This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 45 mph, the contact heard an abnormal popping noise under the vehicle. The contact discovered that the lower ball joint failed and the wheel went under the vehicle. The contact noticed the frame skidding on the highway. The vehicle was towed away, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 228,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Altadena, CA, USA