2001 Toyota Tundra Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the underbody frame appeared to be rusted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the underbody frame was rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the parts were no longer manufactured. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11752462

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Mileage

200,000 mi

There is an unresolved body corrosion recall that has not been addressed in over a year, despite receiving an invoice from the dealership. I will attach the invoice that lists all the parts ordered for the remedy of this recall.

NHTSA ID

11721644

Incident

Mar 14, 2025

On September 4, 2025, I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra to Midas at 5325 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002 for an oil change and inspection. Midas advertises a “Closer Look Vehicle Check,” which includes checking steering, suspension, and wheels. Their inspection report marked the steering system as “OK” and only noted mild shock wear. Less than a month later, while exiting the highway, the lower ball joint failed completely, causing the front suspension and wheel to detach. I immediately lost steering control. Fortunately, this occurred at low speed; had it happened moments earlier on the highway, it could have caused a major collision or fatalities. The failed component (lower ball joint and related suspension parts) is still available for inspection. An independent mechanic later confirmed that the joint was severely worn and the failure appeared to be due to long-term deterioration that should have been detected during Midas’s inspection. No warning lights or indicators appeared before the failure. The incident endangered my life, my passengers’ safety, and other drivers on the road. The business has refused to take responsibility or cover repair costs, which currently total over $2,400, despite their advertised inspection and guarantee. This raises serious concerns that Midas and potentially other service locations may be failing to properly inspect critical suspension components, which poses a major public safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11691486

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started making a metallic cracking sound, and the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 285,643.

NHTSA ID

11656735

Incident

Apr 25, 2025

Mileage

285,643 mi

Toyota Corporate is refusing to acknowledge my Tundra's eligibility for remedy under a safety recall and campaign. My Tundra is experiencing the failure mode outlined in the safety recall 90M and extended safety campaign Tundra BXD. The spare tire crossmember of the frame is almost entirely rotted through with rust and is barely connected at this point. My Tundra's VIN number falls within the VIN range table's indicated in the recall and campaign documentation, and meets the criteria of currently being registered in an eligible cold-climate state. By all accounts, it should be eligible to receive remedy under this campaign. However Toyota has on multiple occasions just told me that "Safety Recalls are Service Campaigns are VIN-specific" and that VIN does not report as eligible. I've provided photo evidence of the issue and the documentation, yet Toyota refuses to acknowledge my truck's eligibility for repair under this program. Safety recalls are to prevent safety incidents from occurring due to known design or manufacturing defects. My truck is experiencing a known and documented defect. Toyota has a process for fixing it. However they're refusing to fix mine because of a mis-match in the VIN database. Safety issues don't affect "VIN numbers", they affect vehicles, the people who drive them, and others out on the roads.

NHTSA ID

11650826

Incident

Jan 28, 2025

I feel vehicle's frame is not safe... starting making a metal cracking noise due excessive corrosion .. rear frame portion is been treated under recall but the front looks really bad we can't even change suspension parts due the possibility on getting a serious frame problems. I keeping my truck with low mileage and not planning on selling it, very clean inside. I understand frame replacement it is an option if the frame is really bad and mine is getting onto that stage...

NHTSA ID

11604997

Incident

Jul 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly pulled to the right and front driver's side wheel detached from underneath the vehicle, causing the vehicle to skid across the highway before coming to a stop. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front driver's side ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was damage to the subframe of the vehicle caused by the detached wheel. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 233,500.

NHTSA ID

11581721

Incident

Apr 3, 2024

Mileage

233,500 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11564251

Incident

Dec 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an inspection station where it was reported that the vehicle could not be lifted due to extensive rust located behind the cab on the sub frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 216,000.

NHTSA ID

11554298

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Mileage

216,000 mi

I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra into my dealer today, and he advised me that the frame of the Toyota is very rusted and cracking and close to completely breaking. He said Toyota issued a recall on this, but it is no longer in effect. I have learned this is a common issue with the 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras. Please advise!

NHTSA ID

11543163

Incident

Sep 7, 2023

Heavy rust on frame as well as rusting out under support. Causing the bed of the truck to rub on the Cab. Causing the frame to start to bend, I use his vehicle. To transport my special needs child. I’m wondering why, my vehicle? Isn’t covered under the recall ???

NHTSA ID

11542335

Incident

Sep 3, 2023

The car got a lot of rust all over the frame and notice is been a recall on this model and year

NHTSA ID

11536696

Incident

Aug 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that she noticed an unknown part hanging from the vehicle. The contact's son noticed that the cross member had fractured causing the fuel tank to detach. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 227,780. The contact stated repairs would cost $3800 and up but the contact can not afford the repairs. The contact is requesting further assistance on this matter as she was unable to find resolution.

NHTSA ID

11530610

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Mileage

227,780 mi

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road surface, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and the rear suspension shuddered and shifted to one side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front and rear shocks were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and had holes. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure) however, the dealer had only sprayed a corrosion protection compound on the subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 187,149.

NHTSA ID

11527964

Incident

Oct 20, 2022

Mileage

187,149 mi

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the chassis was severely corroded. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the undercarriage needed to be replaced and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA ID

11494408

Incident

Oct 21, 2022

Mileage

148,000 mi

Lower ball joints(right and left hand sides) very serious safety concern. this is my family vehicle and has been with the family since 2005-06. members from the tundra forums are concerned about this issue with toyota tundras. yes toyota has a recall for their 02-06 tundras and tacomas and sequioas of the same year. my car doesn't qualify for the recall. this recall is not covered for the 2000-2001 tundras,tacomas, and sequioas. dont understand why. they all have the same part numbers. i have seen and witnessed the aftermath of this failed ball joint. some are fatal and some leave you stranded. we need to have this deadly issue resolved with toyota. help me and help all other toyota tundra owners who are in this same situation as I am. thank you

NHTSA ID

11466530

Incident

May 28, 2022

My frame is broke . Right at the passenger front tire

NHTSA ID

11440577

Incident

Nov 15, 2021

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the sub frame of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11439729

Incident

Nov 8, 2018

Mileage

115,000 mi

2001 Tundra (4.7 Engine); frame badly rusted in rear. Told on Aug. 3, 2021 that it would fail the next inspection. I put my VIRIN into the NHTSA site but couldn't find any recalls.

NHTSA ID

11427742

Incident

Aug 3, 2021

RECENTLY MY MECHANIC BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION FRAME DAMAGE. I WENT FOR AN INSPECTION FROM A LOCAL FRAME SPECIALIST, WHO TOLD ME MY FRAME WAS COMPLETED RUSTED THROUGH. COST FOR REPLACEMENT MATERIALS AND LABOR TOTAL COST 9227.30. TOYOTA EARLY ON IDENTIFIED KNOWN RUST ISSUES WITH THE TUNDRA WITH A RECALL MANY YEARS AGO. AFTER WAITING OVER A YEAR AFTER THE RECALL MY TRUCK WAS UNDERCOATED WITH A BIG ONE YEAR WARRANTY. APPARENTLY WAS UNAFFECTIVE.

NHTSA ID

11421928

Incident

Jun 20, 2021

LOW MILEAGE, TWO YEAR OLD FRONT TIRES BEGINNING TO SEPARATE AT INNER SIDEWALLS, MAKING VIBRATIONS ABOVE 50+ MPH AND SHAKING VEHICLE SO BAD ALMOST UNDRIVEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ALIGNMENT SHOP SAID GET THEM CHECKED. RE-BALANCING TIRES HAD NO EFFECT, MOVED FRONT TIRES TO REAR THEN BED OF TRUCK WOULD VIBRATE AT SPEED. REPLACE THE 2 TIRES IN QUESTION AND PROBLEM RESOLVED. HAD TIRE SHOP LOOK AT THE TIRES AND THEY FOUND TREAD SEPARATION AT INNER SIDEWALLS OF BOTH SUSPECT TIRES. CALLED MANUFACTURED FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OR REFUND AND THEY NEEDED A RMA FORM FILLED OUT BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO SELLS THIS BRAND OF TIRE BEFORE A RETURN COULD BE ACCEPTED. ORIGINAL PURCHASE WAS ONLINE FROM WALMART FOR PICKUP AT LOCAL STORE. WALMART HAD NO RECORD OF THE TIRE SELLER WHO SUPPLIED ONLINE WALMART SALES. MANUFACTURER REFERRED ME TO A 'DISCOUNT TIRE' STORE LOCALLY THAT MANUFACTURER HAD PREVIOUS CONTACT WITH AND DEALT IN THIS BRAND OF TIRE. CONTACTED THE SUGGESTED STORE AND SALESMAN NEEDED TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER FIRST TO KNOW HOW TO PROCEED. AFTER A CALLBACK FROM STORE, SALESMAN TRIED TO DIAGNOSIS THE TIRE PROBLEM OVER THE PHONE WITHOUT ACTUALLY LOOKING AT THE TIRES AND SAID TIRES WERE PROBABLY OUT OF ROUND. I HAVE THE TWO TIRES AND STILL PONDERING FOR A SOLUTION.

NHTSA ID

11399566

Incident

Aug 19, 2020

Mileage

126,298 mi

BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE ISSUES AND BROKEN LEAF SPRING AND THEY TOLD ME MY FRAME WAS CRACKED.

NHTSA ID

11396432

Incident

Feb 9, 2021

Mileage

160,000 mi

CHASSIS RUST AND HOLES IN THE FRAME. OBVIOUSLY LARGE RUST HOLES IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FRAME BEHIND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. FRAME HOLES CAUSE GREAT CONCERN FOR THE OVERALL OPERATIONAL SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. I CONSIDER THIS DEGREE OF RUST DEGRADATION EXCESSIVE AND A CRAFTSMANSHIP DEFECT. HEAVY STEEL VEHICLE FRAMES SHULD NOT EXHIBIT RUST HOLES TO THIS DEGREE. UPON RECALL NOTICE AND INSPECTION BY TOYOTA, THE VEHICLE RECEIVED A CNC UNDERCOAT TO MUCH OF THE CHASSIS/FRAME AS A MEASURE TO PREVENT FURTHER/FUTURE RUST FORMATION. OBVIOUSLY, THE UNDERCOAT WAS INSUFFICIENT AT PREVENTING FURTHER RUST FORMATION ON THIS PART OF THE FRAME. I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHEN THE RUST HOLES APPEARED. I ENTERED TODAY'S DATE WHEN ANSWERING THE QUESTION OF "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN", BUT IT IS REASONABLE TO ASSUME THE RUST FORMATION HAS BEEN IN EXISTANCE FOR MANY MONTHS TO YEARS.

NHTSA ID

11378600

Incident

Dec 8, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TAKEN HIS VEHICLE TO TOYOTA OF GRAND RAPIDS (2555 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512) FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000(STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS SEVERE CORROSION ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT HE HAD TO SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER CONTACTED BY A SERVICE ADVISOR WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FRAME AND THAT FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS TOO CORRODED NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TO BE PLACED ON THE LIFT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11365153

Incident

Sep 14, 2020

MY VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR FRAME RUST, WITH A COATING, BUT IT IS APPARENT THAT TOYOTA DID NOT REPAIR ALL AREA'S AS TODAY DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY SHOCKMOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HIT SEVERAL CARS, AND PIECES OF THE MOUNT FLEW BEHIND ME INTO TRAFFIC. FROM THE OUTSIDE THIS TRUCK LOOKS TO BE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, HOWEVER THE TOW DRIVER LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND SAID HE COULD NOT BELIEVE THE RUST DAMAGE. MY VEHICLE HAS NOW BEEN DEEMED UNSAFE AND NOT ROADWORTHY. MY FEAR IS HOW MANY UNSUSPECTING OWNERS ARE THERE THAT THOUGHT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE CORRECTLY, AND COULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF THESE GO UNTREATED, REPAIRED OR REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE MAIN OUTERBELT FREEWAY IN COLUMBUS, I-270 AT 60-65 MPH WHEN THE PART CAME OFF.

NHTSA ID

11352687

Incident

Sep 1, 2020

Mileage

205,000 mi