Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | ||||||||||||||||
| 05V225000 | TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. | from 07/31/2001 to 12/23/2003 | V (Vehicle) | 768379 | 07/05/2005 | ODI | TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 05/17/2005 | 05/17/2005 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. the ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. the recall began on july 5, 2005. owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Toyota recall no. 50j.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||||
| 05015 | 06/27/2005 | 10015504 | Special service campaign 50j - phase i - front suspension lower ball joint may experience excessive wear and looseness causing increased steering, effort, reduced vehicle self-centering, and noise in the front suspension. *tt | 07/26/2005 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 10/16/2012 | |||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame near the rear passenger's side tire was rusted. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the frame could not be repaired and that the vehicle should not be driven. the vehicle was then taken to the dealer and it was determined that the vehicle could be repaired at the contact's expense. the manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 120,000. kmj | |||
| 10/16/2012 | |||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame on the rear passenger tire had rusted. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told the frame could not be repaired and the vehicle shoul not be driven. the vehicle was then taken to a dealer and it was determined the vehicle could be repaired, but that the manufacturer would not pay for the repair. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 120,000.rl | |||
| 01/09/2013 | 69000 | 1 | |
| My tacoma was recalled 2 years ago for frame rust. they told me it was ok + undercoated it to prevent future rusting. all that undercoating is falling off. that can only be due to improper application or faulty product. the dealer that applied the product (ferris toyota) says the product is faulty + they've seen it many times. they've also confirmed the same with other dealerships. toyota, otoh, says there's nothing wrong. if the frame doesn't need undercoating, then why'd they do it? are they suggesting it works when 50% has fallen off? this is the same vehicle which is now being recalled for spare tires falling off on the highway + my emergency brakes have been seized with corrosion since i've owned the truck. i've contacted toyota many times + they refuse to put their correspondence in writing, but the representative, tiffany bishop, says she types a transcript of our conversations, just won't give me copies. she also calls from a phone with a blocked number. what kind of bull is this? these vehicles are obvious hazards on the road + toyota is playing games instead of making serious efforts to make the vehicles safe. please bring this to the attention of someone at toyota other than [xxx], i am finished corresponding with her! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr | |||
| 01/09/2013 | 69000 | ||
| My tacoma was recalled 2 years ago for frame rust. they told me it was ok + undercoated it to prevent future rusting. all that undercoating is falling off. that can only be due to improper application or faulty product. the dealer that applied the product (ferris toyota) says the product is faulty + they've seen it many times. they've also confirmed the same with other dealerships. toyota, otoh, says there's nothing wrong. if the frame doesn't need undercoating, then why'd they do it? are they suggesting it works when 50% has fallen off? this is the same vehicle which is now being recalled for spare tires falling off on the highway + my emergency brakes have been seized with corrosion since i've owned the truck. i've contacted toyota many times + they refuse to put their correspondence in writing, but the representative, tiffany bishop, says she types a transcript of our conversations, just won't give me copies. she also calls from a phone with a blocked number. what kind of bull is this? these vehicles are obvious hazards on the road + toyota is playing games instead of making serious efforts to make the vehicles safe. please bring this to the attention of someone at toyota other than ms bishop, i am finished corresponding with her! | |||
| 09/18/2011 | 178000 | 3 | |
| The lower ball joint fell off the truck...this is the 3rd time this has happened in 11 months...once on the right side and twice on the left...there was a recall on this vehicle for the very issue that has happened...and i bought it under warranty september 2005 from toyota, evans toyota fort wayne indiana...i have submitted a claim for repairs and damages to toyota but they refused to honor it...the truck was under recall when i bought it and they never told me...i have all my claim and repair documentation...it is a wonder no one was killed the wheel just comes off while driving...i am afraid that this is going to happen and i or someone else will be killed...the wheels are not suppose to come off this truck.... *tr | |||
| 08/24/2012 | 220000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the front passenger side wheel separated from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the ball joint had failed, similar tothe defect listed in nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted. the failure mileage was 220,000. | |||
| 08/24/2012 | 220000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the front passenger side wheel separated from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the ball joint had failed, similar tothe defect listed in nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted. the failure mileage was 220,000. kmj | |||
| 08/24/2012 | 220000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated while traveling 25 mph the passenger front wheel separated from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the ball joint had failed similar to nhtsa campaign id number (05v225000). the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted. the failure mileage was 220,000. mh | |||
| 03/08/2012 | 88500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the mechanic advised that the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for further inspection or repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised that the vin qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall was expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 88,500 and the current mileage was 89,000. kmj | |||
| 03/18/2012 | |||
| 2002 toyotoa truck, lost control and hit my ford s/w, truck was on recll for ball/joints , both me and wife was hurt by this un insured driver, driver was cited for wrong turn into my lane, i lost both my car and my health, what can i do to recover damages from a uninsured truck and driver? | |||
| 03/08/2012 | 88500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the mechanic advised that the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for further inspection or repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised that the vin qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall was expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 88,500 and the current mileage was 89,000. kmj | |||
| 03/18/2012 | |||
| 2002 toyotoa truck, lost control and hit my ford s/w, truck was on recll for ball/joints , both me and wife was hurt by this un insured driver, driver was cited for wrong turn into my lane, i lost both my car and my health, what can i do to recover damages from a uninsured truck and driver? | |||
| 03/08/2012 | 88500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the mechanic advised that the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for further inspection or repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised that the vin qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall was expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 88,500 and the current mileage was 89,000. kmj | |||
| 03/18/2012 | |||
| 2002 toyotoa truck, lost control and hit my ford s/w, truck was on recll for ball/joints , both me and wife was hurt by this un insured driver, driver was cited for wrong turn into my lane, i lost both my car and my health, what can i do to recover damages from a uninsured truck and driver? | |||
| 03/08/2012 | 88500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated during maintenance with a private mechanic. the mechanic confirmed the vehicle frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed the vin qualified for recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall was expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 88,500 and the current mileage was 89,000 . rds | |||
| 03/18/2012 | |||
| 2002 toyotoa truck, lost control and hit my ford s/w, truck was on recll for ball/joints , both me and wife was hurt by this un insured driver, driver was cited for wrong turn into my lane, i lost both my car and my health, what can i do to recover damages from a uninsured truck and driver? | |||
| 11/19/2011 | 188000 | ||
| While driving away from my house at 5mph, at night in the rain, approximately 200 feet from my driveway and just after a speed bump, i heard and felt a loud noise, like driving over a concrete block. i stopped the truck and using a flashlight saw that the wheel was bent at an angle and the lower ball joint was completely sheared off. had to call a tow truck to get it out of the road and back to our driveway. | |||
| 07/01/2011 | 2 | ||
| 2002 toyota tacoma. consumer states in 2010 while backing out of the backyard, the left wheel axle broke *tgw the consumer stated the exact same thing happened on july 1, 2011, only it happened on the opposite side. the consumer stated the tire twisted and the truck skidded into oncoming traffic. *jb | |||
| 12/10/2010 | 154887 | ||
| The ball joints and suspension on my 2002 toy tacoma fell apart while making a routine turn onto my street! the balljoints separated and the front axle dug into the street, the only thing holding the wheel to the vehicle was the brake line! had this happened 5 minutes earlier it would have been on the freeway doing 65 mph instead of in a residential tract doing 20 mph! | |||
| 12/18/2002 | 5000 | 06/09/2002 | |
| For the last year i have brought truck back to sf toyota dealership for transmission problems , suspension problems rattling dash board, squeaking sounds from seat and front bushings. all these problems still have not been fixed. after 15 visits to dealership, sf toyota left scratches on body and lost mud flap. body now tilted after service. *nlm | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 12/10/2010 | 154887 | ||
| The ball joints and suspension on my 2002 toy tacoma fell apart while making a routine turn onto my street! the balljoints separated and the front axle dug into the street, the only thing holding the wheel to the vehicle was the brake line! had this happened 5 minutes earlier it would have been on the freeway doing 65 mph instead of in a residential tract doing 20 mph! | |||
| 12/10/2010 | 160000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while driving approximately 20 mph making a right turn the frame fell off the vehicle leaving the wheel connected by the brake line only. the vehicle was towed to the contacts home. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they stated there was a recall for that year , make and model (nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000)but did not include his vin. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000. ds | |||
| 11/25/2010 | 88000 | ||
| Tl. the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated while driving 15 mph the contact made a right turn. while making the right turn the contact heard a loud pop and lost control of the vehicle. the contact was able to regain control and pulled the vehicle off the road. while inspecting the vehicle the contact front passenger tire was disconnected from the lower control arm and folded underneath the passenger side fender. the contact had the vehicle towed a local mechanic. the notice a recall for a lower control arm (05v225000) but due to the vin number the vehicle did not fall into the recall. the contact stated the lower control arm malfunctioning could have caused a crash. the failure mileage was 88,000. jo | |||
| 08/26/2010 | 156000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while the contact was traveling out of a curve in the road at approximately 25 mph, the wheel suddenly disengaged and rolled underneath the front driver side door. the vehicle was towed to a dealer and they informed that the failure was related to the lower ball joint. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the lower ball joint failure caused other damages to the vehicle. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was approximately 156,0000. js | |||
| 09/05/2009 | 145142 | 1 | |
| 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. *tr | |||
| 07/05/2008 | 100000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns 2002 toyota tacoma. while driving 5 mph, the passenger right front tire ball joint broke in half. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that his vehicle identification number wasn | |||
| 10/22/2004 | 36000 | 1 | 08/18/2002 |
| No known events leading to the failure. progressive, successive failure of bolts holding left front wheel assembly and suspension arm to the truck. this caused separation of mentioned member from the vehicle resulting in total loss of control and overturning of said vehicle. the vehicle was a total loss as a result of the incident.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||
| 12/01/2010 | 1 | ||
| 2002 toyota tacoma. consumer states as he attempted to make a right turn, the front end of the vehicle fell apart while driving. axle dug into the street causing the ball joints to separate from their knuckle sleeves. suspension fell apart damaging the vehicle. *kb the consumer stated the only thing holding the tire to the vehicle was the brake line. the consumer was advised his vehicle identification was not a part of the recall. *jb | |||
| 04/10/2008 | 99000 | 1 | 05/15/2002 |
| I was not notified of several recalls on my 2002 toyota tacoma truck. *tr | |||
| 09/26/2007 | 100000 | 1 | 05/01/2002 |
| Tl*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. | |||
| 07/12/2007 | 53000 | 1 | |
| Tl*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. | |||
| 10/13/2005 | 58946 | 1 | |
| Consumer complaint regarding safety issue with ball joints. *ts *** 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. *nm | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| Info copy ltr fwd to toyota regarding front suspension lower ball joint recall, customer dissatisfied w/quality of current toyota vehicles. *ts the consumer stated he experienced steering problems and the front end of the vehicle was loose. the consumer traded the vehicle on june 4, 2005 and 4 months she received a recall letter in the mail. *jb | |||
| 05/20/2005 | 58000 | 1 | 05/26/2004 |
| Dt: 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.*ak | |||
| 06/18/2004 | 1 | ||
| 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. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT | |||
| 06/18/2004 | 1 | ||
| 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. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 04/30/2003 | 7500 | 1 | 11/04/2001 |
| Front and rear shocks. *jb | |||
| 12/17/2002 | 5009 | 06/09/2002 | |
| Brought truck to toyota service for 5000 mile service reported auto trans jump in gear shift from 1st to second (mechanic said needed new transmission, after leaving service station noticed truck wasn't driving properly brought truck back mechanic said needs new front shock and rear shock. now it did not need new transmission even though it still jumps from gear to gear. | |||
| 12/13/2002 | 3000 | 06/09/2002 | |
| Transmission jumps from first to second and second to third transmission slips backward on hill in drive | |||
| 01/19/2002 | 12/01/2001 | ||
| The truck has always walked all over the road when you hit a bump .. this time it was raining our son hit a bump and lost control on the wet road because of the trucks... goin all over road when hit a bump he couldnt hold it on the road when it was wet goin 65 miles hr.. we think the shocks are the front end there a defect in. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 12/28/2009 | 42000 | 1 | |
| Gas tank shield severely rusted. under side of gastank is protected by a shield/skid plate. it is rusted so badly that when hit with a hammer the hammer goes right through. presumably this shield is to protect the gas tank from debris and stones especially if the truck is used off road. i discovered this as i was inspecting the underside of the truck before dropping the truck off at the dealer to have the frame replaced. in addition to this, it is apparent that the drive axle and differential housing also have severe rust. if tapped with a hammer the rust comes of in sheets. the parking brakes actuating levers have rusted in place and can no longer be used. there appears to be more to this rust than simple frame rust. the rust is pervasive through out the underside of the truck. *tr | |||
| 05/23/2007 | 61923 | 7 | 02/25/2006 |
| The toyota tacoma had a rear axle wrap up, this was where the two piece driveshaft becomes loose at the spleen and caused a clung or looseness in the drive line, which caused undue stress on the engine and the transmission, which could cause the driveshaft to break at the yoke and fall to ground, causing an accident. this was getting progressively worse on the truck. i have taken the car under warranty to the dealer. they dismissed it as normal. this was not normal. it was a flaw in the springs they used on the truck.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 04/30/2003 | 7500 | 1 | 11/04/2001 |
| Front and rear shocks. *jb | |||
| 12/17/2002 | 5009 | 06/09/2002 | |
| Brought truck to toyota service for 5000 mile service reported auto trans jump in gear shift from 1st to second (mechanic said needed new transmission, after leaving service station noticed truck wasn't driving properly brought truck back mechanic said needs new front shock and rear shock. now it did not need new transmission even though it still jumps from gear to gear. | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS | |||
| 05/23/2007 | 61923 | 7 | 02/25/2006 |
| The toyota tacoma had a rear axle wrap up, this was where the two piece driveshaft becomes loose at the spleen and caused a clung or looseness in the drive line, which caused undue stress on the engine and the transmission, which could cause the driveshaft to break at the yoke and fall to ground, causing an accident. this was getting progressively worse on the truck. i have taken the car under warranty to the dealer. they dismissed it as normal. this was not normal. it was a flaw in the springs they used on the truck.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/23/2007 | 61923 | 7 | 02/25/2006 |
| The toyota tacoma had a rear axle wrap up, this was where the two piece driveshaft becomes loose at the spleen and caused a clung or looseness in the drive line, which caused undue stress on the engine and the transmission, which could cause the driveshaft to break at the yoke and fall to ground, causing an accident. this was getting progressively worse on the truck. i have taken the car under warranty to the dealer. they dismissed it as normal. this was not normal. it was a flaw in the springs they used on the truck.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - LEAF | |||
| 05/23/2007 | 61923 | 7 | 02/25/2006 |
| The toyota tacoma had a rear axle wrap up, this was where the two piece driveshaft becomes loose at the spleen and caused a clung or looseness in the drive line, which caused undue stress on the engine and the transmission, which could cause the driveshaft to break at the yoke and fall to ground, causing an accident. this was getting progressively worse on the truck. i have taken the car under warranty to the dealer. they dismissed it as normal. this was not normal. it was a flaw in the springs they used on the truck.*ak | |||