2001 Toyota Tundra
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1011 |
| 2001 | 414 |
| 2002 | 481 |
| 2003 | 399 |
| 2004 | 465 |
| 2005 | 374 |
| 2006 | 545 |
| 2007 | 389 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 38 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 134 |
| 2012 | 154 |
| 2013 | 84 |
| 2014 | 92 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 118 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 99 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 45 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 413 |
| 2023 | 369 |
| 2024 | 304 |
| 2025 | 126 |
| 2026 | 18 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: structure — 82 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231109
12% of complaints: suspension — 50 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190918
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190401
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180926
12% of complaints: structure — 48 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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 He said Toyota issued a recall on this, but it is no longer in effect.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230907
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 33 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 ID
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 SHO
Campaign 02V129000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 RE
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.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
FRAME CORROSION
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, MASSAC
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, INC
Campaign 09V444000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Toyota Tundra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (82 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (50 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V129000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V444000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Toyota Tundra is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota Tundra?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Tundra have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.