RoadVitals

2008 Toyota Tundra

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
326
Latest Jun 22, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Latest Dec 23, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
26
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 326 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Toyota Tundra, most frequently naming the driver assistance, body & structure and engine categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 280 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

13 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Dec 23, 2021
151 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 21TH01View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Nov 23, 2021
22,462 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 21TB10 / 21TA10View on NHTSA.gov

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Jun 2, 2016
7,749 units potentially affected
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
The risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLCManufacturer number SET16BView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Jun 22, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 171,000. The contact stated that after reviewing the Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 240,000.

NHTSA ID
11745617
Incident
Jun 21, 2026
Mileage
240,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel tank strap frame mount fractured. The failure was caused by corrosion. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA ID
11734362
Incident
Apr 28, 2026
Mileage
79,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the rear subframe of the vehicle was extremely rusted. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be inspected, and it was determined that there was severe corrosion to the rear subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact also informed the manufacturer that similar vehicles were under an undisclosed recall. The failure mileage was 284,023.

NHTSA ID
11712111
Incident
Jan 19, 2026
Mileage
284,023 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 29, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 43,893. It was later discovered that the CarFax report listed the mileage at 243,893.

NHTSA ID
11707459
Incident
Dec 13, 2025
Mileage
243,893 mi
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Dec 3, 2025

The 2016 Toyota Frame Rust Settlement (Burns v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.): This $3.4 billion class action directly addresses premature corrosion in 2007–2008 Tundras (and similar models). It claims Toyota “knowingly failed to apply adequate rust protection,” leading to frame perforation despite later treatments like HOF. The settlement’s “recurrent perforation” clause applies even after HOF. My rusted-through fuel tank strap and holes in the rear cross member qualify. HOF RO# XXX. Claim #XXX My 2008 Tundra SR5 TRD was treated with HOF in Nov 2017. In November 2025 my mechanic told me the gas tank was falling out as the straps that hold the tank in place were completely rotted out. And rust perforation was on the rear cross member. He instructed me to get a safety inspection at a Toyota dealership to document the rust. Toyota of Waldorf didn’t even schedule a appt, they told me to call the Brand Engagement Center and that there was no possibility of repair because Toyota had no frames. Brand engagement refused to provide any guidance. I scheduled an inspection at Koons Toyota of Annapolis, which it failed inspection with multiple >10mm frame holes and a rusted-through tank strap (held by bungee). They deemed it unsafe to operate and unrepairable. They kept leaving out the information about the rust or the holes until they realized I was not leaving until they documented it properly. I have 3 versions. Despite ZH7 expiration, this is a post-HOF recurrence and safety hazard. I requested goodwill repurchase at 1.5x KBB (~$12k) under the settlement’s intent. The Brand Engagement Center had me call them and [XXX] ” announced she was my case manager, then almost as quickly announced it was going to “Internal Dept” for repurchase review, that she would no longer be my case manager, and that they would get back to me in 60 days. I said the average is 2-4 weeks, not months and that I expected a response in 3-7 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA ID
11702797
Incident
Dec 3, 2025
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Nov 19, 2025

Standard Vehicle Components failed. My 2008 Tundra [VIN [XXX] ] was inspected in Nov 2017 under HOF/WEP, passed with CRC applied, but now has a 2-finger-wide perforation in the frame and rusted through the gas tank support—a clear safety defect in a salt state like Maryland. The undercoating failed prematurely; I need goodwill frame replacement or buyback per the $3.4B settlement’s spirit.” (reference the 2017 class action, case no. 3:14-cv-03538). Toyota Brand Engagement Center has refused my request for repair or replacement or buy back. They also refused to provide written refusal. They admitted to recording the conversation, but refused my request for a copy or to record the call myself. There is literally no rust on any other portion of my truck as it is garage kept. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11700423
Incident
Nov 19, 2025
Electrical
Filed May 6, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact went to purchase a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 118,000; however, it was discovered that the mileage listed on the service record sticker on the top of the windshield showed 292,000. The contact obtained a Carfax report and discovered that the mileage was 300,000.

NHTSA ID
11659324
Incident
May 5, 2025
Mileage
300,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 3, 2024

Airbag light on with no reason!!

NHTSA ID
11612209
Incident
Mar 20, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

T-SB-0039-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

T-SB-0061-23 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

T-SB-0062-23 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota Tundra by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026221048.0
20251274057.4
202431410057.8
202338313059.4
202241813056.1
2021233052.7
2020455058.1
20197210057.6
2018999058.3
2017786157.0
20161196155.9
2015485160.0
2014925153.6
2013846155.8
20121544154.2
201113411050.2
201016316052.4
20093813047.4
2008Viewing32613054.0
200738914053.7
200654513361.9
200537414563.7
200446513663.1
200339910465.2
20024826361.2
20014155157.6
20001,0117156.2
1999110

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.