RoadVitals

2009 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.
38
Latest Jan 12, 2023
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.
2

Overview

Our database contains 38 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Toyota Tundra, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and driver assistance categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 236 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

  • Powertrain (other)714.9%
  • Engine612.8%
  • Driver assistance612.8%
  • Transmission510.6%
  • Electrical48.5%
  • Airbags36.4%
  • Fuel system36.4%
  • Tires & wheels36.4%

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

Suspension
Filed Jan 12, 2023

Frame perforation , front passenger side , bottom part of frame in critical point where weld is , in close distance from rack and pinion . At the dealer while servicing have asked to check the frame as there ben lots of concern from Tundra owners. I'm aware that early models have had frames replaced , perforation was found 7'' long by 3'' wide , vehicle was deemed NOT SAFE TO OPERATE . There is no action from Toyota on 2009's . Have called the Toyota brand rep to confirm and found that there is no action taken at this moment .There was no warning signs on dash as this is not part to be electronically monitored .This vehicle is well maintained and in its prime shape .Regularly washed with frame/chassis inhibitors (RASTEX) .Has only 146 K , for this model considering not broken in yet . I'm its original owner. Just spend a significant amount of $$$ on service and additional equipment, was looking for another 5 years +++ of use . Just purchased RAV 4 and COROLLA S hatchback for family members .TOYOTA is not offering to help at no coast . I know that if my track will reach 15 year mark there will be nothing to be concerned by Toyota .Fix is estimated parts and labor over $10 K , I do not have this kind of money at this time as just purchased 2 BN Toyota's . Please help !!!!! , thank You

NHTSA ID
11501414
Incident
Nov 15, 2022
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 9, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the tailgate door failed to open. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the tailgate latch to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,889.

NHTSA ID
11451223
Incident
Feb 8, 2022
Mileage
120,889 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Feb 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the TPMS replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V185000 (Tires) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11450249
Incident
Feb 4, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 28, 2021

RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR FAULTY SPIRAL CABLES EFFECTING AIRBAG MALFUNCTION ON MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, 2009-2010 MATRIX, 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, 2009-2010 TACOMA, 2006-2008 RAV4 AND 2006-2010 YARIS VEHICLES. MY 2009 TUNDRA CREWMAX THAT I JUST BOUGHT HAS THIS PROBLEM AND HAS HAD IT FOR TWO YEARS ACCORDING TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER. WHY IS THE TUNDRA LEFT OUT OF THESE RECALLS WHEN OBVIOUSLY IT IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL TOYOTA AUTOS IN THIS TIME PERIOD

NHTSA ID
11390519
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
185,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 22, 2020

MY 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA FREQUENTLY STALLS AFTER SLOWING FROM HIGH WAY SPEED FOR A TURN ONTO A SIDE ROAD OR AFTER BRAKING TO A SLOW SPEED WHILE DRIVING AFTER WHICH I NORMALLY REACCERLATE. THIS IS A 5.7 L I-FORCE V8, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANS.

NHTSA ID
11360407
Incident
Sep 14, 2020
Mileage
172,500 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2020

IT LOSES POWER, MY 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH LESS THAN 90,000 MILES , JUST DECELERATES AND WENT DOWN TO 30 MILES PER HOUR IN THE FREEWAY, I USED A CARMD READING TO GIVE ME A CODE, AND IT SHOWS THAT THE CODE WAS P2442, IT WILL COST ME $2,500 OR MORE TO FIX IT. THE ENGINE RED LIGHT, VSC AND 4LO WILL SHOW IN THE DASH. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330897
Incident
Jun 20, 2020
Mileage
89,735 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 22, 2020

BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY TURNED SOFT AND GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN BEFORE IT STARTS TO GRAB. PUT IN NEW PADS ALL AROUND, NEW MASTER CYLINDER AND HAD SYSTEM COMPLETELY BLED, PROBLEM STILL THERE. CHECKED OUT TOYOTA TUNDRA FORUMS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM ON THESE TRUCKS, ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES. EVERYONE SAYS THAT IT IS AN ABS MODULE PROBLEM COSTING OVER $2000.00 TO FIX.

NHTSA ID
11310804
Incident
Jun 4, 2019
Mileage
60,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 19, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SWITCHED TO LIMP MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA TOYOTA OF MISSOULA (LOCATED AT 4001 BROOKS ST, MISSOULA, MT 59804) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECONDARY INJECTION PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE WARRANTY FOR THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION PUMP WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ID
11244898
Incident
Jul 1, 2019
Mileage
99,000 mi

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
2009Viewing3813047.4
200832613054.0
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.