Dana is maker of part in Toyota vehicle probe

10/8/2009

Toyota Motor Corp.'s Tundra pickup truck is being investigated by U.S. regulators for “severe” frame corrosion that may cause brake failure, a week after the company said a floor-mat flaw would spur its biggest U.S. recall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said this week it is looking into 20 complaints on model-year 2000 and 2001 Tundra pickups alleging broken brake lines and spare tires that came loose “as a result of severe frame corrosion.” The inquiry covers about 218,000 vehicles, the agency said. No recall has been implemented.

The Tundra frames under investigation were manufactured by Maumee-based Dana Holding Corp. Dana spokesman Chuck Hartlage referred any questions about the NHTSA investigation to Toyota.