The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While driving at 30 mph, the suspension ball joint detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 250,000.

- Fresno, CA, USA

After being driven on the highway approximately 60 miles, the 2001 Toyota Tacoma truck was being backed into the driveway when steering suddenly locked. Upon inspection, it was determined that the front passenger wheel was no longer attached to the car. The lower ball joint had failed. I determined that Toyota issued a recall for my vehicle model and year (NHTSA campaign number: 05V225000) for this issue, with the following consequence: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur. It seems that our vehicle experienced this issue for which vehicles were recalled by Toyota. However, when I called Toyota, I was told that our VIN was not included in the recall and that Toyota was not willing to do anything. We had to spend the money and time to fix the failed ball joint and are considering replacing the driver side ball joint prophylactically as we no longer trust the wheels to remain on our truck. I have never seen a wheel come off a car. If the wheel had disengaged from our car 2 minutes prior, when the vehicle was moving at highway speeds, the consequences could have been severe. I am very disappointed that Toyota is not including our car in the recall - even though the exact same issue for which the recall was issued (for our vehicle model and year) occurred on our car. If the accident had happened at high speeds, someone would have died and a lawyer would be contacting Toyota and NHTSA. Perhaps the recall needs to be expanded!

- Idaho Springs, CO, USA

Driving around curve at 5mph and front left wheel broke at ball joint and my truck fell on top of wheel bending my fender. I had to have truck towed and had both ball joints replace, $453 worth of repairs, not having had my fender fixed yet. My truck was man. In 05/01, missing the recall on the same problem by a few months. I'm blessed to have it happen at low speed, no telling what would have happened if it happened on the highway.

- Quitman, TX, USA

After noticing that the truck developed unusual tire wear and shaking and noise coming from the front end, making the truck difficult and hazardous to drive. A private technician indicated that the front ball joints needed to be replaced. I was made aware of a Toyota recall, and was informed that although this vehicle was exhibiting the exact condition described in the recall that was on identical make, model and year this truck was not part of the recall and would not be covered due to the VIN.

- Lignum, VA, USA

No failure as of yet, but have two lower ball joints on my vehicle that both are out of tolerance at the same time. Seems that my make and model year had a recall on the lower ball joints but they are telling me that my vehicle wasn't included. It seems very odd that the ball joints are both out at the same time, almost like there is a problem with more of the joints than they initially expected.

- Brownsville, PA, USA

Front suspension lower ball joint. My 2001 Toyota Tacoma double cab VIN [xxx] has diagnosed with a worn lower right front ball joint. I have been complaining about a noise in the front suspension for the past 50,000+ miles. Initially the noise occurred while taking left turns, now the noise occurs during all phases of operation (left& right turns, and stopping). Toyota claims my that the recall is VIN specific and mine is not covered by the recall/tsb. Yet my vehicle exhibits all the symptoms described in tsb 05015 (NHTSA #100015504) and has for several years. Updated 07/16/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Milton, VT, USA

: the contact stated while turning the steering wheel there was a popping noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where it was determined that the lower ball joint was causing the noise. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V225000, regarding the front lower ball joint. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. No repairs have been made. Updated 3/20/2006 -

- China Grove, NC, USA

The consumer stated that his 2001 Toyota Tacoma was traveling at 35 mph when the tire started making noise. Vehicle pulled to the right when the consumer pulled over to check the problem. Discovered that the lower ball joint broke. The consumer called Toyota and was told that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN, although it had the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The location of the ball joint was the passenger side front ball joint. The consumer was having that fixed today. Toyota offered no free remedy to the consumer. Updated 11/2/2005.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

My 2001 Toyota Tacoma was involved in a accident. At the trial the accident reconstruction person said he could not understand why the crash happened that it looked like some one had yanked the wheel very hard. The trial was for manslaughter and it took place before the recall. The truck was never inspected by a mechanic. I feel this was the cause for the accident.

- Medford, OR, USA

The contact stated there was a Toyota recall on 2004-2004 Toyota Tacoma regarding the frontal ball joints. The consumer has a 2001 Toyota Tacoma which did not fall under the recall campaign, but the consumer had to replace both front ball joints on June 8, 2004. There was a vibration and a rubbing noise coming from the front end of vehicle. This was the same problem that was stated in the recall. The consumer contacted the manufacturer; they opened a case and did provide the consumer with case number 200508100951. The rotors and pads were replaced.

- Cochranton, PA, USA

Without warning the vehicle started to shift to the right and the front tires were wearing too fast, and driver's side tire was swollen. Caller stated all the tires were affected. Dealer couldn't tell if this vehicle was in recall. Caller said could not get in touch with manufacturer. Recall was on ball joints, but the manufacturer has not yet contacted vehicle's owners.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA