I have experienced a persistent steering and suspension-related issue with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner since early ownership, beginning at approximately 6,800 miles. The vehicle repeatedly pulls/drifts to the right at highway speeds and requires constant steering correction. I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50–60 MPH. Over several years, the vehicle has undergone multiple alignments, tire rotations, balancing procedures, and dealership inspections; however, the condition has never been resolved. Toyota dealership records document abnormal tire wear including feathering and cupping. Recent service documentation states the alignment could only be adjusted “to best ability.” A prior independent inspection identified possible lower control arm bushing concerns. Despite this, the vehicle was reportedly operating “within factory specifications.” The condition has persisted through multiple sets of tires and repeated service visits. The ongoing steering pull, vibration, and instability create a safety concern during highway driving because the vehicle does not consistently track straight and requires repeated steering correction. The issue has been reproducible over multiple years and has not been permanently corrected despite repeated repair attempts and inspections. No warning lights were present at the time of the condition.
Toyota 4RUNNER ball joint problems
217 of the 5,877 owner complaints about the Toyota 4RUNNER describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 217
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,300
- typical mileage
- 159,000
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 6Pulling 4Power steering loss 4ABS 2Won't start 1Tire blowout 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0456 1C1241 1C1223 1B1152 1B1150 1
What owners say
My 2019 Toyota 4Runner has experienced an ongoing steering and suspension issue since early in its life. The vehicle required an alignment at approximately 6,800 miles and has required repeated alignments since. At approximately 48,000 miles, a separate repair facility identified lower control arm bushing concerns. The issue was not properly corrected, and the vehicle continued to require repeated alignment adjustments. At approximately 66,000+ miles, the condition remains unresolved and continues to affect steering stability. The vehicle can pull or require correction to maintain proper lane position during normal driving. There have been multiple repair attempts, but the root cause has not been identified or repaired. This condition may present a safety concern due to reduced steering stability and potential loss of proper vehicle control.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was a thumping and clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle before the front passenger’s side of the vehicle unintendedly lowered. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, and the ball joint was touching the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the lower ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota 4Runner equipped with an Ironman 4x4 USA, Part: Pro Forge upper control arm. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23E051000 (Suspension) however, the contact stated that after calling and leaving messages with the manufacturer regarding the recall, the contact had not received a call back. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.
My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.
The frame is damaged from excessive corrosion. The rear cross member that supports the trailer hitch and rear bumper is almost non-existent, which could result in the loss of the trailer being towed, and it will reduce the truck's rear impact resistance. The front right lower control arm has a 2'" x 3/8" lateral hole from corrosion, which could result in a catastrophic failure of the right front suspension system. The longitudinal frame members are compromised by corrosion which has penetrated through the steel in various locations. The front cross-frame member that supports the radiator is severely corroded. The frame to body mounts are showing signs of excessive corrosion which could result in the separation of the the body from the frame in an accident.
The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.
The contact's wife owns a 1999 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at a slow speed, the back end of the vehicle began to wobble. The contact stated that his daughter pulled the vehicle into a parking lot and had the vehicle towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was inspected and severe corrosion was discovered on the driver's side rear lower control arm mount. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that there are no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Hello My Frame is rotted beyond safety standards, rotted way faster than the sheetmetal on the rest of the truck, leaving my vehicle unsafe for the road. Yes, it is available for inspection, and the local Toyota dealer did have a look and rendered it unsafe for the road. Apparently when the rust finally breaks, I will be hurled into oncoming traffic, endangering myself, my passengers and other drivers and passengers on the road nearby. No lamps, lights or other warnings were noted, yes, this vehicle was inspected by Charlie's Toyota in Augusta, Maine and deemed unsafe for the road due to dangerous frame corrosion, particularly surrounding the steering control arm, and rear axle control arm mounts causing severe safety hazards. There was a label saying the frame was sealed by the manufacturer, so I do not see how this is possible.
My 4runner was purchased from a dealership and serviced there for rust related problems several times but was never told I had a serious rust problem. The problem is the frame has prematurely rusted and now the car is unsafe to drive due to the control arm rusting off the frame
Related recalls
Suspension
- What is wrong
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
- Risk
- Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1‑866‑405‑4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.
Recall number 19V670000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V225000 · Recall details
Suspension
- What is wrong
- On certain 2-wheel-drive (2wd) and 4-wheel-drive (4wd) 4runner sport utility vehicles, a combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight rating) and severe steering maneuvers could cause the 2wd 4runner to lose directional stability.
- Risk
- This may result in a loss of control and could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. Although the 4wd 4runners do not exhibit the handling condition, toyota will recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles should receive the replacement parts. Owner notification began february 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 02V021000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota 4RUNNER ball joint
Which Toyota 4RUNNER years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (32 complaints), 1998 (27 complaints) and 2004 (24 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Toyota 4RUNNER?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,300 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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