2009 Toyota Tacoma (2nd gen) · Known Issue
2009 Toyota Tacoma Rear Leaf Spring Failure: What It Really Costs to Fix
Quick answer: 2009 Toyota Tacoma rear leaf spring failure is free to fix on recall-covered VINs and up to $1,400 out of pocket otherwise.
Applies to: 4x4 and PreRunner only. Other versions of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma do not have this problem.
What the Issue Is
Toyota recalled 2005 to 2011 Tacoma PreRunner and 4x4 trucks built from September 14, 2004, through December 6, 2010, under NHTSA campaign 14V-604, because a rear leaf spring could fracture. A broken leaf could shift and contact the fuel tank, the safety risk that made it a recall rather than a wear item. Base two-wheel-drive Tacomas, and trucks built after December 6, 2010, were not part of it.
Outside the recall, leaf springs on any older pickup fatigue with load and corrosion: individual leaves crack, the rear sags, and the truck takes on a tired, nose-high stance. A broken leaf is easy to spot underneath once you look, and replacement packs, often heavier-duty than stock, are a common, moderately priced repair at independent shops.
For buyers the sequence is: VIN through the recall lookup first, then eyes on the springs during the same underbody inspection the frame already demands. The two checks share the same flashlight.
Symptoms to Watch For
- 1.Rear end sagging or sitting lower on one side
- 2.Clunk or bang from the rear over bumps
- 3.Visible broken, shifted, or missing spring leaf underneath
- 4.Rougher, bouncier unloaded ride than a Tacoma should have
- 5.Squeaking from the rear spring area over dips
Real Repair Costs
Trucks in recall 14V-604 get the repair free at Toyota dealers. Other spring repairs are priced for quality aftermarket packs installed at an independent shop.
| Repair | Typical Cost (installed) |
|---|---|
| Recall 14V-604 repair (covered VINs)free, verify by VIN | Free |
| One replacement leaf pack, installed | $400-$750 |
| Both rear packs + hardwarethe usual choice on an older truck | $800-$1,400 |
Moderate issue. Ranges are US independent-shop estimates with quality parts. Use them as negotiation grounding, not a quote.
Mechanic's Tip: Spot It Before You Buy
While you are under the truck for the frame check, sight along each rear leaf pack front to back: every leaf should be intact, aligned, and stacked tight. A snapped leaf shows as a stair-step or a gap; a shifted one sticks out past its neighbors. Then step back ten feet and look at the stance, since rear sag or a one-sided lean is spring fatigue. On a 4x4 or PreRunner, run the VIN for the leaf spring recall before you visit; if it is open, the repair is free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was there a recall on Tacoma leaf springs?▼
Yes. Recall 14V-604 covered 2005 to 2011 Tacoma PreRunner and 4x4 trucks built from September 14, 2004, through December 6, 2010, because a fractured rear leaf could contact the fuel tank. Base two-wheel-drive trucks were not included. The repair is free at Toyota dealers for trucks in the recall; check the VIN at toyota.com/recall.
How much do Tacoma leaf springs cost to replace?▼
Outside the recall, a single quality pack runs $400 to $750 installed, and both sides with fresh hardware $800 to $1,400 at an independent shop. Many owners choose heavier-duty aftermarket packs for similar money, which also cures the sag older trucks develop after years of loads.
Can I drive a truck with a broken leaf spring?▼
Treat it as urgent. A broken leaf changes how the axle is located and hurts braking and stability, and on recalled 4x4 and PreRunner trucks a broken leaf can reach the fuel tank. Short, gentle, unloaded driving to a shop is defensible; hauling or highway miles are not.
Why does my Tacoma sag in the rear?▼
Age and payload fatigue the leaf packs: they lose arch, the truck loses ride height, and the unloaded ride degrades. It is the natural end of life for springs on an older work truck. New packs restore stance and capacity, and going one step heavier-duty than stock is the popular choice if the truck tows or hauls.
Sources
The facts on this page were last checked against these documents on October 10, 2026. Programs and their coverage end; check the car's VIN with a dealer for what still applies.
- Recall record: NHTSA recall 14V-604 acknowledgment: 2005-2011 Tacoma PreRunner and 4x4 rear leaf springs (static.nhtsa.gov)
- Recall record: NHTSA recall 14V604000 summary (Tacoma rear leaf springs) (vehiclesafetyrecalls.com)
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