Help me understand the difference between recalls and TSBs...

I'll start with explaining what I do know. If a car has a recall, the defect is covered by the manufacturer. And this defect will be addressed from the factory for the next years model. So if something was recalled in 16-17 tacomas, it is likely to be addressed by the factory before delivery of a 18MY tacoma. Right?

I've read online that there have been numerous TSBs issued for the third gen taco. Are TSBs treated the same way? Are TSBs covered by the manufacturer? And will TSBs be addressed in newer models after discovery?

Hypothetically if there are TSBs for the 16-17 tacoma, will it be addressed or "fixed" on the 18MY tacoma or will I have to ask that they are taken care of when I buy the tacoma at the dealership?

 

TSB's are 'suggestions' based on customer complaint; may or may not resolve issue. If you're out of warranty, you're out of pocket.

Recalls are specific and usually safety related.

Recall issues usually get addreseed in future production; TSBs, not so much.

 

Recalls are legally required, the NHTSA forces the action upon the manufacturer.
TSB's are self regulated by the manufacturer, often as a stop-gap measure to prevent the Feds from forcing a more involved recall campaign.

 

I disagree about legal requirement; there are voluntary(self-imposed)and mandated recalls. The rear differential recall is voluntary.

 

Kind of hair splitting but the rear differential recall came after reported accidents that were identified as being directly caused by mechanical failure of the differential. After the famous Ford Pinto trial, the NHTSA established much more clearly defined safety requirements for the auto industry. Ford used an economic calculation to compare the cost of recalls vs paying death benefits as the determining factor. Essentially the NTHSA forces the manufacturer to “self police” more than than did decades ago. You can be sure if their weren’t severe legal penalties...many recalls wouldn’t happen.