Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Toyota Tundra submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 84 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 84, in the owner's own words
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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
My frame is broke . Right at the passenger front tire
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.
BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE ISSUES AND BROKEN LEAF SPRING AND THEY TOLD ME MY FRAME WAS CRACKED.
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.
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.
I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD LOUD NOISE WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, PULLED OVER TO LOOK AND SAW THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK RUSTED THROUGH THE CROSSMEMBER AND HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE BED.I WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME SLOWLY,NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS 157,000 MILES, NOW WHAT DO I DO?
ON 11-5-2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA, DOWN A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING, BREAKING NOISE AND THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY TRUCK COLLAPSED AND TRUCK VEERED TO THE RIGHT. MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS THAT I HAD A BLOWOUT. THERE WAS ENTRANCE TO CIRCLE K APPROXIMATELY 40-50 FEET AWAY. SKIDDING ALONG I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE TRUCK INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND OFF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT TO CHECK I SAW THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD COLLAPSED UNDER THE VEHICLE HAD SKIDDED ON THE TIRE AND RIM. THE TIRE WAS STILL HOLDING AIR BUT WAS SCRAPED DOWN TO THE CORD. THERE WERE NO POTHOLES OR ANY DEBRIS IN THE ROAD. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, PRIMARILY JAPANESE, AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED. BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN AND ALSO RUINING ABS SPEED SENSOR AND BRAKE HOSE. SEE ATTACHED INVOICE. MECHANIC ALSO DID A DIAGNOSIS ON THE ENTIRE FRONT END. ON 11-14-2019 PER THE ADVICE OF MY MECHANIC I HAD THEM REBUILD L BALL JOINTS AND LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARM. SEE ATTACHED INVOICE. I STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED THE R CONTROL ARMS WHICH THEY HAVE ADVISED I DO ASAP. IT WAS EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT MYSELF OR NO ONE ELSE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *LN VEHICLE WAS TOWED.*JB
MY BALL JOINTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED THIS MORNING WITHOUT WARNING (NO KNOCKING/RATTLING/VIBRATION/ETC.). LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING 15 MPH. I AM CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF AN ISSUE WITH THE BALL JOINTS THAT COULD CAUSE THIS FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. I AM WORRIED FOR FUTURE INCIDENTS THAT WOULD NOT BE SO LUCKY AND HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH OR MORE (WHICH I WAS DOING 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING). I UNDERSTAND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BUT THIS IS A SUDDEN, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND LIKELY TO KILL PEOPLE. NORMAL BALL JOINT WEAR LOOSENS THE BALL JOINT AND MAKES A RATTLING NOISE, THIS ISSUE BINDS THE BALL JOINT WITH NO WARNING AND BREAKS IT OFF. I CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS DECLINED ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO TRENDING AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT WEAR AND TEAR. THIS WAS IN SPITE OF KNOWLEDGE I HAVE OF OVER 533,000 RECALLS OF BALL JOINTS ON SIMILAR MODELS WITH SIMILAR SUSPENSIONS. THE TOYOTA PERSONNEL I SPOKE WITH WOULD NOT EVEN ADMIT TO ANY RECALLS OF SUCH LIKE INCIDENTS. TOYOTA SEEMED COMPLETELY UNCONCERNED AND EVEN WORRIED THAT IF THEY PROVIDED INFORMATION LIKE THIS TO OTHER TUNDRA OWNERS THAT THEY WOULD BE "LIABLE" AND EXPECTED TO PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED. IT SEEMED TOYOTA WAS HAPPY TO SIT BY AND WATCH THE NEXT WHEEL GO FLYING OFF THEIR TUNDRAS/SEQUOIAS (AND POTENTIAL FATALITY) AT THE RISK OF HAVING TO COMMUNICATE AN ISSUE TO CUSTOMERS. I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO KNOW THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN EXISTING BALL JOINT ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE PERFORMED A PM ON MINE!
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS STUCK ON THE SIDE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 270,000.
THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THESE FIRST GENERATION TUNDRAS ARE ALL PRONE TO EARLY FAILURE WHEN USING ANY OTHER BRAND THAN OEM. I HAVE TALKED TO DOZENS OF FIRST GEN OWNERS AND ALL AGREE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE TRUCKS ARE A HUGE WEAK POINT. I HAD MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL COME OFF OF MY TRUCK WHILE TURNING DOWN A STREET IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY TUNDRA. THE WHEEL WENT ABOUT 50 FEET AND STOPPED BY COLLIDING WITH A PARKED CAR. THE SUSPENSION OF MY TRUCK ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ROAD.
FRONT LOWER LEFT BALL JOINT BROKE AT 40 MPH WHILE CROSSING RR TRACKS.THE TIRE/HUB COMPLETELY TORE LOOSE TEARING OFF BRAKE LINE.AND JUST LUCKILY AVOIDED A DEADLY HEAD-ON COLLISION.THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED.THIS PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED.MY PROBLEM IS L ALSO OWN A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WHICH HAS THE SAME FRONT BALL JOINTS.THIS IS TOTAL BULL. I WOULD HAD SENT A PICTURE,BUT THE TRUCK LEFT THE SCENE ON A FLAT BED TRAILER.
2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. FRAME RUSTED OUT. 194,000 MILES. INSTALLED NEW EXHAUST SYSTEM IN FALL 2017. FRAME WAS OK HAD SOME SURFACE RUST. ON MEMORIAL DAY I INSTALLED NEW CALIPER, ROTOR, & SHOES. AT THAT TIME I COULD SEE THE FRAME WAS BAD, I COULD PUT FINGER THROUGH THE FRAME. TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
DECEMBER 2017 - SHOP INFORMED ME OF SERIOUS FRAME CORROSION/PERFORATION, I CALLED TOYOTA CORP. WAS TOLD TO TAKE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DEALER INSPECTED MARCH 2018 INFORMED ME NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE AS THE FRAME WAS UNSAFE. DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE VEHICLE TO ME WITHOUT ME SIGNING THEIR FORM ABOUT UNSAFE VEHICLE. I PHONED TOYOTA CORP. AND WAS TOLD NO ASSISTANCE WAS AVAILABLE. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE / LEGIT? THE MAIN FRAME HAS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE - AND COMPANY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGN AND PRODUCTION/ALLOY ERRORS?
2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. *LD *JS
LOWER DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT POPPED OUT GOING DOWN HYWAY. TIRE ENDED UP COLLAPSING IN ON DRIVERS FENDER DOOR AND BROKE CV SHAFT AND TWISTED A ARMS. VERY DANGEROUS. NO PRIOR SIGN OF CLUNKING OR POPPING.
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
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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