Last week, Toyota Motor Co. issued a recall on its 2004-2007 Sequoia sports utility vehicles and 2004-2006 Tundra pickups. According to the automaker, an issue with the front suspension lower ball joint in both models could make it difficult to control them. At least 11 accidents with six injuries due to the problem contributed to the recall.
Over half a million vehicles are involved in the recall. Our take? We applaud Toyota (and, in fact, any automaker) for promptly dealing with the issue. Our biggest concern is that such new vehicles have been affected. If you own one of the above, we urge you to bring it in quickly to be serviced.
January, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will launch a Safety Recall (Special Service Campaign) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), involving approximately 533,000 2004-2007 Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) and 2004-2006 Tundra pickups in the U.S.
On certain 2004 through early 2007 model year Sequoia and 2004 through late 2006 model year Tundra vehicles, there is a possibility that the front suspension lower ball joint may experience excessive wear and looseness, causing increased steering effort, reduced vehicle self-centering, and noise in the front suspension.
Toyota will notify owners of the involved vehicles with a Special Service Campaign notification via first class mail beginning in mid-February. Owners are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for diagnosis and repair upon receiving their notification. Replacement of the left and right front suspension lower ball joint will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.
Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1 888-270-9371 or 1-800-331-4331.