Toyota Tundra Problems (All Years) – 2021 Analysis

Whether you are the proud owner of a Toyota Tundra and want to learn more about a particular problem or you are in the process of deciding to buy or not this fabulous truck, this article is for you.

Our experts have grouped the most common and most severe problems of Tundras from 2000 to the present in an easy to understand format. Moreover, for your convenience, we have ranked each problem severity and frequency on a scale of 1 to 5, being 5 “most severe/frequent”.

Ready to explore the weaknesses of one of the most reliable pickups on the market?

First Generation (2000-2006) Tundra Problems

Introduced in 2000, the first generation Tundra stood out among other things for the ability to order it with a V8 engine, the 4.7L 2UZ-FE, the first Toyota engine installed in a pickup.

This generation of Tundras was plagued by severe corrosion problems, especially in their frame, which forced the replacement of several trucks. Additionally, this generation suffered from problems with the paint’s clear coat which peeled off too easily leaving the paint exposed to the elements.

Other issues worth mentioning include problems with the secondary air pump, faulty Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) which caused sudden/unexpected acceleration problems, and in some models, extreme rust in the brake system. Hands down, 2005-2006 were the worst models of this generation. In addition to all the problems mentioned above, 2005-2006 Tundras also presented innumerable failures in the transmission and transfer case.

2000 Toyota Tundra Problems

Body/Frame Rust: Extreme frame/frame-rail rust requiring a new frame or vehicle replacement

Severity: 5
Frequency: 4

Cooling System Problems/Radiator Fan: Radiator fan failure, causing damage to the radiator

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Cooling System Problems/Radiator: Radiator leaks after 251k miles requiring a new unit

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Photo credit: bringatrailer.com

2001 Toyota Tundra Problems

Body/Frame Rust: Severe frame/frame-rail rust requiring either a new frame or frame anti-rust treatment

Severity: 5
Frequency: 4

Brake Problems/Rotors: Brakes pulsation/shuddering due to warped brake discs

Severity: 3
Frequency: 2

Brake Problems/ABS: ABS system failure requiring immediate brake actuator replacement

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Engine Problems/ETC: Sudden unintended acceleration probably due to an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) issue

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Steering Problems/Ball Joint: The ball joint came out of the socket requiring a replacement of A-Arms, ball joints, and tire rod ends

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

2002 Toyota Tundra Problems

Body/Frame Rust: Severe to extreme frame/frame-rail rust requiring either a new frame or frame anti-rust treatment

Severity: 5
Frequency: 4

Body/Body Rust: Moderate rust requiring body parts replacement or anti-rust treatment

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Body/Paint: Peeling paint on the front bumper requiring new paint job

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Photo credit: iihs.org

2003 Toyota Tundra Problems

Body/Frame Rust: Severe to moderate frame/frame-rail rust requiring either a new frame or frame anti-rust treatment

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Body/Paint: The paint is peeling off and/or fading at several spots in the truck

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Body/Rust: Rust detected underneath the bumpers requiring replacement of the part

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Electrical Problems/Battery: The battery drains after several days of inactivity

Severity: 3
Frequency: 2

Transmission Problems/Noises: The transmission starts making noises and unnecessary shifts after towing a light/medium load

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

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Drivetrain Problems/Differential: Front differential locks abnormally and breaks, requiring a complete replacement

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Fuel System/ETC Failure: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) failure producing sudden/unexpected acceleration problems

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Seat Belts/Airbag Issues: The airbag system fails to recognize the new driver-side unit after being replaced making the whole system inoperative

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Steering Problems/Electrical Issues: The horn is affected by a short circuit in the steering column caused by damaged or bad bearings

Severity: 2
Frequency: 1

2004 Toyota Tundra Problems

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Body/Frame Rust: Extreme frame-rail rust requiring either a new frame or frame anti-rust treatment

Severity: 5
Frequency: 5

Body/Faded Paint: Paint is fading on various parts of the truck body

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Brakes Problems/Air Bubbles: Air manages to enter the brake lines even after the system is bled several times

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Brakes Problems/Squealing in Reverse: A loud squealing noise is heard every time the truck is put in reverse

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Engine Problems/Starter Issues: Starter fails with no apparent cause after approximately 25,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Seat Belts/Airbag Issues: Toyota Air Bag recall for 2004 Toyota Tundra

Severity: 2
Frequency: 1

Seat Belts/Airbag Issues: Airbags failed to deploy as expected during a front collision

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Photo credit: newsomelaw.com

Steering Problems/Ball Joints: Ball joints broke leaving the front suspension inoperative

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Steering Problems/Power Steering Hoses: Power steering hoses have failed after approximately 40,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

HVAC Problems/Blower: The blower stopped working leaving the vehicle without AC/Heater or ventilation systems

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Accessories Problems/Steering Shifter: Steering column shift lever failure, making it impossible to put the vehicle in “Park”.

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Clutch Problems/Clutch Pedal Sticking: The clutch pedal sticks to the floor and has to be pulled back manually in order to change gears

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

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Cooling System Problems/Radiator Failure: Complete radiator failure requiring immediate replacement, the most likely cause being a bad thermostat

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Drivetrain Problems/Rear Differential Corrosion: Rear differential failure due to extreme corrosion, differential replacement is necessary

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Exhaust System Problems/Bad Catalytic Converters: Catalytic converters require replacement due to improper operation/performance

Severity: 2
Frequency: 1

Lighting Problems/Brake Lights Housing: Brake lights housing meltdown possibly due to short circuit/bad light bulb connector

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Suspension Problems/Lower Ball Joint: Lower ball joint failure requiring immediate replacement

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Transmission Problems/Transmission Failure: Transmission failure after approximately 150,000 miles of service without having presented any previous problems

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

2005 Toyota Tundra Problems

Engine Problems/Secondary Air Pump: The check engine light turns on due to a failure of the secondary air pump after approximately 100,000 miles, the solution being to replace the secondary air pump with a new one

Severity: 5

Frequency: 5

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Engine Problems/Engine Stalls: The engine stalls when you release the accelerator pedal

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Exhaust System Problems/Bad Catalytic Converters: Catalytic converters and oxygen sensors require replacement due to poor performance

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Transmission Problems/Gear Shifts: The truck lunges forward when it comes to a stop, especially when the engine is cold

Severity: 3
Frequency: 2

Transmission Problems/Bad Transmission: Severe failure of the transmission solenoids causing slippage and internal overheating, requiring a transmission replacement.

Severity: 5
Frequency: 2

HVAC Problems/Bad Fan Motor: The radiator’s fan motor fails after approximately 65,000 miles thus its replacement is needed

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

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Wheels Problems/TPMS: The tire pressure monitoring valve stem leaks air and needs replacement

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Wheels Problems/Center Cap: The plastic center cap of the wheels is easily loosened and can come off when the truck is in motion.

Severity: 1
Frequency: 1

Wheels Problems/Wheel Bearings: Wheel bearing failure after approximately 100,000 miles.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Fuel System/ETC Failure: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) failure producing sudden/unexpected acceleration problems

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Fuel System/Fuel Tank: The fuel tank fell off after approximately 120,000 miles due to extreme corrosion in its straps

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Brakes Problems/Brakes Lines: The brake lines must be replaced as they show extreme corrosion

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Brakes Problems/Emergency Brake: Emergency brakes require a complete service including cleaning and lubrication due to severe corrosion

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Electrical Problems/Cruise Control: Cruise control causes the transmission to downshift abruptly when driving on hilly terrain causing potentially dangerous situations

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Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Electrical Problems/Undercarriage Harness: The truck undercarriage harness was damaged due to a lack of proper protection

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Exterior Accessories Problems/Window Trim: The paint around the window trim peels off after approximately 50,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Interior Accessories Problems/Driver Seat: The driver’s seat goes down at night without any apparent cause

Severity: 2
Frequency: 1

Lighting Problems/License Plate Light: Both the cargo area light bulb and the license plate light bulb burn out due to a melted connector.

Severity: 2
Frequency: 1

Photo credit: barrett-jackson.com

Steering Problems/Steering Rack: Multiple power steering fluid leaks caused by an extremely rusted steering rack

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

2006 Toyota Tundra Problems

Body/Paint Fading: Severe paint fading on the roof and the hood, allowing rust to damage the truck’s body

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Body/Frame Rust: Extreme frame/frame-rail rust requiring a new frame or vehicle replacement after 100,000 miles

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Body/Tailgate Cables Rust: Severe rust on tailgate cables that could lead to tailgate damage if they break down

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Body/Paint Clear Coat: The protective clear coat fades after approximately 40,000 miles leaving the paint and body without rust protection.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Photo credit: tnstatic.net

Transmission Problems/Transmission Mount: This problem is directly related to TSB T-SB-0067-09 issued by Toyota entitled “Clunk Noise at Low Speeds when Stopping or Turning” and has to do with the transmission support bracket which should be replaced.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Transmission Problems/Transmission Don’t Shift: The transmission refuses to shift most probably due to solenoid and/or throttle body issues

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Transmission Problems/Difficulties Under Load: The transmission has mixed issues when under load presumably by engine/transmission (powertrain) sensors issues

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Transmission Problems/4×4 Engaging: Problems to engage four-wheel drive (low) probably due to transfer case actuators or mechanical related issues

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Transmission Problems/Rough Ride: The truck experiences a rough ride when traveling at speeds between 35 to 40 MPH

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Transmission Problems/Transmission Solenoid: The transmission’s SLT solenoid failed after performing a complete transmission fluid flush

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Engine Problems/Secondary Air Pump: The secondary air pump stop working after approximately 100,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Photo credit: fourwheeler.com

Engine Problems/ETC Failure: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) failure producing sudden/unexpected acceleration problems

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Drivetrain Problems/4WD Failure: The four-wheel-drive stopped working probably due to a failure on the electronic control module and/or 4WD actuator

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Suspension Problems/Ball Joint: The ball joint breaks down after approximately 170,000 miles

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Second Generation (2007-Present) Tundra Problems

The second-generation Tundra was introduced in 2006 and like its predecessor, it introduced a new V8 engine, in this case, the 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 engine which was fitted with an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission.

Among the most common and most severe problems of this generation are, problems with the air pump, problems with the alternator and the starter motor, varied power steering issues, and some vibrations issues. Some problems shared with the first-gen Tundra include the “clear coat” issue, ETC problems. Among the most troubled models are the 2007 and 2011 Tundra, which also might suffer from motor oil leaks and other rare issues.

2007 Toyota Tundra Problems

Engine Problems/Air Injection Pump: Emission problems due to a bad air injection pump and/or emission control valves

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Engine Problems/Engine Knocking: Excessive engine knocking, especially when the engine is cold

Photo credit: thecarconnection.com

Severity: 4

Frequency: 3

Body/Paint Clear Coat: The protective clear coat fades after approximately 60,000 miles leaving the paint and body without rust protection.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Brakes Problems/Brakes Failure: The braking system is compromised due to extreme corrosion on brake rotors, caliper, and brake lines.

Severity: 5
Frequency: 2

2008 Toyota Tundra Problems

Interior Accessories/Radio: The radio starts malfunctioning by getting stuck in high volume, shutting off/on, having display problems, and more

Severity: 4
Frequency: 5

Electrical Problems/Alternator: The alternator is damaged after approximately 85,000 miles of use, requiring replacement with a new one.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 4

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Body/Cargo Bed: The cargo bed show signs of extreme rust at several spots after approximately 70,000 miles

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Body/Paint Clear Coat: The protective clear coat fades after approximately 78,000 miles leaving the paint and body without rust protection.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Engine Problems/ETC Failure: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) failure producing sudden/unexpected acceleration problems

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Electrical Problems/Starter: The starter stops working after approximately 100,000 miles of use, requiring replacement with a new one.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

2010 Toyota Tundra Problems

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Engine Problems/ECM: The engine suddenly shuts down while driving being the most probably cause a bad Electronic Control Module (ECM)

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Steering Problems/Rack & Pinion: Power steering rack and pinion seals fail after approximately 75,000 miles requiring a new set

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Suspension Problems/Leaf Springs: Leaf springs break after approximately 100,000 miles requiring both sides to be replaced

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Brake Problems/Braking System: Main braking system components, calipers, brake pads, and rotors have to be replaced due to “soft pedal” and unintended ABS activation while driving on dry roads

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Body/Cargo Bed: The cargo bed show signs of rust at several spots after approximately 20,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

2011 Toyota Tundra Problems

Engine Problems/Oil Consumption: Excessive motor oil consumption (approximately 1 quart every 1,000 miles) with no apparent cause

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Photo credit: autoguide.com

Engine Problems/Head Valves: One or more cylinder head valves break after approximately 85,000 miles

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Engine Problems/Engine Rods: One or more rods break after approximately 120,000 miles

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Body/Cargo Bed: The cargo bed show signs of rust at several spots after approximately 45,000 miles

Severity: 3
Frequency: 1

Steering Problems/Rack & Pinion: Power steering rack and pinion breaks after approximately 60,000 miles requiring a completely new rack and pinion set

Severity: 5
Frequency: 2

Drivetrain Problems/Transfer Case: The transfer case cracks after approximately 70,000 miles requiring a new one

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Photo credit: thecarconnection.com

2014 Toyota Tundra Problems

Interior Accessories/Door Locks: The door locks do not work as intended and should be replaced

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Engine Problems/Cam Seal: The engine shows signs of oil leaking from cam seals which need to be replaced

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Electrical Problems/Battery: Battery is dead, most probably due to a bad battery or a faulty alternator

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Steering Problems/Steering Wheel: The steering column lowers itself while adjusting the steering wheel position

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

2015 Toyota Tundra Problems

Drivetrain Problems/Transfer Case: The transfer case produces strange sounds indicating that it presents electrical/mechanical problems so it must be replaced

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Suspension Problems/Vibrations: The whole truck starts vibrating while driving between 20-40 mph

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

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Steering Problems/Vibrations: Strong vibrations in the steering wheel with no apparent cause

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

2016 Toyota Tundra Problems

Drivetrain Problems/Vibrations: Vibrations are felt intermittently in various parts of the truck including the steering column, seats, and accelerator pedal

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Drivetrain Problems/4WD: The 4×4 Hi mode engages itself without the driver having activated it

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Brakes Problems/IBC: Faulty Integrated Brake Controller (IBC) which causes several issues including not being able to stop a trailer with electronic drum brakes

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Electrical Problems/Radio: Radio has short circuits with no apparent cause

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Photo credit: blessthisstuff.com

Toyota Tundra Problems By Type

After taking a look at each generation separately, it’s a good idea to analyze the issues that most afflict the Tundras as a whole.

Arguably the most severe problems have to do with the engine, transmission, and 4×4 system. However, upon careful analysis, it can be noticed that most of the engine problems occur in the 2011 model, as well as most of the problems with the transmission/transfer case belong to the 2005-2006 models.

On the other hand, more recently Toyota has issued a recall to address 2018-2020 fuel pump problems. While this is a serious problem, keep in mind that this is more an issue with this particular Denso fuel pump design, affecting not only the Tundra but all vehicles equipped with that part number.

Toyota Tundra 4 Wheel Drive Problems

4WD Stops Working: The four-wheel-drive system stops working most probably due to a failure on the electronic control module and/or 4WD actuators. This problem is most common in 2006 Tundras

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

4WD Low Mode Issues: The four-wheel-drive Low mode refuses to engage, most probably due to transfer case actuator issues. This problem is most common to 2006 Tundras

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

4WD Hi Mode Issues: This issue is most common in 2016 models and has to do with the 4×4 Hi mode engaging by itself without being requested

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Toyota Tundra Transmission Problems

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Transmission Failure: This serious problem was present in a few 2004 Toyota Tundra after 150,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Transmission Solenoids: In 2005 another serious transmission issue was detected, this time, related to the internal solenoids causing slippage and internal overheating

Severity: 5
Frequency: 2

Transmission Mount: This problem is directly related to TSB T-SB-0067-09 issued by Toyota entitled “Clunk Noise at Low Speeds when Stopping or Turning” and affects mostly 2006 model

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Transmission Gear Shifts: Another problem of 2006 Tundra where the transmission refuses to shift most probably due to solenoid and/or throttle body issues

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Transmission Sensors: The 2006 Tundra also suffered from some issues when under load, probably due to engine or transmission sensor issues

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Toyota Tundra Fuel Pump Problems

Photo credit: yotatech.com

Denso Fuel Pump Recall: Toyota issued a fuel pump recall for 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra models to prevent them from stalling due to a design issue that deforms the pump’s impeller and makes it to make contact with the fuel pump body

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Toyota Tundra Alternator Problems

Alternator Failure: This problem is common to 2008 Tundra and has to do with the alternator failing after approximately 85,000 miles of use, requiring replacement with a new one

Severity: 4
Frequency: 4

Alternator Not Working: Similar to the issue described above (2008 model), the alternator stops working with no apparent cause, but in the 2013 model it fails after only 28,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Toyota Tundra 5.7 Engine Problems

Secondary Air Pump: One of the most common engine issues in 2006-2007 Tundras have to do with the secondary air pump failing after approximately 100,000 miles

Severity: 5
Frequency: 5

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC): Both 2006 and 2008 Tundras could suffer from faulty ETCs which cause unexpected acceleration problems.

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Photo credit: tnstatic.net

Engine Knocking: The model year 2007 is known for suffering occasional engine knocking especially when the engine is cold

Severity: 4
Frequency: 3

Excessive Oil Consumption: Some 2011 Tundras suffer from excessive motor oil consumption, approximately 1 quart every 1,000 miles

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Cylinder Head Valves: A few 2011 Tundras shown a problem where one or more cylinder head valves break with no apparent cause

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Engine Rods: One or more rods break after approximately 120,000 miles, this issue is most common in 2011 Tundras

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Cam Seals: A few 2014 Tundras suffer from engine oil leaks due to faulty cam seals

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Toyota Tundra Front Differential Problems

Intermittent Vibrations: The 2016 Tundra also tend to suffer from a generalized vibration coming from the steering column, seats, and gas pedal

Frequency: 3

Toyota Tundra Turn Signal Problems

Toyota Tundra Turn Signal Recall: Toyota issued a recall to address 2018-2020 Tundras turn signal problems caused by wire harnesses connected to the front turn signal bulbs

Severity: 3
Frequency: 4

Toyota Tundra Hood Latch Problems

Hood Release Problems: Several 2007 and up Tundras suffer from a hood latch issue that requires replacing the part

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Photo credit: emwstainless.com

Toyota Tundra ABS Problems

ABS Actuators Failure: Some 2001 and 2008 models might suffer from bad Anti-lock Brakes System (ABS) actuator failure, requiring the replacement of the whole ABS unit

Severity: 5
Frequency: 2

ABS Sensors: A few 2005 Tundras could experience problems when braking below 10 mph due to faulty ABS sensors

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

ABS Unit: ABS self-test fails, indicating that the Anti-lock Brakes unit is faulty. This issue is most common in 2008 Tundras

Severity: 4
Frequency: 1

Tundra Supercharger Problems

TRD Supercharger Issues: A large number of 2009-2018 Tundras equipped with the supercharger option developed by the Toyota Racing Development Team (TRD) experience an intermittent problem where the truck cannot exceed 4,200 RPM without momentarily releasing the accelerator pedal.

Severity: 5
Frequency: 3

Toyota Tundra Brake Problems

Brake Rotors: A few 2001 Tundras experience brake pulsations due to warped brake rotors

Severity: 3
Frequency: 2

Air Entering Brake Lines: Some 2004 models suffer from a problem where air manages to enter the brake lines even after the system is bled several times

Photo credit: tnstatic.net

Severity: 4
Frequency: 2

Brake Lines Corrosion: Brake lines have to be replaced on several 2005 Tundras due to extreme corrosion

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Emergency Brake Problems: Emergency brakes might require a complete service in some 2005 Tundras

Severity: 5
Frequency: 1

Brake System Corrosion: Model 2007 experienced serious corrosion problems in the brake system, being the solution the substitution of brake rotors, caliper, and brake lines

Severity: 5
Frequency: 2

Conclusion

In this article, we have carried out a detailed analysis of the most common and severe problems that afflict the Toyota Tundra. In this way, it has been possible to detect some patterns that indicate a higher incidence of problems in specific years.

This information is undoubtedly very valuable if you are interested in buying a second-hand Tundra since now you can easily avoid these models and thus reduce the risk of being affected by these problems. Nevertheless, our recommendation is to always perform a thorough inspection before purchase and focus on the key “weaknesses” of the Tundra such as corrosion or paint problems.

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