2001 Toyota Tundra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 415 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › frame and members. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
102,000 milesMedian miles at failure

290 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000200,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Frame and Members74
000
Structure › Body45
000
Suspension32
302
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor28
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic25
100
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields22
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc16
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission15
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint13
403
Steering13
104

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields09V444000
Filed Nov 18, 2009110,000 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2000-2003 TUNDRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE REAR CROSS MEMBER MAY CAUSE THE SEPARATION OF THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE TRUCK BED WHICH WOULD PRESENT A ROAD HAZARD THAT COULD CAUSE A CRASH. ALSO, CORROSION OF THE REAR CROSS MEMBER COULD AFFECT THE REAR BRAKE LINES AND THE PROPORTIONING VALVE RESULTING IN DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPABILITY.

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE SPARE TIRE AND DIMINISHED BRAKE CAPACITY COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. TOYOTA IS ASKING OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE UNTIL A REMEDY CAN BE OBTAINED. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER AND RELATED COMPONENTS, INCLUDING THE BRAKE LINES, AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. IF THE CROSS MEMBER DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED, IT WILL BE SPRAYED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COMPOUND. THESE SERVICES WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE, HOWEVER MULTIPLE VISITS TO THE DEALER MAY BE REQUIRED. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 30, 2010. OWNER MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Wheels02V129000
Filed May 1, 20023,041 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors

Defect. ON CERTAIN 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ALLOY WHEEL TIRE UPGRADE (OPTIONS WM4, WM8, ZL1-ZL4, DH4, OR DH5) INSTALLED BY THE PROCESSING CENTERS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA OR COMMERCE, GEORGIA, A LABEL IDENTIFYING THE SPARE TIRE AS A TEMPORARY USE SPARE TIRE WAS NOT INSTALLED. THE UPGRADE INCLUDES 4 LARGER SIZE TIRES WITH ALLOY WHEELS. THE ORIGINAL SPARE TIRE/STEEL WHEEL IS NOT PART OF THE UPGRADE AND WAS NOT CHANGED.

Risk. DIFFERENT OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CAN BE EXPERIENCED WHEN THE SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND AN INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure
Filed Jul 23, 2026200,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the underbody frame appeared to be rusted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the underbody frame was rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the parts were no longer manufactured. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 3, 2026OH

There is an unresolved body corrosion recall that has not been addressed in over a year, despite receiving an invoice from the dealership. I will attach the invoice that lists all the parts ordered for the remedy of this recall.

Steering
Filed Oct 5, 2025CO

On September 4, 2025, I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra to Midas at 5325 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002 for an oil change and inspection. Midas advertises a “Closer Look Vehicle Check,” which includes checking steering, suspension, and wheels. Their inspection report marked the steering system as “OK” and only noted mild shock wear. Less than a month later, while exiting the highway, the lower ball joint failed completely, causing the front suspension and wheel to detach. I immediately lost steering control. Fortunately, this occurred at low speed; had it happened moments earlier on the highway, it could have caused a major collision or fatalities. The failed component (lower ball joint and related suspension parts) is still available for inspection. An independent mechanic later confirmed that the joint was severely worn and the failure appeared to be due to long-term deterioration that should have been detected during Midas’s inspection. No warning lights or indicators appeared before the failure. The incident endangered my life, my passengers’ safety, and other drivers on the road. The business has refused to take responsibility or cover repair costs, which currently total over $2,400, despite their advertised inspection and guarantee. This raises serious concerns that Midas and potentially other service locations may be failing to properly inspect critical suspension components, which poses a major public safety hazard.

Suspension
Filed Apr 25, 2025285,643 milesCA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started making a metallic cracking sound, and the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 285,643.

Suspension
Filed Mar 26, 2025MN

Toyota Corporate is refusing to acknowledge my Tundra's eligibility for remedy under a safety recall and campaign. My Tundra is experiencing the failure mode outlined in the safety recall 90M and extended safety campaign Tundra BXD. The spare tire crossmember of the frame is almost entirely rotted through with rust and is barely connected at this point. My Tundra's VIN number falls within the VIN range table's indicated in the recall and campaign documentation, and meets the criteria of currently being registered in an eligible cold-climate state. By all accounts, it should be eligible to receive remedy under this campaign. However Toyota has on multiple occasions just told me that "Safety Recalls are Service Campaigns are VIN-specific" and that VIN does not report as eligible. I've provided photo evidence of the issue and the documentation, yet Toyota refuses to acknowledge my truck's eligibility for repair under this program. Safety recalls are to prevent safety incidents from occurring due to known design or manufacturing defects. My truck is experiencing a known and documented defect. Toyota has a process for fixing it. However they're refusing to fix mine because of a mis-match in the VIN database. Safety issues don't affect "VIN numbers", they affect vehicles, the people who drive them, and others out on the roads.

Suspension
Filed Jul 28, 2024VA

I feel vehicle's frame is not safe... starting making a metal cracking noise due excessive corrosion .. rear frame portion is been treated under recall but the front looks really bad we can't even change suspension parts due the possibility on getting a serious frame problems. I keeping my truck with low mileage and not planning on selling it, very clean inside. I understand frame replacement it is an option if the frame is really bad and mine is getting onto that stage...

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Apr 8, 2024233,500 milesCA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly pulled to the right and front driver's side wheel detached from underneath the vehicle, causing the vehicle to skid across the highway before coming to a stop. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front driver's side ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was damage to the subframe of the vehicle caused by the detached wheel. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 233,500.

Wheels1 injured
Filed Jan 8, 2024VA

Driving straight at 30mph and wheel came off causing near deadly collision. Upon inspection it is evident that the wheel separated from its ball joints. Further research strongly suggests that this is a known defect of this year/make/model, even though the recall was issued only for the subsequent years vehicle. This is a potentially deadly design flaw and not an isolated manufacturing defect as Toyota claims.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 9, 2023216,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an inspection station where it was reported that the vehicle could not be lifted due to extensive rust located behind the cab on the sub frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 216,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 7, 2023MO

I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra into my dealer today, and he advised me that the frame of the Toyota is very rusted and cracking and close to completely breaking. He said Toyota issued a recall on this, but it is no longer in effect. I have learned this is a common issue with the 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras. Please advise!

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 3, 2023IL

Heavy rust on frame as well as rusting out under support. Causing the bed of the truck to rub on the Cab. Causing the frame to start to bend, I use his vehicle. To transport my special needs child. I’m wondering why, my vehicle? Isn’t covered under the recall ???

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 5, 2023MD

The car got a lot of rust all over the frame and notice is been a recall on this model and year

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 6, 2023227,780 milesOH

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that she noticed an unknown part hanging from the vehicle. The contact's son noticed that the cross member had fractured causing the fuel tank to detach. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 227,780. The contact stated repairs would cost $3800 and up but the contact can not afford the repairs. The contact is requesting further assistance on this matter as she was unable to find resolution.

Structure
Filed Jun 20, 2023187,149 milesMI

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road surface, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and the rear suspension shuddered and shifted to one side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front and rear shocks were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and had holes. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure) however, the dealer had only sprayed a corrosion protection compound on the subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 187,149.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 21, 2022148,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the chassis was severely corroded. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the undercarriage needed to be replaced and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Suspension
Filed May 28, 2022CA

Lower ball joints(right and left hand sides) very serious safety concern. this is my family vehicle and has been with the family since 2005-06. members from the tundra forums are concerned about this issue with toyota tundras. yes toyota has a recall for their 02-06 tundras and tacomas and sequioas of the same year. my car doesn't qualify for the recall. this recall is not covered for the 2000-2001 tundras,tacomas, and sequioas. dont understand why. they all have the same part numbers. i have seen and witnessed the aftermath of this failed ball joint. some are fatal and some leave you stranded. we need to have this deadly issue resolved with toyota. help me and help all other toyota tundra owners who are in this same situation as I am. thank you

Suspension
Filed Nov 15, 2021MO

My frame is broke . Right at the passenger front tire

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 8, 2021115,000 milesIA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the sub frame of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 4, 2021VA

2001 Tundra (4.7 Engine); frame badly rusted in rear. Told on Aug. 3, 2021 that it would fail the next inspection. I put my VIRIN into the NHTSA site but couldn't find any recalls.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 22, 2021KY

RECENTLY MY MECHANIC BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION FRAME DAMAGE. I WENT FOR AN INSPECTION FROM A LOCAL FRAME SPECIALIST, WHO TOLD ME MY FRAME WAS COMPLETED RUSTED THROUGH. COST FOR REPLACEMENT MATERIALS AND LABOR TOTAL COST 9227.30. TOYOTA EARLY ON IDENTIFIED KNOWN RUST ISSUES WITH THE TUNDRA WITH A RECALL MANY YEARS AGO. AFTER WAITING OVER A YEAR AFTER THE RECALL MY TRUCK WAS UNDERCOATED WITH A BIG ONE YEAR WARRANTY. APPARENTLY WAS UNAFFECTIVE.

20 of 415 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202630100Routine
2025130500Routine
20243341030Above average
20234001350Above average
20224281300Above average
202124310Routine
202045510Routine
2019721020Routine
201899930Routine
201778600Routine
2016119600Routine
201548510Routine
201493510Routine
201385630Routine
2012155420Routine
20111341100Routine
20101631600Routine
2009381310Routine
20083271320Above average
20073901453Fatalities reported
20065451300Above average
20053741430Above average
20044661311Fatalities reported
20033991030Above average
2002482613Fatalities reported
2001 — this page415521Fatalities reported
20001,011751Fatalities reported
19991100Routine

Compare every Tundra year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 18, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.