2001 Lower Ball Joint Recall

[eric_simo99]

Anybody have any luck with this recall recently? The nearest Toyota dealership to me is giving me BS and saying it doesn't apply to my 4Runner anymore.

Recall Date:
MAY 17, 2005

Model Affected:
2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.

Consequence:
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected:
768379

Notes:
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. 50J

Read more: 2001 Toyota 4Runner Recalls, Notices & Car Safety Reports - Motor Trend Magazine​

 

[Mauzer]

I had this recall performed just this past week, its definitely still in effect!

 

[yotarob]

I just found out that it doesnot apply to my wifes 02 2wd. Was it only for 4wd models?

 

[BruceB83]

Sorry to drag this up from months back but I'm curious if anyone else with a 2001-2002 4WD tried looking up their VIN in the Toyota recall search. I did with my VIN and it said no recalls are out there but this seemed like a very widespread recall. I'm having a hard time believing my specific 4R wasn't affected.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Sorry to drag this up from months back but I'm curious if anyone else with a 2001-2002 4WD tried looking up their VIN in the Toyota recall search. I did with my VIN and it said no recalls are out there but this seemed like a very widespread recall. I'm having a hard time believing my specific 4R wasn't affected.

x2. I need to get this done. I guess the only way to be sure is to stop by the dealer and have them run the VIN. See if they can get it done.

 

[cfranck1]

Check out the picture I supplied.

VDS = digits 4-8 of your VIN

Range = last 7 digits of your VIN.

 

[BruceB83]

Thanks for posting that. According to that mine isn't affected however I'm skeptical that they cover all affected vehicles properly.

 

[BigRogers]

Revival & Help.....

So i am looking at purchasing another 4runner, and it just so happens to VIN falls in the list of the recalls. I have looked throught the car fax but it doesnt necessarily mention the vehicle was updated with new LBJ's as part of the recall. shouldnt it mention something like that.

I am possibly buying it off a lot, and dont have the availility to ask the previous owner. Anyway i can find out for myself, as i dont necessarily trust the stealerships.....

On a side note they look like they are brand new, the seals look awesome compared to mine that I am driving on now (not part of the recall )

 

[4-Ripcord]

Google the toyota owners website.

 

[RAD4Runner]

This wording is B.S.:
(https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2005/RCONL-05V225-6542.pdf)
"During the manufacturing process, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball portion of the Front Suspension Ball Joint in your vehicle may have been scratched."

WHY?

LET'S CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON NEWER, MORE ACTIVE THREAD HERE.

 

[atikovi]

So i am looking at purchasing another 4runner, and it just so happens to VIN falls in the list of the recalls.

Just a PSA but just because the VIN falls in the list of the recalls doesn't mean they will replace them. They could have been replaced already. You have to go to the NHTSA recall page to check the VIN and see if the recall was done. Checked for my 03 Sequoia and it hasn't, and with over 500,000 miles, so will see what Toyota will do.