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, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Tundra have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2001 Toyota Tundra

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2001 Toyota Tundra
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 415
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Structure

Complaints per year

2001: 415 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	1
2000	1,011
2001	415
2002	482
2003	399
2004	465
2005	376
2006	545
2007	390
2008	327
2009	38
2010	163
2011	134
2012	154
2013	85
2014	93
2015	49
2016	119
2017	78
2018	100
2019	74
2020	46
2021	24
2022	425
2023	405
2024	338
2025	137
2026	31

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

42% · 174 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and body.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23

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, 2023-11-09

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 He said Toyota issued a recall on this, but it is no longer in effect.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, 2023-09-07

Service brakes

31% · 129 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Suspension

21% · 89 reports

Most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show 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, 2019-09-18

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, 2019-04-01

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, 2018-09-26

Power train

7% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.

Steering

6% · 23 reports

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2001Complaint volume 415 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2002-07-15Wheels02V129000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-07-31Exterior lighting06E065000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2009-10-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2010-01-26 Frame corrosion
R

2010-05-03Structure09V444000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Toyota Tundra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Structure: 174 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 129 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 89 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 02V129000 · Wheels
Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 06E065000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09V444000 · Structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Tundra have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.