Toyota recalls 370000 minivans
Corrosion could cause the spare tire located under the vehicle to fall off Toyota's Sienna minivan.
Toyota is recalling 370,000 Sienna minivans because salt water can corrode parts under the vehicle, causing the spare tire to sometimes fall off.
The recall affects those minivans that were sold or registered in cold weather states where salt is routinely used to keep roadways ice-free, the company said Thursday. It includes model years 2004-2011.
The spare tire is stored under the vehicle where a splash protector is supposed to keep water from reaching the spare tire carrier. But that splash protector may not have been installed properly or could fall off during normal usage, Toyota said.
Some of the recalled vehicles were already recalled in April 2010 for the same problem. At that time, the splash protector was added and an anti-rust agent was applied to reduce the effects of corrosion. But if the protector was installed incorrectly or has fallen off, the anti-rust agent may not be sufficient and the minivan should still be fixed.
A Toyota spokeswoman said the company is unaware of any accidents related to the issue.
Those who live in warmer climates can also get their minivans updated with the remedy even though Toyota does not consider it a safety issue for those owners. 
First Published: May 22, 2014: 12:18 PM ET
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