CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

May 05, 2004 — Recall Campaign #04V214000

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.' THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS INCORRECT MARKINGS.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 8 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

04V214000

Manufacturer:	Toyota Motor Corporation
Recall date:	May 05, 2004
NHTSA Campaign #:	04V214000
Units affected:	8

Description:: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.' THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS INCORRECT MARKINGS.
Consequeces:: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD.
Corrective action:: DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS. NO VEHICLES WERE SOLD TO CONSUMERS.
Notes:: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Affects the following:

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA Complaints
Immediately after the manufacturer recall requiring full frame replacement (completed November 2017 by the same dealership referenced below), the vehicle developed abnormal handling not present before the repair, including improper tracking and rear end instability. No warning lights/diagnostic messages were present. These issues were reported to the servicing dealership within weeks and repeatedly over the following years. Despite multiple short initial inspections and two extended service periods—totaling approximately fourteen months in the dealership’s possession—the dealership repeatedly reported no defect found and continued to advise that the vehicle was safe to operate. Due to ongoing safety concerns, an independent inspection was recently obtained. It confirmed measurable rear axle offset and a thrust angle deviation outside acceptable tolerances. The defect is visually apparent: the rear wheels are not symmetrically aligned, and the vehicle exhibits a noticeable “crab walking” effect when viewed from behind. The root cause remains undetermined and would require further diagnostic work and significant disassembly. All documentation and inspection findings are available upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle does not track correctly and shows instability, especially in low traction conditions such as rain or snow, increasing the risk of loss of control. The manufacturer has been formally notified through repeated outreach, including ongoing contact with the Brand Engagement Center since December 2025 and multiple certified letters to Toyota North America Legal/Consumer Affairs between January and March 2026. The only response received was a generic statement from the Brand Engagement Center indicating that the vehicle is out of warranty and an offer to return it to the same dealership that performed the frame replacement and failed to identify the defect. No other response, investigation, or resolution has been provided by Toyota North America.;