Is there a recall on Toyota Tundra ball joints?
There isn't a blanket recall specifically titled “ball joints” for Toyota Tundra across all model years today. Active recall status is VIN- and model-year dependent, and some campaigns have covered related front-end components that could involve ball joints in affected trucks.
In this article, we examine how to verify recall status for Toyota Tundra ball joints, what to know about ball joints and front-end recalls, and what steps to take if your vehicle might be implicated. We’ll also explain how recalls work and what you can expect if a remedy is required.
Current recall status for Toyota Tundra ball joints
The following steps help you determine whether your specific Tundra is affected. Use official sources to confirm status for your VIN and model year.
- Check the NHTSA SaferCar.gov recall database and search by your vehicle’s VIN, make, and model to see if any open campaigns apply to your Tundra.
- Visit Toyota’s official recall information portal for owners and search by VIN to confirm if your truck is part of any recall or service campaign related to front suspension components.
- Contact your local Toyota dealership or certified mechanic to run a VIN-specific recall check and schedule any required inspection or repair at no cost if applicable.
- Consider signing up for recall alerts from NHTSA or Toyota so you receive notifications if a new campaign includes your VIN in the future.
If your VIN is listed in a recall, the remedy is typically provided at no charge and may involve replacing front suspension components, which can include ball joints or related hardware, depending on the campaign.
Understanding ball joints and why recalls may involve them
Ball joints are pivotal for steering and suspension, linking the wheel hub to the control arms while allowing for vertical and horizontal movement. Worn or defective ball joints can cause play in the steering, uneven tire wear, clunking noises, or alignment issues. Recalls related to front-end components may cover ball joints if a safety risk is identified that affects steering control or vehicle stability.
Owners should be aware that even if a recall is not specifically labeled “ball joints,” a campaign may still address ball-joint-related wear or failure as part of a broader front-suspension repair.
Symptoms that may indicate ball-joint issues
Be alert for warning signs that could indicate wear or failure in front-end joints, which may prompt an inspection or recall check.
- Clunking, popping, or grinding noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps or during turns.
- Loose or wandering steering, or a feeling that the front end is unstable.
- Uneven tire wear or a noticeable pull to one side while driving.
- Excessive play or wobble in the wheel when the vehicle is jacked up and inspected.
These symptoms warrant a prompt inspection by a qualified technician, and owners should verify recall status before paying for repairs if a recall might apply.
Summary
In short, there is no universal, ongoing recall titled specifically “ball joints” for Toyota Tundra across all model years. Recall status is tied to individual VINs and model years. To stay informed, check the official NHTSA recall database and Toyota’s recall portal using your VIN, and consult a Toyota dealer for a VIN-specific assessment. If a recall does apply, the remedy is provided at no cost to the vehicle owner. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to front-end symptoms can help prevent safety risks, and staying informed through official channels is the best course of action.
What is the biggest problem with a Toyota Tundra?
Reliability Issues with the Toyota Tundra
- Transmission problems.
- Frame rust and corrosion.
- Air injection pump failure.
- Exhaust manifold leaks.
Why do Toyota ball joints fail?
Ball joints begin to wear from a lack of lubrication. When the outer boot fails, the grease escapes while dirt and debris can enter the ball joint socket. The loss of grease creates a gap between the ball and the socket. This excessive play causes a rattling or clunking sound.
How much does it cost to replace ball joints on a Toyota Tundra?
The cost to replace a Toyota Tundra ball joint typically ranges from $430 to over $900 per ball joint, depending on the specific part, labor rates, and whether it's an upper or lower, front or rear, driver or passenger side. A complete replacement of both front upper and lower ball joints on both sides can cost between $1,000 and over $2,000, particularly at a dealership, with labor accounting for the majority of the cost.
This video demonstrates how to replace the lower ball joints on a Toyota Tundra: 47s208TylerYouTube · Sep 12, 2021
Factors that influence the cost
- Labor: This is often the most significant expense.
- Parts: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts will generally be more expensive than aftermarket parts.
- Type of ball joint: Front, rear, upper, and lower ball joints can have different price points.
- Shop vs. Dealership: Dealerships often have higher labor rates and may use more expensive OEM parts.
- Additional work: It may be cost-effective to replace other worn suspension parts (like tie rods or bushings) at the same time, though this will increase the overall bill.
- Rust belt locations: In areas with significant road salt, corrosion can make the job more difficult and increase labor costs.
Sample cost breakdowns
- Front lower ball joint (per side):
- Estimated cost: $433 to over $900.
- Example breakdown: For a 2012 Tundra, a shop quoted between $631.97 and $900.20 for the job.
- Complete front replacement (both sides):
- Estimated cost: Can range from $1,000 to over $2,000.
- Example breakdown: A user received a dealership quote of $1306 for both front lower ball joints ($1100 labor + parts). Another user got a quote of $1500 for labor and $606 for parts to replace all four ball joints.
What is the latest recall on the Toyota Tundra?
The latest safety recall for the Toyota Tundra involves model years 2022-2024 (gas models only) due to potential machining debris left in the engine during production. This debris can lead to engine knocking, rough running, no-start, or a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Affected owners can expect to be notified about the recall and a remedy in January 2026.
Details of the recall
This video explains the new engine recall for 2022-2024 Toyota Tundras: 1mThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Nov 6, 2025
- Affected vehicles: Certain 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra models, along with 2022-2024 Lexus LX and 2024 Lexus GX models. The recall includes approximately 127,000 vehicles in North America.
- Vehicle build period: The recall primarily affects vehicles built between November 22, 2021, and February 14, 2024.
- The problem: Machining debris from the manufacturing process was not cleared from the engine and may be present on the main bearings.
- Consequences: If the debris is present, it can cause the engine to fail, resulting in:
- Engine knocking
- Rough running
- Failure to start
- A complete loss of motive power while driving
- Safety risk: A loss of power at high speeds could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota is developing a remedy and will notify affected customers with instructions in January 2026.
What you should do
- Await notification: You will be notified by mail by early January 2026 if your vehicle is part of the recall.
- Check online: You can check your vehicle's recall status by using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
