10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
126,508 miles

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problem #7

Dec 312023

Tundra

  • miles
Driving straight at 30mph and wheel came off causing near deadly collision. Upon inspection it is evident that the wheel separated from its ball joints. Further research strongly suggests that this is a known defect of this year/make/model, even though the recall was issued only for the subsequent years vehicle. This is a potentially deadly design flaw and not an isolated manufacturing defect as Toyota claims.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #6

Aug 162019

Tundra

  • 167,000 miles
Bought truck new in 8/2001. Brought truck to dealer when it was recalled for rust in 2012 and was told rust wasn't bad enough to do anything. Brought truck back to dealer multiple times after 2012 (last in 11/18) and was told everything was fine on each occasion. In 8/2019 I heard a squeak from undercarriage and when I looked, the spare tire crossmember was hanging down and the right side upper shock mount was completely rusted through and the top of the shock was rubbing against the bottom of the truck bed (top shock mount was completely rusted away). Local service center told me to remove the shock and spare tire for safety. This rust is limited to the upper shock mount and the crossmember holding the spare tire. Other crossmembers and frame rails are all stable with only the amount of surface rust expected on a 18 year old vehicle. I do not believe that the dealer did a thorough exam of the truck in 2012, 2018 or other visits I made when I prompted them to check the rust as it related to the recall. I was told that since the campaign for rust was over they couldn't do anything. Based on the fact of only 2-3 areas of catastrophic rust on the frame and components while the rest of the frame and chassis is wearing appropriately I believe that this is a safety issue that should be re-instated - obvious factory defect - no corrosion inhibited applied. The vehicle is still mechanically perfect but the falling spare tire and broken suspension can cause an accident or injury that could be prevented with a recall. I believe that the Toyota dealer did not do a thorough inspection. I also question why I have seen multiple instances of individuals with similar problems who were given anti-corrosion treatment or other efforts made to stop the rust from getting worse - but nothing was done by Toyota to mitigate this problem before it got to this catastrophic level.

- Seward, AK, USA

problem #5

Jun 022015

Tundra

  • 178,000 miles
I left my driveway to do some errands and when I returned I thought someone had thrown an old tire on my property. To my dismay I quickly realized it was my spare tire with the rotted hoist still frozen to the inside of the rim. I had already taken my truck to a dealer for under carriage rotting recall. Thank god this didn't happen at any other time, it could have killed people. I do a lot of highway driving.

- Boyertown, PA, USA

problem #4

Oct 262014

Tundra

  • 199,500 miles
Accelerating on an on-ramp to go on the freeway, a massive bump was felt. I lost control of the car using momentum and difficult steering to get me to the side of the freeway. I discovered the wheel was disengaged and was only attached by the brake line. Mechanic inspected the damage and said the ball joint broke off causing the wheel to be disengaged.

- Rowland Heights, CA, USA

problem #3

Jan 312014

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 221,808 miles
Was driving home on a 2-lane rural highway when I heard a very loud bang and found my vehicle scraping and skidding down the road for approximately 100 ft. Fortunately, no one was coming from the other direction and no one was behind me. Wound up in the middle of the road. Managed to force the truck onto the left shoulder. After getting out, found the left front wheel flat on the road and jammed up inside the wheel well. Upon further inspection found that the left lower ball joint had snapped off at the bolt holding it onto the A-frame. Out of warranty. Toyota says they won't do anything to help. Looked on internet and found many, many similar experiences with 2001 Tundra. Have scrupulously maintained this vehicle since I bought it new in 2001. This should not be allowed to happen. I could have been killed and I could have killed others. There should be a recall issued re. This problem as has occurred with later year Tundra and Toyota should be held responsible to pay for repairing my truck.

- Forestville, CA, USA

problem #2

Dec 102004

Tundra 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,382 miles
Vehicle was driving roughly and consumer was able to pull over. Consumer noticed that the right passenger's side wheel collapsed inward. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both driver's side and passenger's side ball joints needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that the lower ball joint failed.

- Downieville, CA, USA

problem #1

Mar 222002

Tundra

  • 17,864 miles
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