Toyota Recalls 160,000 Tacoma Pickup Trucks

Toyota Motor Corp. says corrosion could allow the spare tire mounted under its 2001-2004 Tacoma midsize pickup trucks to fall off the vehicle.

Toyota plans next month to begin recalling 150,000 affected vehicles, which were sold or are registered in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia. The campaign also includes 10,000 units in Canada.

The company says some trucks were fitted with spare tire carrier assemblies that had not been properly treated to resist corrosion. Dealers will inspect and replace the unit if necessary.

Toyota tells Edmunds Inside Line it is aware of two non-injury cases where a Tacoma's spare tire fell off and hit another vehicle.