Toyota Tacoma: Rear Leaf Spring Fracture (2005–2011)

What the evidence shows

Transport Canada recall 2014420 covers certain 2005-2011 Tacoma trucks in which the rear leaf springs can fracture due to stress and road-salt corrosion. This is documented in Transport Canada recall 2014420, an official safety recall — not an owner complaint pattern or a manufacturer service bulletin.

What this means

A broken leaf can move out of position and contact nearby components, including the fuel tank, and can also affect rear suspension control.

What may be happening mechanically

Years of flexing combined with corrosion (especially in areas that see heavy winter road salt) can weaken the spring material until it cracks under normal load.

What owners may notice

• A new clunk or rattle from the rear suspension
• The rear of the truck sitting or riding noticeably differently on one side

What to check first

Have the rear leaf springs visually inspected for corrosion and cracking, particularly if the truck has spent winters in a salt-belt region, and confirm with a dealer whether this recall was completed for the specific VIN.

What this does not prove

A safety recall confirms an identified defect and a required remedy for the specific vehicles covered by Transport Canada recall 2014420. It does not establish how many vehicles ever actually experienced the described failure, and any symptom listed above can have other causes — a qualified inspection is still the way to confirm the cause on a specific vehicle.

For owners and buyers

If you own or are considering a 2005–2011 Toyota Tacoma, check the VIN against Transport Canada recall 2014420 (through the manufacturer or the relevant national recall lookup) to see whether the remedy has already been completed. An open recall is normally repaired by the dealer at no cost to the owner.