2004 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 2004 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 & structure20034.0%
- Suspension15225.8%
- Airbags498.3%
- Powertrain (other)406.8%
- Brakes366.1%
- Steering264.4%
- Electrical132.2%
- Driver assistance122.0%
- Engine111.9%
- Other / unspecified111.9%
- Tires & wheels101.7%
- Visibility81.4%
- Fuel system81.4%
- Seat belts50.8%
- Transmission50.8%
- Interior & seats20.3%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
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 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.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
This truck has a frame that is rusting out. It has rust holes and is now unsafe to drive.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE TRIED FOR MONTHS TO GET THIS AIRBAG REPLACED WITH NO LUCK. I KEEP GETTING THESE RECALL NOTICES WITH INSTRUCTIONS I TRY TO FOLLOW AND HERE'S THE RESULTS SO FAR: AFTER TEXTING "FIX" TO 877-427-0285 SEVERAL TIMES, NOTHING HAPPENED. MONTHS LATER, I GET SOME BIZARRE TEXT FROM A NUMBER I DON'T RECOGNIZE ASKING FOR MY ADDRESS SAYING I NEED TO RESPOND WITHIN 10 MINUTES. AFTER ASKING WHO IT WAS, ANOTHER NUMBER TEXTS ME ASKING FOR THE SAME INFO WITH NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHO THEY ARE AND THEY REFUSED TO SAY. I'VE CALLED TOYOTA OF TUMWATER A FEW TIMES AND, AT FIRST, THEY COULDN'T SCHEDULE ME FOR AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL SOME TWO MONTHS OUT. IN THE MOST RECENT CALL THEY NEEDED MY HOME ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER, WHICH I'M NOT INCLINED TO GIVE BUT DID IN HOPES OF GETTING THIS RESOLVED, BUT THEN THEY NEEDED MY FULL VIN. IF THAT'S THE CASE, WHY ISN'T IT ON THE [XXX] RECALL NOTICE? YOU LISTED THE LAST 8 DIGITS SO CLEARLY YOU HAVE IT. I TEXTED "FIX" TO THE NUMBER LISTED AGAIN THIS MORNING AND FINALLY GET A RESPONSE FROM "CINDY" WHO ASKS FOR EITHER THE FULL VIN OR THE RECALL ID. I SHARE THE RECALL ID AND TOLD I NEED TO SEND THE FULL VIN. AFTER A LOT OF BACK AND FORTH, I'M TOLD THERE'S NO RECALL OPTION AND I NEED TO DRIVE TO ANOTHER TOWN. WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S NO RECALL OPTION? WHY ARE THESE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THESE MAILINGS? DO YOU PEOPLE THINK WE MEMORIZE VIN NUMBERS? YOU SAY THIS REPAIR IS "URGENT" "SERIOUS INJURY" "DEATH" THEN WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DIFFICULT STEPS INVOLVED IN GETTING THIS [XXX] THING REPLACED? THREE EASY STEPS TO SCHEDULE IS AN OUTRIGHT LIE. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS MUCH TROUBLE WITH A RECALL. I'VE NEVER HAD TO PROVIDE A VIN JUST TO GET A [XXX] APPOINTMENT. I NEED HELP GETTING THIS RESOLVED. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
OUR TUNDRA HAD A FRAME RECALL AND IT WAS THE DEALERS DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO REPLACE DRAM OR JUST COVER UP WITH UNDERCOATING. WE DISAGREED WITH THE DECISION TO UNDERCOAT AS THE DEAL WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF EXTENSIVE RUST. NOW, OUR FRAME IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO THE POINT OF FALLING AWAY FROM THE BODY. JUST ABOUT ALL PARTS UNDER THE TRUCK HAVE NOW SUFFERED AS WELL. WE HAVE NEVER HAD THE TRUCK LAUNCH A BOAT, GONE OFF ROAD, OR ANY OTHER DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES. BASICALLY A TRAIN STATION AND DUMP RUN VEHICLE. I AM TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA AND THEIR POOR HANDLING OF THE SITUATION. BASICALLY THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPER EXPENSIVE FRAME REPLACEMENT; TOO BAD. ENGINE, BODY, AND INTERIOR ARE IN GREAT SHAPE. I NEED HELP AS I 1) CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR THEIR MISTAKE AND 2) CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THIS TRUCK AND IT IS VITAL FOR US. JUST FOUND OUT TODAY THAT THE FRAME IS DISINTEGRATING QUICKLY WHEN WE BROUGHT CAR TO SHOP FOR A STEERING ISSUE WHICH WE NOW FIND OUT WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE RUST. THANK YOU
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES AND THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM SEEM TO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND PROCEEDING DOWN AN INCLINE, TRAVELLING ABOUT 30MPH WHEN THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURRED.
VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE DOWN A STEEP HILL AND NO MATTER WHAT I TRIED TO DO TO STOP THE VEHICLE NOTHING HAPPENED. IT JUST KEPT ACCELERATING. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND WAS UNABLE TO NEGOTIATE THE RIGHT HAND TURN. VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A DIRT EMBANKMENT, THEN ROLLED OVER AND REVERSED IT'S POSITION. CONSEQUENTLY, I WAS TRAPPED IN A RUNNING VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE LEAKING AND UNABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. HAD TO WAIT 30N MINUTES FOR EMS/FIRE RESCUE TO ARRIVE. EXTRICATION TOOK ANOTHER 25-30 MINUTES. TRANSPORTED TO TRAUMA CENTER, YORK, PA.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Purchased new Toyota Tundra in 2004. Performed rust recall at dealer on 07/22/15. October 2016, brakes failed. Brake line completely rusted. July 26, 2021, Toyota Tundra rejected at state inspection for badly rusted frame. Inspectors were unable to get wheel off to inspect brakes because of rust damage. Took to Toyota dealer on March 9, 2022. They performed airbag recall. Unable to do front suspension lower ball joints recall. Dealer said frame could break when they put it on lift. Dealer said Timeframe to repair frame had expired. Estimate to fix frame over $15,000; Plus would need a lot more parts to go with replacement. Vehicle has approximately 68,500 miles on it.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I had the dealer take my truck in for the frame recall. I asked for them to replace the frame because I was not comfortable with how they were handling it. Per the service record they filled in perforations and “undercoated. I did not believe that filling in existing perforations was the safest way to handle this. After brining the truck to a shop to check the steering we were told that they wouldn’t even put it up on a lift. The steering issue was that the rack and pinion steering was literally falling out due to the rusted frame. We drove this vehicle home and parked it. About a week later the spare tire fell out right onto our driveway. Needless to say, I am certain there are many more Toyota trucks out there ready to fall apart on the road. We contacted Toyota corporate several times to try to rectify this mishandling of our recall. We called and sent certified letters. We asked to share the cost of a new frame and they said no. We then had the truck towed to a shop who could do the work. They ordered a frame from Toyota only to be contacted 2 months later saying that the frame was discontinued and they wouldn’t be sending it after all (we were willing to pay fir the frame and install because we had a useless and UNSAFE vehicle. We finally found a shop over an hour away who could rebuild/fabricate the frame and replace the fallen out steering etc. we had that truck towed about 60 miles away to have this work completed. This mishandling of the recall by Toyota and their lack of customer care cost me a whopping $17,000! Again, unsafe Tundras out there for sure. Please advise…this is the 2nd time I’ve filled out this form and never heard anything. Thank you in advance. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE PROBLEM WITH MY TOYOTA 2004 TUNDRA, THAT THE DEALERSHIP AND ANOTHER REPAIR GARAGE CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. WHEN I DRIVE THE TRUCK, DOESN'T MATTER HOW LONG , EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE WHEN I STOP AND TURN IT OFF ALL THE ELECTRONICS GOES DEAD. I CAN'T START THE TRUCK BECAUSE THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND THEN SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 15 MINUTE TO OVERNIGHT, EVER THING COMES BACK ON. NO JUMPING OF THE BATTERY. HAD BATTERY CHECKED, ALTERNATOR CHECK AND OTHER THINGS WIRING AND EVERY THING IS WORKING FIND. THE DEALERSHIP AND OTHER MECHANIC FROM ANOTHER SHOP SAID THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM UNLESS IT IS ACTING UP AT THE TIME THEY CHECK IT. HAD TO CALL AND GET A TOW AND BY THE TIME THE TOW TRUCK GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP, IT STARTED UP. KIND OF SCARED TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE. [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
THE FRAME IS RUSTING APART. THE REAR END HAS RUST HOLE THROUGH IT. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION BECAUSE IT HAD QUARTER SIZE HOLE RUSTED THROUGH IT.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
VEHICLE'S ACCELERATION BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES AND THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM SEEM TO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND PROCEEDING DOWN AN INCLINE, TRAVELLING ABOUT 30MPH WHEN THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURRED.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE DOWN A STEEP HILL AND NO MATTER WHAT I TRIED TO DO TO STOP THE VEHICLE NOTHING HAPPENED. IT JUST KEPT ACCELERATING. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND WAS UNABLE TO NEGOTIATE THE RIGHT HAND TURN. VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A DIRT EMBANKMENT, THEN ROLLED OVER AND REVERSED IT'S POSITION. CONSEQUENTLY, I WAS TRAPPED IN A RUNNING VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE LEAKING AND UNABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. HAD TO WAIT 30N MINUTES FOR EMS/FIRE RESCUE TO ARRIVE. EXTRICATION TOOK ANOTHER 25-30 MINUTES. TRANSPORTED TO TRAUMA CENTER, YORK, PA.
VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE DOWN A STEEP HILL AND NO MATTER WHAT I TRIED TO STOP IT, NOTHING HAPPENED, IT JUST KEPT ACCELERATING.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND IS LEAKING OIL. EMERGENCY BRAKE LINE HAS RUSTED AND SNAPPED. THE RIMS HAVE OXIDATED. LEAF SPRINGS HAVE ALSO RUSTED VERY BADLY.
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE(I-10) LAST WEEK ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK BEGAN MOVING TO THE RIGHT THEN TO THE LEFT. IT WENT BACK AND FORTH ABOUT 4 TIMES.WHILE IT WAS DOING THIS, I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. GOOD THING NO CARS WERE AROUND ME BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
MY SON BORROWED MY 2004 TUNDRA TO HELP A FRIEND MOVE. WHEN HE ARRIVED, HE WALKED TO REAR OF TRUCK AND THE SPARE TIRE FELL TO THE GROUND. UPON CHECKING I FOUND THAT THE WINCH MECHANISM THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE WAS ROTTED. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE READ HORROR STORIES ABOUT TIRES FALLING OFF WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND SERIOUS INJURIES INCURRED. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, an abnormal ripping sound was coming from the sunroof. The contact pulled back the sunroof cover and discovered that the sunroof had detached from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to assess the damage and then drove to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 222,000. The VIN was not available.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA EQUIPPED WITH A WEBASTO HOLLANDIA 600 SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10E038000 (VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE WITHIN A TWO WEEK TIME PERIOD. THE PARTS HAD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR STRAP SUPPORTING THE GAS TANK CORRODED ON ONE SIDE AND BENT DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE TANK. THIS RESULTED IN THE STRAP RUBBING AGAINST THE UNIVERSAL JOINT OF THE DRIVE TRAIN AND MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHILE IN MOTION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE FUEL TANK EXHIBITED A HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER CABLE FRACTURED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE TO ROLL AND CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT LATCH DEFECTIVE
THIS ISSUE AFFECTS THE SEATBELT SAFETY. WHEN I TRY TO LATCH THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED AND THE SEATBELT WILL NOT ENGAGE UNTIL I PUSH THE BUTTON DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES. THE PROBLEM IS TIME-CONSUMING AND VERY LIKELY IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE RELEASE BUTTON DOES NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION. THIS HAS OCCURRED OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AND HAPPENS WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
COLUMN SHIFTER OVERDRIVE ON/OFF SWITCH WIRE LEADS IN 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA FAILS OR SHORTS OUT CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF OVERDRIVE SETTING ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS CAN CAUSE DOWNSHIFTING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR YOUR VEHICLE TO NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE CAUSING POOR FUEL ECONOMY PROBLEM OCCURS AFTER SO MANY SHIFT CYCLES OF THE COLUMN SHIFTER FROM PARK TO DRIVE CAUSE THE WIRE LEADS TO BREAK FROM METAL FATIGUE CAUSING THE FAILURE OR SHORT IN THE SWITCH MY TRUCK STARTED THIS WITH ABOUT 123,000 MILES ON IT. I FOUND NUMEROUS POSTS ON THE WEB DETAILING THE FIX ON THIS PROBLEM. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THE ROUTING OF THE WIRES IS CAUSING THE ISSUE AND YOU CAN SEE WHERE TOYOTA HAS TRIED TO TAPE THE WIRES TO GIVE EXTRA PROTECTION IN A POOR ROUTING OF THE SWITCH WIRES. *TR
MY 2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB HAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. BECAUSE OF THIS RUST, THE CAMBER BOLTS CANNOT BE REMOVED TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO USE HEAT TO REMOVE THEM, ALONG WITH A LOT OF FORCE, AND IN TURN MAY DO FRAME DAMAGE IN THE PROCESS. I HAVE BEEN QUOTED BY MY DEALER $5,200 TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH INITIALLY STARTED WITH A SMALL SHIMMY IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH GREW INTO A BIG SHIMMY ESPECIALLY WHILE TOWING. THAT QUOTE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY POSSIBLE CHARGED FROM THE BODY SHOP IF DAMAGE TO THE FRAME SHOULD OCCUR. I DO NOT HAVE $5,200 SO I ENDED UP WITH A NEW SET OF TIRES AND HALF OF AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE CAMBER BOLTS WERE NOT ABLE TO BE REMOVED. HERE I AM MONTHS LATER AND MY NEW TIRES ARE SO BALD ON THE FRONT THAT I AM ACTUALLY SEEING THE TREAD SHOWING THROUGH. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED MY TUNDRA, BUT ALL OF THIS RUST ON THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE IS VERY CONCERNING REGARDING THE LONGEVITY OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTAS LAST FOREVER. AT THIS POINT I FEEL THAT MY TRUCK IS DANGEROUS TO EVEN DRIVE BUT IT IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED AND MAINTAINED MANY VEHICLES AND NEVER HAD RUST ISSUES LIKE THIS, NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN FACED WITH SUCH A COSTLY REPAIR ON A NOT SO OLD VEHICLE. I AM STUCK IN A BAD PLACE AND JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO OR WHAT TO DO. I DESPERATELY NEED MY TRUCK. WITHOUT IT I LOSE MY SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION AS WELL AS MY ABILITY TO EARN A LIVING. I JUST SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD... MEANING I JUST DO NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF MONEY TO BRING MY TRUCK BACK TO HEALTH. ALL OF THIS STRESS AND FRUSTRATION IS A RESULT OF THIS EXCESSIVE RUST. INCLUDED IN THE ESTIMATE IS REMOVE AND REPLACE CAMBER BOLTS $1,957 --- STEERING RACK BOOTS 400.00 ALIGNMENT 90.00---- DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY $2,003---- REAR U-JOINT $433.00---- DIFFERENTIAL FLUID $330.00 IT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME/BODY IN THEIR ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE CAMBER BOLTS OR ANOTHER BRAND NEW SET OF TIRES. *TR
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
WAS DRIVING WITH 2 FAMILY MEMBERS IN TRUCK.HAD BACK WINDOW DOWN WHICH WAS A GOOD THING,WHEN SUNROOF EXPLODED IT INBEDDED GLASS IN THE TOPPER THAT WAS ON THE TRUCK.GLASS WAS ALL OVER US ,LUCKILY WE WERE NOT CUT AND I DONT KNOW HOW WE WASN'T I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND GOT AWAY FROM THE TRUCK BECAUSE I THOUGHT WE HAD BEEN SHOT AT WITH A SHOTGUN.I CALLED TOYOTA TO REPORT IT AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NO OTHER CALLS LIKE THIS.MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAID THE WHOLE BILL WHICH WAS A LOT.I DO NOT OPEN THE SUNROOF AT ALL NOW BECAUSE I HAVE A FEAR OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN. I KEEP THE COVER SLID OVER IT.
TAILGATE OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY, FAILS TO LATCH PROPERLY WITHOUT SLAMMING IT. WE HAVE APPROX. 150 OF THESE TRUCKS, SEVERAL HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM
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
HEAT GENERATED FROM THE CARGO LAMP BULBS HAVE MELTED THE PLASTIC HOUSING COMPLETELY THROUGH. ISSUE WAS FOUND AFTER REMOVING THE LENS COVER TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BULB. *TR
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 .