Toyota Recalls Tundra, Sequoia Hybrids Over Faulty Spare Tire Chains

Jun 22, 2023

Some 1400 hybrid models are impacted by the improper welding.

Toyota announced last week that it is issuing a recall notice for some 1400 hybrid Tundra pickups and Sequoia SUVs as a result of a faulty spare tire carrier assembly.

The recall in question specifically impacts hybrid examples from the 2023 model year. According to the automaker, improper welds on the individual chain links that support the spare tire underneath the two vehicles are to blame.

As the old saying goes, that's a problem for strength. If any of those damaged links were to let go, the chain can no longer secure the tire in place. Toyota says if the chain were to break, the tire could possibly become detached from the vehicle, potentially acting as a road hazard or serious projectile.

The Tundra and the Sequoia share a bit of hardware throughout their construction, as both models are based on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform. It's unclear what the production window of the impacted vehicles is at this time, as Toyota moved forward with this voluntary recall without the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration leading the charge.

Toyota says it will replace all of the spare tire carriers on impacted vehicles with a newer unit. The work will come at no cost to the owners, with notification letters expected to be sent in early September. Owners can run their VIN through Toyota’s recall page for more information.

This isn't the first time Toyota has had issues with the Tundra this year. NHTSA currently lists three recall notices for the truck, including one for incorrect load capacity labels, faulty instrument displays, and a detaching tonneau cover. The Sequoia has yet to receive any NHTSA recall notices, but that could change as this tire carrier situation continues to unfold.

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.

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