Photo: AutoNation Toyota Houston
Most vehicle recalls are the result of either supplier or manufacturing defects, but the 2013-14 Toyota Tundra sold in certain states is being recalled due to a parts problem at the distributor level. In Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas, Toyotas are distributed to dealers through Gulf States Toyota, and 16,249 Tundras are being recalled due to aftermarket wheels installed by the distributor.
On these vehicles equipped with the non-factory 20-inch wheels shown above, the chrome covering on the lug nuts could separate causing the lug nuts to loosen and possibly back off or cause the wheel studs to fracture. If this happens, the wheel could potentially separate from the truck, which would cause a crash; so far, no incidents of wheels falling off have been reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall notice did not specify the brand of wheels, but the lug nuts were produced by a California supplier.
To remedy the potentially dangerous and damaging condition, the recall will replace all 20 lug nuts on affected trucks, and in some cases, the wheels will need to be replaced if the lug nut seats in the wheel have been elongated. The previous lug nut design featured a full chrome cap, while the new lug nut design leaves the chrome plating off the part that comes in contact with the wheel.
The recall goes into effect next month, but in the meantime, owners can contact the Gulf States Toyota customer service at 1-800-444-1074, or they can contact NHTSA either with the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or the www.safercar.gov website.
To remedy the potentially dangerous and damaging condition, the recall will replace all 20 lug nuts on affected trucks, and in some cases, the wheels will need to be replaced if the lug nut seats in the wheel have been elongated. The previous lug nut design featured a full chrome cap, while the new lug nut design leaves the chrome plating off the part that comes in contact with the wheel.
The recall goes into effect next month, but in the meantime, owners can contact the Gulf States Toyota customer service at 1-800-444-1074, or they can contact NHTSA either with the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or the www.safercar.gov website.
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