2004 Toyota Tundra Owner Complaints

1) The newly installed rack & pinion rack locks up and tried to turn right when on a continuous or left turn followed closely by another left turn. 2) My safety and the other drivers near me were all in danger when the loss of steering control occurs. The problem makes the vehicle want to turn hard to the right and the hydraulics are too strong to control the steering. 3) The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but the problem still exist and is repeatable for any needed inspection. 4) The vehicle has not been inspected by any outside entity, but is available for inspection. The problem still exist and can be confirmed. 5) There are no warning lights or symptoms. When it happens, all of the sudden the truck wants to make a hard right and there is nothing you can do to stop it, other than stop and let go the the steering wheel.

NHTSA ID

11738850

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was Emissions tested, and rust was discovered on the driver’s and passenger’s side subframes. The dealer was notified of the issue, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE09049 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Fuel System, Gasoline, Structure). The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ID

11731089

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

Mileage

72,000 mi

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal screeching sound coming from the vehicle. The contact then saw sparks coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle, and the driver’s side rear wheel was turned sideways. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and was later towed back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the ball joint, control arms, front suspension, and several other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11718541

Incident

Aug 17, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that after purchasing tires for replacement, the tire technician stated that the subframe was damaged from corrosion to the front frame, the side members, and the rear subframe. The contact was informed that the most severe corrosion was located on the driver's side front subframe behind the wheel well. The subframe was almost fully rusted through. The contact was referred to a welder by the tire shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and issued a customer complaint report. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ID

11709590

Incident

Dec 29, 2025

Mileage

114,000 mi

Frame rot on the original frame with a recall

NHTSA ID

11688676

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that on several occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds and then parking the vehicle, the contact observed oil leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact observed corrosion and holes on the frame of the vehicle, and the motor mounts were rusted, causing the engine to run abnormally low. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle was flexing due to the holes throughout the frame of the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to lift the vehicle due to the excessive corrosion. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11681547

Incident

Jul 29, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

2004 Toyota Tundra. Left rear upper shock mount rotted away and the shock absorber is no longer connected. (rust) Auto Service report 12/30/2024. October 21, 2021 Toyota Dealership report: Recommends replace spare tire cross member. (rust perforation damage) Recall issued for rust and dealership performed a very limited service repair to this vehicle years ago. The recall repair consisted of rust proof paint applied to a very small limited area, not to frame, not to cross member, not to any shock mount) Concerned about rust currently causing the shock mount to fail and the cross member rust damage along with frame rust on the passenger side. 2 different dealerships told me this concern it is not under a recall. This Toyota Tundra truck is well maintained with regular scheduled auto service checks and appointments. It is never used for towing or off road use. I am the original owner, central New Jersey use only. The truck runs and looks good. The high amount of rust under the truck should not have occurred to the level of a shock mount rusting out and a cross member rusting out and frame rust.

NHTSA ID

11633351

Incident

Dec 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the sub frame underneath the vehicle was rusted. The contact was concerned that the sub frame could collapse. The vehicle was taking to the dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 157,000.

NHTSA ID

11615451

Incident

Sep 18, 2024

Mileage

157,000 mi

I purchased 4 Cooper Adventurer 265/70R16 tires in 3-2022 from Pep Boys in Mobile, AL. I had a ASE Certified mechanic checked these tires and found there was a bulge on the tread of the passenger front & tread separation on the driver's rear tire. The tires have approx. 17K miles since purchase. Pep Boys refused to replace the 2 tires unless I paid a pro-rated fee which I refused due to the 2 defects out of 4 tires & the limited amount of miles on the tires. Also, I have rotated the tires 4 times since purchased. The mechanic that found the problems checked the shocks & struts and found no issues other that the 2 tires.

NHTSA ID

11588296

Incident

Apr 27, 2024

Frame is rusting out, only one bolt is holding left frame per tire dealership & Toyota dealer knows of rusting frame. Spare tire underneath fell out while turning on road, thankfully no cars following.

NHTSA ID

11584352

Incident

Apr 21, 2024

This truck has a frame that is rusting out. It has rust holes and is now unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11578243

Incident

Mar 10, 2024

The warranty work done on the frame of my Tundra that has since failed. The Bracket holding my SwayBar has broken off the frame and, more importantly, the frame has rusted to the point where there is now a hole in it. These are areas where the warranty work occurred.

NHTSA ID

11578237

Incident

Mar 18, 2024

I took my truck to a garage for simple tire repair. I had a slow leak. In the process of trying to lift my truck, the technician hear 'crumbling sounds'. They stopped the lift immediately. Upon looking at the my chassis frame, the technicians saw major rust damage. One technician used flashlight to tap against the frame and he poked through it. The technician stated that this was not the first time seeing this problem on this truck model style. I contacted a local dealership. The individual I spoke with at the dealership also confirm rusting issues on the frame of my truck style model. I researched this on the internet to find out multiple complaints concerning the premature rusting of these frames due to poor quality steel and inadequate rust prevention coating. I reached out to my vehicle manufacture "care line". They stated they could not help me. My fear is my frame could break while driving and cause a vehicle accident. The worst frame damage is near the front wheels, both sides. The body, engine, transmission and all other safety components are solid and working well. Side Note: My dad owns a 1992 full size pickup truck (different manufacture). The frame is still solid. My truck is 10 years newer and the frame is falling apart due to manufacture using poor quality steel.

NHTSA ID

11566253

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

2004 Toyota Tundra’s Frame is abnormally rusted. The paint and the mechanical function of the vehicle is pristine however the frame has corroded and rusted egregiously. There was a class action suit a few years back but they failed to notify me of the open recall to replace and even on file there was never any pending notice of such recall for my vehicle although it qualified and I have been the only owner of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11565606

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

Noise in front end. Inspection reveals rust holes on the frame rail near the sway bar bracket. Multiple areas rusted through.

NHTSA ID

11550928

Incident

Oct 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for the State Inspection, he was informed that the sub frame underneath the front driver's side door was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

NHTSA ID

11550367

Incident

Oct 13, 2023

Mileage

171,000 mi

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the front driver's side lower ball joint detached, causing the driver's side wheel to separate from the vehicle, and the vehicle lowered to the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that the front driver's side lower ball joint needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the front driver's side and passenger's side lower ball joints. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired by an unknown dealer for the same failure. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side ball joints failed several times while driving and were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the driver's side ball joint failed, which damaged the running board, the brakes, the driver's side door, the tie rod, the coil springs, the lower control arm, and the lower and upper ball joints. The vehicle skidded to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension), 07V013000 (Suspension) and 22E002000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11542934

Incident

Sep 6, 2011

Mileage

140,000 mi

I have a 2004 Toyota Tundra SR5 that was part of the frame rust replacement campaign. It was brought into Bob Rohrman Toyota in Lafayette, IN and determined that it did not meet the criterion for replacement. I now have a sway bar bracket that rusted off of the frame. No mechanics or body shops will touch it and I was told there is nothing to even weld a new bracket to and the engine mounts are just a matter of time before rotting away. The truck only has 118k miles and zero body rust. I have lost value in this vehicle because I cannot sell it and the dealership and Toyota both refuse to remedy the situation.

NHTSA ID

11537637

Incident

Aug 10, 2023

Severe rust to the frame of my 2004 Toyota Tundra SR5 double cab. There are holes through the frame. Took it for an oil change and the mechanic told me to be careful. Crawled under the truck and couldn't believe how bad it was.

NHTSA ID

11537588

Incident

Aug 10, 2023

Informed by Al Serra at 4200 Bay Rd in Saginaw, MI 48603 that there are holes present in the frame that pose a dire safety concern. This is a known issue with this model year, but Toyota says the recall is no longer valid.

NHTSA ID

11531577

Incident

Jul 10, 2023

We had just provided a jump start from our Truck to a disabled older Honda Passport with a suspected low battery. This wasn't successful as it turns out it was a broken fuel pump causing the issue with the Honda. We had taken off the jumper cables, closed the hood and I pulled over to let my husband get into the vehicle. I was at idle, in drive with my foot on the brake when our Tundra started to accelerate rapidly. My husband wasn't even fully in the vehicle. We were on a one way street in a mixed residential/commercial neighborhood about 4 buildings down from a T intersection with a light. Luckily, the light was green in our favor as I had literally no control of the acceleration of the vehicle. I had my foot slammed on the brake with no response. We entered the intersection going roughly 25-35 miles an hour and careened left into the correct lane for our vehicle. Again, we were extremely lucky that there were no other cars in front of us nor any pedestrians. I was in a panic as the truck kept accelerating. I slammed on the emergency brake and threw the car from Drive into Park and only then did the truck slow it's crazy acceleration. We pulled over to the side of the road and I jumped out and wouldn't get into that truck again. My husband started the truck again and it seemed fine so he drove it the mile or so home with no incident. The next day he drove it 6 miles to a mechanic's shop , again with no incident. The mechanics performed tests on all the suspect parts and couldn't find anything defective. In the meantime, I came across stories on the internet about previous problems with some Toyota's Unintended Acceleration problems caused by faulty Electronic throttle systems so I have asked my mechanics to replace ours in our truck . We do not have a floor mat, so that clearly was not the issue.

NHTSA ID

11521940

Incident

May 9, 2023

The frame has a large rust area and has a large hole near the passenger side wheel well. The body of the truck is in great shape. Truck is washed very regularly including special attention to the under carriage.

NHTSA ID

11515524

Incident

Mar 24, 2023

My truck was bought with no open recalls. I was recently informed my a mechanic while getting my brakes replaced, that the frame of the truck was rusted and cracked. He said the truck could literally break apart while driving. This truck is in great condition has zero rust on the body, has always been garage kept. The previous owner also kept it in the garage. It's 19 years old and only has 107,000 miles on it. The recall from Toyota for this problem was addressed per the records however the exact frame malfunction has occurred. Toyota says there is nothing they can do because the recall work was done. Even if the recall work wasn't done right or didn't fix the problem. My fear is there are other people in my position who have no choice but the drove the vehicle they already deemed unsafe. And the FIX Toyota came up with did not insure that this problem would not

NHTSA ID

11512508

Incident

Feb 28, 2023

Frame is rotting for some reason and I take care of my vehicle. At some point in time it will be very dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ID

11505270

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

When I was driving, the mount for the brake line dropped and twisted and damaged the steering rod. I drove straight to a mechanic, and he showed me that the frame was rusted out completely, and the truck is not safe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11502647

Incident

Jan 17, 2023