2008 Toyota Tundra body problems

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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 complaint #11712111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 complaint #11702797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 complaint #11700423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Years back there was a recall in regard to the frame. I brought the truck into Colonial Toyota in Milford CT for the recall. I was advised that the frame was fine and did not need to be replaced. Recently when i brought the truck in for an oil change the owner advised me that the gas straps attached to the frame had rusted out. He demanded that I remove the vehicle from his facility ASAP due to the excessive danger this created and not to drive the truck. He advised me to get rid of it. I reached out to a mechanic who advised that it could be welded back; however it would cost thousands of dollars to have that done. I contacted Toyota corporate to explain the situation and they advised me that there was nothing they could do to assist me with this issue. This truck had been well maintained and it ran perfectly with 280,000 miles. My goal was to run it to 400,000 miles as Toyota trucks tend to have a high mileage longevity when serviced as required. New A/C was replaced within the last three years; brakes/rotors/belts were replaced within the last 18 months. This truck was well maintained. Since this was my work truck I needed a vehicle ASAP and ended up purchasing a new 2024 Toyota Tundra which was an expense that I hadn't been expecting at all. I opted for the extended warranty option that was an EXTRA $3,000.00 to protect me and the new truck going forward. Toyota should be responsible for some of these additional expenses as it was TOYOTA who advised me during the RECALL that the frame was fine and DID NOT need to be replaced. Obviously that was not correct and they should be held responsible for the negative and very expensive outcome that this caused.

NHTSA complaint #11607681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The floor inside of the bed is sagging everywhere it is bolted down to the frame. It has never had a bedliner. It has a crunchy sound when you step on these areas. I do not know how much damage is under the flooring at this time. There has been nothing heavy hauled in the bed. The rest of the bed is solid. If not repaired the bed will separate from the truck and soon

NHTSA complaint #11568420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact's husband owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fellow motorist alerted her husband that an unknown part had been hanging from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact's husband discovered that the fuel tank had detached from the vehicle due to severe corrosion. The contact stated that several years prior, the vehicle had been subjected to an unknown recall related to corrosion. The contact stated that a special coating was sprayed on the vehicle to prevent corrosion; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the corrosion. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

NHTSA complaint #11538619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Since November of 2021 I have my truck towed 20 times due to frame rusting out had it inspected at downeast Toyota in brewer a few years ago to have Frame replacement because all crossmembers where rusted so bed wasn't even on now can mounts completely gone . reason for towing so many tis frame had rusted away pinched wiring harness so I had to pay 1500 for repairs I was always told it was covered.

NHTSA complaint #11482697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Frame rusting away, will no longer pass inspection because of cracks. First recall inspection dealer said it was OK second frame replacement is $10,700.00

NHTSA complaint #11480593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

There is significant rust on the frame of this 2008 Tundra. I am located in North Central WA State and they use compounds on the roads in the winter here similar to what is used in the northeast US. The rust is also on the steering mechanism and spare tire. I just had a flat tire and had to use the spare tire temporarily. This is a common problem reported on Tundra forums online and this truck should be covered under an ongoing repair mandate since the rust is damaging steering mechanism, brake lines, spare tire support system, etc. These are safety concerns.

NHTSA complaint #11468384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the subframe had severe rust-causing holes shown in the frame and cabbed of the vehicle. The contact stated that some areas had been sprayed with a substance to patch up the areas of rust, however, the spray had since deteriorated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be inspected. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the extended coverage for the repair had been extended. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11461270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The entire outside of this truck is rusting. The frame is completely rusted as is the outside of the vehicle and the bed which you can see the ground when looking down. This is ridiculous. It looks like the area that hold the gas is also rusted and is dangerous to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11460117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Bed rust in areas where bed bolts to frame. Known issue by Toyota as evidenced by their TSB issued in 2012. Bed mat has been used since purchasing vehicle on 2010. Bed has rusted through at one location, rust is visible at another and the other two locations the paint is bubbling up. Contacted my local Toyota dealership (9/2020) and forwarded to the collision/repair shop manager. He supposedly sent an email to a district/area manager with pictures. I contacted him a couple weeks later and he said he hadn’t heard back and would sent it to another individual. I asked for the original email along with the new one. Original email was never furnished. Couple more weeks passed and I followed up yet again. Was told my vehicle was too old and nothing could be done. No official letter from Toyota, just a verbal statement. This rust will eventually cause a lack of support in the bolt area and may be an extreme safety issue while driving the truck and/or those driving beside or behind the vehicle if/when the bed disconnects from the frame. Incident date is the reported date to dealership. I am positive it had been ongoing under the bed mat quite prior to that date.

NHTSA complaint #11458554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Excessive rust build up all along the underside of the vehicle, frame, and all over the suspension components

NHTSA complaint #11433181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. While driving approximately 45 mph, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to tie the fuel tank to the vehicle with a rope until he was able to get to safety. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the subframe needed to be replaced however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000. THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS CORRODED CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DROP.

NHTSA complaint #11424437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

REAR LEFT FUEL TANK BRACKET BROKE OFF FROM TRUCK FRAME. IT APPEARS TO HAVE BROKEN AT WELD. SEE PHOTO. NOTICED PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING DUE TO BRACKET RUBBING AGAINST DRIVESHAFT AND SCRAPING ON ROAD. PREVIOUSLY, FUEL TANK BRACKET ON SAME VEHICLE SNAPPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. TRUCK TOWED TO SHOP FOR REPAIR. I WILL KEEP BROKEN PART ONCE REMOVED FROM TRUCK.

NHTSA complaint #11330731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I HAD MY TRUCK BED RHINO LINED WHEN NEW. I NOW HAVE ONLY 95,000 MILES ON IT AND THE BED IS RUSTING FROM UNDERNEATH. I LOWERED THE SPARE TIRE AND COULD SEE THE CORROSION MORE CLEARLY. THE RUST IS ACTUALLY BUBBLING UP THE RHINO LINER.TOYOTA DID ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER MINE WAS NOT SHOWING THESE ISSUES AT THE TIME, NOW THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED. TOYOTA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM, THEY NEED TO EXTEND THE RECALL SO THAT VEHICLES CAN BE REPAIRED SAFELY AND PUT BACK ON THE ROAD WITHOUT THE BED FALLING OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11326058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

BED BOLTS BEGAN RUSTING SOON AFTER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING. WAITED A YEAR AND IT GOT WORSE, RUSTING THE BED, SO I BROUGHT IT TO DEALER #2 WHO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO - NO RECALL OR TSBS. MY FRAME WAS REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO AT ORIGINAL DEALER AND I ASKED ABOUT THE BED AGAIN BUT WAS TOLD NO WARRANTY, RECALL OR TSB. I JUST LEARNED THAT THERE IS A TSB ON THE BOLTS AND CORROSION OF THE BED. OTHER THAN A RUSTED OUT BED, MY TRUCK LOOKS AND RUNS GREAT BUT I'M AFRAID THAT MY BED IT GOING TO FALL OFF EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP. I FEEL LIKE I WAS MISLED - LIED TO - BY BOTH DEALERSHIPS. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE CORRECTED THIS ISSUE 10 YEARS AGO. I AM NOT IN THE POSITION TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE OR PURCHASE A NEW TRUCK. TOYOTA SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO FOR NOT MAKING THE CORRECTIONS AS SOON AS THE ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED. THE DESIGN IS FLAWED AS THE BED IS DOUBLE WALLED WITH SOME SORT OF INSULATION BETWEEN THE LAYERS. AS IT RUSTS FROM UNDERNEATH, WATER ENTERS BETWEEN THE WALLS AND THE INSULATION HOLDS THE MOISTURE. BY THE TIME THE RUST BEGINS TO SHOW ON TOP THE BOTTOM IS SO FAR GONE. I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO SCRAP A VEHICLE BECAUSE OF TOYOTA'S NEGLECT.

NHTSA complaint #11325690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I HAD REACHED OUT TO TOYOTA REGARDING THE PREMATURE CHASSIS RUST ISSUE ON THEIR TRUCKS. I HAD INADVERTENTLY MISSED THE CUT OFF DATE FOR THE COATING WHICH WAS IN MAY OF 2018 DUE TO AN UNAVOIDABLE PERSONAL EVENT. WHAT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE WAS THAT THEY EXTENDED THE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE CHASSIS IF THE PERFORATION WAS DEEMED SEVERE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2020. I HAD THE CHASSIS INSPECTED BY A TOYOTA DEALER BEFORE THIS JANUARY CUTOFF DATE. WHILE THERE ISN'T SUFFICIENT PERFORATION TO WARRANT A REPLACEMENT BUT IT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT THAT THE CHASSIS WAS NEVER PAINTED AND THE RUSTING ON THE CHASSIS IS CLEARLY PROMINENT FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. WHAT IS MOST DISCONCERTING IS THAT THEY WOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTY TO REPLACE THE FRAMES BUT THEY WOULD NOT EXTEND THE CUTOFF TO COAT THE CHASSIS. SHOULDN'T THIS COATING BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WITHOUT A CUTOFF DATE? MY TRUCK HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF, NEVER ABUSED AND ALWAYS WASHED AFTER SNOW STORMS BUT DUE TO NO FAULT OF MY OWN WHEREAS THE INITIAL CHASSIS COATING WAS FAULTY I AM NOW FACED WITH A TRUCK THAT LOOKS ALMOST MINT BUT THE CHASSIS WILL BE FAILING PREMATURELY. I HAD REACHED OUT TO TOYOTA BUT THEY FLAT OUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE THE COATING AS I MISSED THE CUTOFF DATE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL SOON BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE TRUCK WILL LOSE IT'S STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY WITHOUT THE CRUCIAL COATING TO INHIBIT THE RUSTING. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING THE NHTSA CAN DO TO HELP, THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11301734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

BOUGHT 2008 TUNDRA IN 2015. BODY EXCELLENT SHAPE. HAD 46000 MILES ON IT. BLOWED A BRAKE LINE AND PUT ON RACK TO MAKE REPAIRS THIS PAST MONTH. BRAKE LINES RUSTED AND FRAME IS ROTTEN. I CAN RUN MY FINGER THROUGH THE FRAME. I PAID 25.000.00 FOR THIS TRUCK. WAS TOWING A CAMPER WHEN BRAKE LINE BLEW. WAS HARDLY ABLE TO GET CAMPER HOME. WILL YOU FOLKS REPLACE THIS FRAME? OR WILL YOU STAND GOOD FOR IT. I STILL OWE ON IT. IT IS PARKED FOR THE TIME BEING AND NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11231641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

FRAME MOUNT FOR GAS TANK HAS RUSTED AND FUEL TANK IS DROPPING DOWN. LAST YEAR AN UNDERCOATING WAS APPLIED BY A TOYOTA DEALER AND IS PEELING OFF IN CERTAIN AREAS. I BELIEVE PURSUANT TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REFERRED TO AS BRIAN WARNER ET AL TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION MY VEHICLE MAY BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE GAS TANK STRAP MOUNTING IS PART OF THE FRAME. AS OF NOW, MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT AS IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I NOTICED THE TANK STRAP WAS HANGING DOWN FROM THE FRAME AND THE GAS TANK WAS ALSO HANGING DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11210067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I HAD LIFTED THE BED LINER ON MY TUNDRA AND FOUND THE BED TO BODY MOUNT AREA RUSTED THROUGH WITH HOLES IN IT. THERE IS A TECH BULLETIN FOR THE EXACT ITEM BUT I AM OUT OF WARRANTY. IT HAS A HOLE IN THE BED NOW. IF I HAD LIFTED IT YEARS BEFORE I FEEL THE RUST WOULD HAVE BEEN SEEN AND IT TAKEN CARE OF. TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING FOR IT NOW. I HAVE NEVER HAD A TRUCK RUST THRU SO FAST.

NHTSA complaint #11170004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

MY TAILGATE LATCH BROKE ON ME AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT IT HAPPENED IN TWO YEARS. I WAS JUST GOING TO LET MY TAILGATE DOWN AND THE LATCH BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

NHTSA complaint #11104886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

VIBRATION AT 70,000 MILES IN FRONT AND REAR OF VEHICLE. CHECKED OUT ONLINE. SEEMS PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BEARINGS IN TOYOTA TUNDRA'S AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE . TOOK TO MECHANIC. BEARINGS NEED REPLACED IN FRONT RIGHT AND REAR WHEEL HUBS. 70,000 MILES, WOW. MECHANIC WAS FLABBERGASTED TOO. LITTLE EARLY FOR BEARING REPLACEMENT . WITH THE FRAME ALREADY UNDER RECALL. MAKES YOU WONDER WHO WENT CHEAP WITH BEARING'S TOO. I BOUGHT TOYOTA IN THINKING THINGS LIKE THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN. MY 1996 NISSAN FRAME LOOKS BETTER THEN THE FRAME ON MY TRUCK. TOYOTA INSPECTED FRAME . TOLD ME IT LOOKED BETTER THAN MOST . BOLTS THAT HOLD BED ON UNDER MY BED LINER ARE ALREADY RUSTED, AS WELL AS THE BED BODY AND FRAME .TOLD ME IT DOESN'T MEET REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS . SO NOW I'M WAITING FOR THEM TO SPRAY UNDERNEATH BODY. SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN PRODUCTION . I DON'T SEE HOW THAT FIXES A PROBLEM . IF DONE CORRECTLY AND PREPPED BEFORE SPRAYING MAYBE. NEED TO REPLACE ALL FRAMES NOT COATED IN THE FIRST PLACE.

NHTSA complaint #11080877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TAKATA RECALL. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH COME ON AN THE ENG. TRY TO QUIT . IT STARED ON JAN. 23 2018. ON US 119.I WASH IT ION THE WHEEL THE FINSH CAME OFF . THEBED IS RUSHING ON THE IN SIDE AT THE BOLTS.

NHTSA complaint #11065489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

ALSO MY 08 TUNDRA JUST LIKE MY 03 TOYOTA SEQUOIA HAS THE PAINT COMING OFF THE HOOD AND VERY TOP OF TRUCK INCLUDING CHIPPING AND PAIN COMING OFF AND CLEAR COAT, HAS TO BE BAD PAINT THERE USING.

NHTSA complaint #11057021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

TRUCK BED RUSTING FROM UNDER THE BED FORCING THE METAL UP, BUBBELING, AND NOW THE BED IS RUSTING THROUGH. RUST EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE BULLITEN T-TCI-3823, JULY 30, 2012, TRUCK BED FLOOR RUST/CORROSION. .HOPEFULLY THE TRUCK BED WON'T FALL OFF BECAUSE OF THIS, LOOKS VERY BAD.

NHTSA complaint #11046911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE BED OF MY TRUCK IS RUSTING OUT IN THE AREA WHERE THE HOLD-DOWN BOLTS ARE. BEFORE LONG HALF OR MORE OF THE BOLTS WILL BE USELESS AND THE BED COULD COME OFF. NOTHING ELSE ON THE TRUCK BODY IS RUSTY AT ALL. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT AND IT NEGATIVELY EFFECTS THE SAFETY OF MY TRUCK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS BUT I JUST RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF THE FULL EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10992482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE BED OF THIS TRUCK IS RUSTING OUT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE CROSS FRAME BARS AND WHERE THE BOLTS ATTACH THE BED TO THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. AS THE TRUCK AGES THE REAR OF THE TRUCK HAS DEVELOPED A SWAY WHEN ROUNDING TURNS.

NHTSA complaint #10944352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.