Lower ball joint may detach
Defect Summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 fj cruiser vehicles equipped with an optional "trail teams ultimate edition" package, in which the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced at vehicle processing centers. in some of these vehicles the bolts which secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and/or the front suspension lower arm to the front cross member assemblies might have been tightened with insufficient torque when the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced during the installation process.
Safety Consequence
In this condition, one or both bolts could become loose during driving and fall out. if both bolts fall out from the front lower ball joint or the front suspension lower arm, these components could detach from the steering knuckle or the front cross members, causing a loss of steering control, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Toyota will notify owners of vehicles with the optional package installed, and dealers will inspect the torque of the bolts. if the bolts are found to be loose, dealers will retighten them to the proper torque. for any missing bolts, dealers will install new ones. the recall began on november 7, 2014. owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing or involving Suspension.
FAQ: Recall 14V539000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 14V539000?
NHTSA recall 14V539000 was issued by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing on September 8, 2014. It addresses: Lower ball joint may detach. The recall affects approximately 2,501 vehicles, with the defect involving the Suspension component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 14V539000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.