Investigation PE04040: 2002 Toyota Tundra

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Apr 13, 2004

Closed

Aug 20, 2004

Model years

2002

Subject

Front suspension ball joint breakage

Component: Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Summary

Odi opened pe04-040 based on three consumer reports of alleged ball joint failure.the complaints allege that a front suspension ball joint separated while driving, which caused the suspension to collapse and resulted in a loss of vehicle control.all of these complaints involved the failure of a lower ball joint.during the investigation, toyota identified a total of 15 complaints of lower ball joint separation, one of which resulted in a crash, and 28 warranty claims related to lower ball joint wear.odi's analysis showed that of the 15 separations, 11 were on four-wheel drive vehicles (24.2 per 100,000 vehicles), which make up approximately 40% of the 2002 my population (45,448 vehicles).odi's analysis also showed that some drivers lost front braking ability as the brake line severed when the front suspension collapsed.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further investigate this issue, to assess the safety-related consequences, and to determine the scope of the affected population.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2002 Toyota Tundra482 complaints