10.0
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- $430
- Average Mileage:
- 250,000 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 2 complaints
Most common solutions:
- was recalled but not my vin? (2 reports)
2001 Tacoma 4WD, stick shift, extra cab body style, SR5 model. Lower ball joint on driver side separated while my son was driving. No accident but there was a recall for this exact problem but my VIN was not in the recall. why I do not understand since the exact thing was reported about the lower ball joint separating.
- stevedonato, Hernando Beach, FL, US
click to see larger images
My son was driving when the ball joint on driver side fell down and came out of the socket. Fortunate no injurie's. Truck was towed home free do to Allstate included it in their insurance (tow truck came in 5 min). Tow was not far a few miles. Toyota said VIN not covered? Even though the exact recall problem happened? I bought OEM ball joints from Toyota Dealer (as recommended by all forums) cost $350+ for two with my military 10% discount. CV axle on driver side was also damaged and purchased a new on from O'Riellys $100+ with my military discount.
My son fixed it himself. Various Pickle forks and other clamp type of tools did not work or bent and returned them. Eventually go it out with hammer and a Snapon Pickle fork. Still as of today being repaired putting in the CV axle. What a disgrace for Toyota. They let this terrible design/dangerous life threating part exist for 10 years 1995-2004 on all models of trucks/suvs Tacoma,Tundra,4runner,T100. Both 4WD and 2WD my son's is 4x4 stick shift. Toyota a multi Billion dollar company gives their customers the Shaft and Screw job, and then says some VINs are not covered by recall? I guess if you Die from the crash they would not ignore your recall request based on your VIN? No rust this was a Florida truck all it's life.
- Steve D., Spring Hill, US