2001 Toyota Tundra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Toyota Tundra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure17134.1%
- Brakes11623.2%
- Suspension8416.8%
- Steering234.6%
- Transmission204.0%
- Other / unspecified142.8%
- Engine122.4%
- Fuel system122.4%
- Powertrain (other)112.2%
- Airbags81.6%
- Driver assistance81.6%
- Tires & wheels61.2%
- Exterior lighting40.8%
- Electrical40.8%
- Seat belts30.6%
- Visibility30.6%
- Interior & seats10.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN CROSS MEMBER. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT FELL OFF,THE REAR SHOCK TOP FAILED AND THE CROSSMEMBER FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO FAIL. UPDATED 11/08/2017*JS
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2000 AND HAD THE ENTIRE UNIT UNDERCOATED FOR RUST PROTECTION AND SOUND PROOFING. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN GARAGED SINCE NEW AND SINCE I TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS HAS LOW MILEAGE. THIS IS MY PERSONAL VEHICLE NOT A WORK TRUCK. AS TIME WENT ON I BEGAN NOTICING THE RUST UNDER THE CHASSIS AND THEN I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SPARE TIRE BRACKET. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT TOYOTA USED THE SPARE TIRE RECALL TO UNDERSTAND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE CHASSIS RUST PROBLEM. A SHORT TIME LATER I RECEIVED THE RECALL FOR THE CHASSIS EXCHANGE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE TRUCK THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING, THE WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT AFTER A TURN. I COMPLAINED THAT NIGHT AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. AFTER A FEW HINDERED MILES THE LINKAGE WAS WORN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE CAB WAS NOT ALIGNED TO THE RACK WHEN THEY CHANGED THE CHASSIS. MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE ROT ISSUE. THE REAR AXLE IS NOW ROTTED TO A POINT WHERE IT IS LEAKING THOUGH THE CASING, NOT THROUGH A SEAL OR FITTING BUT THROUGH THE ROTTED METAL. I DO NOT VIEW A REAR AXLE AS A WEAR/REPLACEMENT PART UNLESS IT IS ABUSED THROUGH THE WORKING OF THE TRUCK. I AM 62 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINE 16 AND HAVE NEVER EVER HAD TO REPLACE A REAR AXLE FOR ROT. THE FACT THAT TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGED OWNERSHIP FOR THE CHASSIS RUST TELLS ME THAT THEY SHOULD OWN THE AXLE ROT AS WELL. I HAVE CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE WITH NO SUCCESS AND AM LOOKING FOR SOME RELIEF ON THIS REPAIR. TOYOTA QUOTED ME APPROXIMATELY $5000 FOR A NEW AXLE (PARTS AND LABOR). LAST MONTH I SENT $1500 AT THE DEALERSHIP TO REBUILD MY EMERGENCY BRAKES IN ORDER TO PASS OUR STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. EMERGENCY BRAKE LINKAGE IS NOT A WEAR/REPLACEMENT PART. YOUR THOUGHTS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL BROKE LOOSE FROM LOWER CONTROL ARM
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN I-95 SOUTH IN THE DC AREA WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO THE TOP OF THE HILL AND DRIFT DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. *TR
AT FIRST SHIFTING TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, AND IMPOSSIBLE A FEW TIMES. I HAD THOUGHT THAT IT WAS THE LINKAGE THAT WAS DRIED OUT AND STICKING. TRANSMISSION IS SKIPPING 3RD GEAR SHIFT AND SLAMMING INTO OVERDRIVE WITH A NERVE RACKING BANG, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN ACCELERATING. TRANSMISSION HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL WORK DONE IN 2012 TO TREATED MY VEHICLES FRAME TO PREVENT RUST PERFORATION HAS FAILED. DURING NH STATE INSPECTION AREAS WHERE THE FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH WERE IDENTIFIED. THESE AREAS HAD BEEN TREATED UNDER TOYOTA'S GUIDANCE AND AT THEIR EXPENSE. DUE TO FRAME RUST PERFORATION, AND RUST ISSUES IDENTIFIED BELOW MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. TOYOTA OF PORTSMOUTH, WHERE THE INITIAL RECALL WORK WAS INITIATED, AND TOYOTA MOTOR SALES HAVE BOTH DENIED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. MANY OTHER 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA OWNERS WERE PROVIDED COMPLETE FRAME REPLACEMENTS. I WAS PROVIDED WITH A RUST TREATMENT THAT HAS FAILED TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THE STATE INSPECTION WAS REQUESTED BY ME PRIOR TO SPENDING $2,776 (AND UP TO $5,000 OR MORE IF INTERNAL PARTS WERE DAMAGED) TO REPLACE A RUSTED THROUGH AND LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL CASE THAT COULD HAVE SEIZED UP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF I HAD NOT NOTICED THE LEAK. THIS INSPECTION ALSO IDENTIFIED FOR THE SECOND TIME A RUSTED THROUGH AND LEAKING EXHAUST MANIFOLDS (THE LEFT MANIFOLD WAS "STARTING" TO LEAK ON 09/16/2014 WHEN THE TRUCK LAST PASSED INSPECTION. I HEARD THE TICKING SOUND, CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS LEAK, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. THE BODY AND BED OF MY TRUCK WAS DETERMINED BY A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION WITH MINIMAL RUST. THIS WAS DETERMINED BY VISUAL INSPECTION AND THE CONDITION OF THE LOWER PORTIONS OF THE DOORS WHICH ARE FREQUENTLY A TROUBLE SPOT IN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED AND THE FIRST LOCATIONS WHERE RUST (BODY ROT) APPEARS. TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CORROSION PROTECTION ON THE FRAME AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF MY TRUCK AND CREATED SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. THE FRAME RUST TREATMENT TOYOTA USED ON MY TRUCK DID NOT WORK. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAVE DECLINED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY FRAMES FOR OTHERS.
NOTICED OIL IN DRIVE WAY LOOKED UNDER TRUCK AND NOTICE MY STEERING RACK WAS LEAKING AND STABILIZER LINKS WERE RUSTED OFF. TOOK TO MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS AND HE INFORMED ME MY WHOLE EXHAUST WAS RUSTED AS WELL AS THE BODY. TOOK TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP BACK IN 2009 FOR BODY RUST RECALL AND WAS TOLD IT WAS OK. I NOW NO THAT WAS NOT TRUE. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FUEL TANK FELL OUT OF MY TRUCK DUE TO RUST ON THE STRAPS. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS ONCE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO MY LOCAL GARAGE TO GET IT FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS CLOSER. I HAD TIED THE FUEL TANK TO THE TRUCK TO GET THE TRUCK TO THE SHOP. I SUPPLIED TOYOTA WITH THE INFORMATION AND RECEIPTS. THEY ARE REFUSING TO REIMBURSE ME.
TOOK MY 2001 TUNDRA IN FOR THE FRAME RECALLS. I HAD 52616 MILES ON A GARAGE KEPT TRUCK. THEY SAID MY FRAME WOULD BE FINE AND WOULD HAVE A CRC COMPOUND APPLIED APR 2012. AFTER A FEW WEEKS I TOOK IT BACK IN SINCE THE COMPOUND WAS FALLING OFF, MAY 2012. THEY REAPPLIED THE CRC. I TOLD THEM I HAD CONCERNS OVER SPRAYING OVER RUST, BUT SAID THEY WERE SURE TOYOTA WOULD STAND BEHIND IT. FEB 2014 THE TECHNICIAN MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE RUST AND LACK OF COMPOUND VISIBLE. FEB 2015 THE TECHNICIAN AGAIN SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE CRC WAS ALMOST GONE. HE MADE A NOTE OF IT ON THE SERVICE REPORT. I ASKED THEM TO CONTACT THE CORP OFFICE ABOUT IT. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT CORP WOULDN'T SPRAY IT AGAIN, BUT THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD SPRAY IT. 27 JUNE 2015 DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON INTERSTATE 41, THE FRONT STRAP HOLDING THE GAS TANK BROKE, MILEAGE 58325. I GOT THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD NEW STRAPS INSTALLED. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THEY ACTUALLY HAD TO DRILL AND TAP AND MOUNT THE FRONT STRAP IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION DUE TO SEVERE ROTTING OF THE FRAME. AFTERWARDS I FOUND OUT THAT THE STRAPS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED DURING PHASE 2 OF SSC 90. I CALLED TOYOTA CORP CASE# 1507131315. THE FIRST CASE MANAGER GEORGE SAID RIGHT AWAY TOYOTA WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. THEN I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL IT UP FOR THE FIRST TIME. GAS STARTED POURING OUT ONTO THE GROUND. I BASICALLY CALLED EVERY DAY TILL I GOT JEFFERY MOORE AS MANAGER. HE GOT MY STRAPS AND TANKS REPLACED BUT SAID CORP WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE FRAME. I SENT PICTURES AND EVERYTHING. NOW TOYOTA WILL NOT RESPOND TO ANY OF MY E-MAILS OR CALLS . MY FRAME HAS HOLES THAT I CAN PUT MY HAND THREW AND HAS ONLY 6000 MILES ON IT SINCE IT WAS SPRAYED. I'M AFRAID THAT THE GAS WILL BRAKE AWAY OR THE FRAME WILL SNAP AT ANY TIME. THE GOVT NEEDS TO MAKE THEM FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE THAT WAS IN THE RECALL, NOT MASK IT.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2000 AND HAD THE ENTIRE UNIT UNDERCOATED FOR RUST PROTECTION AND SOUND PROOFING. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN GARAGED SINCE NEW AND SINCE I TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS HAS LOW MILEAGE. THIS IS MY PERSONAL VEHICLE NOT A WORK TRUCK. AS TIME WENT ON I BEGAN NOTICING THE RUST UNDER THE CHASSIS AND THEN I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SPARE TIRE BRACKET. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT TOYOTA USED THE SPARE TIRE RECALL TO UNDERSTAND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE CHASSIS RUST PROBLEM. A SHORT TIME LATER I RECEIVED THE RECALL FOR THE CHASSIS EXCHANGE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE TRUCK THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING, THE WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT AFTER A TURN. I COMPLAINED THAT NIGHT AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. AFTER A FEW HINDERED MILES THE LINKAGE WAS WORN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE CAB WAS NOT ALIGNED TO THE RACK WHEN THEY CHANGED THE CHASSIS. MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE ROT ISSUE. THE REAR AXLE IS NOW ROTTED TO A POINT WHERE IT IS LEAKING THOUGH THE CASING, NOT THROUGH A SEAL OR FITTING BUT THROUGH THE ROTTED METAL. I DO NOT VIEW A REAR AXLE AS A WEAR/REPLACEMENT PART UNLESS IT IS ABUSED THROUGH THE WORKING OF THE TRUCK. I AM 62 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINE 16 AND HAVE NEVER EVER HAD TO REPLACE A REAR AXLE FOR ROT. THE FACT THAT TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGED OWNERSHIP FOR THE CHASSIS RUST TELLS ME THAT THEY SHOULD OWN THE AXLE ROT AS WELL. I HAVE CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE WITH NO SUCCESS AND AM LOOKING FOR SOME RELIEF ON THIS REPAIR. TOYOTA QUOTED ME APPROXIMATELY $5000 FOR A NEW AXLE (PARTS AND LABOR). LAST MONTH I SENT $1500 AT THE DEALERSHIP TO REBUILD MY EMERGENCY BRAKES IN ORDER TO PASS OUR STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. EMERGENCY BRAKE LINKAGE IS NOT A WEAR/REPLACEMENT PART. YOUR THOUGHTS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE TOYOTA SAFETY RECALL WORK DONE IN 2012 TO TREATED MY VEHICLES FRAME TO PREVENT RUST PERFORATION HAS FAILED. DURING NH STATE INSPECTION AREAS WHERE THE FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH WERE IDENTIFIED. THESE AREAS HAD BEEN TREATED UNDER TOYOTA'S GUIDANCE AND AT THEIR EXPENSE. DUE TO FRAME RUST PERFORATION, AND RUST ISSUES IDENTIFIED BELOW MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. TOYOTA OF PORTSMOUTH, WHERE THE INITIAL RECALL WORK WAS INITIATED, AND TOYOTA MOTOR SALES HAVE BOTH DENIED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. MANY OTHER 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA OWNERS WERE PROVIDED COMPLETE FRAME REPLACEMENTS. I WAS PROVIDED WITH A RUST TREATMENT THAT HAS FAILED TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THE STATE INSPECTION WAS REQUESTED BY ME PRIOR TO SPENDING $2,776 (AND UP TO $5,000 OR MORE IF INTERNAL PARTS WERE DAMAGED) TO REPLACE A RUSTED THROUGH AND LEAKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL CASE THAT COULD HAVE SEIZED UP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF I HAD NOT NOTICED THE LEAK. THIS INSPECTION ALSO IDENTIFIED FOR THE SECOND TIME A RUSTED THROUGH AND LEAKING EXHAUST MANIFOLDS (THE LEFT MANIFOLD WAS "STARTING" TO LEAK ON 09/16/2014 WHEN THE TRUCK LAST PASSED INSPECTION. I HEARD THE TICKING SOUND, CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS LEAK, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. THE BODY AND BED OF MY TRUCK WAS DETERMINED BY A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION WITH MINIMAL RUST. THIS WAS DETERMINED BY VISUAL INSPECTION AND THE CONDITION OF THE LOWER PORTIONS OF THE DOORS WHICH ARE FREQUENTLY A TROUBLE SPOT IN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED AND THE FIRST LOCATIONS WHERE RUST (BODY ROT) APPEARS. TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CORROSION PROTECTION ON THE FRAME AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL OF MY TRUCK AND CREATED SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES. THE FRAME RUST TREATMENT TOYOTA USED ON MY TRUCK DID NOT WORK. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAVE DECLINED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. THEY HAVE REPLACED MANY FRAMES FOR OTHERS.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL IS THIS VEHICLE INVOLVED WITH THE LATEST AIRBAG RECALL?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. BOTH DRIVERS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL FOR THREE DAYS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED CARDIAC IMPACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 11/12/15*LJ UPDATED 1/4/2015 *JS
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY AND CRASHED INTO THE READ OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER OF THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR
VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 80MPH HAD TO PULL OFF ROADWAY AND SHUTDOWN IGNITION. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
SPARE TIRE HOLDER RUSTED & SPARE TIRE FLEW OFF INTO TRAFFIC. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY. SAFETY DRIVING LIGHTS ALSO DID NOT WORK. HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS DID WORK. TROUBLESHOOTING REVEALED THAT BOTH SYLVANIA SILVERSTAR 9033/HB2 H4 LIGHT BULBS BURNED OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE HEADLIGHT BULBS ARE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED ASAP. HAVING BOTH HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT AT THE SAME TIME IN INEXCUSABLE! IT NEARLY CAUSED ME TO CRASH AT HIGH SPEED. HAD TO DRIVE HOME USING MY HIGH BEAMS AND FOG LIGHTS. *TR
TAILLIGHT BULBS FALL OUT OF THE SOCKET. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THEY PUT THE BULBS BACK IN BUT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM THAT THE SOCKETS DON'T HAVE ENOUGH SPRING TENSION TO SECURE THEM IN PLACE. I'VE SINCE BLOCKED THEM IN PLACE WITH TOOTHPICKS TO INCREASE THE TENSION OF THE SOCKETS. CHEAP FIX BUT THEY SHOULD REPLACE THE SOCKETS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
HORN CIRCUIT RELIES ON GROUNDING (COMPLETING THE CIRCUIT WHEN HORN IS PRESSED) THROUGH STEERING SHAFT/COLUMN ASSEMBLY. THIS CONNECTION TO GROUND BECOMES UNRELIABLE AS THE VEHICLE AGES LEAVING YOU WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING HORN (IN AN EMERGENCY).
SEVERE FRAME RUST. WHILE REPAIRING A TRAILER WIRING HARNESS I NOTICED MY FRAME IS RUSTED VERY BADLY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SEATBELT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT WILL NO LONGER LATCH. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME THE PASSENGER TRIES TO BUCKLE UP. THE ISSUE IS WITH THE CATCH AND NOT THE BUCKLE. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE CATCH AND WHEN YOU STICK THE BUCKLE INSIDE, IT SIMPLY WILL NOT CATCH TO LOCK THE BUCKLE IN PLACE.
SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN PASSENGER DURING A VEHICLE CRASH, PASSENGER WAS FORCED UNDERNEATH THE DASH. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONERNING THIS MATTER.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR IN MY 2001TOYOTA TUNDRA IS AN ELECTRO CHROMIC SELF-DIMMING MIRROR THAT HAS NO MANUAL BACKUP. THE MIRROR CONTAINED A FLUID WHICH LEAKED OUT CAUSING THE SELF-DIMMING MIRROR TO FAIL TO PROVIDE DIMMING AGAINST REAR APPROACHING HEADLIGHTS RESULTING IN THE DRIVER TO EITHER BE BLINDED OR TO HAVE TO TURN THE MIRROR AWAY WHICH GREATLY ELIMINATES REAR VIEW CAPABILITY IN THE INTERIOR. THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTED CASES OF THESE MIRRORS FAILING IN VARIOUS MAKES AND MODELS AS A RESULT OF USUALLY FROM THE INTERNAL FLUID LEAKING. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE OEM MIRROR MAKER, STEVE CHENLO, FROM MAGNA DONNELLY (HIS DIRECT LINE IS 616-786-7495), NOW REFUSES TO SUPPLY REPLACEMENT MIRRORS. A FEW YEARS AGO, I HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT MAGNA DONNELLY WAS REPLACING THESE MIRRORS FOR FREE BUT STOPPED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. *TR
WHILE TRAVELING AND WHEN TURNING ON HEATER ONLY COOL AIR BLOWS OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO FROM BEHIND. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE DRIVERS SIDE HEAD REST. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN GOING UP A HILL. *AK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN THE ENGINE FELT AS IF IT WERE DRAGGING AND WOULD BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED BUT WHEN PUT INTO GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS FOUND DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPLACED WITH A TOYOTA REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. *SCC ALSO THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, IT WAS DETERMINED THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIR CONDITION DID COOL PROPERLY. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .