2004 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 414 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 27 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
Seat belts, frontMay 5, 2004
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.' THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS INCORRECT MARKINGS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD.
DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS. NO VEHICLES WERE SOLD TO CONSUMERS.
Campaign 04V214000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Mar 29, 2015
MY 2004 TACOMA HAS ~127,500 MILES AND HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO FRAME CORROSION AND SPARE TIRE RETAINER CORROSION RECALLS. MY DEALER RECENTLY ADVISED THAT THE LEFT REAR LEAF SPRING IS BROKEN WHICH IS RESULTING IN AN UNPREDICTABLE RESPONSE WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IN 4WD IN SNOWY WEATHER. THIS LACK OF STEERING CONTROL IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE THIS FRACTURE IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE CORROSION ISSUES IN THE TACOMA FRAME AND SUSPENSION DESIGN ON THE TACOMA. TOYOTA USA HAS REVIEWED THE CASE AND IS UNWILLING TO COVER THE COST OF THE LEAF SPRING REPAIRS. THIS IS DESPITE AN EXTENSIVE RECALL ON 2005+UP TACOMA'S FOR DISTRESSED LEAF SPRINGS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 26, 2015, crash
FRAME SLIGHTLY BENT IN ACCIDENT. WHEN BODY SHOP WENT TO PULL FRAME TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THEY WOULD NOT DO IT BECAUSE HOW BADLY RUSTED THE FRAME WAS. TRUCK HAD 88,000 MILES ON IT. TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING. THIS IS MY SECOND TACOMA THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. THEY RECALLED MY 97 TACOMA BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE, AT LEAST THEY TREATED ME FAIRLY ON THAT. I WAS ASSURED WHEN I BOUGHT THE SECOND TRUCK RUST PROBLEM WAS FIXED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 26, 2014
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE OF 2014. THE CARFAX REPORT ONLY LISTED A RECENT RECALL DEALING WITH THE SPARE TIRE HANGER. THE CARFAX REPORT DID NOT SHOW ANY OTHER RECALLS, INCLUDING THE FRAME TREATMENT, THE FRAME REPLACEMENT OR THE TRUCK BUY BACK OFFERED BY TOYOTA. WE COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THE RECALLS. TWO WEEKS AGO, THE REAR RIGHT SHOCK ROTTED/COMPLETELY BROKE AWAY FROM THE SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME. TOYOTA SAYS THEY WILL DO NOTHING BECAUSE "WE" DIDN'T HAVE IT TREATED. HOWEVER, WE HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL AND HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A FRAME PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DEALER INDICATED NO ISSUES, THE CARFAX REPORT SHOWED NOTHING AND WE HAVE ONLY OWNED THE TRUCK FOR 6 MONTHS. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. ARE WE STUCK WITH THIS OR CAN WE HOLD SOMEONE ACCOUNTABLE FOR HELP? *TR
Suspension, Dec 1, 2014
UPON A NORMAL SERVICE INCIDENT I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER SIDE SHOWS A CORROSION PROBLEM THAT HAS EATEN HALF WAY THRU THE FRAME MAKING THE TRUCK UNSAFE DUE TO THE CORROSION PROBLEM AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT TOYOTA THEIR RESPONSE WAS SORRY NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU.THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED AND EXPIRED IN 2010 WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT.IT IS A RESPONSE THAT DOES NOT SATISFY ME OR MAYBE OTHER OWNERS OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND IT WAS THERE PRODUCT THAT THEY PRODUCED AND NOW DO NOT WANT TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR. EST REPAIR COST TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM = 14000.00 NOT ACCEPTABLE. *JS
Suspension, Structure, Nov 1, 2014
THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH.I CALLED TOYOTA THEY SAID THEY SENT A RECALL.I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T RECEIVE ONE.THEY SAID IT WAS NOT THERE FAULT.IT WAS THE POST OFFICE FAULT.I CAN'T HAVE ANY WORK DONE ON THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF THE RUST.I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY I EXPECTED THIS TRUCK TO LAST A WHILE.THEY KNEW THEY WERE MAKING SUBSTANDARD FRAMES.BY JUST LOOKING AT MY FRAME. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 6, 2014
I PURCHASE MY TOYOTA TACOMA USED IN JAN. 2013. I NOTICED LAST MONTH THAT THE FRAME WAS GETTING HOLES IN IT. THE INFORMATION I LOOKED UP SAID THAT TOYOTA DID A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR TRUCK. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT IT IS NOW TOO LATE TO GET IT TAKEN CARE OF. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALL OR AN ARBITRARY ENDING DATE. CAN YOU HELP ME GET TOYOTA TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE TRUCK IS NOW WORTH NOTHING WITH THE FRAME AS IT IS. [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. THIS IS THE CASE # THAT TOYOTA HAS ASSIGNED TO MY SITUATION: #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 29, 2014
I GOT A LETTER FROM TOYOTA MOTORS STATING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEARS OF TACOMAS HAD RUST DAMAGE TO THE FRAME AND I WAS INFORMED TO BRING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WOULD PERFORM A RUST TEST ON IT. MINE IS A 2004. THEY SAID THE REST WASN'T BAD ENOUGH TO REPLACE THE TRUCK,OF COURSE AND KEPT IT TO SPRAY ON A RUST PREVENTATIVE ON THE FRAME. WITHIN ONE YEAR THE COATING THEY APPLIED BEGAN TO FALL OFF PEEL OFF AND OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T WORK LIKE PLANNED. MY SISTER HAD A 98 TACOMA WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND YOU COULD PUT YOUR FINGER THROUGH THE FRAME. THEY BOUGHT HER TRUCK BACK AT THE CORPORATE OFFICE AT 150% OF BLUEBOOK VALUE. THAT'S WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN NOW ALSO. I'VE PAID 20K$ FOR THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND A MAJOR REASON WAS EVERYONE LIKES THE TACOMA AND ITS FAIRLY EASY OR LETS SAY WAS EASY TO RESALE BEFORE ALL THE PROBLEMS THEY ARE HAVING. NOW I'VE GOTTEN ANOTHER LETTER SAYING THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RECALL AND NOW HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER PLATE POSSIBLY RUSTING AND FALLING OFF. ITS PRETTY OBVIOUS TO ME AND ALL THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PROBLEMS, THAT TOYOTA MUST BE FORCED INTO ACTUALLY REPLACING THE VEHICLE OR PAY THE 150% BOOK VALUE WITHOUT ARGUMENT. IS ANYONE GOING TO MAKE THIS RIGHT? I HAVE HAD 2 MECHANICS TELL ME THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE AND NOT ROAD WORTHY. LUCKILY I HAVE A COMPANY VEHICLE OTHERWISE I WOULD BE VERY CHALLENGED. THE BUMPER ALL THE WAY TO THE FRONT IS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AND I DON'T WANNA HEAR LIP SERVICE SAYING ITS DUE TO SALT OR SOMETHING I JUST WANT A BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCT. I HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE TRUCK BUT 10 TIMES SINCE GETTING THE COATING APPLIED AND THE SAD THING IS I LOVE THE TRUCK AND CANT DRIVE IT. PLEASE HELP US. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 7, 2014
FRAME IS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST JUST IN FRONT OF REAR AXLE ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE. ABOUT A 1.5" X 6" HOLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE WITH A FRACTURE OF ABOUT 12" GOING TOWARD REAR AXLE. PASSENGER SIDE HAS A FRACTURE ABOUT 18" LONG IN SAME AREA. REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTS AND SPRINGS ARE COMPROMISED. TOYOTA HAD A PROGRAM TO DEAL WITH ISSUE BUT DEADLINE HAD PASSED BY THE TIME I PURCHASED VEHICLE. DEALER TOLD ME TOYOTA HAD CHECKED OUT FRAME ISSUE AND IT PASSED. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA I WAS MISINFORMED. TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT I NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEAL WITH PROPERLY. BODY AND BED ARE RUST FREE AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I PAID 11,700 FOR THE TRUCK WITH 88,000 MI., HAVE OWNED IT FOR ONE YEAR AND PUT APPROX. 9,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES TOTALED. *TR
Suspension, Apr 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 15-20 MPH WHEN THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 2004 TACOMA SNAPPED, CAUSING THE UPPER BALL JOINT TO SNAP, PULLING OUT THE AXLE, AND CAUSING SOME OTHER DAMAGE. TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACCEPT THE CLAIM, DENYING THAT MY TRUCK WAS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL (TOYOTA RECALL 50J). I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM THEM, AND THE TRUCK WAS IN SEVERAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS OVER THE YEARS. THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME, AND TOYOTA IS DISMISSIVE OF EVERYTHING. DESPITE THE EVIDENCE, THEY CONTINUE TO DENY THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG AND REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX THEIR DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Feb 26, 2014
I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCK. THIS HAS HAD A VERY BAD FOR A YEAR. THE OTHER DAY THE MOUNT FOR THE RIGHT REAR BROKE AND THE FRONT END OF THE REAR SPRING WAS RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM MY 1996 TOYOTA PICKUP HAD. THAT ONE THE BOUGHT BACK AND I NOW HAVE THIS ONE. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS PRETTY GOOD. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ALSO RUSTED AWAY AND STARTED TO LEAK FLUID. THIS LEAK WAS UNDER THE RIGHT MOUNT OF THE RACK. THIS WAS ALSO FIXED BY ME. THIS IS MY WORK TRUCK AND PERSONAL WAY OF GETTING AROUND. THESE ARE BOTH VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS !!! I CONTACTED THE CEO OF TOYOTA, TOYOTA SALES IN CALIFORINA AND GIRARD TOYOTA. THEY SAID I SLIPPED THROUGH THE CRACKS AND I DID NOT GET ANY NOTICES !!! THEY ARE PUTTING TONS OF FRAMES ON FOR OTHER PEOPLES BUT I HAVE BEEN SINGLED OUT SOME HOW AND I CANNOT GET ONE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 20 YEARS !!! THIS WITH OUT QUESTION SHOULD BE A RECALL AND ALL ITEMS CONCERNED SHOULD BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Suspension, Jan 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHEN THEY DETECTED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL HOWEVER, THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,223.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 22, 2013
I BROUGHT MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA IN TO TOYOTA OF NASHUA NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR CONCERNS ABOUT MY FRAME. THEY TOLD ME THE FRAME IS SO BADLY ROTTED IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THE FACT THAT I DID NOT HAVE THE FRAME UNDERCOATED BY TOYOTA. THE FRAME UNDERCOATING RECALL ENDED 10/11. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS RECALL. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE IN TORRANCE CALIFORNIA. I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HELP ME AND ANY FURTHER ESCALATION OF THE MATTER WOULD NEED TO BE "OUTSIDE" OF TOYOTA. THE TRUCK IS NINE YEARS OLD WITH 75K MILES ON IT WITH A VALUE OF ABOUT 8,000 WITH A GOOD FRAME. IT IS WORTHLESS IN THE CURRENT CONDITION AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 19, 2013
FRAME RUSTED COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE NEVER REC'D ANY NOTICE OF RUST PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 28, 2013
EXCESSIVE RUST. RECALL TWICE.
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jan 31, 2013
FRAME: I HAD MY TACOMA IN FOR WORK (THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT RETURN FULLY TO THE UP POSITION) AND THE DEALER (TJ TOYOTA, POTSDAM, NY) SAID THERE WERE HOLES IN THE FRAME. THERE WAS ONE ON THE LEFT SIDE NEAR THERE SWAY BAR AND TWO ON THE RIGHT SIDE JUST IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER DOOR. THE DEALER CALLED TOYOTA AND TOYOTA SAID THE PROGRAM FOR UNDERCOATING THE FRAME ENDED IN DECEMBER AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN JANUARY 2011 FROM THE DEALER (TJ TOYOTA, POTSDAM NY) AND THEY DID NOT UNDERCOAT THE FRAME BEFORE THEY SOLD THE TRUCK TO ME (WITH 77,500 MI). I AM CURRENTLY FIGHTING WITH TOYOTA AND BECAUSE MY TRUCK CANT PASS INSPECTION (WHICH EXPIRES TODAY) I CAN NOT LEGALLY DRIVE MY TRUCK TO WORK AND THERE FOR CANT WORK BECAUSE I AM A MECHANIC AND WORK OUT OF MY TRUCK. *TR
Suspension, Jan 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT FRACTURED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINT FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL, INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION AND THE PRESS FIT OF THE BALL JOIN ASSEMBLY WAS NOT CORRECT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Suspension, Sep 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND WHEN THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING SOUND AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS BENT ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM, IN WHICH THE BOLT FAILED DUE TO DIRT AND DUST PENETRATION. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT WAS SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,752.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 15, 2012
ON JANUARY 19, 2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:15 AM, I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON A DIRT ROAD, CAME AROUND AN APPROXIMATE 90 DEGREE RIGHT HAND TURN HEADING DOWN HILL, SLID ON MUD OR ICE AND HIT A RUT. AFTER ALL WHEELS HAD PASSED THROUGH THE RUT THE VEHICLE DROVE UP AND OVER A SMALL RISE (BUMP) IN THE ROAD. AFTER COMING OVER THE RISE, THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DOVE INTO THE DIRT AND THE TRUCK CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. I TURNED OFF THE TRUCK AND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT THE FRONT END. THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM ... ??? ... WHAT EVER IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ATTACHED TO. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS PERPENDICULAR TO THE WHEEL WELL WITH THE INSIDE LEANING TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE TAKEN MOMENTS AFTER THE EQUIPMENT FAILURE. I'M GLAD THIS HAPPENED WHERE IT DID BECAUSE ONLY A FEW MILES FURTHER INTO MY TRIP TO WORK, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 75 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. AMEN! I HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA CONCERNING RECALL NO. 50J. I ONLY ACCIDENTALLY CAME ACROSS THE INFORMATION WHILE SURFING THE WEB WITHIN THE PAST WEEK. *TR
Suspension, Feb 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 13 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL DETACHED DUE TO A FRACTURE AT THE BALL JOINT. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT FAILED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 153,000.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2011
UPON INSPECTION FROM TOYOTA ,FROM THE DEALER BERT WOLFE TOYOTA IN CHARLESTON, WV, THE FRAME ON MY TACOMA WAS FAILED. THE RESULT WAS PERFORATIONS FROM RUST. I HAD PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY TRUCK. THE LETTER STATED THAT IT NECESSARY TO BE INSPECTED FOR FRAME CORROSION, AND THAT THREE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES WOULD ARISE: 1) UPON THE PASSING OF THE CORROSION TEST AN ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT WOULD BE APPLIED AND A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WOULD BE EXTENDED UNTIL THE TREATMENT WAS COMPLETE. 2) UPON THE FAILURE OF THE TEST (MEANING THE FRAME HAD CORROSION) THE FRAME WOULD BE REPLACED, AND A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WOULD BE RENDERED. 3) UPON FAILURE OF THE TEST TOYOTA MAY REPURCHASE MY VEHICLE AT A PRICE OF 150% OF THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE. NONE OF THESE OUTCOMES WERE INSTITUTED UPON FAILURE OF MY FRAME CORROSION TEST. BERT WOLFE TOYOTA FAILED THE FRAME, STATED THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME , BUT IT WOULD TAKE SIX MONTHS. THEY PLACED ME BACK IN MY TRUCK WHICH FAILED THE TEST, WITHOUT A TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT A) MY TRUCK WILL NEVER BE THE EQUIVALENT, ALL OF THE PARTS THAT WILL BE TAKEN OFF AND/OR REPLACED AND THEN REINSTALLED ON THE NEW FRAME, CAUSES FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT SOMETHING WILL BE OVERLOOKED IN THE PROCESS OF REINSTALLATION. B) THAT THE PARTS THAT CONNECT TO THE FRAME OR LOCATED IN IT'S VICINITY WILL CORRODE EVENTUALLY CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS. C) MY VEHICLE FAILED A TEST IN WHICH THE FRAME IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE, AND I WAS SENT OFF IN THAT SAME VEHICLE WITHOUT A PROVISIONAL REPLACEMENT.
Suspension, Mar 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THE BALL JOINT FRACTURED IN HALF AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL COMPLETELY FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Suspension, Dec 8, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE CONTACT HEARD A GROANING NOISE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT THE WHEEL BEARING ON THE VEHICLE WAS TIGHTENED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CAME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY BROKE AS WELL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. UPDATED 02/28/11
Suspension, Oct 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL CAME OFF. RIGHT BEFORE THE WHEEL CAME OFF, THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE IN THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN 05V225000, SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 385000.
Suspension, Jun 25, 2010
THIS IS A LONG SHOT IN THE DARK BUT ITS WORTH A TRY. TOYOTA HAS A RECALL OUT FOR THE 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA BALL JOINT. THE RECALL SUMMARY : ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT. CONSEQUENCE: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR. REMEDY: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA AND I WAS COMING HOME FROM LOS ANGELES MY STEERING FELT KIND OF FUNNY FELT LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE SO I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CHECKED THE TIRES BUT EVERYTHING SEEMED TO BE FINE I CONTINUED DRIVING I CAME INTO TOWN AND TURNED ONTO VISTA CHINO OFF OF THE HWY 111 IN PALM SPRINGS ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHOLE FRONT OF MY TRUCK COLLAPSED AND WENT SLIDING DOWN THE ROAD NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP THANK GOD IT DIDN'T DO THAT ON THE FREEWAY OR EVEN IN TOWN SOMEONE COULD OF LOST A LIFE I HAD IT TOWED TO THE SHELL STATION AT THE CORNER I CALLED TOYOTA AND HAD IT TAKEN OVER TO THE DEALER. I LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS. I CALLED THE RECALL NUMBER CORPORATE TOYOTA THEY ASKED FOR MY VIN# THEY SAID THAT MY TRUCK DOES NOT FALL IN UNDER THE RECALL. THEY HAD A TECH FLY OUT FROM THE FACTORY AND SAID THE SAME THING BECAUSE MY TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED ON A DIFFERENT DATE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THERE A LOT OF CONSUMERS THAT ARE RUNNING INTO THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH WITH THE VIN#. I COULD OF LOST MY LIFE OR TAKEN SOMEONE ELSE'S IN THIS COLLISION. ITS OBVIOUS IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE RECALL, TIRES JUST DON'T BREAK AT THE BALL JOINT WHILE YOUR DRIVING TIRES SHOULD STAY INTACT TO YOUR VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Mar 4, 2010
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. *TR