2001 TOYOTA TACOMA Suspension Problems

Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact swerved to the left to avoid another vehicle and the steering had stiff. The contact stated that the front driver’s side wheel then collapsed inside the wheel well. The contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle skidded off the highway and onto the right shoulder. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light then illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

The complete chassis frame under the vehicle, contains a lot of rust and holes due to corrosion. Some years ago, a Toyota dealership asked me to bring the vehicle in to one of their dealerships, where an undercoating was painted on the frame surface. However, the coating is worn away and the rust is visible again and this time there are even more deterioration.

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK

Excessive frame rust

I SEE THAT MY FRAME IS CRACKING. SO I LOOKED IT UP. AND FOUND MULTIPLE RECALLS ON THE TUCK. I NOTICED THAT I HAVE A VERY SLOPPY STEERING WHEEL. IT SAID THAT WAS A RECALL TOO. I'M DON'T NO IF PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ANYTHING RECALLED.

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK

I BROUGHT MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA FOR AN INSPECTION IN JANUARY 2020 AND DISCOVERED THE FRAME WAS ROTTED AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I CONTACTED EMPIRE TOYOTA SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAMPAIGN TO FIX THIS ISSUE EXPIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS CAMPAIGN NOR WAS MY HUSBAND WHO WAS THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT MANY OTHER TACOMA OWNERS ARE IN THE SAME PREDICAMENT. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE FIX THAT I CANNOT AFFORD. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND MAKE THIS A RECALL TO BE FIXED REGARDLESS OF TIMEFRAME.

Mileage: 146,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME FELT LOOSE UNDERNEATH. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST AND CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE WHEEL WELL AND ON THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (1655 ROUTE 58 (OLD COUNTRY ROAD), RIVERHEAD, NY 11901 (631) 727-7722) INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVEN AND THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A SPECIAL PROGRAM TO THE REPLACE THE SUBFRAME BACK IN 01/2016 WHICH EXPIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER AND PROMISED A CALLBACK. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNREPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

I'M WRITING YOU BECAUSE I HAD MY 2001 TACOMA INSPECTED FOR THE FRAME RUST RECALL IN 2010. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRUCK WOULD BE SPRAYED WITH AN INHIBITOR TO PREVENT RUST. THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS SINCE RUSTED AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE SPRAY INHIBITOR OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WORK OR WAS APPLIED INCORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING THESE SIGNS WHILE DRIVINH.

Mileage: 256,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH AT THE SHOCK ABSORBERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRIME TOYOTA - BOSTON (1605 VFW PKWY, WEST ROXBURY, MA 02132), AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.*DT *BF *TR THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

TOOK TRUCK FOR INSPECTION, WOULDN'T PASS BECAUSE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER IS UNATTACHED BECAUSE OF FRAME. MECHANIC SAYS DRIVING IT IS UNSAFE. TOYOTA HAD RECALL I WAS UNAWARE OF FOR RUSTED FRAMES, WHEN CONTACTED THEM THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING. *TR

FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT

I HAVE REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS. THREE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND TWICE ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. TWICE I WAS IN SOMEONE'S DRIVEWAY TWICE I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AND ONCE I WAS TURNING A CORNER. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO HOWEVER I NEVER REAPONDED AT THE TIME. NOW WHEN I LOOK ON THIS WEBSITE IT SAYS THERE WAS NO RECALL SO I AM UNSURE HOW TO PROCEED.

Mileage: 200,000

I'M WRITING YOU BECAUSE I HAD MY 2001 TACOMA INSPECTED FOR THE FRAME RUST RECALL IN 2010. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRUCK WOULD BE SPRAYED WITH AN INHIBITOR TO PREVENT RUST. THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS SINCE RUSTED AND IS MOST LIKELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE SPRAY INHIBITOR OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WORK OR WAS APPLIED INCORRECTLY. THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED FROM THE FRAME WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET.

Mileage: 240,000

THE FRAME IS TOTALLY ROTTED OUT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED AND AFTER HAVEN'T IT SEVERAL MONTHS I WAS CHANGING THE OIL AND TO MY SUPRISE WHEN I WAS UNDER IT I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT I WAS SEEING. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

INITIAL PROBLEM 12/08/2009: IN DECEMBER OF 2009, I DROPPED MY TOYOTA TACOMA OFF AT MY LOCAL DEALER (LEXINGTON TOYOTA, (MA) FOR A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. LEXINGTON TOYOTA CALLED ME AND STATED THAT MY 2001 TACOMA HAD A SERIOUS FRAME RUST PERFORATION PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRAME AT NO COST TO ME AND THEY ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER. THE TOTAL COST TO ME WHEN THE JOB WAS COMPLETED WAS $1,717.77 (SEE-ATTACHED INVOICE [XXX].) THE FRAME REPAIR INVOICE WAS DATED 12/22/2009. FAST FORWARD TO 12/10/2018: ON 12/10/2018, I BROUGHT MY 2001 TACOMA INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF LEXINGTON TOYOTA FOR SOME BRAKE WORK. LATER THAT DAY THEY CALLED AND SAID THAT MY FRAME HAD SELECTED ROT AND WOULD NOT PASS THE NEXT STATE INSPECTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THEY HAD REVIEWED THE SITUATION WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I EXPLAINED THAT THE FRAME HAD BEEN REPLACED IN DECEMBER OF 2009 AND THAT THE SERVICE ADVISOR ([XXX]) HAD STATED TO ME THAT THE NEW FRAME WAS WARRANTIED FOR FIFTEEN YEARS. I JOKING REPLIED THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY LAST LONGER THAN I WOULD. I GUESS I WAS WRONG. I HAVE ALL OF MY REPAIR WORK AND YEARLY STATE INSPECTION WORK DONE AT LEXINGTON (MA) TOYOTA. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS SITUATION WAS NOT IDENTIFIED EARLIER WHEN IT COULD HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH BEFORE GETTING TO ITS CURRENT STATE. I BELEIVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THE FRAME FAILS WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. IF THIS HAPPENED TO ME, HOW MANY TACOMA?S AND OTHER TOYOTAS ARE OUT THERE THAT HAD FRAME REPLACEMENTS THAT ARE NOW DEFECTIVE. IT LOOKS TO ME LIKE TOYOTA USED THE SAME SUBSTANDARD FRAMES FOR THEIR REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I SPOKE WITH [XXX], CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. ON 01/09/19 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

Mileage: 240,528

AFTER A MUFFLER SHOP POINTED OUT SERIOUS HOLES IN THE FRAME OF MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA (WITH 174,000 MILES), I CONTACTED KINGS TOYOTA AND TOYOTA MANUFACTURING. THEY SAID THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I TOOK IT TO HAMILTON BODY SHOP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE LIFE OF THE TRUCK.I CONTACTED PERFORMANCE TOYOTA WITH MY VIN # AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL IN THEIR DATA BANK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK FRAME INSPECTED AT KINGS TOYOTA TWICE IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS AND THEY SAID THE FRAME WAS OK AT THAT TIME. MY TRUCK IS IN MECHANICALLY GOOD CONDITION, BODY LOOKS FINE TOO. WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT SEVERAL MORE YEARS. WOULD APPRECIATE HELP DETERMINING IF THERE IS, IN FACT , A RECALL AND HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING THE INFORMATION I NEED TO GET THIS FRAME REPAIRED.

Mileage: 173,000

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST PERFORATION ON 1ST GENERATION TACOMAS WILL CAUSE THE FRAME TO BREAK LEADING TO AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION INCLUDING HANDLING ABILITY, ROLLOVER, LACK OF IMPACT PROTECTION, AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF LIFE. KEY AREAS ARE BY THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS AND CLOSE TO THE FRONT SWAY BAR. TOYOTA DID OFFER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FRAME, BUT THERE WAS NO MENTION THAT THE FRAME WAS DETERIORATING FROM THE INSIDE OUT OR THAT ALL THE FRAMES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT PROPER CORROSION PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT AT DANA CORP, NOT JUST THOSE IN THE LISTED NORTHERN STATES.TOYOTA'S LETTER OF EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT LIST THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE, NOR DID IT RECOMMEND AN INITIAL OR ANY FOLLOWUP FRAME INSPECTION BY A QUALIFIED TOYOTA MECHANIC FOR THE NON-NORTHERN STATES, NOR DID IT MENTION THE NHTSA AS BEING INVOLVED. THE LETTER MENTIONS "A SMALL NUMBER OF 2001 THROUGH 2004 MODEL YEAR TACOMAS OPERATING IN SEVERE COLD CLIMATE AREAS WITH HIGH ROAD SALT USE..." . ALL TACOMA'S IN ANY ROAD-SALT STATE HAVE THE ISSUE. MANY STATES THAT DO USE ROAD SALT HAVE NOT BEEN INSPECTED, EVER. WHEN SOMETHING IS UNDER WARRANTY, PEOPLE TEND TO KEEP USING THINGS UNTIL THEY BREAK. UNDER A SAFETY RECALL, PEOPLE TEND TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED QUICKLY. THE TACOMA FRAMES ARE NOT ACTUALLY "BREAKING" DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD BUT THEY ARE BECOMING "DEFECTIVE" DURING THE PERIOD. MANY PEOPLE ARE DRIVING OLDER TACOMAS AND HAVE NO IDEA THE TRUCK IS ABOUT TO SNAP IN HALF. THIS FRAME RUST ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED AS A SAFETY ISSUE BY EITHER TOYOTA OR THE NHTSA. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH FOR TACOMA FRAME RUST WILL REVEAL HUNDREDS/THOUSANDS OF PICTURES OF PERFORATED AND DANGEROUS FRAMES. INTERESTINGLY, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE CARRIER WHICH SUFFERED FROM RUST AS A DIRECT RESULT FROM THE FRAME RUST. THE LETTER CLEARLY STATES THAT IN THE NON-EFFECTED STATES, "YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING AT THIS TIME".

Mileage: 255,000

FRAME RECALL: WHEN I RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL I TOOK IT TO A DEALER IN SLC, UT AND HAD IT CHECKED ON 9/22/08. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS FINE AND THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO IT. NOW 8 YEARS LATER, MY TRUCK HAS TURNED INTO A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE FRAME IS SO RUSTED OUT, I CAN'T EVEN GET MY BRAKE LINE THAT RECENTLY BROKE REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS PARTICULAR RECALL EXPIRED IN 2014. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A RECALL CAN EXPIRE. NOR DO I UNDERSTAND THAT IF MY FRAME WAS FINE IN 2008, HOW IT COULD HAVE RUSTED AWAY TO THIS EXTENT SO QUICKLY. THE STATE OF THE CURRENT RUST WAS POINTED OUT TO ME IN 2016. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR 16 YEARS; HOWEVER, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE AND I HAD HOPED TO DRIVE IT TILL THE ENGINE DIED. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW THIS RECALL COULD EXPIRE WHEN IT DID AND WHY TOYOTA WON'T ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPLACING THE FRAME.

Mileage: 236,000

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5, 4WD CREW CAB TRUCK THAT WAS ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED AND SOLD IN PLANO TEXAS, THEN RELOCATED AND DRIVEN IN GAITHERSBURG MARYLAND FOR 16 YEARS. UPON OBTAINING A FRAME INSPECTION FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, I WAS ADVISED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO OPERATE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE FRAME, AND SPECIFYING THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE RUST HAS PERFORATED THE FRAME RAILS IN SEVERAL AREAS AND HAS COMPROMISED THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE LACKS ADEQUATE CORROSION PROTECTION WHICH HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY TOYOTA NORTH AMERICA.

REAR PASSENGER LEAF SPRING FRAME MOUNT RUSTING OFF. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 170,000

MY TACOMA HAS BEEN IN A COUPLE TIMES FOR TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT AND HAS BEEN INSPECTED FOR RUST BUT NOTHING WAS EVER DONE OR SAID ABOUT IT NEEDING ANYTHING DONE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET I NOTICED THAT WHEN I SLOWED DOWN MY LIFTED AND WHEN I ACCELERATED MY BED LOWERED. I PULLED OFF TO FIND THAT MY FRAMES HAS RUSTED APART IN FRONT OF REAR LEAF SPRING. TOYOTA CORPORATE WAS CALLED AND THEY SAID NOTHING CAN BE DONE?

LEFT FRONT WHEEL BROKE OFF A ARM.LOWER BALL JOINT COMPLETELY MISSING.VEHICLE HAS 160442 MILES.NO INDICATION OF STEERING PROBLEM.TIRES WERE ROTATED ONE MONTH BEFORE ACCIDENT I REPLACED THE TIRE AND ASKED THE MECHANIC IF HE DOES A VISUAL INSPECTION.THE ANSWER WAS YES.

Mileage: 160,442

THE CHASIS BROKE JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR AXLE.

Mileage: 205,000

I AM UNSURE WHEN THIS HAD HAPPENED BUT THE FRAME ON MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA IS CORRODED AND BROKEN INTO 2 PIECES IN 2 DIFFERENT AREAS. THE PLACE WHERE IT IS BROKEN IS NOT CORRODED BUT JUST BROKE. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS TRUCK IS UNDER A SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OR IF IT IS JUST AN EXPENSIVE PAPER WEIGHT.

Mileage: 176,000

MY WIFE RECENTLY HAD A WRECK, SHE WAS GOING 45 MPH, THE TRUCK WENT OFF THE ROAD, CROSSING OVER CENTER LINE, AFTER MAKING IMPACT WITH THE DIRT WITH THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK, THE TRUCK LOST IT'S STEERING, FROM THERE THE TRUCK FLIPPED 5 TIMES ON IT'S SIDE, IT FINALLY CAME TO REST ON IT'S SIDE, 5 FEET AWAY FROM A HOUSE. SHE HAD TO BE CUT FROM THE TRUCK. HER L2 EXPLODED IN HER BACK, SHE'S NOW HAVING TO LEARN HOW TO WALK AGAIN AMONG OTHER THINGS FROM EXTREME NERVE DAMAGE. SHE JUST RECENTLY LEFT THE HOSPITAL/REHABILITATION FROM AN EXTENDED STAY. STILL UPSET ABOUT NOT KNOWING WHAT CAUSED THE WRECK, WE DECIDED TO LOOK UP THE TRUCK TO SEE IF THERE HAD EVER BEEN A RECALL DEALING WITH WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED IN HER WRECK, THIS IS WHEN WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE LOWER BALL-JOINT FAILING CAUSING THE ACTIONS OF LOSS OF STEERING, ACCIDENTS, AND ACCIDENTS WITH FLIPPING. AN INVESTIGATION HAS YET TO BE DONE ON THE TRUCK, WE'RE HOPING THIS COMPLAINT WILL INSPIRE AN INVESTIGATION, BUT ALSO EDUCATE ANYONE WITH THIS YEAR AND MAKE OF TRUCK, THAT THIS IS WHAT COULD HAPPEN POSSIBLY TO ANYONE. *TR

Mileage: 200,000

BALL JOINT SEPARATED CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME THAT SUPPORTED THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS ALSO EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,613.

Mileage: 133,613

LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE FAILED. WHILE OTHER 2001 TACOMA'S WERE IN THE RECALL, MINE IS NOT INCLUDED, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME FAILURE! THE TIRES HAVE ARE WEARING UNEVENLY AND THERE IS SOME STABILITY ISSUE. THERE SEEMS TO BE "PULLING" TO ONE SIDE AS WELL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000.

Mileage: 230,000

WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL COMPLETELY BUCKLED UNDER THE TRUCK. LUCKILY, I WAS ONLY DRIVING 15 MPH. HAD THIS BROKEN WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR INJURED SOMEONE ELSE. AS A RESULT, THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT BOTH BALL JOINTS WERE BAD SO BOTH WERE REPLACED. THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE SPARE TIRE CANNOT BE REMOVED. NO NOTICE WAS EVER GIVEN TO US OR THE PREVIOUS OWNER BY TOYOTA, REGARDING THE PROBLEMS STATED ABOVE.

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY WHEN DRIVING 50 MPH OR GREATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT, WHO INFORMED THAT BOTH FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION) AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.

Mileage: 194,000

TL* 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.

Mileage: 250,000

TL* 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.

Mileage: 250,000

I TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL FOR TIRE PLATE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE CASES HAVE COME TO LIGHT WHERE THEY RUST AND FALL OUT ALONG WITH TIRES. AT THE SHOP THE MECHANIC DETERMINE THE VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS FOR DRIVING AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LIFT TRUCK TO REPLACE PLATE BECAUSE CHASSIS IS NO LONGER GOOD BECAUSE OF RUST AND ITS RUSTED OUT; NO STABILITY. THEY ALSO ADVISED TOYOTA HAS A RECALL FOR CHASSIS AND ITS ALSO ON THE WEBSITE NHTSA RECALL # 12V542 AND MANUFACTURE RECALL # COV WHERE THEY WILL REPLACE , CORRECT OR BUY BACK VEHICLE. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY STATED ITS NOT A RECALL ITS ONLY A CAMPAIGN AND THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO ASSIST MY VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH IT ITS A RECALL. I SPOKE TO CRYSTAL FROM TOYOTA AT 800-331-4331 CASE # 1505272075. PLEASE ASSIST I NOW HAVE A PERFECT VEHICLE THAT IS NO LONGER GOOD AT ALL.

Mileage: 160,267

MY ODI # 10703114 IM SURE AS YOU ARE THE FEDERAL SAFETY ADM. ,, YOU HAVE ALREADY READ THE STUDY , WHERE A GROUP OF REALLY SMART ENGINEERS & ANALYSIS FOUND THAT THE 2001 TO 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME FAILURE WAS FROM THE BOX DESIGN COUPLED WITH LOW GRADE STEEL & INSIGNIFICANT RUST PREVENTIVE , RESULTED IN POTENTIAL CATASTROPHE FRAME FAILURE LEADING TO A POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITUATION!!~!!! BUT IF YOU DEEM IT NOT TO INFORM THE US CONSUMER --- FAR BE IT FOR ME TO SUGGEST HOW YOU SHOULD DO YOUR JOB ! MY APOLOGIES. *TR

Mileage: 187,000

WHILE TURNING RIGHT OUT OF PARKING LOT AT SLOW SPEED, PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DISENGAGED FROM LOWER BALL JOINT LEADING TO LOSS OF STEERING. *TR

Mileage: 285,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SQUEAKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

THE FRAME ON MY TOYOTA TACOMA 2001 TRUCK IS SO RUSTED OUT THAT IT IS NOT INSPECT-ABLE. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WILL DO NOTHING FOR ME....I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE...WAITING FOR A CALL BACK...TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM....NHTSA...PLEASE HELP!! *TR

Mileage: 151,458

NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR OF TRUCK BED IS SAGGING SO I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND SAW THE CHASSIS IS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS TILTED CAUSING THE TIRES TO WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SPRING SHACKLE FRACTURED DUE TO THE FRAME BEING COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

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! *TR

Mileage: 215,000

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! *TR

Mileage: 215,000

HI, I JUST WANT TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN FOR MY VEHICLE AS I LOVE MY TACOMA AND HOW IT DRIVES AND WORKS FOR ME IN MY DAILY LIFE. AS I HAD TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL ON MY SPARE TIRE CABLE, THE TECHNICIAN AND SERVICE MAN HAD TOLD ME THAT IN MY FRAME OF MY VEHICLE THERE IS A LARGE RUSTED OUT HOLE. SINCE THEN, I REALLY HAVEN'T FELT SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ANYWHERE AS I'M AFRAID THAT MY FRAME WILL BREAK AND CAUSE A REALLY BAD ACCIDENT. I'VE ALSO HAVE HAD IN THE PAST WHERE MY DAD'S VEHICLE (1998 TOYOTA TACOMA) WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME EXACT THING (FRAME ISSUE). AS FOR MY VEHICLE, I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND MY BROTHER WAS THE FIRST. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN HERE IN THE MINNESOTA WEATHER ALL ITS LIFE TIME. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, IF NOT, I WILL PUSH THIS FORWARD WHERE I WILL GET SOME ATTENTION TO MY VEHICLE, MY SAFETY, AND OTHERS. AND PLUS, I WOULDN'T WANT TO MAKE THIS INTO A LEGAL MATTER AS I LOVE MY TOYOTA. *TR

Mileage: 231,650

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED IN 2011 AND WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL FOR FRAME RUST. BY THE TIME I GOT AROUND TO SCHEDULING AN APPT, I WAS INFORMED THE RECALL HAD ENDED. NOW, HOWEVER, THE FRAME IS SEVERELY CORRODED AND IS STARTING TO GIVE WAY AT THE REAR SHACKLE. I FEEL THIS VEHICLE HAS BECOME A SERIOUS HAZARD TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FRAME BUCKLING. IF THE RECALL WAS PUT INTO EFFECT, TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND NOW IT HAS BECOME A SERIOUS LIABILITY AND SAFETY ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED TO THE POINT OF MAKING IT SAFE, BUT FEEL THAT I WAS NOT GIVEN AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THIS DONE UNDER THE LIMITED TIME LEFT ON THE RECALL WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THE FACT THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE FRAME CONSTRUCTION IS EVIDENT BY THE FACT THAT THE BODY HAS ALMOST NO CORROSION PRESENT. THERE APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING ISSUE WITH THE HEAVY FRAME STEEL THAT SHOULD NOT BE CORRODING LIKE THIS. THERE IS CURRENTLY ALSO AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THE REAR TIRE CARRIER - WHICH IS RELATED TO THE SAME ISSUE. AGAIN, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND LIABILITY ISSUE THAT I THINK TOYOTA IS OBLIGATED TO ADDRESS BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED BY THIS PROBLEM. CONTACTING TOYOTA DOES NO GOOD, AS THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY SAY THIS WAS NOT A RECALL BUT A WARRANTY EXTENSION THAT HAS NOW RUN OUT. HOWEVER, THERE IS A SEVERE DEFECT PRESENT IN THE FRAME THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGED AND NOW REFUSE TO STAND BEHIND EVEN THOUGH IT IS A DANGEROUS LIABILITY FOR ANY VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 154,000

I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS ALERTED TO THE FRAME CORROSION. I CAN ACTUALLY PUSH MY FINGER THROUGH THE RUST AND FRAME, HOLES ARE VISIBLE IN THE FRAME. THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND I FEAR OF SAFETY FOR MY FAMILY. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE VOLUNTARY BUYBACK PROGRAM FOR FIXING THIS WAS EXPIRED. I AM NOW LEFT WITH AN IMMACULATELY CLEAN CAR IN PRISTINE SHAPE THAT CANNOT BE DRIVEN AND I AM LEERY OF EVEN SELLING TO SOMEONE ELSE REGARDLESS OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE FRAME. REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ARE POPPING UP ALL OVER AND IT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH AS A SERIOUS MATTER AND SUBJECT TO SAFETY RECALL. LESSER ISSUES HAVE HAD RECALLS AND IT HAS BEEN LEFT UP TO TOYOTA TO PROVIDE VOLUNTARY BUYBACK PROGRAMS INSTEAD OF BEING MANDATED FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.

Mileage: 180,000

FOLLOWING ROUTINE SERVICE INSPECTION ON 4/2/2014, SIGNIFICANT PERFORATION OF MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 TRUCK FRAME WAS IDENTIFIED, DUE TO CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH RUSTING. ACCORDING TO A 2012 TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC, NO INDICATION OF RUST WAS NOTED DURING THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE INSPECTION. ALSO, NO HARD COPY DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY TOYOTA CORPORATION REGARDING AN ALLEGED VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CORROSION OF FRAME. ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA CORPORATION CASE WORKER ASSIGNED, HE WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY HARD COPY DOCUMENTATION OF SAID VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN NOTICE REGARDING CORROSION OF TRUCK FRAME; IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE CASE WORKER DID SAY HE COULD PROVIDE 'VERBAL' CONFIRMATION THAT NOTIFICATION WAS SENT TO MY RESIDENCE AT THE TIME. AT THIS TIME, I AM CURRENTLY CONSIDERING LEGAL ACTION, PENDING FURTHER REVIEW OF CASE. *TR

Mileage: 179,673

WHILE DRIVING HEARD A SKIDDING SOUND, LOOK UNDER TRUCK LOST TRD PLATES, ROTTED BECAME LOSE AND FELL. UNDER CARRIAGE CORRODED. *TR

Mileage: 148,330

UPON MAKING A TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE LOWER LEFT(DRIVERS SIDE) BALL JOINT SEPERATED FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. THIS IN TURN MADE THE FRONT WHEEL FALL INTO THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 197,000

I HAD MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO FREEWAY ENTRANCE RAMP, STARTED ACCELERATING TO GET UP TO SPEED. AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH THERE WAS A LOUD BANG/POP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FRONT LEFT DROPPED DOWN. I HUNG ON TO TRY AND KEEP VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AS IT TOOK AN SHARP LEFT HAND TURN TOWARDS A POLE. EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR I WAS ABLE TO SOME HOW GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED BEFORE THE PASSENGER SIDE HIT THE POLE WHERE MY 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS RIDING. I HAD THE TRUCK CHECKED FOR RECALLS IN LATE 2008 WHEN I PURCHASED IT. THE REPORT SAID BALL JOINT RECALL WAS VIN # SPECIFIC AND THAT THIS TRUCK WAS NOT IN THE VIN RANGE. AFTER THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, I CALLED TOYOTA HOTLINE FOR ASSISTANCE AND EVEN THOUGH THIS IS THE SAME CONDITION, AND PART THAT IS FAILING ON THE VEHICLES IN RANGE THEY SAID, "THAT SENSE THE RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC, THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO, AND WE CAN'T JUST ADD A VEHICLE TO THE RECALL". SO, NOW I'M STUCK WITH A WRECKED VEHICLE, BUT VERY THANKFUL THAT I DIDN'T HIT THE POLE WHERE MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND ALL TACOMA'S THAT CONTAIN THIS STYLE BALL JOINT BE FIXED BEFORE SOME ONE DOES GET KILLED. *TR

Mileage: 223,079

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AT ABOUT 5 MPH, MY LOWER LEFT BALL JOINT (DRIVER SIDE) SEPARATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING CAUSING MY TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL AS THE ENTIRE TRUCK COLLAPSED ONTO MY DRIVER SIDE TIRE, BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION WAS NO LONGER HOLDING IT UP. IN THE EVENT THAT I HAD BEEN GOING MUCH FASTER (POSSIBLY EVEN TEN MILES PER HOUR) I FEEL THAT THE WHEEL WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY RIPPED OFF, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL. I THEN FOUND OUT TOYOTA HAD MADE A RECALL ON THIS PART AND WHEN I CONTACTED THEM, I WAS APPARENTLY 2 WEEKS PAST THE RECALL WINDOW. I FEEL THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED DUE TO THE SHEER NUMBER OF THESE TRUCKS THAT ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. WHEN THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILS, IT IS A CATASTROPHIC EVENT THAT CAN VERY EASILY RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR

Mileage: 186,105

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 12MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE EVERY TIME THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ISSUE WAS THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE SUSPENSION THAT WAS WORN OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,500.

Mileage: 110,000

I BRAKE IN MY DRIVEWAY AT APPROX. 2 MPH, HEARD A LOUD THUMP IN THE REAR END OF MY 2001 TACOMA. WHEN I CHECKED, I FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT BRACKET TO LEAF SPRING HOLDING THE REAR AXLE WAS ACTUALLY SITTING 2 OR 3 INCHES INTO THE FRAME RAIL. THE FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH IN THAT SPOT, THE RUST WAS SO BAD, THAT 6 INCHES OF STEEL ON BOTTOM OF FRAME RAIL WAS GONE IN ANY DIRECTION OF THE LEAF SPRING BRACKET ATTACHMENT POINT. THERE ISN'T ENOUGH STEEL LEFT TO EVEN ATTEMPT A WELD TO REPAIR IT. ON CLOSE INSPECTION OF THE FRAME OVERALL, THERE ARE MULTIPLE POINTS WHERE THE FRAME RAILS HAVE DISINTEGRATED. MY REAR AXLE IS SITTING OFF-CENTER, AND THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN. IF NORMAL FORCE OR TORQUE IS APPLIED, THE AXLE WILL BREAK FREE, AND THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HEARD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON TACOMA FRAME RAILS, SO I CALLED THE DEALER. DEALER STATED MY VIN DID NOT HAVE A RECALL; I CALLED TOYOTA, THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTED IN 1 BUSINESS DAY. THEY NEVER CALLED. 2 DAYS LATER, I CALLED AND GOT TRANSFERRED TO THEIR "TRUCK TEAM," GOT SHUFFLED AROUND FOR 6 MORE PHONE CALLS OVER 3 DAYS, WHEN THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY MAILED ME A NOTICE THAT I HAD TO HAVE GOTTEN A FRAME SPRAYING TO QUALIFY FOR THE FRAME RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED SUCH NOTICE, AND TOYOTA DID NOT EVEN HAVE MY ADDRESS; WHICH THEY STATED THAT THEY GOT ALL INFORMATION FROM DMV. MY DMV INFO IS CURRENT, ALWAYS HAS BEEN. TOYOTA HAS GIVEN MY EVERY TYPE OF RUN-AROUND IMAGINABLE, ULTIMATELY DENYING MY RECALL. ON WEBSITES, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN MY SAME SITUATION...EXACTLY THE SAME. FURTHER, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAD THE FRAME SPRAY, WHICH THEN PEELED OFF WITHIN MONTHS OF APPLICATION. THIS SEEMS LIKE TOYOTA DELIBERATELY TRIED TO EXCLUDE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WITH THIS FRAME SPRAY, WHICH WOULDN'T BE NECESSARY IN THE FIRST PLACE IF THE FRAMES WEREN'T DEFECTIVE. MY TRUCK IS DEAD. *TR

Mileage: 134,000

TOYOTA TACOMA 2001 IN GREAT SHAPE OTHER THAN THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OIL CHANGE; HE SAW SOME HEAVY CORROSION ON THE FRAME. IN SEVERAL PLACES, IT HAS EATEN THROUGH AND HAS PERFORATIONS. HE SAYS IT IS GETTING TO BE UNSAFE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS TRUCK ABOUT A YEAR AGO AT A DEALERSHIP IN OHIO AND WAS NOT MADE AWARE THAT THIS WAS A HUGE PROBLEM IN THE 1996-2003 MODELS, BUT THIS ISSUE IS APPARENTLY VERY COMMON AS TOYOTA DID NOT PROVIDE ACCEPTABLE UNDERCOATINGS FOR THESE MODELS. NEXT STEP IS TO TAKE IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND SEE WHAT THEY SAY. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD TAKE A BUYOUT BUT WOULD PREFER TO HAVE THE FRAME/CHASSIS REPLACED AT THEIR EXPENSE. I LOVE THIS TRUCK AND USE IT EVERYDAY. VERY SCARED TO DRIVE IT RIGHT NOW AND HOPE THEY COME THROUGH TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE. THIS SHOULD BE A PUBLIC RECALL SINCE IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND PEOPLE SHOULD BE MADE AWARE THAT THIS IS A TIME-BOMB ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THESE TRUCKS ARE EVERYWHERE ON THE ROAD. THANKS *TR

Mileage: 162,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 166,836.

Mileage: 166,836

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A BRAKE REPAIR WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT), BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

Mileage: 144,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA SR 5 EXTENDED CAB. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 3-4 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A ROAD BUMP AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT PROCEEDED TO DETACHED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE VEHICLE THEN UNEXPECTEDLY DRIFTED FORWARD THREE FEET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT DETACHED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE BRAKE LINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THE VIN FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,660.

Mileage: 129,660

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN A LOUD, ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED CORROSION ON THE DRIVERS SIDE I-BEAM AND THE CROSS BEAM, WHICH WAS DETACHED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 173,200.

Mileage: 173,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLES PASSENGER SIDE COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE KNUCKLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000.

Mileage: 212,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL AND FELL OFF. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE BALL JOINT FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

TRUCK 'WANDERS' AND WON'T TRACK STRAIGHT WITHOUT CONTINUOUS CORRECTION WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN HITTING BUMPS OR ON 'RAIN GROOVES' OR OTHER UNEVEN SURFACES. DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN LANE DISCIPLINE AND ESPECIALLY SCARY IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES WITH NARROW LANES AND CONCRETE DIVIDERS NEARBY. HAD FRONT END ALIGNED (NO HELP), NEW TIRES PUT ON (NO HELP), NEW SHOCKS INSTALLED (NO HELP), TIRES BALANCED (NICER RIDE, BUT STILL 'WANDERED'), FRONT END ALIGNED AGAIN (MINOR IMPROVEMENT) AND FINALLY SOME NEW TIRES (AGAIN...NO HELP.) THERE IS 'PLAY' IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THERE IS A RECALL AND A TSB FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL TRUCK FOR 'WORN LOWER BALL JOINTS'. BUT WHEN INQUIRING WITH TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, I WAS TOLD BOTH TIMES THAT "MY" TRUCK WAS NOT AFFECTED. IT SURE FEELS AFFECTED!

Mileage: 51,001

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA REPLACED REAR AXLE BEARING TWICE ALREADY TRUCK HAS LESS 90000 MILES. IN BOTH INCIDENTS IT HAS RUINED THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE AXLES CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CARRIER CASE. I BOUGHT A 3 RD TRD AXLE AT A WRECKING YARD TO FIND THE SAME PROBLEM IN THAT AXLE. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. THE REAR AXLE COULD OF LOCKED UP ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH RELATED TO AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BROKE AND THE ENTIRE WHEEL DETACHED CAUSING DAMAGES TO THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT). THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE OWNER EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

Mileage: 186,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO DETACH AND THE AXLE TO FAIL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE BALL JOINT FAILURE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED, THE INSURANCE COMPANY NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. HE BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED HIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 134,000.

Mileage: 134,000

2001-2004 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME RUST PERFORATION THAT IS NOW AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE TRUCKS. TOYOTA WANTS TO REPAIR FRAMES INSTEAD OF BUYING BACK TRUCKS LIKE THEY DID WITH THE 1995-2000 MODELS. ITS AN UNSAFE REPAIR AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE TRUCK WITH A PERFORATED FRAME. SEEMS LIKE A "QUIET" RECALL. *TR

MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. TOYOTA IS BUYING BACK OLDER ONES BUT THE FRAME IS THE SAME OR WORSE ON MY 2001 WITH NO HOLES TO LET WATER AND SALT OUT. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SINCE THEY BOUGHT THE OLDER ONES BACK IN THIS AREA IT MUST BE SERIOUS. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

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. *TR

Mileage: 223,000

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. *AK

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. *AK

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. *NM

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. *NM UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

DT*: 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 - *NM

Mileage: 51,500

DT: 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.*AK UPDATED 11/2/2005. *NM

Mileage: 39,533

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A TOYOTA RECALL ON 2004-2004 TOYOTA TACOMAS 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. *AK THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE REPLACED.

Mileage: 51,880

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. *JB

Mileage: 2,000

DT: 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.*AK

Mileage: 30,800

DT: CONTACT STATES DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BALL JOINT FELL OFF, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO COME OFF. THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE TOYOTA RECALL CAMPAIGN.*AK

WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 60 - 65 MPH, A LOUD SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE HANDLING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN LAS CRUCES, NM. INVESTIGATION FROM THE DEALER WAS THE U-BOLT THAT CONNECTED THE LEAF SPRINGS TO THE AXLE CAME OFF AND DAMAGED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL, THE REAR WHEEL & TIRE AND POSSIBLY THE FRONT TIRE. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CARE REPRESENTATIVE AND THEY RESPONDED THAT THIS WAS A CASE OF THE FAILURE OF A FASTENER AND WAS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE A MECHANICAL DEFECT OF THE VEHICLE. AS OF THIS REPORT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JB

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA PRERUNNER 2 WHEEL DRIVE, 6 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC EXTRA CAB 30,000 MILES RIGHT SIDE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED AT FREEWAY SPEED CAUSING WHEEL AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY TO FOLD UNDER VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND LOSS OF BRAKING AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *NLM

Mileage: 30,700

THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES TO CORRECT A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN CONSUMER WOULD MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO STOP, THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THE CONDITION WAS DUE TO A SLIP JOINT IN THE DRIVE SHAFT WHICH NEEDED TO BE LUBRICATED AND WAS A NORMAL MAINTENANCE ISSUE, BUT ALSO STATED THE CONDITION WAS DUE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT SEIZING UP, THE SHOCKS AND REAR BRAKES WAS REPLACED.*JB

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 55MPH ON HIGHWAY AND THERE WAS A NOISE LOCATED IN REAR END. DEALERSHIP REPLACED REAR END. CONSUMER'S SON WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF HIM, HE APPLIED BRAKES AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE/ RAN INTO A TREE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER HE WAS CLIMBING OUT OF VEHICLE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS ON AN INTERSTATE THE TRUCK HYDROPLANED AND SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING IT TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY AND FLIP OVER TWICE LANDING ON THE CAB. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. ONLY OCCUPANT, DRIVER, SUSTAINED ONLY VERY MINOR INJURIES.*AK

PAYLOAD RATED AT 1674/LBS ACCORDING TO THE SALES BROCHURE AND SALEMAN. WE ADVISED THE TRUCK WILL BE USED FOR DELIVERIES OF 600-1200/LBS. LOADED 800/LBS AND THE TRUCK SUSPENSION IS AT ITS FULL TRAVEL. THE TRUCK SEEMS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH MORE THAN A 500/LB PAYLOAD. *AK