New recall - anyone here been affected by this?

It's a relatively small number of Tacomas, but still relevent. Curious if anyone has had this issue?

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/toyota-recalls-4-000-tacoma-pickups-us-defective-part-8C11554117

 

Works for me, only affects 4 bangers.

 

"Most of the recalled models are in Japan, Toyota spokesman John Hanson said, but the recall includes about 4,000 four-cylinder Tacoma pickup trucks in the United States.

The vehicles, which were all built this year, have engine valve springs that may develop cracks and break over time. This could lead to noisy, rough engine performance and, in some cases, the engine could stop while the vehicle is in motion."

I have a 2013 4 banger, but it was built last year, so I guess it isn't in this.

 

Yeah, it's definitely a small number (I think the 4,000 is the total US Tacomas, if I read right), so it's not like it's a huge issue. Just definitely sounds like one of the more "serious" recalls, especially relating to the Tacoma. Kudos to Toyota for handling it well.

 

Kind of assumes that the problem isn't bigger than 4k they identified. Wonder how they know it is just those 4k?

 

The springs were from a 3rd party supplier.

Modern manufacturing all parts have lot numbers and are tracked as to where they are assembled into. Trust me they know exactly what trucks those springs went into.

They probably were not heat treated properly.

 

Build date from 7-2013 to 11-2013

 

From the article "The problem arose because the equipment used to make the part was not properly maintained, Toyota said in a press release. "

From reading this, I get the impression that they found out they had a problem at some point, and then extrapolated at what point the problem likely began occurring. Still involves an assumption that prior springs were not affected. Hopefully they are correct. I am more skeptical than you.

 

My 4 banger was built in around 10/2013... Hmm, I do I know if I have this recall?

 

I mean 10/2012 woops!

 

Not affected (as of now).

 

Here is a FAQ from Toyota regarding the valve spring recall.

 

Guess what happens when you don't maintain a furnace? It will not work properly and the resulting properties of the component(s) that were treated will not meet the specifications. In this case the springs are breaking. This would more than likely be a result of a screwed up heat treating process.

I have been working for a tier 1 automotive manufacturer for almost 20 years... Things like this happen at times and when they do they will pull all of the inventory and sort them with a 100% check.

They know for certain what happened and why it happened and I'll guarantee you that the supplier has his feet in the fire for making sure it doesn't happen again. The supplier will also probably have to foot the bill for the recall.

 

Ok, I will defer to your experience. You indicate that they pull the inventory at do a 100% test. How do they handle the inventory out the door that is driving around on the streets? How do they know the problem didn't occur a month earlier than they have determined?

Given my limited knowledge I just don't understand how anyone reading that article can know if the situation has been handled well or if it is just the first and insufficient attempt to address a problem that will require additional steps and affect more vehicles over time?

 

Thanks.

Appears not furnace related, but hopefully they are able to determine when the chemical leaks started - or perhaps there were only 4k trucks for which the supplier provided any parts at all.

 

How do they handle the inventory out the door that is driving around on the streets?

Inventory out the door is usually handled just the way they are doing it. Recall the units that were sold and the unsold units are repaired by the dealer.
How do they know the problem didn't occur a month earlier than they have determined?

The usual course of action is as such:

1. Problem is identified.
2. Production is stopped.
3. Cause is identified and corrected.
4. Checks are put in place to prevent a recurrance.
5. Inventory is checked by date code until the oldest effected unit is located.
6. Out the door equipment is recalled or field repaired.
7. Problem over.

Trust me they want ALL Effected Units fixed probably more than you do.

can know if the situation has been handled well or if it is just the first and insufficient attempt to address a problem.

You can't. Time will tell. I also think you are over thinking this a bit.

 

During the heat treating process any " chemicals or contamination " on the parts Will Effect the heat treatment process. There are very precise gas mixtures and heating / soak times involved with heat treating to gain specific properties from the metal. Lots of science / Metallurgy involved.

 

No, I am not trying to say that this is a huge issue or that there is a bigger problem. I was just responding to 2 comments in a row about "kudos" for handling it properly and "glad to see it was taken care of properly".

My statement was this "...assumes that those 4k trucks are the only ones affected", and my further statement of don't see how anyone can tell if it was well handled based on the linked article.

You do seem to be agreeing with me on both of these points, which were in fact the only points I was making.

My opinion is that this doesn't sound like a big deal at this point. Time will tell. I have a truck of the same year and engine as affected but outside the date range, so I am interested in following the issue though.

 

Mine was 9/2013... built in Texas, most probably the same