Toyota recalls trucks; spare tire issue

DETROIT (AP) - Toyota is recalling about 150,000 Tacoma midsize pickups because the spare tires can fall from beneath the trucks.

The trucks from the 2001 to 2004 model years were sold or registered in 20 cold-weather states and Washington, D.C.

Toyota says the plate used to hold the spare tire under the truck bed can rust after long exposure to road salt. In some cases, the plate can break and the tire can fall.

Toyota says it has complaints of two minor accidents caused by the problem, but there were no injuries. In each case a tire fell and struck a vehicle behind the pickups.

Dealers will inspect and may replace the plates at no cost to the owners. The company will start notifying owners by mail in December.

In October, Toyota recalled 7.43 million vehicles worldwide for faulty power window switches that could catch fire.

Earlier in November, the Japan-based company recalled 2.77 million vehicles worldwide for a steering shaft defect and water pump problem.