funny business. Everything is bone stock. And the chunk I thought was missing was actually caused the by the broken section sliding all the way forwards. I'll upload better pictures.

In the front: The clip has slid forwards with the broken leaf, up past the U shaped piece of metal the keeps it from swinging side to side, I presume.
In the back: I only count one clip. So with the one in the front and counting the U shaped meal bracket, I count three clips.

Unfortunately there doesn't seem like there are a lot of Tacoma's in my area, so I can't really compare mine to anything, and it's been even harder to find parts. Someone has a used 2017 TRD suspension setup for sale, but I doubt the parts are compatible...

 

I'm willing to bet it's because your truck is a 2011.
I don't know very intimately how the leaf spring recall works, but, for the sake of this conversation, I'm just going to assume it's pretty equal with the frame rust "warranty enhancement" program, especially since they go hand-in-hand (I.E. when a truck goes in for a new frame, they put new leafs on it at the same time).

The frame rust "warranty enhancement" program is ONLY for 2005-2010 trucks. If your truck is a 2011, your frame is not included.
As time goes on, I would predict Toyota to extend this "warranty enhancement" (as they recently did in Canada - changed it from 2005-2008 trucks to now include up to 2010) to later year trucks as I don't trust Toyota will ever get their shit together with frame rust, much less suddenly fixed it at the drawing board in the winter of 2010.

I expect this logic may extend to the rear leaf spring deal, as the later trucks still obviously have the issue, as per your pictures.
but who knows

 

If you've reached a dead end with your dealer, I'd tell them to get a company rep to come in to check out your truck. In the meantime, try and gather evidence that you're not the only one with three clips on a four leaf pack. To the best of my knowledge, the issue with the recall was having the three clips instead of four.

You may have already check out this thread on the recall, where you can see a few pictures somewhat showing the four clip set up.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anyone-have-the-leaf-spring-recall-for-2nd-gens.549940/

 

An update:

My dealer has a told me that they do not determine what vehicles are recalled and to contact Toyota corporate. Fair enough. I expected as much.

Contacted Toytota customer support, and got this back:

With regard to your enquiry, we would like to take the opportunity to explain that whether or not any specific vehicle is a part of a given Safety Recalls Campaign is determined by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in question. Factors that determine whether a vehicle is a part of a given campaign include not just the model and model year of the vehicle, but also date of manufacture, trim level of the vehicle, and options chosen. When a Safety Recall Campaign is initiated, manufacturing records are reviewed to determine which specific vehicles received the component identified as needing replacement.

Should the manufacturing records indicate that your vehicle did not receive the component in question, then your vehicle would not be a part of the Safety Recall Campaign.

I'm following up as I don't think I was able to convey enough information.

 

A visual inspection by a company representative is what's really needed here. Company reps usually visit different dealers on a rotation basis. You may be able to find out what their schedule is and get worked in.

Good luck, I hope you get this worked out in your favor.

 

They did this to me with the auto door mechanisms on my Sienna. 2008 - 2010 out of the recall window, but same exact part number as those in the recall window... Still angry about it (but as you can see I bought another Toyota...) Makes no sense. If you make a mistake-FIX IT! Hope you can get this resolved...

 

Yeah I would. That leaf broke in the same spot as mine did and I was covered in the US without a problem

 

Sorry to revive a dead thread but i just happened on this thread because i was experiencing a similar thing, but i just yesterday received my email from Toyota telling me to take it in. good to know that i could have been driving for years on wonky springs waiting for them to get around to me.

 

anyone know if there is an expiration date on this recall? i know mine was recalled received the letter (have copy somewhere) but its been awhile. was planning to do it once replace shocks but havent been driving much since covid. keep getting error message below when i check.

 

I had the springs on my 2010 DCLB Prerunner replaced under the recall not to long ago.
They had to do it twice, since the first time they installed the light load springs.

With correct springs installed, so far it has been good.