The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. While driving various speeds, the horn failed to work without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spiral cable needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the repair would cost $500. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and could not assist. The failure mileage was 48,000. Updated 06/29/17

- Ruidoso, NM, USA

Horn stopped working at approximately 48,000 miles. After troubleshooting the problem, I discovered that the issue was related to the spiral cable. About 2 months after the horn stopped working, the steering wheel controlled phone function began auto-activating intermittently with the words "talking" appearing on the radio display (this function is also related to the spiral cable). I am very concerned that the air bag may soon become inoperable if the air bag electrical contacts on the spiral cable fail. While my vehicle VIN was not included in a recall for this issue, I understand that Toyota did file a part 573 defect information report with NHTSA for selected 2009-2010 Tacoma vehicles. The vehicle horn is considered a safety device, and as a result of this failure, my vehicle horn became inoperable. More importantly, the air bag will not function as designed when the spiral cable contacts for the air bag fail. I would expect that this type of safety critical device be designed to last for the useful service life of the vehicle. Failure after less than 6 years (and 48,000 miles) is much sooner than should be expected for this type of vehicle. I would appreciate if NHTSA would consider this information along with other related information in your possession to determine if there is a basis for follow-up with Toyota motor corporation to provide a remedy for vehicle owners that have experienced premature spiral cable failure that affects multiple vehicle safety devices.

- Miramonte, CA, USA

My horn does not work when I press on the steering wheel unless I turn the wheels to the right or to the left then it will work. I took in my truck to the Toyota dealer and they told me this is not covered under the warranty and that they will have to charge me $130 to look at it. I told them that this is a safety issue. When I am driving and something happens and I have to beep someone I cannot do that no matter how much I press on the steering wheel. I bought this car new. I owned other cars before but this is the first time I drove a car with no horn. To me it seems to be a manufacturer issue I believe Toyota should repair this at no charge.

- Morton Grove, IL, USA