2001 Toyota Tundra: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Body, Suspension · 187,149 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road surface, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and the rear suspension shuddered and shifted to one side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front and rear shocks were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and had holes. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure) however, the dealer had only sprayed a corrosion protection compound on the subframe. The failure mileage was approximately 187,149.

Filed Aug 1, 2006 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · TX

I own a 2001 toyota tundra. After 30,000 miles my brakes began to shudder when trying to slow down from high speeds (greater than 40 MPH). It is obvious that the rotors are severely warped. This is a severe safety issue.

Filed Jun 16, 2006 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · TX

I have a 2001 toyota tundra and have been experiencing brake vibration prolbems for years. Toyota has recently been grievously irresponsible about issuing warnings and recall notices on its toyota tundra trucks. There is little question that a design flaw in the tundra causes front rotors to warp very quickly, causing the truck to shudder during braking. Toyota even issued a technical service bulletin, but toyota dealers have not alerted consumers to the problem. I have been told many times there is not a problem or blamed for braking too hard, that is, until their 36,000 mile warranty expired. At this point the toyota dealership acknowledged the brake problem and offered assistance at full price....about $2000. The toyota tundras are breaking down because the rear brakes do not self-adjust properly. This transfers the entire braking load to the front wheels. The front rotors are not designed to withstand that much pressure and heat, and so they end up warping. This is what causes the severe shimmy and vibration at all speeds, but especially between 40-50 MPH. Because this is a fundamental problem with the rear brakes, rotors that are repaired are completely warped again within 5,000 miles. Toyota has had dozens of other problems with the tundra model, but they only issue technical service bulletins online and make no attempt to inform customers. Everyone acknowledges the problem, but since my truck has over 36,000 miles we have to basically pay for a manufacture defect. This problem is not due to normal use and wear, it ia a design problem, and one that toyota needs to fix. Toyota needs to stand behind their product.

Filed Jun 4, 2006 · Brakes · CA

2001 toyota tundra access cab sr5 purchased new. There has been no complete failure yet, but quite often the front brakes shudder so bad when I apply them hard it feels almost like a speed wobble on a motorcycle. It has gotten so violent at times that I have had to grab the wheel with both hands as tight as I can. The lions share of my driving is on the freeway and as I am aware of the problem I do my best to maintain a safe distance from others. Knowing that toyota does their best to push the issue aside (I have read the tsb and all the complaints) I have never even contacted them about this issue. I have put 4 sets of pads on in just over 120 miles so I don't think they wear out any faster than any other brands but from what I have read, there are no replacement discs or pads available that are any better. I know the rotors are warped but not worn out. I have learned to live with the problem but this issue is serious enough that I won't be buying another one. There are 5 other full size truck mfgs. Out there.

Filed May 3, 2006 · Brakes · 8,000 miles · CO

2001 toyota tundra 72,000 miles. In today for the 6th brake job. Rotors warped and disks drums fail. Real brakes out of adjustment. Truck won't break correctly and shudders violently. Toyota knows about the problem and tried to fix it but now has another "fix" that will cost me 2,000 dollars. This is a major safety issue, thousands if not 100 of thousands of tundra owners have this design defect and toyota refuses to issue recall. The internet has lots of examples of this documented problem. If gm would issue a recall for a tail light , what should be the response to trucks that won't stop and shudder violently?

Filed Nov 3, 2004 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · NC

I have experienced brake shudder since the mid 30000 miles. The brakes have been replaced twice (rotors turned twice). The problem still exist. I understand that toyota has a design problem with there brakes and there tsb's to make major corrections (approximately $2000 cost). On at least two occassions I have had to make an emergency stop and almost lost control due to the severity of the brake shudder.

Filed May 19, 2003 · Brakes · GA

After having my brakes replaced at the dealership under the technical service bulletins issued by toyota, I had to return due to severe shuddering in the front end. The tsb required my brakes to be replaced in full (front and rear). The resolution on the 15 may 2003 was to turn the drums and reduce my tire pressure below the tire manufacturers recommended pressure rating.

Filed May 30, 2002 · Brakes · CA

The truck vibrates while applying the brakes. I have brought it to the dealer three times and the problem returns. It does not feel safe when it shudders violently while braking and turning. The federal safety agency needs to work with toyota to find a better solution.