Lower ball joint failure.
Toyota Tacoma ball joint problems
182 of the 8,489 owner complaints about the Toyota Tacoma describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 182
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $980
- typical mileage
- 156,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Power steering loss 6Grinding brakes 5Harsh shifting 4Pulling 3Tire blowout 2Knocking 2Coil spring 2Brake failure 2
What owners say
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while performing a routine engine oil change, extensive corrosion was observed across the entire undercarriage. The severe rust damage fully compromised the vehicle's structural frame, control arms, and several underbody components. The dealer was not notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
While checking wiper fluid levels for 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, noticed power steering fluid was below minimum line. No leaks were noticed on the ground where the vehicle is normally parked, underneath the reservoir or along the hoses related to the power steering system. Upon inspecting the tie rod boots, it was noticed that they appeared to be holding fluid, due to signs of moisture on the exterior of the boots. Vehicle was taken to the dealership where purchased. Vehicle was purchased November 2022 and now has approximately 52,000 miles). The dealership service department determined the steering rack seals failed and power steering fluid was dripping into the tie rod boots. Vehicle was out of the 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty and this known issue is not covered by the power train warranty, so 100% of the cost to repair falls upon the owner. Dealer stated that this is a known issue but could not state why a recall was never initiated to alleviate the issue and prevent this costly repair from falling upon the vehicle owners. If not repaired the issue could cause sudden, dramatic increases in steering effort and total loss of vehicle control. Low fluid can also damage internal pump components if not caught early enough.
My son was driving the 2000 Toyota Tacoma across very smooth transition railroad tracks at about 25 mph and the right front ball joint failed, collapsing the suspension. He lost all control and the vehicle skidded to a stop. Had he been going any faster, the vehicle could have rolled over. I have reviewed the recalls for Toyota ball joints and found the there is a 50J recall for 2001-2005 Tacomas. Interestingly enough, the trucks/Tacomas from 1995-2000 have the same ball joint but were not included in the recall. I have tried to work with Toyota directly on this matter and they don't seem to want to help me. This is a safety issue and should be elevated to recall levels for all vehicles with this ball joint.
*Steering system - tie rod / steering nut lock was loose and discover after alignment service * Loose tie rod nut created a potential safety risk because it involves a steering component related to vehicle control. This could have put me, my passengers, and others drivers at risk if the condition had worsened while driving. *No, the condition has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I noticed abnormal steering/handling, inspected the vehicle myself, and discovered a loose tie rod nut. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. *No the vehicle I available upon request *No
the left side inner and outer tie rods pulled apart at threads at jam nut. The threads approx 2 to three inches of threads were 100% rotted. The jam nut showed no sign of being loose. It did not UNTHREAD. No noise or any indication ever of an issue. It happened at 5:15 am. It was dark. I was at best going 1 mph in reverse. If this had happened at road speeds the outcome could have been fatal for someone. For sure a lot of damage. I did not take a picture my bad. I did ask for the parts back but am 99%sure the part I got was not mine.it had a weld on it likely to move vehicle. The inner tie rod Was cut and looking like new, not a part exposed to the elements for 65k miles. I visually compared to other side. I will dissect it when I go to my friends shop. I could be wrong but doubtful. Call if questions. I had an extended warranty so they covered under that or a warranty/campaign? I was a NIASE AND NOW called ASE certified mechanic specializing in front end repair so…I would not knowingly drive cars that have a safety issue that could kill me or anyone. Safety first.
I took my 2003 Toyota Tacoma and for a tire alignment and was told by an employee of the tire shop that my rack and pinion needed to be replaced and lower ball joints. I checked the VIN number and it said I have zero recalls, but there is a general recall on this make a model that I have what do I do? I also have the steering has a lot of play whenever I go for a bump in the road like the tires catch the road so I kind of swerve a little bit and I feel that it’s very unsafe to me and other drivers.
I was turning into a gas station and all the sudden the vehicle came to a complete stop i was unable to move the vehicle and sat there until the tow truck was able to show up. Looked under the vehicle and on the passenger side front suspension the lower ball joint was no longer where it belongs.
Vehicle Cannot Be Safely Driven – Structural / Suspension Defect Suspected – Dealer Claims “Repair Completed” Despite Unequal Wheelbase My vehicle is currently unsafe to operate, due to the following critical issues: ⸻ 1. Left–right wheelbase inconsistency The front and rear wheelbase measurements are not equal side-to-side. This is a strong indicator of structural deviation, such as: •Subframe misalignment •Control arm mounting point displacement •Deformed suspension components •Manufacturing or assembly error in chassis geometry ⸻ 2. Front caster angles remain abnormal •Left caster: 3.9° •Right caster: 4.9° •Cross-caster difference: 1.0° A 1° difference exceeds manufacturer tolerances and causes: •Vehicle drifting •Poor straight-line stability •Uneven steering return •Potential instability during emergency braking This is a safety-related steering geometry defect. ⸻ 3. Real-world driving confirms unsafe behavior The vehicle cannot maintain straight-line travel, the steering wheel is off-center, and the car exhibits instability at normal speeds. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. ⸻ 4. Despite these unresolved issues, the dealership insists the vehicle is “repaired” and demands that I pick it up. They refused to provide frame measurement reports or explanation for the unequal wheelbase. Returning a vehicle with unresolved steering and chassis geometry defects constitutes unsafe vehicle delivery. ⸻ Conclusion Based on unequal wheelbase, abnormal caster geometry, and inability to drive safely, this vehicle likely contains a structural or assembly defect. I formally request investigation, suspension geometry verification, and required action from the manufacturer, as this is a matter of public road safety.
Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled
Related recalls
Suspension: rear: shock absorber
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Tacoma vehicles. The metal flange on the front and rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external oil reservoir.
- Risk
- An oil reservoir that detaches can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front and rear shock absorber assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 30, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in March 2027. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB14 and 26TA14.
Recall number 26V514000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 14V604000 · 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: front
- What is wrong
- Under certain driving conditions, the front suspension support can crack leading to failure of the support.
- Risk
- This condition can result in loss of vehicle control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair the suspension support.
Recall number 96V129000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota Tacoma ball joint
Which Toyota Tacoma years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (35 complaints), 2004 (35 complaints) and 2002 (27 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Toyota Tacoma?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $980 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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