Rusted rear differential. Rusted frame at front right sway bar. Can't pass inspection. Seems to be a common problem just like the 2003 model. I still have payments on this vehicle I can't drive.
2004 Toyota Tundra transmission complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 46, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I took my 2004 toyota tundra to a local service center because I thought it needed shock absorbers. Once on the lift we found the entire rear section was completely rusted out with several major parts just hanging from the frame. Toyota claims they sent recalls in 2015 however I did not get them. I did receive a very recent recall for an air bag and front coil springs, within a week the truck was taken in for the recall. At no time was I informed of the dangerous issue of the rear suspension. I called toyota to discuss the matter and was told they would not do anything to correct the problems. I am very lucky I did not have an accident because the rear components could have failed at any time while I was driving. Toyota will not accept any responsibility and they were quite rude when we spoke. Please inform me of any recourse I may have, the cost to repair my truck is in excess of $4,000. I am retired with a limited income and depend on my truck to pickup farm supplies at my home. I live in md and rely on the truck when it snows or the roads are icy. Toyota clearly has a past of not taking responsibility, they knew or should have known the quality of the metal materials were inferior. They waited 11 years before they recalled some of their trucks. I do not wish to be rude however, I firmly believe toyota has no regard for the quality of their product or the problems associated with their poor engineering. It is my hope you can help me with this matter or direct me to someone if can help me. Thank you for your consideration. [xxx] telephone [xxx]. If you will provide your address I will sent photos. Sorry I do not know how to upload them to you. The date the truck was taken to the service center is 5/6/16, it is still there as it cannot be driven. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Toyota recalled my tundra for a rusted frame. Dealer took possession of the vehicle in april. They provided a rental car, but no other update or contact until a week ago when the frame arrived. Now nearly complete, they want to charge me $8000 for additional parts not covered by the recall which they claim is necessary to make the vehicle pass inspection and roadworthy yet many of these parts were unaffected prior to the recall. At no time did toyota ever inform us of additional costs not covered by the recall. Two of the items are critical to the value and drivability of the car. They include the rear axle and differential which I believe failed due to the same rusted issues as the frame. The additional parts affected were the brakes. The front brakes seized from 6 months of non use and maintenance by the dealer, the rear brakes were failed by fluid leak from rear axle while in possession of the dealer for 6 months. In short, after getting a new frame, the dealer was holding trying to charge $8000 in extra repairs or they would return me a truck that had a new frame but was still inoperable in the condition under which it was stored by the dealer. The dealer and toyota were responsible for maintaining the vehicle and returning it in as good or better condition than they received it, but instead it lost 1005 of its value. I cant drive it, I cant sell it. It has a new frame but now has no differential or brakes it has lost all marketable value, where it could have been traded in or sold prior to the "frame replacement" that was supposed to right all the wrongs" of toyota's doing. I have full service records showing responsible ownership of the truck for the last 10 years. Needs to make it right and fix my truck so I can drive again, or buy me out, or offer me a trade allowance that is fair and equitable. This toyota case number is 1504140934.
Frame rusted through unsafe to drive. Received very first letter in july about a recall. It is september 21, 2015 and the recall ended august 31, 2015.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. The contact stated that fuel emitted outside of the vehicle; however, there was no fuel visible on the ground. In addition, the front fuel tank strap completely rusted and the fuel tank exhibited a hole. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired, but the repairs were unknown. The contact also mentioned that the gear shifter cable fractured due to rust and corrosion. The failure caused the unoccupied vehicle to roll and crash into an embankment. It was unknown if a police report was filed or not and there were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
I am disabled and I keep receiving recall notices about airbags, and frame recalls from toyota, but the local dealers tell me that they do not have the parts to fix them. I am unable to carry anyone in the passenger seat because of safety advisories and this is affecting the value of my vehicle, and risk of injury to myself and any passengers I may carry, and insurance coverage because of the recall notifications. I suffered diligently to pay for this vehicle and now I find it's an unsafe piece of junk that I cannot use. I really want this vehicle fixed or replaced with one that is not unsafe.
The entire frame and under side of the truck to include brackets, cables, fittings, and exhaust are so rusted and flaking off that I'm concerned that the truck may break apart driving down the road. I bought the truck used from lowe toyota in warner robins, ga and had no idea that the truck was a rusted out disaster waiting for a place to happen !!
Rust on everything under the truck as well as the rear bumper. Parts that have had to be replaced because of rust and/or rust perforation or need to be replaced: 1) entire frame ' perforation greater than 10mm found on passenger siderail 2) rear differential (leaking from rust perforation) 3) brake lines 4) power steering line (leaking from rust) 5) skid plate (support brackets rusted - fell off while driving) 6) brake calipers (multiple times) 7) coil springs 8) axles (front and back) 9) control arms 10) cv- joint 11) boots 12) hitch receiver 13) exhaust 14) muffler 15) camber bolt 16) multiple sets of tires (unable to align tires properly due to rusted/seized camber bolt) causing premature tread wear. 17) brake drums (warped and pitted) 18) wheel bearing 19) truck tailgate support wires ' wires rusted and broke. Tailgate won't open/close without extreme effort because it is not aligned properly. 20) shocks/struts 21) seals, brackets, nuts and bolts - the parts listed above is not complete. Basically, everything you see under the truck is suffering from extreme rust and/or perforated. *truck has had a horrible shimmy for years that no one has been able to figure out, particularly bad when towing. Steering wheel shakes violently as well as the entire truck. Improved slightly when rear differential and axles were replaced. Most likely related to frame warp or instability. *truck has had issues with getting in and out of 4wd. Inconsistent with how long it takes to get in and out of 4wd. There is a loud and jarring clunk when engaging or disengaging 4wd. *truck feels like it is on the verge of going out of control when a hole or bump is hit. The truck will literally jump sideways. *traction stability control comes on randomly when hitting a bump or hole. Another mystery to mechanic.
Excessive rust pretty much everywhere. Just had to replace the rear differential and associated parts because rust caused differential leak. Cost was over 3,500. Replaced rusted brake lines and calipers. Tailgate wire rusted and broke. Opening mechanism to tailgate is rusted and is extremely difficult (if not impossible) to open/close. Rear bumper is rusted through, and not safe to step on. Hitch receiver is completely rusted and cannot remove hitch now. Skid plate and brackets rusted through - skid plate fell off. Dealer just inspected the truck and will be replacing the entire frame because of excessive rust.
Rear axle-housing rotted through . Dealership knew this on inspection of frame on may 20 2014.corporate office was made aware of problem but refuses to address situation. Updated 4/24/2015
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.
Had truck in for oil change whole frame, drive shaft parking brake cable is rusting through.
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.
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 !
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 tundras.
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 tundras, 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.
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.
The frame has severe rust. Also rear differential is leaking fluid through the steel bowl.
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".
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.
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.
*the rear differential and brake housing left and right are rotting from the outside. Large parts of the differential housing are already missing! *the front transfer case and transmission are perfect! *the entire rear trans-axle is rotting from the outside. *the emergency brake adjustment turnbuckle is rotting. *structural mounts for the emergency brake are rotted. *the 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,
Tl* 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. The contact stated that he noticed a stain in his driveway and took the vehicle to a personal mechanic for a diagnosis. The contact was informed that the rear differential had completely rusted out and was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer acknowledged that there was an issue, but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle has been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 57,166. . Updated 07/27/12 *bf the consumer stated that the vehicle was repaired on 06/25/2012. The consumer believes the vehicle should have been included in the recall for premature frame rusting on the 2000-2003 toyota tundra. Updated 08/02/2012.
Column shifter overdrive on/off switch wire leads in 2004 toyota tundra fails or shorts out causing loss of control of overdrive setting on automatic transmission. This can cause downshifting at highway speed or your vehicle to not shift into overdrive causing poor fuel economy problem occurs after so many shift cycles of the column shifter from park to drive cause the wire leads to break from metal fatigue causing the failure or short in the switch my truck started this with about 123,000 miles on it. I found numerous posts on the web detailing the fix on this problem. Upon investigation I found the routing of the wires is causing the issue and you can see where toyota has tried to tape the wires to give extra protection in a poor routing of the switch wires.
My 2004 toyota tundra double cab has an excessive amount of rust on the undercarriage. Because of this rust, the camber bolts cannot be removed to properly align the vehicle. I have been told that they will have to use heat to remove them, along with a lot of force, and in turn may do frame damage in the process. I have been quoted by my dealer $5,200 to fix the problem which initially started with a small shimmy in the steering wheel which grew into a big shimmy especially while towing. That quote does not include any possible charged from the body shop if damage to the frame should occur. I do not have $5,200 so I ended up with a new set of tires and half of an alignment because the camber bolts were not able to be removed. Here I am months later and my new tires are so bald on the front that I am actually seeing the tread showing through. I have always loved my tundra, but all of this rust on the frame and undercarriage is very concerning regarding the longevity of my vehicle. I was told that toyotas last forever. At this point I feel that my truck is dangerous to even drive but it is my only vehicle. I have owned and maintained many vehicles and never had rust issues like this, nor have I ever been faced with such a costly repair on a not so old vehicle. I am stuck in a bad place and just don't know where to go or what to do. I desperately need my truck. Without it I lose my source of transportation as well as my ability to earn a living. I just simply cannot afford... Meaning I just do not have this kind of money to bring my truck back to health. All of this stress and frustration is a result of this excessive rust. Included in the estimate is remove and replace camber bolts $1,957 --- steering rack boots 400.00 alignment 90.00---- driveshaft assembly $2,003---- rear u-joint $433.00---- differential fluid $330.00 it does not include any possible damage to the frame/body in their attempt to remove the camber bolts or another brand new set of tires.
2004 toyota tundra leaks gear oil from rear differential cover plate. Cover plate is so thin a pin hole developed. Cover plate is pressed on so in order to correct problem, a whole new rear axle is needed according to dealer. When I brought truck into dealer, dealer told me he seen 6 of these like this already. Metal plate is too thin and doesn't hold up to winters in new york and is rusting out due to metal being too thin. Cost for repair is $3500 . When I contacted toyota, they just said there isn't any recalls on this subject yet. They did recall toyota tacomas due to rust eating out the frames but no recalls on rear differential cover plate. If gear oil for rear differential leaks out, due to metal fatigue, truck is not drivable and heat caused by friction of gears could cause a fire.
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