1. truck primarily used as a passenger vehicle. Only infrequent use truly as a truck. 2. while carrying a moderate load on the highway, a grating noise was heard from the driver's side spring. The lower long leaf (2 leaf + helper) had broken off forward of the differential and dislodged itself from the assembly such that it was rubbing against gas tank seam. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the passenger side rear leaf spring was also broken but only slightly dislodged. Both had been broken for an undetermined amount of time since the broken ends were well rusted. 3. was approx. 200 miles from home and fortunately had a hammer to free the broken spring from the tank. Stopped every 30 miles to check it. The problem is not yet corrected and still installed on vehicle. This could have potentially caused a fire if the tank was ruptured. Toyota was called to see if there were any recalls on this issue. They took my VIN number and said that there was a recall but my particular VIN was not part of the recall. In trying to obtain used parts from auto recyclers, more than one has stated that they have had quite a few inquiries for used springs for Tacoma. And after searching the NHTSA database, I believe that the problem is more widespread than is reported to Toyota or the NHTSA.

- Avon, CT, USA

Shortly after purchasing the used 1995 Tacoma, under normal driving conditions, the middle rear driver's spring apparently broke and came in contact with shock, causing hard squeaking. Checking with local suspension repair shops and junkyards, all parties indicate how common an occurance this is. Several junkyards stated they cannot keep enough of these replacement springs in stock.

- Wilmore, KY, USA

Leaf springs broken on rear of truck under normal driving conditions. A recall should be issued for this problem. Just wait until someone who is pulling a camper with their family in the truck has one fail and it causes a crash that kills them all can you say lawsuit?

- Jackson, MI, USA

Rear leaf springs broke and spun out 1/2 inch away from catching the back wheels. Dealer and Toyota were contacted.

- Stone Creek, OH, USA

The rear leaf springs broke under normal operation conditions ! I called the Toyota dealer and said they are aware of the problem and have a "fix" for $600! I called 10 junkyards looking for used springs and they all just laughed and said" they sell them as fast as they get them" because it is such a common failure. I now ask everyone I see driving one of these trucks if thiers has broke and about 80% of them say yes! if the truck had been loaded or if I had been going fast when it broke it would have been a heck of a wreack! how could so many trucks be doing this and Toyota not be made to make it good? thanks, greg.

- Leicester, NC, USA

Left rear leaf spring - middle spring cracked. Dealer and 2 local spring shops say it is common with this truck; however, dealer will not repair at less than full cost.

- Newington, CT, USA

There was a broken rear leaf spring on right passenger's side. Contacted dealer, and dealer will check into it. Consumer states as of May 8, 2001 neither the dealer or the manufacturer has done anything to remedy the problem, consumer was advised that vehicle is out of warranty, consumer states there was nothing wrong with vehicel until he brought it in for service for an unrelated repair.

- Jamestown, RI, USA

Rear leaf springs that hold the wheels on the axle broke, causing wheels to wobble. They could possibly break off if not noticed. Dealer has been contacted.

- Damascus, VA, USA

IE98037, passenger's leaf spring broke, which may cause a loss of vehicle control. A very common problem. Manufacturer is paying the cost of the leaf spring, but not for the labor. Manufacturer has changed the regular 3-leaf spring to a 4-leaf spring.

- Worcester, MA, USA

Vehicle's left spring on rear axle broke under normal driving condtions. Toyota does not acknowledge that there is a problem.

- Franklin, OH, USA

Heard a big noise and the truck failed to the right, then checked under the truck and saw that the leaf spring in the rear had broken. Took the truck to the dealer and the rear leaf spring was replaced with the old leaf spring. The rear leaf spring broke again August 28,1997 at 42000 miles and now waiting on the newly designed leaf spring.

- Rosadale, MA, USA