One problem related to ball joint has been reported for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1. Driving normally, my 1997 Toyota Tacoma's front passenger tire fell off at an intersection. The ball joint failed. It was towed to a service place today. Had I been driving at highway speed, myself and passengers could have been killed or seriously injured. 2. Has not happened before. The vehicle is well maintained. 3. Waiting on repair parts and estimate.