2002 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 360 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 30 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireNov 23, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 12V542000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower ball jointMay 17, 2005
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.
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
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.
Campaign 05V225000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.
THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. 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.
Campaign 03V189000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
85 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 22, 2013
AFTER HAVING MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA OFF THE ROAD AND GARAGED FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS, I WAS GETTING THE TRUCK READY TO BE DRIVEN ON THE ROAD AGAIN. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I TOOK THE TRUCK OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE MY JOB WAS ELIMINATED IN OCTOBER 2010. AFTER CHANGING THE OIL LAST WEEKEND IN MY GARAGE I NOTICED AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME. IN FACT, SO MUCH RUST THAT THE RUBBER BODY MOUNT BLOCK ON TOP OF THE REAR LEAF SPRING SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. THE LEAF SPRINGS, BRAKE LINES, AND FRONT SUSPENSION AND FRAME ARE ALL IN QUESTION REGARDING VEHICLE SAFETY. I IMMEDIATELY DID RESEARCH ONLINE TO CHECK OUT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS ABNORMAL AMOUNTS OF RUST ON THE FRAME AND TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD EXPERIENCED THIS TOO. I WAS SHOCKED AT WHAT I FOUND. A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WITH TOYOTA TACOMA RUSTED FRAMES. I COME TO FIND OUT ONLINE THAT TOYOTA HAS A HISTORY OF RUSTED FRAMES, BREAKING FRAMES, UNSAFE FRAMES, AND A RECALL CURRENTLY FOR A REAR SPARE TIRE MOUNT ISSUE DUE TO RUST. I ALSO FOUND OUT TOYOTA WAS REPLACING FRAMES ON MY MODEL. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS TRUCK INSPECTED FOR PENNSYLVANIA STATE REQUIREMENTS AND TO HAVE THE RUST CHECKED. THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS NOT VALID FOR THE RUST INSPECTION AND THE FRAME REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE PROGRAM EXPIRED, I WAS TOLD TO CALL TOYOTA. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA OR MY DEALER THERE WAS AN ISSUE, NOT BY MAIL, PHONE CALLS OR CERTIFIED MAIL. I HAD THE TRUCK PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOR THREE YEARS SO IT WASN'T EVEN ON THE ROAD DURING THIS TIME. SEVERAL PHONE CALLS LATER TO TOYOTA AND THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE MY FRAME UNDER THE CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM CITING I DID NOT HAVE THE UNDERCOATING APPLIED BY DECEMBER OF 2012. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID I COULD WELD REINFORCEMENT PLATES TO MY FRAME MYSELF OR FIND A JUNKYARD FRAME. REALLY TOYOTA?
Suspension, Sep 6, 2013
I AM A CANADIAN CITIZEN, CURRENTLY THE SECOND OWNER OF A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA AND HAVE ACCESSED THIS SITE TO INFORM OTHER OWNERS BUT HAD TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT UNDER THE PREVIOUS OWNERS NAME. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND RETURNED TO CANADA. IN LATE 2011 I WAS ADVISED THAT MY VEHICLE FRAME WAS STARTING TO SHOW SEVERE RUST CORROSION. I TOOK STEPS, AS ADVISED, TO HAVE IT UNDERCOATED BUT WHEN TAKING IT IN FOR INSPECTION THIS YEAR, I WAS TOLD IT WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO DO A TEMPORARY FIX BY HAVING THE FRAME WELDED BUT THAT WOULD ONLY BE IN THE SHORT TERM. IN PURSUING THIS WITH TOYOTA USA I'VE TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PUT ON THESE VEHICLES WHICH EXPIRED IN 2011 AND SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE IT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY DO EVERYTHING TO AVOID RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT I AM AWARE THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY FRAMES FOR SIMILAR VEHICLES AT THEIR COST OR PAID OUT THE CUSTOMERS BY BUYING BACK THE VEHICLES. SO MANY CUSTOMERS ARE FRUSTRATED WITH TOYOTA, ME INCLUDED AND THEY'VE ADVISED ME SINCE IT ISN'T REGISTERED IN THE US CURRENTLY THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING. ON THE OTHER HAND, CHECKING WITH TOYOTA CANADA THEN THEY SAY I HAVE TO RESOLVE THE MATTER WITH TOYOTA USA. TALK ABOUT PASSING THE BUCK BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN NORTH AMERICA SINCE 2002 AND WAS BUILT IN CALIFORNIA. WHY SHOULD THIS MATTER? IT'S STILL A TOYOTA. POOR CUSTOMER RELATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 11, 2013
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
Suspension, Wheels, Oct 17, 2012, crash
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
Suspension, Sep 13, 2012
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.
Suspension, Mar 21, 2012
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.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 19, 2012, crash
2002 TOYOTOA TRUCK, LOST CONTROL AND HIT MY FORD S/W, TRUCK WAS ON RECALL 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? *JS
Suspension, Feb 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE LEAF SPRINGS AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 128,500.
Suspension, Nov 21, 2011
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. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Jul 27, 2011
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
Suspension, Jan 25, 2011
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
Suspension, Dec 24, 2010, crash
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! *TR
Suspension, Dec 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE FRAME FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE, LEAVING THE WHEEL CONNECTED BY THE BRAKE LINE ONLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000-SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE HIS VIN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Suspension, Nov 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD POP WHILE TURNING RIGHT AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER. HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DISCONNECTED FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND FOLDED BENEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT RECALL 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) DID NOT INCLUDE HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.
Suspension, Sep 1, 2010
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.
Suspension, Parking brake, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Structure, Dec 28, 2009
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
Suspension, Sep 9, 2009
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
Suspension, Jul 7, 2008
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'T INCLUDED IN RECALL 05V225000. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 11, 2008
I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF SEVERAL RECALLS ON MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK. *TR
Suspension, Oct 1, 2007
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.
Suspension, Jul 12, 2007
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.
Suspension, Power train, May 23, 2007
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, Feb 2, 2007
1:40 PM, JAN 20, 2007, I WAS DRIVING MY SEQUOIA N/B ON SIERRA HWY IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX 40-45 MPH. I NOTICED A SLIGHT STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING. A SHORT TIME LATER THE LEFT FRONT OF MY VEHICLE VIOLENTLY FELL TO THE GROUND. THERE WERE VEHICLES BEHIND ME AND WITH DIFFICULTY I STEERED TO THE CURB. WHEN THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND, I HEARD A LOUD 'BANG', AND I FELT THAT I LOST SOME OF MY BRAKES. ONE OF THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME TOLD ME SHE SAW SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED AT THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. I SAW THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, WHEEL & HUB (ALL STILL ATTACHED) FOLDED UNDER THE LEFT RUNNING BOARD PREVENTING THE FRONT FENDER AND BUMPER FROM FALLING DIRECTLY TO THE ROADWAY. I SAW THAT THE BRAKE LINES APPEARED TO BE BROKEN. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO TOYOTA ON MON, JAN 22, 2007. I WAS TOLD THAT IT APPEARED THE LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT HAD BROKEN CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP CONTACTED THEIR SERVICE DIRECTOR TO DETERMINE WHAT REPAIRS SHOULD BE MADE. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT TOYOTA HAD 'NO LIABILITY' TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE AT THEIR EXPENSE. REPAIR ESTIMATE IS APPROX $5,000. + THE RENTAL VEHICLE THEY ARRANGED. I WAS TOLD A REGIONAL SERVICE INSPECTOR WOULD LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. I TOLD THEM THAT I WANTED THE OLD PARTS IF REPAIRS WERE TO BE MADE. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I WENT TO THE TOYOTA WEB SITE AND NOTICED NUMEROUS RECALL NOTICES FROM TOYOTA FOR FRONT BALL JOINT FAILURES ON MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. I RECEIVED NO RECALL NOTICES FROM TOYOTA. TOYOTA STATED MY VIN WAS NOT ON THE LIST FOR ANY RECALL NOTICES. THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPT STATED THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED 'NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR' THAT WOULD REQUIRE ME TO HAVE THIS ITEM CHECKED DURING ALL OF MY REGULAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. AS OF THIS DATE I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE REGIONAL INSPECTOR HAS INSPECTED MY VEHICLE. *JB
Suspension, Nov 7, 2005
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
Suspension, Oct 18, 2005
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