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:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
364,550 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2004 Toyota Tundra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #16

Aug 012013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 100,000 miles

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

Massive generalized rust under vehicle. This is affecting the frame, suspension, all lines, exhaust, all metal fittings, wheels, brakes, spare tire. My mechanic does not know how to proceed and suggested we no longer drive this vehicle. Toyota dealer said this is not included in the rust recall which is in effect for Tundra trucks exactly like this one, but off by a couple months by manufacturing date. Our Toyota dealer did not have a suggestion or answer for how to fix this, other than to ask if we were interested in buying a new car. We bought this truck new and have taken excellent care of it. The inside and upper body looks new.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #15

Apr 162014

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 165,000 miles
Had truck in for oil change whole frame, drive shaft parking brake cable is rusting through.

- Bokeelia, FL, USA

problem #14

Nov 132013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
Excessive rust on frame, under body, and suspension. Rear axle / differential has large flaking rust so bad that it will not hold lubricant. Filed complaint with Toyota on 11/13/2013 and was given a case # and turned in photos at local Toyota dealer in early December 2013. Contacted Toyota in January 2014 and was told that a recall was going to be issued but it would cover frame only and no other components would be covered for rust. I personally took it upon myself not to drive this vehicle because I feel it is unsafe and not road worthy due to rust. I also feel that a company that I had a lot of respect for because of their reputation for quality and safety has let me down. Vehicle has been parked since 11/13/2013 and will not be driven until properly repaired or replaced.

- Denniston, KY, USA

problem #13

Dec 162013

Tundra

  • 8,100,000 miles

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

Automatic transmission column shift problem of the 2004 Toyota Tundra Toyota Tundra. There is a serious problem with the steering column housing support. After starting the vehicle and subsequently attempting to shift the gear into reverse, the gear shift lever broke free at the steering column. I was able to stop the vehicle. Able to park the vehicle, but was unable to shift into any other gear. The consumer stated it appeared the cast aluminum components supporting the transmission shift lever appeared to be flawed. There is only 81 thousand on this truck. Unsafe !!!!!!!!! thank god it didn't break at 65 mph ! but it could have !

- Mosinee, WI, USA

problem #12

Sep 272013

Tundra

  • 44,394 miles
On 9/27/13 when my 2004 Tundra was being checked out for a recall for severe frame rust the ri Toyota dealer brought to my attention the rear differential was rotted through and leaking oil and said that this rust is not covered by recall. The whole axle has to be replaced. My question to you is, shouldn't Toyota be responsible for all the sub-standard steel" shouldn't this be under a safety recall for oil leakage" as far as I know the oil leak cannot be fixed w/O complete axle housing replacement and this is a problem that effects a huge # of Tundra.

- Cumberland, RI, USA

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problem #11

Oct 172013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
I recently noticed a leak under the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the differential was found to be rusted right through and leaking. I examined the frame as well and noticed severe rusting in various places on the frame. I never received a notice of recall on the frame. Apparently there is not only frame damage to many Tundra, but also to necessary working parts. I have never had an axle rot out on any of my cars and because of the inability to simply repair a seal, the entire axle will need replacing? seems a bit extreme. I like the Tundra and will base my decision to remain a customer on how I'm treated in the recall appointment.

- Kingston, NY, USA

problem #10

Sep 102013

Tundra 4WD 8-cyl

  • 110,280 miles

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

There is extensive corrosion damage to all metal fittings and metal fuel and hydraulic lines. The rear axle is severely corroded and leaking oil through the casting requiring replacement. There is a fuel line failure next to the exhaust manifold. The corrosion damage to the steering system fittings requires replacement of the rack assembly although the system operates properly. There is corrosion damage to many of the suspension connection points to the frame including rear springs. Dealer deems the vehicle unsafe in it's current condition and recommends it be sold for salvage. There is little to no corrosion damage to the body that can be seen from a visual underside inspection and vehicle looks in excellent condition from the outside. Vehicle was dealer maintained per the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

- Annaoplis, MD, USA

problem #9

Jul 262013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 265,000 miles
The frame has severe rust. Also rear differential is leaking fluid through the steel bowl.

- Palmer, MA, USA

problem #8

Jun 252013

Tundra

  • 95,000 miles
Brought vehicle in for new muffler and tailpipe. Mechanic showed me a leaky rear seal because the metal cover was rusting through. Also showed me main frame and suspension points which are, in his words, "like rust holding hands".

- Montgomery, NY, USA

problem #7

May 252013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 90,713 miles
2004 Toyota Tundra worse than 2003 for metal fatigue. Front of rear differential is flaking apart. Tension adjuster for emergency brake is disintegrating. Adjustment bolts are seized. Spare tire attachment is flaking apart. Please help.

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #6

May 272013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 130,303 miles

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

My wife was stopping by the house. She already had her foot on the brake. The vehicle accelerated w/O warning and went through the front of the house.

- Comanche, TX, USA

problem #5

May 252013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 90,704 miles
rear differential and brake housing left and right are rotting from the outside. Large parts of the differential housing are already missing! front transfer case and transmission are perfect! entire rear trans-axle is rotting from the outside. Emergency brake adjustment turnbuckle is rotting. *structural mounts for the emergency brake are rotted. Steel in the frame and most factory welds are de-laminating. *brackets holding the brake line and junctions are rotting. *capture plate and hardware holding spare tire in place are rotted. I will need a cutting torch to remove the spare tire. I have excellent photos to send. Respectfully,

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #4

May 062013

Tundra

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there was corrosion on the casing of the rear differential that caused the differential fluid to leak. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repair shop for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The approximate failure and current mileage was 128,000.

- Edgewood, MD, USA

problem #3

Dec 042012

Tundra 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
Noticed small oil spot in driveway. The differential was leaking. I took it to colonial Toyota in smithfield, ri and they checked it for a recall and told me there was none. They did note the axle was not in good shape and should probably be replaced as the differential is part of the housing. Not ready to drop 3K for a poorly made product. Research and other recalls tell me that the metal used was of an inferior quality and will not hold up in the northeast. Toyota of course, wants no part of this and will not take responsibility for anything. Also had spare tire fall off on highway due to severe corrosion. I cannot understand how this vehicle is not on any recall list, I guess no one has been killed yet. Leak progressively getting worse.

- Greenville, RI, USA

problem #2

Sep 072012

Tundra 4WD 8-cyl

  • 62,900 miles
Excessive rust throughout underbody and drive train components. Porous, rusted through differential now leaking oil. Rust issues started while vehicle still under 3/36 warranty. Belt tensioner bracket, bracket mount and ball joints at 33,921 miles, sway bar linkages rusted through at 45,168 miles. Both issued repaired as warranty matters. Toyota claims current problem not covered but admits defective material and offers to provide replacement parts only, requiring estimated $770 to complete the repair. Have initiated complaint with Toyota, file number available upon request.

- Brewster, MA, USA

problem #1

Aug 232012

Tundra

  • 147,526 miles
During the course of routine service at independent garage mechanic pointed out three major components with severe corrosion issues that need to be addressed immediately: 1) frame severely rotted by rust, a perforation was identified on front driver's side 2) rear axle body severely corroded by rust, not leaking yet but likely will soon 3) power steering rack severely rotted by rust on passenger side, not leaking yet but likely will soon, described by mechanic as "tender" failure of any of these items could cause an accident leading to serious injury.

- New Hampton, NH, USA

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