Front lower ball joint recall or lack thereof. There is a current recall for Toyota Tundra year 2002-2004 but does not include 2000-2001 that have lower ball joints of the same design. Mine failed and so have several others around the country. Many customers have reported that their respective dealerships will not cover the repairs due to a manufacturer failed lower ball joint. I have attached a photo of the result of what a failed ball joint looks like and when you combine that image with the hypothetical of traveling 65-70 mph the damage can then escalate to catastrophic or even death. Not only for passengers but for others traveling the same road. When the ball joint failed I was luckily traveling 25-30 mph to get on to the freeway, but it failed before I was at full highway speed. I spoke to the Toyota dealership here and they claim that the manufacturer did not include 2000-2001 year Tundra's, which is conclusive of the research I did previously. I also checked on the design of the ball joints and the design is identical between 2000-2002. Yet the dealer refuses to cover the cost of repair to the damage that has been caused by the faulty lower ball joint.

- Rio Rancho, NM, USA

I had my vehicle inspected as part of the recall campaign involving excessive rust. However, the required work to replace the fuel tank straps and crc coating was not done. Now, dealer records indicate that the truck has been serviced under the recall, and I can't have the work done. While my truck is not now in a cold climate state, it was originally sold and owned in one.

- Hico, TX, USA

The frame of my truck is totally rusted through. It has a crack and is unsafe to drive. I recently tried to rotate my tires and the mechanic found a great deal of rust and debris in the wheel hubs. He broke lugnuts and studs trying to remove the rear tires. He refused to touch the front tires. Toyota will not accept any responsibility for this problem. The truck was under coated in 2012 as per recall. Toyota will not take the truck in as a trade because of the rust. Currently the truck is unsafe drive and even if I could drive it I am afraid to think what would happen if I got a flat and had to change the tire. I am the original owner. The truck has only 56,000 thousand miles on it. The engine has been well cared for.

- Brick, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. While inspecting the vehicle, an independent mechanic diagnosed that the entire frame and rear passenger side wheel had extensive rust and corrosion. The contact was advised that they both should be replaced or the vehicle may fail an inspection. The vehicle was included in a manufacturer recall, but the manufacturer indicated that the statute expired. The manufacturer would not provide the recall remedy for NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 01E041000 (trailer hitches/trailer wire harness converter). The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

- Seneca Falls, NY, USA

Due to rust, O2 sensors are bad, exuast system bad, left rear tire ball joint defective, emergency brakes defective, body frame has holes at left side, majority of frame is rusting. Per mechanics all this is stemming from the rust. Truck has low mileage, frame is crumbling in some places and is a danger to drive safely. Just went through inspection.exact date is unknown as to when this occurred.

- West End, NC, USA

Vehicle driven: 2000 Toyota Tundra: On July 11, 2015 I was traveling at about 70 mph in the far left lane when the front driver side tire and wheel broke off the vehicle. The front side of the truck impacted the pavement, and the truck began swerving. I tried to stop the truck, but the brakes were not functioning. Consequently, I then had to use my strength to steer the truck to the shoulder and wait for the truck to lose momentum since the brakes were not functioning. I managed to steer the truck to the shoulder after about a mile of trying to control the vehicle and waiting for it to slow down. I suspect that the lower ball joint on this vehicle are defective and led to the accident. Newer models of this vehicle have been investigated by NHTSA for issues regarding the lower ball joints.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

Using the spare tire on rear passenger side dunlop TG35 grandtrek 265 70 R16 the tire was like new. Tread completely separated from the tire. Gained control and pulled over to the side of the road. No tread...but remaining tire was still inflated...with steel belt showing. Did damage to inside fender well....fender....tore off mud flap and damaged black plastic fender well cover. I changed tire.

- Bisbee, AZ, USA

A loud noise was coming from the front of the vehicle, and the driver was able to pull over. The truck collapsed to the ground. The driver was able to get out of the truck, and observed that driver's front wheel sheared off. Driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the right lower ball joint and driver's wheel needed to be replaced.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Vehicle steering wheel vibrated since the day we purchased. Numerous attempts to fix have failed. Dealer(s) said wheels or brakes or tires were the problem. Replaced wheels and brakes, problem still exists. Told consumer to replace tires. We said we would if they prove this is the problem by putting tires on to check it. One dealer would not. We found one that would. New, high quality tires resulted in same vibration. Went to arbitration and lost. This is a complete waste of time and resources. Dealer was able to lie and say they didn't put new tires on (at the insistance of the 'district rep'. the front right tire was worn completely down on the outer edge, and other three were ok. Documented within alignment and balance the entire life of vehicle. Toyota 'recommends' 26 psi in front tires to dampen known vibration. Tires designed for 35 psi. This substantially affects value of vehicle, as after arbitration loss we tried to trade, but dealer said he knew of defect in front end of 2000 Tundra's and would not even give us wholesale trade value. His test drive confirmed vibration. In addition, we need to replace tires often due to defect. Will never buy another Toyota!

- Merritt Island, FL, USA