Problems with 2002 Toyota Tacoma SUSPENSION

The undercarriage is showing substantial rust and corrosion

Vehicle failed inspection due to frame rust. was told that its unsafe to drive. researched and found that this is long ongoing issue with toyota and a number of there vehicles. toyota has knowledge of this issue and still sold these inferior frames for many years.

Driving on local street, 25 mph, then heard clunking sound when hitting road bumps. mechanic inspection revealed shock mount completely rusted out of frame and excessive rust and rotting throughout the rear frame. toyota will not help so will have repair privately and weld new sleeves to the frame. toyota has created a very dangerous situation for its' customers by using inferior metals in its' frames for many years.

My frame is just rusted out in the back end it's never been flooded always taken care of very well and i heard about the frame recalls but my vin comes back with no recalls i just need to see if this can be investigated i know people who did qualify and there frames were perfectly fine but mine is just falling apart

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while driving approximately 10 mph, the ball joint fractured and came apart. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to mike erdman toyota (1545 e merritt island causeway, merritt island, fl 32952) where it was diagnosed that the ball joint separated and damaged the axle. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. additionally, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 05v225000 (suspension). the failure mileage was approximately 334,000. parts distribution disconnect.

The frame is rotting out. toyota had the vehicle frame coated with some kind of tar substance because the frame was suspect to heavy corrosion. the coating which was done around 2010 did not work and the vehicle now has holes in the frame due to heavy rust. this is a known issue with these vehicles. toyota offered a non-working solution that did not fix the problem. the coating was just a gimmick and not a solution to the frame rot.

Airbag system failure broken leaf springs.

I was driving on a highway at about 55 mph. the right lower control ball joint broke so the entire wheel broke off the vehicle. the vehicle tried to run/jump over the wheel and caused the vehicle to slammed down on the asphalt. the truck dragged on the asphalt for about 100 to 150 yds until i managed to control and stop it.

The rust on the rear end assembly is so severe that the brakes are compromised, and the back up emergency brake system has failed. the rust on the differential housing is so severe that the fluid has leaked out and the gears are at risk for catastrophic failure. the spring mounts to the axles are also rusting severely, creating a risk of lost control should either side break away. it takes great effort when braking, and the vehicle pulls severely due to rust causing the loss of integrity of the braking system. the brakes, once applied, do not release evenly, creating uneven brake wear, shuddering and shaking, resulting in poor control, excessive and uneven tire wear, i.e., tires locked and dragging, scalloping. on wet, and i fear, icey, surfaces, the truck has slid sideways due to one or more wheels not releasing.

I was informed by toyota case worker that the rusty frame recall expired and it is my problem now. i didn't receive any frame recall notice but received a spare tire lift plate recall (which doesn't expire) due to rust and severe corrosion. i was informed by dealership my truck was unsafe to even put on the lift to address current recall, of course they let me drive it home which is a 35-40 minute drive for me. i was forced to scrap my truck with a perfectly good motor because how unsafe it was and the expense to fix it on my own. i didn't realize the severity of the problem until i crawled under my truck and was beside myself! i had huge holes in the frame, the leaf springs were shot, all this was under the "undercoating" that was done at time of purchase to protect frame from rust! i paid extra for that! even my seat mounts on the interior back seat were rusted! i suspect the quality of metal used is on the lower side... i used my truck as a truck, hauled small amounts of mulch, soul for my garden, it moved me 5x! i didn't go muddling in it, park it in a pond, or live in a flood area. i just used it... how is there an expiration date for the ongoing problem that can ultimately jeapardize a persons safety as well as others on the road?! please hold toyota responsible...

Frame rot from inside out. suspension mounting to frame rotted out. totoya refuses to deal with this and claims the safety recall is expired. how can a recall be expired. case #1606101548 . toyota representative very rude and demeaning.

Excessive unsafe frame rot from inside out. toyota safety 'recall' offer to fix 'expired'.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while backing out of the driveway at a very low rate of speed, the rear driver side spring shackle suddenly fractured and rendered the vehicle undrivable. the vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by severe rusting of the vehicle's frame. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 86,039. ....updated 07/11/16 *bf *cn

Rusting frame.i brought my 2002 toyota tacoma truck to dealer for the corrosion resistant spraying to prevent further rusting of frame.spraying completed on 03/25/03.rust on frame continues.spraying did not work.toyota said they only spray truck once.rust warranty extended for 15 years expiring on 10/01/16.toyota should extend rust warranty with no expiration date as truck will have to be sprayed every two years.earlier years rust warranty covered replacing frame or vehicle buyback.toyota should cover same warranty for later year tacomas as rust problem persists in every year. leaf springs and hardware are rusted as are muffler brackets leading to potentional safety hazard if items fail while driving.toyota admitted rust proofing not done properly by subcontractor.please hold toyota accountable for their negligence in properly protecting frames,springs.and suspension systems with corrosion resistant materials.toyota is just buying time until warranties expire.after that time the owners will have no recourse with toyota.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) however, the contact was informed by the service technician that there was excessive corrosion to the subframe of the vehicle. the contact stated that the corrosion traveled from the front driver side suspension to the rear driver side suspension. the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and could not be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 169,175.

Hello, i own a 2002 toyota tacoma and i brought it to a local toyota dealership where a service advisor came out to the parking lot, got under the vehicle and noticed that the frame has rusted through (he stuck his hand through the rust hole) near where the leaf springs attach to the frame. it is a known safety issue and toyota has repaired/replaced many tacoma's due to this safety issue. i did some research, and found out that toyota knows their frames are unsafe, and have extended the warranty to 15 years from the date of new car delivery. i tried to get mine replaced since its still well within time-frame, but they are stating that the original owner refused a frame inspection/application anticorrosion spray so now they will not honor the unsafe frame. i have vehicle service history showing other recalls (front ball-joint) were done, and other repairs to the car, so its likely that the original dealership did not offer the application anticorrosion spray, otherwise the owner would have had this free service completed (the customer serviced it regularly and kept it in great shape) and the frame would not be unsafe. original new car delivery date was october of 2002, meaning the 15 year frame recall safety issue is covered until october of 2016 (a year from now). i spoke with toyota customer service and they are unwilling to do anything about this known safety issue. in any case, since toyota knows its a safety issue, and its well within the 15 year recall frame time-frame, why should toyota expect me to just drive around an unsafe vehicle?

I drive a 2002 toyota tacoma. heard a clunking noise i thought was a loose pick up bed (shortly after driving on the highway at legal but high speed coming home from work). stopped and noted my truck frame had broken in two places over the rear axel and gas tank area. the broken side of the frame was just sitting loosely on the l rear leaf springs. luckily i stopped to check the pickup bed. i could have been involved in a serious accident or even killed or what's worse could have lost control and hurt someone else. i know toyota has had significant frame quality control issues with these model tacomas in the past. i did have a frame check in dec. 2010 on a recall notice and it was fine. was told by the dealership no further action was needed. now i find after talking to toyota corporate, the frame should have been undercoated at that time. (they claim to have sent 5 letters advising me of this.none of which i received, and i am the original owner at the same address for the past 16 years). looking at the internet forms concerning tacomas, i am not the only one to have been given this cock and bull story. why would i have not taken the truck in for protective undercoating if informed by toyota after all ready responding to a recall inspection only a few weeks earlier?. this is a potentially dangerous situation and could cause catastrophic problems. i think toyota corp is directly responsible for this situation by originally installing defective frames then not following through on recalls or service bulletins properly and actually stone walling owners calling with complaints about the defective frames with an extended 15 year warranty.

2002 toyota tacoma was taken into the shop for an oil change, tire rotation and brake inspection when the shop service technician called to report the frame of the vehicle contains pinholes and is noticeably rusting, presenting a safety issue. the shop technician recommended contacting toyota directly as he thought any recall had since expired. post researching recall information, we did verify that the "recall" period had expired. however, this vehicle was purchased new as a corporate asset and remains in our possession. we absolutely did not receive any recall notifications for the frame issues nor a request for inspection!

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while driving approximately 30 mph, the front passenger side wheel suddenly separated from the vehicle causing the vehicle to skid onto the road surface. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side front wheel bearing malfunctioned, which caused the failure. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 147,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to the dealer (gerard toyota located on 543 colman st, new london, ct 06320) for service, the technician noticed corrosion on the rear passenger side frame and a crack in the rear passenger wheel. the shocks could be seen and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 193,672.

Frame is rusted through in multiple locations and has been treated with corrosion resistant coatings. the coatings are obviously visible but did not prevent the frame from rusting to an unsafe condition. the previous owner brought the truck in for other recalls that are recorded in its history. this one for the frame is not recorded however you can see the coating has been applied. the warranty extension is listed for 15 years. the truck is 13 years old but, a person representing toyota says it's expired with no explanation of how that is. so far she put me on hold for 20 minutes without being able to find the information to explain to me. *tr

I purchased a tacoma truck december 2014 with an undercoated frame, and was unaware the frames in these trucks rot out, it is now april i look under the truck and see the frame is completely rotten out to the point where there is holes every where and you can poke your fingers holes will develop, i contacted toyota they don't want to even touch the truck, i feel very unsafe driving the truck. *tr

Purchased this truck 4 months ago for $10,900. found no evidence of recalls on this truck on carfax and toyotas recall website. it is a great truck in pristine condition. however, after talking to a friend who has a 2004 tacoma he informed me that there was a recall and that his frame was sprayed to prevent corrosion. i called up toyota to see if it had been done on mine and they said no. i asked why they were spraying them and they said it was because the frame will corrode. i asked if it could be done to mine and they said that they stopped doing it at the end of 2011. i had joseph toyota inspect it yesterday and they informed me that the frame has a hole in it and would only have 2 years left. i asked toyota if they would repair the frame or buy the truck back as i have heard they do and they said no. so now i can either pass the problem onto someone else or wait until the frame fails. *tr

Vehicle has low miles yet the frame has rust holes in it. toyota won't do anything about it even though it has frame inspections in it's recent service history. the first inspection occurred in 2010, less than 7k miles ago. they indicated to me on the phone that due to an agreement with nhtsa that they could not do anything to help me. they would not take ownership for not inspecting the frame properly. this is a major problem with tacoma's, tundra's, sequoia's and 4runner's of this vintage in cold climate states. toyota acknowledged the frames were of poor manufacturing even suing the frame manufacturer, yet some get new frames, others like myself with a low mile truck are told they could do absolutely nothing even though the vehicle was traded in less than 1600 miles ago at a toyota dealership in pa. toyota needs to own up to this major safety issue and address it instead of skirting the issue without a proper recall. i have seen videos of tacoma's which have literally broken in half due to this problem. never did i think toyota wouldn't stand behind this potentially fatal flaw in frame manufacturing and corrosion resistance. my frame has a large 1"x6.5" hole above the right front leaf spring mount - a key attachment point for the rear suspension. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame from the rear leaf spring hanger was corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000. updated 11/01/16*lj

The frame at rear spring hangers has rusted through rear axle separated from frame due to rust

Part of the frame suddenly broke from the frame rail under the driver's side of the vehicle, resulting in a significant portion of material loosing all structural integrity. this was due, it seems, to a manufacturing defect in the frame quality leading to excessive rot and rust. the vehicle is now structurally unsound and thus unable to be driven safely. *tr

The sway bar arm bracket on the passenger side of the vehicle pulled out of the frame due to corrosion. the vehicle was found to have corrosion perforations in multiple areas of the frame. frame has excessive corrosion and i have been advised vehicle is not safe to operate. manufacturer refuses to do anything. *tr

while driving home from picking up my daughter from school. i hit a pot hole my truck became very loose and hard to handle. i got home and inspected the truck. i found that the rear leaf spring mounts on both sides pulled/ ripped the frame! my back axel also slid back about 2"! i'm glad we didn't get hurt, but i can't believe that this is acceptable. i only wonder what would have happened if the axel would have came totally disconnected from the truck. *tr

I recently took my 2002 toyota tacoma into the local dealer, dch in wappingers falls ny, because of leak in the rack and pinion steering. upon looking at the vehicle,they observed a cracked and rusted frame. we took the car down and i went to my local repair shop for a second opinion. that repair shop had said there was a frame recall for that year. i called toyota in california and they confirmed there was a recall for that year and that they sent out a notice, but it had to be brought by the end of 2012. i told them i never received the notice. there have been 2 other recalls for the vehicle which i did receive notices. they checked with their compliance office and said they did send it to me. i asked how many notices went out and they said one and they do not send them certified mail. when i stated that i never received the notice, they told there was a department that may still be able to assist me. after opening up a case with toyota, they came to the conclusion, there was nothing they can do about it because i failed to bring the car in by their deadline. i told them again that i never received the notice and that i don't feel safe driving the vehicle with a rusted and cracked frame. this seems to be problem with a good deal of toyotas. i was hoping for some kind of help, since they've admitted the problem and i never received the notice and we, at this point have only their word that they sent me a notice. thank you. toyota case# 1405131065. updated 07/03/14

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while driving 30 mph, he heard a knocking noise in the rear or the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic for inspection where they stated that the rear shock was corroded needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 151,000.

After having my 2002 toyota tacoma off the road and garaged for the past 3 years, i was getting the truck ready to be driven on the road again. i am the original owner. i took the truck off the road because my job was eliminated in october 2010. after changing the oil last weekend in my garage i noticed an abnormal amount of rust on the frame. in fact, so much rust that the rubber body mount block on top of the rear leaf spring snapped off in my hand. the leaf springs, brake lines, and front suspension and frame are all in question regarding vehicle safety. i immediately did research online to check out what i thought was abnormal amounts of rust on the frame and to see if anyone else had experienced this too. i was shocked at what i found. a huge safety issue with toyota tacoma rusted frames. i come to find out online that toyota has a history of rusted frames, breaking frames, unsafe frames, and a recall currently for a rear spare tire mount issue due to rust. i also found out toyota was replacing frames on my model. i called my dealership to set up an appointment to have this truck inspected for pennsylvania state requirements and to have the rust checked. they told me my vehicle was not valid for the rust inspection and the frame replacement because the program expired, i was told to call toyota. i was never notified by toyota or my dealer there was an issue, not by mail, phone calls or certified mail. i had the truck parked in my garage for three years so it wasn't even on the road during this time. several phone calls later to toyota and they refuse to replace my frame under the customer care program citing i did not have the undercoating applied by december of 2012. toyota customer service said i could weld reinforcement plates to my frame myself or find a junkyard frame. really toyota?

I am a canadian citizen, currently the second owner of a 2002 toyota tacoma and have accessed this site to inform other owners but had to register this complaint under the previous owners name. this vehicle was purchased in new hampshire and returned to canada. in late 2011 i was advised that my vehicle frame was starting to show severe rust corrosion. i took steps, as advised, to have it undercoated but when taking it in for inspection this year, i was told it would not pass inspection. i was fortunate to be able to do a temporary fix by having the frame welded but that would only be in the short term. in pursuing this with toyota usa i've told that there was an extended warranty put on these vehicles which expired in 2011 and since they didn't have it registered in the united states there was nothing they could do. it seems like they do everything to avoid responsibility for this problem but i am aware they have replaced many frames for similar vehicles at their cost or paid out the customers by buying back the vehicles. so many customers are frustrated with toyota, me included and they've advised me since it isn't registered in the us currently they cannot do anything. on the other hand, checking with toyota canada then they say i have to resolve the matter with toyota usa. talk about passing the buck back and forth. the vehicle has been registered in north america since 2002 and was built in california. why should this matter? it's still a toyota. poor customer relations for people with similar problems.

I bought a used 2002 tacoma from a good friend. he took very good care of the truck, it was mint. after i bought the truck i asked about the frame recall, but he said when he took it in that they couldn't do it and he had forgotten to take it back. no negligence, just didn't see rust and didn't take it in for the under coating. i tried to get it done but toyota would not stand behind the warranty. two years later and i have a some pretty bad frame rust. this is a safety issue and i really cannot afford another payment. there needs to be a recall for this problem.

My tacoma was recalled 2 years ago for frame rust. they told me it was ok + undercoated it to prevent future rusting. all that undercoating is falling off. that can only be due to improper application or faulty product. the dealer that applied the product (ferris toyota) says the product is faulty + they've seen it many times. they've also confirmed the same with other dealerships. toyota, otoh, says there's nothing wrong. if the frame doesn't need undercoating, then why'd they do it? are they suggesting it works when 50% has fallen off? this is the same vehicle which is now being recalled for spare tires falling off on the highway + my emergency brakes have been seized with corrosion since i've owned the truck. i've contacted toyota many times + they refuse to put their correspondence in writing, but the representative, tiffany bishop, says she types a transcript of our conversations, just won't give me copies. she also calls from a phone with a blocked number. what kind of bull is this? these vehicles are obvious hazards on the road + toyota is playing games instead of making serious efforts to make the vehicles safe. please bring this to the attention of someone at toyota other than [xxx], i am finished corresponding with her! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while traveling 25 mph, the front passenger side wheel separated from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the ball joint had failed, similar tothe defect listed in nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted. the failure mileage was 220,000.

2002 toyotoa truck, lost control and hit my ford s/w, truck was on recall for ball/joints , both me and wife was hurt by this un insured driver, driver was cited for wrong turn into my lane, i lost both my car and my health, what can i do to recover damages from a uninsured truck and driver? *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the mechanic advised that the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for further inspection or repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised that the vin qualified for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall was expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 88,500 and the current mileage was 89,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an inspection. the dealer determined that there was rust on the leaf springs and stated that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. the manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 128,500.

While driving away from my house at 5mph, at night in the rain, approximately 200 feet from my driveway and just after a speed bump, i heard and felt a loud noise, like driving over a concrete block. i stopped the truck and using a flashlight saw that the wheel was bent at an angle and the lower ball joint was completely sheared off. had to call a tow truck to get it out of the road and back to our driveway. *tr

The lower ball joint fell off the truck...this is the 3rd time this has happened in 11 months...once on the right side and twice on the left...there was a recall on this vehicle for the very issue that has happened...and i bought it under warranty september 2005 from toyota, evans toyota fort wayne indiana...i have submitted a claim for repairs and damages to toyota but they refused to honor it...the truck was under recall when i bought it and they never told me...i have all my claim and repair documentation...it is a wonder no one was killed the wheel just comes off while driving...i am afraid that this is going to happen and i or someone else will be killed...the wheels are not suppose to come off this truck.... *tr

2002 toyota tacoma. consumer states in 2010 while backing out of the backyard, the left wheel axle broke *tgw the consumer stated the exact same thing happened on july 1, 2011, only it happened on the opposite side. the consumer stated the tire twisted and the truck skidded into oncoming traffic. *jb

The ball joints and suspension on my 2002 toy tacoma fell apart while making a routine turn onto my street! the balljoints separated and the front axle dug into the street, the only thing holding the wheel to the vehicle was the brake line! had this happened 5 minutes earlier it would have been on the freeway doing 65 mph instead of in a residential tract doing 20 mph! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact was driving approximately 20 mph and attempting a right turn when the frame fractured from the vehicle, leaving the wheel connected by the brake line only. the vehicle was towed to the contacts place of residence. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed that there was a recall for that year, make and model (nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000-suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall did not include his vin. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

2002 toyota tacoma. consumer states as he attempted to make a right turn, the front end of the vehicle fell apart while driving. axle dug into the street causing the ball joints to separate from their knuckle sleeves. suspension fell apart damaging the vehicle. *kb the consumer stated the only thing holding the tire to the vehicle was the brake line. the consumer was advised his vehicle identification was not a part of the recall. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while driving 15 mph, he heard a loud pop while turning right and lost control of the vehicle. the contact pulled over. he noticed that the front passenger side tire disconnected from the lower control arm and folded beneath the passenger side fender. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. the contact was informed that recall 05v225000 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint) did not include his vehicle. the failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while the contact was traveling out of a curve in the road at approximately 25 mph, the wheel suddenly disengaged and rolled underneath the front driver side door. the vehicle was towed to a dealer and they informed that the failure was related to the lower ball joint. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the lower ball joint failure caused other damages to the vehicle. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the failure mileage was approximately 156,0000.

Had a recall on my tacoma. i had bought from father, he bought new from spartan toyota in lansing mi. it was for a possible frame rust recall. i have the records of taking it in for that purpose. it was cleared by service department. apparently, they were supposed to spray a protective coat on the frame at no cost to me, which would include a 15 year warranty on frame. they did not do this. i sold truck to my son, approximately july 2014. he took it in for muffler work and they wouldn't put on hoist because frame is weak from rust. everyone from the dealer and toyota national has said it should have been sprayed, but because it wasn't they sorry but can't do anything. i feel that solution to the service departments mistake is not adequate. do i have any other recourse to help my son? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Gas tank shield severely rusted. under side of gastank is protected by a shield/skid plate. it is rusted so badly that when hit with a hammer the hammer goes right through. presumably this shield is to protect the gas tank from debris and stones especially if the truck is used off road. i discovered this as i was inspecting the underside of the truck before dropping the truck off at the dealer to have the frame replaced. in addition to this, it is apparent that the drive axle and differential housing also have severe rust. if tapped with a hammer the rust comes of in sheets. the parking brakes actuating levers have rusted in place and can no longer be used. there appears to be more to this rust than simple frame rust. the rust is pervasive through out the underside of the truck. *tr

My wife & i were traveling into bakersfield, (we're from arvin, ca) along bear mt. blvd. on sat. sept. 5, 2009 around 4:00 p.m. at about 60 mph and it became difficult for me to steer. instead of going on the freeway, i decided to take an alternate rt. i came to a stop and began turning left at approx. 5- 10 mph & the r front tire folded out & the lower ball joint snapped. luckily no one was hurt. we had to have the truck towed home. i ordered the lower ball joints on line so i could replace them. this is because when i contacted the toyota dealership they informed me that my truck was not one on the recall list for this defective part. i am furious. i believe toyota is liable for my damages. before this occurred, i heard a few clicking & grinding sounds & thought maybe my power steering was going out. i had no idea it was ball joint failure, or i wouldn't have been driving it. i have my old defective parts. i also have another witness to this incidence besides my wife. he lives across the street from where this occurred & heard the loud boom when the truck hit the ground. i hope you look into this matter, as i would hate for someone else to experience what we did. *tr