NHTSA Complaint #11449272 — 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed that the front wheels would frequently turn to the opposite direction of what was intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the upper ball joints had failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic replaced the upper ball joints with the same model; however, the failure reoccurred after the vehicle had been driven for less than 20,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the upper ball joints with the same model part; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would only replace the ball joints with the original OEM ball joints. The vehicle was taken to an auto builder who assisted the contact in replacing the control arms, upper and lower ball joints, and retro shocks with a different model. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E002000 (Suspension) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.