2001 Toyota Tundra recalls and problems

The 2001 Toyota Tundra has 2 safety recalls and 415 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

415

Crashes / fires

27 / 2

Injuries / deaths

27 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Toyota Tundra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Toyota Tundra recalls

Recall 09V-444: Structure

Reported Nov 18, 2009 · 110,000 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia. Excessive corrosion of the rear cross member may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed which would present a road hazard that could cause a crash. Also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve resulting in diminished braking capability.

Risk: Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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, including the brake lines, and replace them if necessary. If the cross member does not need to be replaced, it will be sprayed with a corrosion protection compound. These services will be performed free of charge, however multiple visits to the dealer may be required. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about april 30, 2010. Owner may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 02V-129: Wheels

Reported May 1, 2002 · 3,041 vehicles affected · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS

Problem: 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 identifying the spare tire as a temporary use spare tire was not installed. The upgrade includes 4 larger size tires with alloy wheels. The original spare tire/steel wheel is not part of the upgrade and was not changed.

Risk: Different operating characteristics can be experienced when the spare tire is installed on the vehicle.

Fix: 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 should contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

2001 Toyota Tundra problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Structure	174
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	115
Suspension	89
Power Train	31
Steering	23
Unknown or Other	14
Engine and Engine Cooling	13
Air Bags	9
Wheels	9
Vehicle Speed Control	8
Fuel System, Gasoline	8
Service Brakes	7

Most reported parts

Structure › Frame and Members — 82
Structure › Body — 48
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 33
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 28
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 17
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 15
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 15
Suspension › Front — 10

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 102,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Toyota Tundra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · at 200,000 miles · reported Jul 23, 2026

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. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the underbody frame appeared to be rusted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the underbody frame was rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the parts were no longer manufactured. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…

Unknown or Other · reported Mar 3, 2026

There is an unresolved body corrosion recall that has not been addressed in over a year, despite receiving an invoice from the dealership. I will attach the invoice that lists all the parts ordered for the remedy of this recall.

Suspension · at 285,643 miles · reported Apr 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started making a metallic cracking sound, and the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 285,643.

Suspension · reported Mar 26, 2025

Toyota Corporate is refusing to acknowledge my Tundra's eligibility for remedy under a safety recall and campaign. My Tundra is experiencing the failure mode outlined in the safety recall 90M and extended safety campaign Tundra BXD. The spare tire crossmember of the frame is almost entirely rotted through with rust and is barely connected at this point. My Tundra's VIN number falls within the VIN range table's indicated in the recall and campaign documentation, and meets the criteria of currently being registered in an eligible cold-climate state. By all accounts, it should be eligible to…

Suspension · reported Jul 28, 2024

I feel vehicle's frame is not safe... starting making a metal cracking noise due excessive corrosion .. rear frame portion is been treated under recall but the front looks really bad we can't even change suspension parts due the possibility on getting a serious frame problems. I keeping my truck with low mileage and not planning on selling it, very clean inside. I understand frame replacement it is an option if the frame is really bad and mine is getting onto that stage...

Other Toyota Tundra years

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Compare all Toyota Tundra years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Tundra: 09V-444 (structure), 02V-129 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Toyota Tundra?

Owners report structure problems most often (174 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (115). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 102,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.