10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 57,977 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
I have a 2001 Toyota Tundra and have been experiencing brake vibration prolbems for years. Toyota has recently been grievously irresponsible about issuing warnings and recall notices on its Toyota Tundra trucks. There is little question that a design flaw in the Tundra causes front rotors to warp very quickly, causing the truck to shudder during braking. Toyota even issued a technical service bulletin, but Toyota dealers have not alerted consumers to the problem. I have been told many times there is not a problem or blamed for braking too hard, that is, until their 36,000 mile warranty expired. At this point the Toyota dealership acknowledged the brake problem and offered assistance at full price....about $2000. The Toyota Tundra are breaking down because the rear brakes do not self-adjust properly. This transfers the entire braking load to the front wheels. The front rotors are not designed to withstand that much pressure and heat, and so they end up warping. This is what causes the severe shimmy and vibration at all speeds, but especially between 40-50 mph. Because this is a fundamental problem with the rear brakes, rotors that are repaired are completely warped again within 5,000 miles. Toyota has had dozens of other problems with the Tundra model, but they only issue technical service bulletins online and make no attempt to inform customers. Everyone acknowledges the problem, but since my truck has over 36,000 miles we have to basically pay for a manufacture defect. This problem is not due to normal use and wear, it ia a design problem, and one that Toyota needs to fix. Toyota needs to stand behind their product.
- Austin, TX, USA
I am 2nd owner of truck for 2 yr. 1st owner had brake shutter on stopping, and took to dealer. They wanted to replace frt pads/surface rotors. They wanted $300 more than anyone to fix. Had brakes replaced at local garage. I bought truck, and had shutter in brakes, called dealer, and they said that after 36K miles they would fix the brakes for $2000-$2500, and now there is a tsb for the rear brakes, and that will cost another $1500. They said that this is not a "Toyota problem", and the customer should bear the cost to fix truck. Truck has 58K miles, and not used for hauling loads. The mfg. Should replace problem parts, and no charge repairs.
- Tucson, AZ, USA
I bought my 2001 Toyota Tundra in febuary of 2005. When ide bought the brakes where in good shape. After just 3 months of driving my truck started shaking violently when applying the brakes at higher speeds (30-55mph). I took it to a mechanic and he said that the brakes were shot and that the rotors were in need of turning. I proceeded with the repairs and was back on the road again till two nights ago. My family and I were coming home after sunset when a cow darted out in the middle of the road. I acted quickly and veired only to find that the brakes didnt work causing me to loose control of my truck. I was able to regain control by knowing the proper procedures from a defensive driving course ide taken when my occupation was as a firefighter but I still came in contact with the animal in the road due to the brake failure. Ive since taken the truck back to my mechanic and the brakes and rotors are shot once again. He said the exceedingly rapid ware of the brakes and rotors came from a malfunction on the rear brakes which in turn causes over strain on the front brakes resulting in premature break failure. Ive searched the internet and if your staff can possibly do the same they'll find that this has been a terribly common problem in the Toyota Tundra year model 2000 through 2004. Ive recently started circulating a petition for others that have had these problems with their Toyota to accumulate proof that the problem has exsisted for some time now and that it has happened in an extremly large number of the Toyota Tundra. Their are countless testimonies of people with the same problems and have tried going to the manufacturer only to get the run around or just simply ignored. Toyota is in violation of manufacturing defective vehicles and selling them to the public with no concern what so ever for the safety and concern of there customers or the people that they share the roadways with.
- Siloam Springs, AR, USA
The vehicle experienced heavy vibration while driving downhill.
- Chaseburg, WI, USA
After having my brakes replaced at the dealership under the technical service bulletins issued by Toyota, I had to return due to severe shuddering in the front end. The tsb required my brakes to be replaced in full (front and rear). The resolution on the 15 May 2003 was to turn the drums and reduce my tire pressure below the tire manufacturers recommended pressure rating.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Braking system in 2001 Tundra: Rotors and drums are badly warped causing severe vibration when braking at higher speeds (above 30 mph).
- Covington, WA, USA
Brake pedal fades under pressure and acts inconsistently. At times the brakes engage near the top of the pedal and at other times almost at the floor. Brake light has come on several times. Parking brake will engage after three or four clicks and the next time will not engage almost to floor. Dealer has replaced pads, drums, disks, etc. Dealer and Toyota motor sales will not return calls, letters, etc.
- Prescott, AZ, USA
While applying the brakes the vehicle will vibrate especally on the passenger side. Ts the brake pads were replaced then adjusted and the rotors were replaced. However vibration, shutter and high pitched noise still exist. On one occasion consumer heard a clunking noise and found the caliper pin sticking out of trim of hubcap. With caliper pin in hand, consumer was angry when dealership had no knowledge of service bulletin for brake problems. Balancing weights fell off. Heater stopped working due to packing material. Foam material was removed.
- Moreno Valley, CA, USA
- Manteno, IL, USA