Ball joint wear on 2021?

I took my '21 tacoma TRD Sport (46,000km/28,500 miles) in for a routine service and was informed there was some play in the right front ball joint, which they recommended replacing. They said it was a little premature to be having this problem...

This is my first vehicle I've bought new; I've always had well-used vehicles that needed repairs regularly. I'm a little shocked that the truck is having problems like this this early. I have noticed in the last few months the steering tends to pull slightly to the right, it's especially noticeable after getting my tires changed over.

I drive about 70/30 pavement/dirt roads and don't do any major 4x4ing with it. I do occasionally tow a 16 foot tandem axel cargo trailer which is well within the GVWR. I have air bags installed in the back to level it out while towing.

My last two vehicles I replaced ball joints on, but they were both 2004 (a ford ranger and a honda crv) and had over 100k miles on. A family member who's a retired mechanic has told me this is ridiculously early to be having this problem, and that this should be covered under warranty. I haven't discussed it with the dealership yet.

Thoughts? What year/milage is average for ball joints with normal wear and tear? Could there be something I'm doing that's causing this? The dealership suggested that the additional weight of towing could be contributing to it, but id expect more problems in the back than the front if this were the case. Appreciate all input.

 

That’s really early to be experiencing ball joint wear.
Things happen, and parts can bad.

I’d at least ask the dealership if there was anything they can help you with here.
Technically, the ball joints are a wear item. But this is seems pretty premature.

Worst case, have a second opinion. And pay for it yourself.
This is NOT normal for these trucks. Don’t let it discourage you. You have a good truck.

 

Was this the result of a "courtesy inspection " by chance?

If you have the means, check it yourself and see how bad it is. Is the boot even torn? Take a pic so we can see it

Checking ball joints is a little more involved than just sticking a prybar in there when the wheels are off the ground. You need to have the weight off the joint and the suspension can't be at full droop. This involves a jack stand under the control arm, close to the wheel as possible, and a floor jack under the tire. As you lift the floor jack, if the joint is bad you'll see it separate.

The point is most places won't go to all this trouble if there's no noise complaints or handling symptoms

 

Yeah this was their standard schedule inspection with oil change, cabin filter, etc etc. I did not note any handling or noise concerns to them... though now that I'm thinking about it, the steering pulling to the right has been going on for a while, but it's very slight, I thought it was just me honestly. Any water bottle in the console rattles and drives me nuts, but again, didn't think it was bad enough to be indicating a mechanical issue.

I'll take a peak under it tomorrow and get some photos. Obviously if it needs it it needs it; last thing I want to worry about when I'm pulling the trailer and I've got a couple trips to do this summer. My dad was a honda mechanic for 40 years, wish he woulda taught me more about these things while he was able, but he's on oxygen now and can't get around so I find myself on my own with these things these days, I'm learning. Appreciate your input.

 

Dealers are notorious for pointless upsells such as this. There's a 99.9% chance it's fine

 

This!
I was questioning IF it's really bad.
OP don't let your mind wander based on their upsell. If in doubt, take it to a reputable shop for a proper inspection.

 

I replaced one on mine at 54k. Found some play in it by jacking on the control arm, just enough to get a prybar underneath and wiggling it up and down. I could feel the slop between the lca and knuckle with my left hand while moving the bar up and down with my right. If you have a jack, you can easily check it yourself.