Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint Problems of Toyota Tacoma - part 2

Feb 6,2010 as I was driving south on figueroa in highland park, the lower ball joint on right front tire completely broke causing my tire to fold under the truck. My vehicle is a 2004 Tacoma Toyota with101,560 miles. Since I was going about 20 mph, since it was raining at the time, there were no injuries, however if the failure had occurred on the freeway at much higher speeds, the failure could have resulted in my losing control and leading to a very serious accident, resulting in serious injury or even death. I had my truck towed to nearest repair shop and had the lower ball joint replaced. I went to the dealer where I originally purchased my truck, and I was dismissed, with service manager saying it was out of warranty, and the failure could happen any time. I did have two more contacts with this dealer (bob smith Toyota in la cresenta) but no help at all. I reported it to Toyota customer assistance in torrance, CA. And was told that this was not covered by any recall and there was nothing they could do (I spoke with dawn and the reference # is 10021153 of my call). I did more research and found that there was a recall on my model and year of my truck for the exact failure that occurred. The NHTSA campaign id# is 05v225000 and covers Toyota model Tacoma from 2001 to 2004. The NHTSA action # is ea04024. The description of the recall is the "component front control arm lower ball joint". Neverthe less I was told twice that my truck was not covered by the recall. Since the recall is listed by NHTSA I don't understand why I was told my truck was not covered. I feel this is very dangerous defect that can result in serious accidents. Also, what other action can I take to have the other lower ball checked to be sure it is safe, or replaced if necessary. I am retired, and I need to use this truck daily but feel very nervous when ever I drive it.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

My wife & I were traveling into bakersfield, (we're from arvin, CA) along bear mt. Blvd. On sat. Sept. 5, 2009 around 4:00 p. M. At about 60 mph and it became difficult for me to steer. Instead of going on the freeway, I decided to take an alternate rt. I came to a stop and began turning left at approx. 5- 10 mph & the r front tire folded out & the lower ball joint snapped. Luckily no one was hurt. We had to have the truck towed home. I ordered the lower ball joints on line so I could replace them. This is because when I contacted the Toyota dealership they informed me that my truck was not one on the recall list for this defective part. I am furious. I believe Toyota is liable for my damages. Before this occurred, I heard a few clicking & grinding sounds & thought maybe my power steering was going out. I had no idea it was ball joint failure, or I wouldn't have been driving it. I have my old defective parts. I also have another witness to this incidence besides my wife. He lives across the street from where this occurred & heard the loud boom when the truck hit the ground. I hope you look into this matter, as I would hate for someone else to experience what we did.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While attempting to make a left turn at 15 mph, the contact heard a popping noise coming from the front passenger side wheel. The tire detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they stated that the ball joints failed, which caused the wheel to detach and the axle to fail. The insurance company inspected the vehicle and confirmed the ball joint failure. While the vehicle was being repaired, the insurance company notified the contact of NHTSA campaign id number 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from the recall. He believes that the recall should have included his vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 134,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

2003 Toyota Tacoma 4wd crew cab pickup I would like to relate a recent experience I had with my 2003 Toyota pickup. I was driving the truck through a parking lot in largo, maryland on January 29, 2009. Suddenly there was a loud noise and the vehicle dropped down in the front end and I came to a stop. The front driver side wheel had dropped down into the wheel well. I had the vehicle towed by boswell auto service of waldorf, maryland near where I live. I was told by the mechanic that the castle nut on the driver side ball joint assembly had come off. I was told that this was an extraordinary event. The ball joint assembly separated and as a consequence front axle was broken as well. In reviewing my records I saw the recall for the lower ball joint for my Toyota. I had this recall work completed at waldorf Toyota on December 29, 2005. I brought this to the attention of the mechanic who fixed my truck. He told me I should make the dealership service department aware of this incident. In his opinion, this event should not happen if the ball joint castle nut is installed correctly. I took the information to waldorf Toyota on February 3, 2009. I spoke with the service manager (michael pavan, 301-843-3700, mpavan@toyotaofwaldorf. Com) and a man I believe was a mechanic or service supervisor. I showed them photographs and the broken ball joint assembly. They told me that the remnants of the cotter pin were still in so that they believe they had installed the castle nut correctly. I left the broken ball joint assembly with them. The service manager told me he would report it to his regional manager.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

I was not notified of several recalls on my 2002 Toyota Tacoma truck.

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact felt that the steering was very tight. While driving 20 mph, the front driver's side tire fell off. The vehicle was taken to the auto shop and repaired. The mechanic stated that the lower ball joint failed. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The manufacturer took a report and informed the contact that he would be notified by a Toyota representative. The current and failure mileages were 77,000.

In January 2006, I received a recall notice from Toyota ball joints on our 2003 Tacoma. I scheduled with the dealer and they were all replaced. Christmas day of 2007, I experienced a catastrophic failure of the ball joints on the right side. Both upper and lower separated while driving at about 30 mph. And, the wheel pretty much separated from the vehicle. (vehicle stopped without injury). Vehicle was towed and all four ball joints needed to be replaced. Vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Tacoma with 74,0000 miles. Mileage on Toyota-replaced ball joints could not have been more than about 20,000 miles when they failed.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received a recall notice regarding the front suspension lower ball joints. He took the vehicle to the dealer and had it repaired at approximately 100,000 miles. Six months later, while driving approximately 20 mph, he suddenly lost control of the steering. He was able to decelerate and pull to the side of the road. He then noticed that the wheel was detached from the steering assembly. Currently, the vehicle remains at the failure location. The VIN, engine size, number of cylinders, and recall number were unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 104,000.

Driving around curve at 5mph and front left wheel broke at ball joint and my truck fell on top of wheel bending my fender. I had to have truck towed and had both ball joints replace, $453 worth of repairs, not having had my fender fixed yet. My truck was man. In 05/01, missing the recall on the same problem by a few months. I'm blessed to have it happen at low speed, no telling what would have happened if it happened on the highway.

The contact owns a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 65 mph the ball joints failed which caused the driver side wheel to collapse. There was a loss of power steering and brakes. The road conditions were clear. The current and failure mileages were 90,000.

See all problems of the 1999 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received recall notice # 05v225000 (suspension: lower ball joint). He has made three attempts to have the vehicle repaired, but he keeps getting the runaround. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 53,000.

The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the front axle failed on may 29, 2007. He called the local Toyota dealer who looked up his VIN. The vehicle was not included in the recalls issued for older models of his vehicle. The contact's insurance agency referred him to NHTSA. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 201,000. The lower ball joint had failed. Updated 07/06/07.

See all problems of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

After noticing that the truck developed unusual tire wear and shaking and noise coming from the front end ,making the truck difficult and hazardous to drive. A private technician indicated that the front ball joints needed to be replaced. I was made aware of a Toyota recall, and was informed that although this vehicle was exhibiting the exact condition described in the recall that was on identical make, model and year this truck was not part of the recall and would not be covered due to the VIN.

I received a recall letter for my 2003 Toyota Tacoma to replace the front suspension lower ball joint ssc 50j a few months ago. I have contacted the dealer many times and each time I call they tell me the parts are in back order in the mean time I am driving on this vehicle with my baby and my 6 year old son in the truck I feel something needs to happen ASAP I need to get my parts replaced the treason I am taking immediate action right now because for the past days there has been noise coming from the front and also it has been very jumpy and I was told that is the lower ball joint. This is the only vehicle we have and I am very upset with Toyota how they are giving me the run around . I am afraid to drive my kids in it but I have no choice since it is our only vehicle please help me. I have mentioned to them to lend me a loaner and I also get the run around I will to take care of this before I put my family in danger.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 65 mph, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to control. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the front passenger side tire had turned in a 90 degree angle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the front passenger side lower ball joint needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 318,000 and failure mileage was 218,000. Updated 10/5/09 updated 10/07/09.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. In February of 2007, the contact received recall notice # (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The dealer stated that the part for the repair was on national back order and was unavailable. As of may 4, 2007, the part was still unavailable. The contact stated that the wait time for the recall repair is unacceptable. The current mileage is 38,300 and the failure mileage was unknown.

During a 23000 mile servicing, camelback Toyota informed me I would need to have the brakes serviced, because 95% of the pads have worn down. I am aware of a recall on these trucks lower ball joint, but the service agent did not tell me that at the time I brought it in. I was never informed by the dealer of this recall. Now, I am being charged for repairs, while the vehicle is still under warranty, for brake system failure (excessive/premature pad wear), and I believe this damage is because of the recall suspension issue.

The contact stated a recall letter was received pertaining to the lower ball joints. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall on 12/27/05 where the ball joints were replaced and the vehicle was realigned. The vehicle began to shimmy after about three month later and it was taken to an independent repair shop. The front tires were balance which resulted in difficulty of steering due to the tires becoming worn. The contact expressed that the worn tires were a direct result of the improper alignment performed by the dealer on 12/27/05. After 3 days, the vehicle was taken back to the independent repair shop for tire rotation because the difficulty in steering had worsened. The rotation fixed the problem for awhile however after a couple of months the steering worsened. On 6/26/06, the vehicle was taken to another independent tire dealer for realignment. The contact can provide specifications for the realignment of the tires before the alignment, after the alignment and the specified ranged.

No failure as of yet, but have two lower ball joints on my vehicle that both are out of tolerance at the same time. Seems that my make and model year had a recall on the lower ball joints but they are telling me that my vehicle wasn't included. It seems very odd that the ball joints are both out at the same time, almost like there is a problem with more of the joints than they initially expected.

: the contact stated there were no previous problems with the front suspension prior to receiving recall notification. There was a NHTSA recall campaign id # 05v225000 concerning the lower ball joints, the dealer performed the recall remedy. Afterwards, the vehicle drifted from side to side while driving various speeds. Although the vehicle was inspected by the dealer, the service department was unable to duplicate the problem with the front suspension.

2004 Toyota Tacoma will not pass inspection due to worn steering rack bushings. According to my mechanic (and confirmed as plausible by dealership service dept), this was caused by defective lower ball joints. Also, there is a current service/recall bulletin for just this problem. However, dealership and manufacturer representatives both insist the bulletin does not apply to my vehicle. This makes no sense as the problem exists. The bumper to bumper does not apply as the vehicle is currently 2k over.

Front suspension lower ball joint. My 2001 Toyota Tacoma double cab VIN# 5tehn72n51z840377 has diagnosed with a worn lower right front ball joint. I have been complaining about a noise in the front suspension for the past 50,000+ miles. Initially the noise occurred while taking left turns, now the noise occurs during all phases of operation (left& right turns, and stopping). Toyota claims my that the recall is VIN specific and mine is not covered by the recall/TSB. Yet my vehicle exhibits all the symptoms described in TSB 05015 (NHTSA #100015504) and has for several years.

- the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received a follow up notice for the suspension, lower ball joints. However, he never received a previous notice. The contact's vehicle was involved in a crash while driving 40 mph and was unable to gain control of the steering wheel. The air bags did not deploy, the contact's head shattered the windshield, and also sustainede bruising to the face. The contact stated that he made several attempts to call Toyota, and was told by the representative that he was the only person that hr ever reach and was not allowed to speak with a supervisor. Toyota sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle after the crash ,and he advised the contact that the reason that the air bag didn't deploy was due to the location of the impact. While unable to gain control of the steering wheel the contact's vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The contact was very concerned that the related recall was identical to the failure that occurred while his family member drove the vehicle. The contact was dissatisfied that the Toyota representative failed to mention the recall that was effective a year prior which caused a collision while inspecting the vehicle. The current mileage was 76,000 and the failure mileage was 39,500.

: the contact stated while turning the steering wheel there was a popping noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where it was determined that the lower ball joint was causing the noise. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05v225000, regarding the front lower ball joint. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. No repairs have been made. Updated 3/20/2006 -.

Consumer complaint regarding safety issue with ball joints. *** no answer required*** updated 11/7/2005 - the consumer had problems with the Toyota dealer therefore decided to take his vehicle to a non-Toyota dealer to have recall on the lower ball joint repaired (recall number 05v225000). The consumer request reimbursement form the manufacturer since he had to pay for the replacement.

The consumer stated that his 2001 Toyota Tacoma was traveling at 35 mph when the tire started making noise. Vehicle pulled to the right when the consumer pulled over to check the problem. Discovered that the lower ball joint broke. The consumer called Toyota and was told that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN, although it had the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The location of the ball joint was the passenger side front ball joint. The consumer was having that fixed today. Toyota offered no free remedy to the consumer. Updated 11/2/2005.

: the contact stated without warning while driving 30 mph, the passenger side tire seperated from the vehicle. It was towed to the dealership which determined the lower ball joint was shattered. The vehicle was repaired and there have been no further problems. Updated 04/11/06.

Without warning the vehicle started to shift to the right and the front tires were wearing too fast, and driver's side tire was swollen. Caller stated all the tires were affected. Dealer couldn't tell if this vehicle was in recall. Caller said could not get in touch with manufacturer. Recall was on ball joints, but the manufacturer has not yet contacted vehicle's owners.

The consumer stated that 2002 Toyota Tacoma was involved in a crash on may 20, 2005. The driver heard noises in the front end, like a clicking sound. The consumer was making a left hand turn and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle flipped upon its side. The consumer sustained some minor injuries. The consumer later received NHTSA recall 05v225000 concerning lower ball joints. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, and they said they will make an appointment for the parts to be replaced from the recall, and they would do their own inspection. Toyota called the consumer today with the report. They found nothing wrong with the front end or the ball joints. The consumer was upset that he could not see the joint balls that were replaced. He thought that he was cheated in the fact that he could not see the joints before Toyota took them. The consumer wanted to do his own inspection on the parts. He noticed that there was power steering fluid leaking, and he thought that the powering steering was under stress. A police and insurance reports were taken. . The vehicle has not been repaired as of now. The speed was between 25-35 mph when the crash occurred.

Info copy ltr fwd to Toyota regarding front suspension lower ball joint recall, customer dissatisfied w/quality of current Toyota vehicles. **reference 10140998*** the consumer was involved in an accident. When the consumer attempted to turn the steering wheel it kept going, the consumer over steered to try and the vehicle to turn, however the vehicle went too far in the opposite direction, crossed the center line, hit a culvert went airborne and hit a dirt ditch. The insurance company totaled the vehicle.

While driving 10 mph consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer was able to pull over and noticed that passenger's front tire fell off. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

The contact stated there was a Toyota recall on 2004-2004 Toyota Tacomas regarding the frontal ball joints. The consumer has a 2001 Toyota Tacoma which did not fall under the recall campaign, but the consumer had to replace both front ball joints on June 8, 2004. There was a vibration and a rubbing noise coming from the front end of vehicle. This was the same problem that was stated in the recall. The consumer contacted the manufacturer; they opened a case and did provide the consumer with case number 200508100951. The rotors and pads were replaced.

While driving, upper and lower ball joints broke and front end fell, causing major damage to other components in vehicle.

See all problems of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

My 2001 Toyota Tacoma was involved in a accident. At the trial the accident reconstruction person said he could not understand why the crash happened that it looked like some one had yanked the wheel very hard. The trial was for manslaughter and it took place before the recall. The truck was never inspected by a mechanic. I feel this was the cause for the accident.

Front suspension lower ball joint failed while in operation. Resulting in separation from the knuckle, causing a collapse in the suspension and loss of steering control while driving. The collapse happened in traffic and caused other damage to the vehicle including drive shaft and tire damage.

See all problems of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.