11 Common Toyota Tundra Failures: Reliability, Problems and More!
The Toyota Tundra is one of the most popular trucks on the market today. But as reliable as this truck is, it’s far from perfect. Whether you’re looking for a new or used Tundra, it helps to know the common Toyota Tundra failures you may encounter as the mileage racks up.
The Toyota Tundra has received a few different complaints from drivers, and it’s no surprise, since every motor vehicle is prone to problems and complications. Stay until the end and learn more.
How good is the Toyota Tundra?
The Toyota Tundra has an excellent reputation in terms of reliability. It took first place in the 2019 JD Power reliability study, making it the highest rated vehicle in its segment. RepairPal, meanwhile, gave the Tundra a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it eighth out of 32 trucks.
The older models have also received good ratings from customers. Cars.com gave the 2000 Toyota Tundra a reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on consumer feedback.
The Tundra is a great choice for drivers who need a rugged workhorse. With proper maintenance, it can go up to 300,000 miles or approximately 15 years before needing major repairs.
Common Toyota Tundra Failures
Like any other truck, the Tundra has its fair share of problems. Let’s take a look at some of the common problems you may have to deal with with your truck as time goes on.
1- Brake problems
A truck with brake problems will have a steering wheel that feels shaky when you step on the brake pedal. In the case of an owner who drives a 2017 Toyota Tundra, the problem was resolved by rotating the rotors. However, if you suspect that your brake rotors are warped, they need to be checked by a mechanic immediately.
Toyota Tundra brake problems – especially those involving rotors – are not to be taken lightly. Remember that faulty brakes compromise your safety and that of other people on the road. Fix your truck right away by removing the faulty part and installing a high-quality rotor replacement.
2- Failures in the fuel pump
Fuel pump malfunction is a common problem among Toyota vehicles. In fact, in 2020 a recall was published that affected 5.8 million Toyota and Lexus models. If your Tundra was built between 2018 and 2020, it is likely included in this recall.
The first recall was made in January 2020 due to DENSO fuel pumps causing the vehicles to shut down. Toyota performs defective pump replacement on affected models.
4- Door lock malfunction
People who drive a 2014 Toyota Tundra have also complained about faulty door locks . The common solution for this problem is to change the locks or actuators. Some owners have even had to replace their power lock actuator twice in one month
5- Air induction pump malfunction
Although complaints about this problem are rare, it is considered one of the worst because repair costs can run up to $3,000. If connecting an OBD scan tool to your 2012 Tundra causes a P0148 trouble code , your truck may have a faulty air induction pump. This code is typically triggered by fuel delivery and pressure related issues.
6- Premature transmission failure
Premature transmission failure was also ranked as one of the worst common failures for the 2012 Toyota Tundra. Repairs to a failed transmission can cost thousands of dollars in parts and labor. In the worst case, owners had to rebuild their transmission to get their truck back on the road.
7- Malfunction of the radio
Drivers who own a 2008 Toyota Tundra report problems with the operation of their radio. Common complaints include volume controls and Bluetooth malfunctioning. Fortunately, these can be resolved by getting a high-quality aftermarket radio replacement for your Tundra.
8- Fault in the secondary air injection pump
A significant number of complaints about the 2007 Toyota Tundra describe problems with the operation of the air injection pump on the engine. This problem perhaps affects 11 model years of the Tundra. Some of the confirmed fixes include fitting a new air injection pump or replacing the emissions control valve.
It’s important to have your vehicle checked as soon as you suspect your Tundra has a bad fuel injection pump . A secondary air injection pump failure can cause poor fuel economy, resulting in increased emissions and other drivability problems.
9- Exhaust manifold failure
Ticking noises have been observed in 2006 Tundras with exhaust manifold problems . These sounds are more noticeable when the engine is cold. This symptom is a telltale sign of an exhaust manifold leak. This problem affects trucks manufactured from 2000 to 2012.
10- Lower kneecap problem
Toyota had to issue two separate recalls for 533,000 trucks and SUVs due to faulty lower ball joints. If you want to know if your Tundra was included in a recall.
Defective front suspension ball joints were prone to premature wear, causing steering difficulties and other suspension problems . Needless to say, this problem could lead to accidents on the road.
11- Rusty frame rails
The 2000 Toyota Tundra has few problems compared to other model years. However, some owners have reported rust damage to their truck’s frame rails. In some cases, it’s more practical to replace the frame rather than try to repair a rusty part.
In conclusion
Remember that all the common Toyota Tundra failures mentioned above are not exclusive to the model. They can persist in any other truck, especially as the truck ages. The Tundra, while far from perfect, is still one of the best in its segment with proper care and maintenance .
