Toyota has issued a recall for approximately 130,000 Tundra full-size pickup trucks of the 2022 and 2023 model years due to an issue involving hard shell tonneau covers. The accessory could detach from the attachment joints and become a road hazard or hit another vehicle while in motion.

The recall notice specifically applies to Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid models equipped with the Toyota genuine accessory tonneau cover. As per the Toyota Parts Center website, the cover is a trifold, hardcover design with a self-latching system that facilitates easy-operation and removal.

The problem involves the tonneau cover attachment joints that may come loose from the truck's side rails, causing the cover to snap off and pose a danger to other vehicles. While the recall notice on the NHTSA website does not indicate if other aftermarket tonneau covers are affected, Toyota has stated that the issue is related only to the one offered by them.

The immediate fix for the problem is to remove the cover until Toyota develops a solution for the issue. Toyota is currently working on a remedy and will send out interim notification letters to owners, instructing them on how to remove the tonneau cover. These initial letters are expected to be mailed by March 31, 2023, followed by a second notice once a resolution for the issue is available.

Toyota has assigned the recall number 23TB03/23TA03 for this issue, while the NHTSA campaign reference number is 23V142000. Tundra owners can contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331 or visit the company's website for further updates and information. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or its website for assistance.

Last year, the Toyota Tundra was the sixth most popular truck in the United States, with total sales of 104,246 units. 

Source: NHTSA