Toyotas With Potential Steering Problems Recalled

Bob Carroll

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A defect in a motor vehicle that could make it impossible to steer makes you sit up and take notice.

Toyota Recalls 533,000 Trucks for Failed Ball Joints

By Joe Benton, ConsumerAffairs.Com

Toyota Motor Co. is recalling 533,000 trucks and SUVs because of possible steering and suspension problems caused by faulty ball joints.

The recall marks a sudden shift in policy for the Japanese automaker after repeatedly denying consumer complaints about ball joint problems and failures in the Tundra and Sequoia.

The Toyota recall includes 2004 to 2007 model year Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicles and 2004 to 2006 Tundra pickups sold in the U.S.

A ball joint in the front suspension may wear out causing the vehicles to be difficult or sometimes impossible to steer.

Toyota reports that the defect may be the cause of 11 accidents resulting in six injuries.

Over my years of practice representing the victims of product defects I can only recall a few situations where the potential consequence of a defect would make steering impossible. In one of those situations the power steering would occasionally lock in one direction, not permitting the driver to turn the wheel (except into a circle).

Florida highways are dangerous enough. We do not need any vehicles with steering problems added to the mix.