What are the most common Toyota Tundra problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 75,000+ owner reports, the 2004-2004 Toyota Tundra has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Frame Rust and Corrosion, Front Lower Ball Joint Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Tundra reliable?

The 2004-2004 Toyota Tundra has 2 known issues documented across 75,000+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Frame Rust and Corrosion and Front Lower Ball Joint Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tundra problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Tundra issues range from $0 to $15,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Frame Rust and Corrosion, typically costs $500-$15,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2004 Toyota Tundra Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2004 Toyota Tundra Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

50,000 owners

On the 2000-2008 Toyota Tundra, toyota Tundra trucks from 2000-2008 are affected by a widespread frame rust issue, particularly in regions where corrosive road salt is used. The frames develop excessive rust on the rear cross member. This can lead to spare tire separation, compromised brake lines, and damage to the proportioning valve. Toyota faced a $3 billion class-action settlement in 2016.

Common Symptoms

Visible rust on frame cross members
Rust flakes falling from undercarriage
Spare tire mounting bracket deterioration
Brake line corrosion
Frame perforation near rear axle

How to Fix

Toyota dealers will inspect the rear cross member and related components including brake lines, and replace as necessary. For affected vehicles, Toyota may apply rust-resistant coating, repair rusted areas, or replace the entire frame. Out-of-warranty frame replacement can cost $10,000-$15,000. Preventive undercoating and regular inspections are recommended.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 50,000+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDIY repairs can save significantly - dealer charges $10,000-$15,000 but DIY costs are typically 50-70% less
TipPreventive undercoating and regular inspections are recommended.
NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
UpgradePOR-15 rust preventive coating stops rust permanently (POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating)
View on Amazon
UpgradeRust-Oleum rust converter spray for treating corroded panels (Rust-Oleum Rust Converter Spray)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$500 - $15,000

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50,000+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence50,000 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

25,000 owners

On the 2004-2007 Toyota Tundra, toyota issued multiple safety recalls (Recall 50J and 70B) for front suspension lower ball joint issues affecting approximately 533,000 Tundra vehicles. A manufacturing defect caused the ball surface to be scratched, leading to excessive wear and looseness. In extreme cases, the lower ball joint can separate from the knuckle, causing complete loss of steering control.

Common Symptoms

Increased steering effort
Reduced vehicle self-centering
Clunking noise from front suspension
Uneven tire wear
Steering wheel vibration

How to Fix

Toyota dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge under recall. If out of recall period, replacement costs $400-$800 per side including labor.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 25,000+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDIY repairs can save significantly - dealer charges $400-$800 but DIY costs are typically 50-70% less
NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
UpgradePremium ball joint with grease fitting for extended service life (Moog Ball Joint)
View on Amazon
UpgradeComplete control arm assembly with ball joint and bushings pre-installed (Mevotech Control Arm Assembly)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,600

Research This Issue

25,000+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence25,000 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls32 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V74100017/10/2019

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints for 2004-2007 Toyota Sequoia and 2004-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles, MOOG part number K80521, K80522, NAPA part number NCP2601633, NCP2601634, ACDelco part number 45D2344, and 45D2345. The ball joint housing may have inadequate hardness, causing premature failure.

Campaign #22E00200014/01/2022

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Campaign #14V74300019/11/2014

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.

Campaign #16V06500005/02/2016

AIR BAGS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

Campaign #15V28600013/05/2015

+ 27 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

2004 Toyota Tundra Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2000-2008 Toyota Tundra: Frame Rust and Corrosion#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2004-2007 Toyota Tundra: Front Lower Ball Joint Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Tundra problems?

Is the Toyota Tundra reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tundra problems?

What is the 2000-2008 Toyota Tundra Frame Rust and Corrosion?

What is the 2004-2007 Toyota Tundra Front Lower Ball Joint Failure?