FaultScore

2001 Toyota Tundra suspension problems

89 of the 543 complaints about the 2001 Toyota Tundra are about the suspension — 16% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 130,408 miles.

F

89

Complaints

11

Crashes

0

Fires

5

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Suspension 50 56.2%
Lower Ball Joint 15 16.9%
Front 10 11.2%
Rear 6 6.7%
Upper Ball Joint 3 3.4%
Wheel Bearing 1 1.1%
Shock Absorber 1 1.1%
Stabilizer BAR 1 1.1%
Leaf Spring Assembly 1 1.1%
Leaf 1 1.1%

Suspension across every Toyota Tundra year

2000 107 13.3%
2001 89 11.0%
2002 96 11.9%
2003 64 7.9%
2004 156 19.4%
2005 80 9.9%
2006 93 11.5%
2007 59 7.3%
2008 31 3.8%
2010 31 3.8%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Sheffield Village, OH

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11721644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arvada, CO

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11691486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 285,643 miles Santa Maria, CA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11656735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mounds View, MN

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11650826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winchester, VA

SUSPENSION

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...

NHTSA complaint #11604997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 233,500 miles El Segundo, CA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

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.

NHTSA complaint #11581721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 187,149 miles Detroit, MI

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11527964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Whittier, CA

SUSPENSION

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

NHTSA complaint #11466530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nevada, MO

SUSPENSION

My frame is broke . Right at the passenger front tire

NHTSA complaint #11440577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bristow, VA

SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA complaint #11427742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles West Olive, MI

SUSPENSION

BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE ISSUES AND BROKEN LEAF SPRING AND THEY TOLD ME MY FRAME WAS CRACKED.

NHTSA complaint #11396432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ionia, MI

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TAKEN HIS VEHICLE TO TOYOTA OF GRAND RAPIDS (2555 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512) FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000(STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS SEVERE CORROSION ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT HE HAD TO SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER CONTACTED BY A SERVICE ADVISOR WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FRAME AND THAT FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS TOO CORRODED NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TO BE PLACED ON THE LIFT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11365153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 205,000 miles Commercial Point, OH

SUSPENSION

MY VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR FRAME RUST, WITH A COATING, BUT IT IS APPARENT THAT TOYOTA DID NOT REPAIR ALL AREA'S AS TODAY DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY SHOCKMOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, CAUSING ME TO ALMOST HIT SEVERAL CARS, AND PIECES OF THE MOUNT FLEW BEHIND ME INTO TRAFFIC. FROM THE OUTSIDE THIS TRUCK LOOKS TO BE IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, HOWEVER THE TOW DRIVER LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND SAID HE COULD NOT BELIEVE THE RUST DAMAGE. MY VEHICLE HAS NOW BEEN DEEMED UNSAFE AND NOT ROADWORTHY. MY FEAR IS HOW MANY UNSUSPECTING OWNERS ARE THERE THAT THOUGHT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE CORRECTLY, AND COULD HAVE AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF THESE GO UNTREATED, REPAIRED OR REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE MAIN OUTERBELT FREEWAY IN COLUMBUS, I-270 AT 60-65 MPH WHEN THE PART CAME OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11352687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Lincoln Park, MI

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD LOUD NOISE WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD, PULLED OVER TO LOOK AND SAW THAT THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK RUSTED THROUGH THE CROSSMEMBER AND HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE BED.I WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME SLOWLY,NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS 157,000 MILES, NOW WHAT DO I DO?

NHTSA complaint #11323065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 199,386 miles Tucson, AZ

SUSPENSION

ON 11-5-2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA, DOWN A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING, BREAKING NOISE AND THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY TRUCK COLLAPSED AND TRUCK VEERED TO THE RIGHT. MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS THAT I HAD A BLOWOUT. THERE WAS ENTRANCE TO CIRCLE K APPROXIMATELY 40-50 FEET AWAY. SKIDDING ALONG I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE TRUCK INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND OFF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT TO CHECK I SAW THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD COLLAPSED UNDER THE VEHICLE HAD SKIDDED ON THE TIRE AND RIM. THE TIRE WAS STILL HOLDING AIR BUT WAS SCRAPED DOWN TO THE CORD. THERE WERE NO POTHOLES OR ANY DEBRIS IN THE ROAD. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, PRIMARILY JAPANESE, AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED. BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN AND ALSO RUINING ABS SPEED SENSOR AND BRAKE HOSE. SEE ATTACHED INVOICE. MECHANIC ALSO DID A DIAGNOSIS ON THE ENTIRE FRONT END. ON 11-14-2019 PER THE ADVICE OF MY MECHANIC I HAD THEM REBUILD L BALL JOINTS AND LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARM. SEE ATTACHED INVOICE. I STILL HAVE NOT REPLACED THE R CONTROL ARMS WHICH THEY HAVE ADVISED I DO ASAP. IT WAS EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT MYSELF OR NO ONE ELSE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *LN VEHICLE WAS TOWED.

NHTSA complaint #11319535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,000 miles Minford, OH Crash

SUSPENSION

MY BALL JOINTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED THIS MORNING WITHOUT WARNING (NO KNOCKING/RATTLING/VIBRATION/ETC.). LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING 15 MPH. I AM CONCERNED THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF AN ISSUE WITH THE BALL JOINTS THAT COULD CAUSE THIS FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. I AM WORRIED FOR FUTURE INCIDENTS THAT WOULD NOT BE SO LUCKY AND HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH OR MORE (WHICH I WAS DOING 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING). I UNDERSTAND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR BUT THIS IS A SUDDEN, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THAT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND LIKELY TO KILL PEOPLE. NORMAL BALL JOINT WEAR LOOSENS THE BALL JOINT AND MAKES A RATTLING NOISE, THIS ISSUE BINDS THE BALL JOINT WITH NO WARNING AND BREAKS IT OFF. I CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS DECLINED ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO TRENDING AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT WEAR AND TEAR. THIS WAS IN SPITE OF KNOWLEDGE I HAVE OF OVER 533,000 RECALLS OF BALL JOINTS ON SIMILAR MODELS WITH SIMILAR SUSPENSIONS. THE TOYOTA PERSONNEL I SPOKE WITH WOULD NOT EVEN ADMIT TO ANY RECALLS OF SUCH LIKE INCIDENTS. TOYOTA SEEMED COMPLETELY UNCONCERNED AND EVEN WORRIED THAT IF THEY PROVIDED INFORMATION LIKE THIS TO OTHER TUNDRA OWNERS THAT THEY WOULD BE "LIABLE" AND EXPECTED TO PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED. IT SEEMED TOYOTA WAS HAPPY TO SIT BY AND WATCH THE NEXT WHEEL GO FLYING OFF THEIR TUNDRAS/SEQUOIAS (AND POTENTIAL FATALITY) AT THE RISK OF HAVING TO COMMUNICATE AN ISSUE TO CUSTOMERS. I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO KNOW THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN EXISTING BALL JOINT ISSUE, I WOULD HAVE PERFORMED A PM ON MINE!

NHTSA complaint #11256445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Seward, AK

SUSPENSION

BOUGHT TRUCK NEW IN 8/2001. BROUGHT TRUCK TO DEALER WHEN IT WAS RECALLED FOR RUST IN 2012 AND WAS TOLD RUST WASN'T BAD ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING. BROUGHT TRUCK BACK TO DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER 2012 (LAST IN 11/18) AND WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS FINE ON EACH OCCASION. IN 8/2019 I HEARD A SQUEAK FROM UNDERCARRIAGE AND WHEN I LOOKED, THE SPARE TIRE CROSSMEMBER WAS HANGING DOWN AND THE RIGHT SIDE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE TOP OF THE SHOCK WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK BED (TOP SHOCK MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY). LOCAL SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE SHOCK AND SPARE TIRE FOR SAFETY. THIS RUST IS LIMITED TO THE UPPER SHOCK MOUNT AND THE CROSSMEMBER HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE. OTHER CROSSMEMBERS AND FRAME RAILS ARE ALL STABLE WITH ONLY THE AMOUNT OF SURFACE RUST EXPECTED ON A 18 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE DEALER DID A THOROUGH EXAM OF THE TRUCK IN 2012, 2018 OR OTHER VISITS I MADE WHEN I PROMPTED THEM TO CHECK THE RUST AS IT RELATED TO THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE CAMPAIGN FOR RUST WAS OVER THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. BASED ON THE FACT OF ONLY 2-3 AREAS OF CATASTROPHIC RUST ON THE FRAME AND COMPONENTS WHILE THE REST OF THE FRAME AND CHASSIS IS WEARING APPROPRIATELY I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RE-INSTATED - OBVIOUS FACTORY DEFECT - NO CORROSION INHIBITED APPLIED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL MECHANICALLY PERFECT BUT THE FALLING SPARE TIRE AND BROKEN SUSPENSION CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY THAT COULD BE PREVENTED WITH A RECALL. I BELIEVE THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER DID NOT DO A THOROUGH INSPECTION. I ALSO QUESTION WHY I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS WHO WERE GIVEN ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT OR OTHER EFFORTS MADE TO STOP THE RUST FROM GETTING WORSE - BUT NOTHING WAS DONE BY TOYOTA TO MITIGATE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT GOT TO THIS CATASTROPHIC LEVEL.

NHTSA complaint #11254476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 270,000 miles Ojai, CA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS STUCK ON THE SIDE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 270,000.

NHTSA complaint #11232250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 240,000 miles Klondike, TX Crash

SUSPENSION

THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THESE FIRST GENERATION TUNDRAS ARE ALL PRONE TO EARLY FAILURE WHEN USING ANY OTHER BRAND THAN OEM. I HAVE TALKED TO DOZENS OF FIRST GEN OWNERS AND ALL AGREE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE TRUCKS ARE A HUGE WEAK POINT. I HAD MY DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL COME OFF OF MY TRUCK WHILE TURNING DOWN A STREET IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY TUNDRA. THE WHEEL WENT ABOUT 50 FEET AND STOPPED BY COLLIDING WITH A PARKED CAR. THE SUSPENSION OF MY TRUCK ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #11193099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Walkerton, IN Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

FRONT LOWER LEFT BALL JOINT BROKE AT 40 MPH WHILE CROSSING RR TRACKS.THE TIRE/HUB COMPLETELY TORE LOOSE TEARING OFF BRAKE LINE.AND JUST LUCKILY AVOIDED A DEADLY HEAD-ON COLLISION.THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED.THIS PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED.MY PROBLEM IS L ALSO OWN A 2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WHICH HAS THE SAME FRONT BALL JOINTS.THIS IS TOTAL BULL. I WOULD HAD SENT A PICTURE,BUT THE TRUCK LEFT THE SCENE ON A FLAT BED TRAILER.

NHTSA complaint #11131849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 193,000 miles Wellesley, MA

SUSPENSION

2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. FRAME RUSTED OUT. 194,000 MILES. INSTALLED NEW EXHAUST SYSTEM IN FALL 2017. FRAME WAS OK HAD SOME SURFACE RUST. ON MEMORIAL DAY I INSTALLED NEW CALIPER, ROTOR, & SHOES. AT THAT TIME I COULD SEE THE FRAME WAS BAD, I COULD PUT FINGER THROUGH THE FRAME. TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11109987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 51,000 miles North Benton, OH

SUSPENSION

DECEMBER 2017 - SHOP INFORMED ME OF SERIOUS FRAME CORROSION/PERFORATION, I CALLED TOYOTA CORP. WAS TOLD TO TAKE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. DEALER INSPECTED MARCH 2018 INFORMED ME NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE AS THE FRAME WAS UNSAFE. DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE VEHICLE TO ME WITHOUT ME SIGNING THEIR FORM ABOUT UNSAFE VEHICLE. I PHONED TOYOTA CORP. AND WAS TOLD NO ASSISTANCE WAS AVAILABLE. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE / LEGIT? THE MAIN FRAME HAS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE - AND COMPANY NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGN AND PRODUCTION/ALLOY ERRORS?

NHTSA complaint #11079954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grass Valley, CA

SUSPENSION

2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. *LD

NHTSA complaint #11031089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,423 miles Wisconsin Rapids, WI

SUSPENSION

LOWER DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT POPPED OUT GOING DOWN HYWAY. TIRE ENDED UP COLLAPSING IN ON DRIVERS FENDER DOOR AND BROKE CV SHAFT AND TWISTED A ARMS. VERY DANGEROUS. NO PRIOR SIGN OF CLUNKING OR POPPING.

NHTSA complaint #10995035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles North Smithfield, RI

SUSPENSION

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2000 AND HAD THE ENTIRE UNIT UNDERCOATED FOR RUST PROTECTION AND SOUND PROOFING. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN GARAGED SINCE NEW AND SINCE I TRAVEL FOR BUSINESS HAS LOW MILEAGE. THIS IS MY PERSONAL VEHICLE NOT A WORK TRUCK. AS TIME WENT ON I BEGAN NOTICING THE RUST UNDER THE CHASSIS AND THEN I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SPARE TIRE BRACKET. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT TOYOTA USED THE SPARE TIRE RECALL TO UNDERSTAND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE CHASSIS RUST PROBLEM. A SHORT TIME LATER I RECEIVED THE RECALL FOR THE CHASSIS EXCHANGE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE TRUCK THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING, THE WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT AFTER A TURN. I COMPLAINED THAT NIGHT AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. AFTER A FEW HINDERED MILES THE LINKAGE WAS WORN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE CAB WAS NOT ALIGNED TO THE RACK WHEN THEY CHANGED THE CHASSIS. MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE ROT ISSUE. THE REAR AXLE IS NOW ROTTED TO A POINT WHERE IT IS LEAKING THOUGH THE CASING, NOT THROUGH A SEAL OR FITTING BUT THROUGH THE ROTTED METAL. I DO NOT VIEW A REAR AXLE AS A WEAR/REPLACEMENT PART UNLESS IT IS ABUSED THROUGH THE WORKING OF THE TRUCK. I AM 62 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINE 16 AND HAVE NEVER EVER HAD TO REPLACE A REAR AXLE FOR ROT. THE FACT THAT TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGED OWNERSHIP FOR THE CHASSIS RUST TELLS ME THAT THEY SHOULD OWN THE AXLE ROT AS WELL. I HAVE CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE WITH NO SUCCESS AND AM LOOKING FOR SOME RELIEF ON THIS REPAIR. TOYOTA QUOTED ME APPROXIMATELY $5000 FOR A NEW AXLE (PARTS AND LABOR). LAST MONTH I SENT $1500 AT THE DEALERSHIP TO REBUILD MY EMERGENCY BRAKES IN ORDER TO PASS OUR STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. EMERGENCY BRAKE LINKAGE IS NOT A WEAR/REPLACEMENT PART. YOUR THOUGHTS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10896244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 268,000 miles Morse, LA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SLID 100 FEET INTO THE MEDIAN AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT FRACTURED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHING. THE A ARM, RIM, TIRE, CALIPERS, AND UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V22500 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 268,000.

NHTSA complaint #10839040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 304,000 miles Tucson, AZ

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE HEARD ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 304,000.

NHTSA complaint #10821976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 205,000 miles Mitchell, IN

SUSPENSION

THE L/F LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING A GREAT DEAL OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS WHICH NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND REPLACED: L/F LOWER BALL JOINT; L/F KNUCKLE POPPED OUT FROM UPPER BALL JOINT; RACK PINION ASSEMBLY BIND AND TWISTED WHEN LEFT FRONT COLLAPSED; L/F AXLE SHAFT POPPED OUT AND GREASE OUT; L/F CALIPER HOSE BROKEN; ALIGNMENT NEEDED AS PART OF REPAIR. DUE TO FAILURE OF L/F BALL JOINT, SERVICE TECH RECOMMENDS REPLACING R/F LOWER BALL JOINT TO AVOID ANOTHER CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND DANGER OF INJURY DUE TO AUTO CRASH. FORTUNATELY, THE BALL JOINT AND ALL OTHER DAMAGE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL DRIVER HAD EXITED INTERSTATE AND WAS JUST PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, OTHERWISE, A SERIOUS CRASH COULD HAVE ENSUED WITH INJURY TO DRIVER. THERE WAS NO WARNING WITH THIS BALL JOINT FAILURE, TRUCK HANDLED NORMALLY UNTIL ABRUPT FAILURE IN PARKING LOT. EXPENSE TO REPAIR NEARLY $5000.

NHTSA complaint #10819798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 164,000 miles Spruce Pine, NC

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND THE REAR SHOCK WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TREATED FOR RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.

NHTSA complaint #10776433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,325 miles Allenton, WI

SUSPENSION

TOOK MY 2001 TUNDRA IN FOR THE FRAME RECALLS. I HAD 52616 MILES ON A GARAGE KEPT TRUCK. THEY SAID MY FRAME WOULD BE FINE AND WOULD HAVE A CRC COMPOUND APPLIED APR 2012. AFTER A FEW WEEKS I TOOK IT BACK IN SINCE THE COMPOUND WAS FALLING OFF, MAY 2012. THEY REAPPLIED THE CRC. I TOLD THEM I HAD CONCERNS OVER SPRAYING OVER RUST, BUT SAID THEY WERE SURE TOYOTA WOULD STAND BEHIND IT. FEB 2014 THE TECHNICIAN MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE RUST AND LACK OF COMPOUND VISIBLE. FEB 2015 THE TECHNICIAN AGAIN SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE CRC WAS ALMOST GONE. HE MADE A NOTE OF IT ON THE SERVICE REPORT. I ASKED THEM TO CONTACT THE CORP OFFICE ABOUT IT. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT CORP WOULDN'T SPRAY IT AGAIN, BUT THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD SPRAY IT. 27 JUNE 2015 DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON INTERSTATE 41, THE FRONT STRAP HOLDING THE GAS TANK BROKE, MILEAGE 58325. I GOT THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD NEW STRAPS INSTALLED. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THEY ACTUALLY HAD TO DRILL AND TAP AND MOUNT THE FRONT STRAP IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION DUE TO SEVERE ROTTING OF THE FRAME. AFTERWARDS I FOUND OUT THAT THE STRAPS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED DURING PHASE 2 OF SSC 90. I CALLED TOYOTA CORP CASE# 1507131315. THE FIRST CASE MANAGER GEORGE SAID RIGHT AWAY TOYOTA WOULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. THEN I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL IT UP FOR THE FIRST TIME. GAS STARTED POURING OUT ONTO THE GROUND. I BASICALLY CALLED EVERY DAY TILL I GOT JEFFERY MOORE AS MANAGER. HE GOT MY STRAPS AND TANKS REPLACED BUT SAID CORP WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE FRAME. I SENT PICTURES AND EVERYTHING. NOW TOYOTA WILL NOT RESPOND TO ANY OF MY E-MAILS OR CALLS . MY FRAME HAS HOLES THAT I CAN PUT MY HAND THREW AND HAS ONLY 6000 MILES ON IT SINCE IT WAS SPRAYED. I'M AFRAID THAT THE GAS WILL BRAKE AWAY OR THE FRAME WILL SNAP AT ANY TIME. THE GOVT NEEDS TO MAKE THEM FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE THAT WAS IN THE RECALL, NOT MASK IT.

NHTSA complaint #10760669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2001 Toyota Tundra problems

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