CarComplaints.com Notes: You're going to burn through a lot of dinosaurs while chugging around town, and any rear passengers you may have to carry are going to feel real cramped, but at the end of the day this is a solid truck.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,496 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Toyota Tundra body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2004 Toyota Tundra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #116

Jul 292004

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Original owners of a 2004 Tundra double cab 4WD, purchased new. Within 3 years, the wheels began to corrode. Report wheel corrosion to Toyota, they reply nothing they can do. In 2007, with 25K miles, truck was recalled and had ball jt replaced. At 60K miles, parking brake mechanism was frozen (corroded) at the rear wheels. At approximately 90K miles, front suspension left side vertical link fractured. Replaced link on both sides, and right side had deteriorated and failure was imminent. Wheel backing plates on all 4 wheels began corroding. Rear bumper and support brackets began to corrode at 90K miles. November of 2014, vehicle is recalled for inspection of frame. Toyota determines it did not need replacing, and spray some type of coating on the frame. In October of 2019, at 140K miles, one of the two fuel tank straps fails due to corrosion, fuel tank suspended by one strap until discovered. July of 2020, discover rear axle differential cover leaking due to severe corrosion of the axle metal. Attempt to trade in vehicle at Toyota in Oct of 2020, and they provide a value less than book value due to corrosion, and state they are taking a risk as the vehicle may not pass inspection. Call Toyota customer service to ask for assistance or discount to purchase a new truck, as we had no intention of selling the truck we have cared for for 16 yrs, with only 150K miles, and now with a bad axle must buy another truck asap in 2020. The truck was not a daily driver, was not driven for a work commute. It is an extra vehicle, our "new" dependable vehicle for family trips, vacations, college, etc.., and the condition and care is obvious in the photos. I would not expect Toyota to buy back the vehicle, but some assistance could be provided to the owners forced to purchase another truck prematurely. Our truck never trailered or launched a boat. Rarely driven in snow.

- Manchester, MD, USA

problem #115

Mar 022020

Tundra

  • miles
Yes I have a 2004 Toyota Tundra crew cab truck is in good shape but recently found my frame is rusting away I've contacted Toyota because they had a recall before but they will not do anything about it I've read some Toyota forms and apparently this is not a rare case this is unbelievable this is the reason people are killed going to work frame just brakes I want something done before that someone killed is

- Roan Mountain, TN, USA

problem #114

Oct 092020

Tundra

  • miles
Started hearing clunking noise in truck. Made appointment with ase certified mechanic and he asked us to come back to the shop. The structure of the frame that holds the rack and pinion steering and anti-sway bar mount was gone. Both of the tops of the frame of the cross member that goes under the engine was missing. The frame rail under the cab is separating. He advised that this condition was a massive safety issue and that I should contact Toyota and advise them. I called a dealership in zanesville and they advised they could not help because it was not a recall and Toyota gave me a case number and transferred me to someone else who told me they could not help me. He also got a second opinion from another individual who also said that this is a safety issue that should be addressed by the manufacturer. I have more photos and I now know I can not drive a truck that I spent $24,000 on June of 2019. I am glad I did not wreck my vehicle and hurt my family or anyone else because of this issue. Please help me repair my truck. When we purchased the vehicle the factory undercoating was still in tact and this was not visible underneath.

- Buffalo, OH, USA

problem #113

Aug 202020

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Our Tundra had a frame recall and it was the dealers decision on whether or not to replace dram or just cover up with undercoating. We disagreed with the decision to undercoat as the deal was showing signs of extensive rust. Now, our frame is extremely dangerous to the point of falling away from the body. Just about all parts under the truck have now suffered as well. We have never had the truck launch a boat, gone off road, or any other dangerous activities. Basically a train station and dump run vehicle. I am terribly disappointed with Toyota and their poor handling of the situation. Basically they told me that I would be responsible for the super expensive frame replacement; too bad. Engine, body, and interior are in great shape. I need help as I 1) cannot afford to pay for their mistake and 2) can't afford to replace this truck and it is vital for us. Just found out today that the frame is disintegrating quickly when we brought car to shop for a steering issue which we now find out was caused by excessive rust. Thank you

- Fairfield, CT, USA

problem #112

May 042020

Tundra

  • 55,729 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there were holes in the subframe and bumper of the vehicle caused by severe rust. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed by her son; a certified mechanic. A dealer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. A case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 55,729.

- Hinsdale, MA, USA

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problem #111

Mar 072020

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 180,000 miles
My vehicle has major frame damage. There are large holes near the front crossmembers on both sides. I was told by Toyota that the frame had been sprayed several years earlier. However, the frame has continued to rust severely and the coating has completely flaked off. The representative I spoke to stated that was the only resolution, and that nothing can be done. My case is not the only one. Even the dealer located near me states that this is a well known issue. Several years received new or repaired frames for the same issue. How can it be, that the same generation vehicle one year later is not eligible" my child rode countless times in that vehicle. What if something had happened"

- Wantage, NJ, USA

problem #110

Feb 092020

Tundra

  • 596,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

All my front suspension components failed. I noticed that the frame had rusted through near the front wheel passenger side and has buckled and shifted as a result. My upper and lower ball joints and cv axle were damaged while my truck was in motion turning into the safeway gas station chester md. February 9 of this year when the suspension failed to support the truck. The passenger side ball joint and cv axle were damaged. Tie rods and sway bar stabilizers were all worn and broken as well.

- Stevensville, MD, USA

problem #109

Feb 292020

Tundra

  • 116,000 miles
Truck was purchased brand new. It was brought to dealer for recall and they did not resolve the issue. Now recall is expired and vehicle is dangerous to drive and frame is rusted and there are holes. Almost had an accident when I turned and went down a hill and the brakes did not hold. Other incidents have occurred over the years.

- Hamden, CT, USA

problem #108

Feb 102020

Tundra

  • miles
Frame is so rusted out that the front suspension has nothing to support it. The truck can no longer be safely driven. Toyota had me take the truck in and have the frame checked for rust in 2015. At that time they told the frame was good. I contacted the local dealer on 2/17 this year and they could not help me and that I would have to contact corporate. I contacted them same day and was told since they checked it once there was nothing else they could do for me. Hard to believe the frame could so completely deteriorate in that five year period. I know I'm not the only one having this problem. I hope something can be done to help all these people out.

- Marshall, NC, USA

problem #107

Dec 232019

Tundra

  • 142,789 miles
I noticed the vehicle frame has 4 holes on the frame. The holes are on the passenger side and driver side near the exhaust manifolds. The holes are approximately 2 to 3 inches in length.

- Bridgeport, CT, USA

problem #106

Sep 142019

Tundra

  • 190,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The frame of this truck is rusted so bad that it seems like it could be unsafe to drive. A couple months ago, the spare tire dropped on the ground due to the hook that keeps it pinned to the vehicle rusted out. Luckily this happened after I returned to my residence and off of the highway where there could have been a dangerous situation to other vehicles and the citizens driving them.

- Hughesville, MD, USA

problem #105

Nov 182019

Tundra

  • 198,720 miles
I just purchased this vehicle on 11/16/2019 after doing research into the frame recall/limited safety campaign through Toyota. I did not find any results into the vehicles frame corroding or breaking therefore I purchased the vehicle. I then spoke with Toyota about the airbag recall on 11/18/2019 and 11/19/2019 and asked if there is/was a recall with the frame. They stated yes and there is nothing I can do because it has expired except for paying out of pocket for the replacement. Now, I noticed the frame has a large hole in it due to rust corrosion located behind the front left wheel. I called Toyota corporation twice (11/18/2019 and 11/19/2019) and they told me I have to pay out of pocket for the fix. I then asked why, after searching their website with the VIN, I was unable to locate the recall/limited service campaign. The representative stated " I can't answer that question". if I were able to see that the vehicle had that issue I would not have purchased it. Now the vehicle will not pass inspection and I cannot legally/safely drive the vehicle on the road. Toyota will not replace or fix the frame as they stated that it was a limited service campaign to have the frame sprayed with the anti-corrosion chemical and that the vehicle was not sprayed. Again I did not know this prior to purchase but now I am stuck with a vehicle that I just purchased and cannot drive it. Toyota has not offered a remedy for the situation I am in.

- Scranton, PA, USA

problem #104

Sep 022019

Tundra

  • 0 miles
My 2004 Toyota Tundra SR5 4WD crewcab is showing significant sign of frame rust that's compromising the structural integrity of the frame and thus operational safety of the vehicle. Despite being barely used over the years and at just 144K miles, in certain sections of the frame there are holes where the frame has rusted through. The ride quality feels a bit wobbly, even after examination and rectification of other mechanical issues (suspension, joints, etc.) upon further research, this issue seems to be pervasive issue among first generation Toyota Tundra made in the us of this period. The result is very premature rust and complete disintegration of the truck frame. The primary cause was poorly made truck frames from a Toyota vendor that ended in a class-action lawsuit. Toyota has offered extended recall to inspect and replace all affected truck frames as appropriate. I seek to be included in this program and proper assessment by an authorized Toyota dealer. As this issue affects both the resale value of my vehicle and more importantly the operational safety of this vehicle, I request that the issue be expedited by the right authorities. Thank you!

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #103

Oct 102019

Tundra

  • 154,000 miles
I had recently purchased a 2004 Tundra with knowing about the recall for frame rust. I believed Toyota had completed the recall and fixed the problem. Not long after owning the vehicle, I noticed a spot of rust bubbling through the anti corrosion coating. After further inspection, the frame is completely corroded through and cracked. This vehicle was meant to use for travel with my family in it and now it's not safe to drive at all.

- Bloomsburg, PA, USA

problem #102

Oct 082019

Tundra

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. While the contact was inspecting the rear suspension of the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe, suspension support, and spare tire enclosure were extremely corroded. The contact also stated that the spare tire had separated from the vehicle. The contact was unaware as to when the spare tire detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected in 2015 at mccarthy Toyota of sedalia (3110 w broadway blvd, sedalia, mo 65301, (660) 826-5400) per a manufacturer communications regarding frame rust. At that time, the vehicle did not have excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The dealer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Warrensburg, MO, USA

problem #101

Sep 092019

Tundra

  • 222,877 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact detected that the passenger side engine compartment contained a hole and hairline crack. Also, the fuel tank was falling apart and the crossmember was rusted. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to carbone Toyota of bennington (751 N bennington rd, bennington, vt 05201, (802) 440-1854) where it was determined that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 222,877.

- Eagle Bridge, NY, USA

problem #100

Aug 142019

Tundra

  • 133,000 miles
Purchased vehicle from private party. Previous owner informed us of frame recall preformed on vehicle 3/2014 stating Toyota sprayed frame with rust inhibitor, he complained that he wasn't satisfied with the results. Frame is now unsafe. Reinspected by Toyota 8/2019, frame is unsafe but the recall has ended. Vehicle has 133,000 miles and is useless. Toyota put a bandaid on the issue and called it fixed.

- Manahawkin, NJ, USA

problem #99

Aug 262019

Tundra

  • miles
I have a 2004 Toyota Tundra limited 4WD in immaculate condition with 100,000 miles. The frame was sprayed with corrosion at a Toyota dealer in 2014. The trucks frame is now completely rusted and not safe to drive. I have called Toyota about the issue and they do not seem to care. They should have fixed the issue back in 2014 and this wouldn't have happened.

- Vevay, IN, USA

problem #98

Jul 312019

Tundra

  • miles
Tundra frame rot and rust. In 2014, we purchased a 2004 Toyota Tundra with 90K miles on it for our 16 year old son to drive. Near the time of purchase in 2014, the truck frame was sprayed by Toyota under their limited service campaign by the person selling us the vehicle. To our surprise, the truck recently failed inspection for a rusted/rotted frame. The current mileage is 122,892. I contacted Toyota and they claim that they addressed the issue with the spraying back in 2014 and are not able to assist further. NHTSA, please help us. Toyota will not stand behind the defective frames. Please step up and address this issue with Toyota.

- Henrico, VA, USA

problem #97

Jun 242019

Tundra

  • 174,300 miles
Frame has rust holes, per Toyota mechanics, my frame continue to rust out cannot pull a trailer with bad frame. Toyota will not honor their work. I am a loyal Toyota customer and has a lot of work done by Toyota dealer. I need my frame repaired to continue using my truck.

- Charleston, WV, USA

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