Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On September 4, 2025, I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra to Midas at 5325 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002 for an oil change and inspection. Midas advertises a "Closer Look Vehicle Check," which includes checking steering, suspension, and wheels. Their inspection report marked the steering system as "OK" and only noted mild shock wear. Less than a month later, while exiting the highway, the lower ball joint failed completely, causing the front suspension and wheel to detach. I immediately lost steering control. Fortunately, this occurred at low speed; had it happened moments earlier on the highway, it could have caused a major collision or fatalities. The failed component (lower ball joint and related suspension parts) is still available for inspection. …
My 2001 Toyota tundda was part of the frame service campaign. Upon receiving notice I immediately scheduled an inspection and my frame was coated in the protective coating supplied by Toyota at the Toyota dealer I purchased the truck from. In the years to come that coating would fall off and my truck frame would continue to rust. In August of 2018 I took it to my local Toyota dealer for inspection who said a hole has rusted in the frame near the gas tank. They also informed me that Toyota will not do anything to correct her problem since the program had expired. I received this same information from the dealer I bought it from and Toyota corporate. In addition to the hole in the frame both power steering lines rusted through and so did the power steering rack. Toyota's attempt at fixing the problem failed and now I'm stuck with a truck that has a compromised frame. …
December 2017 - shop informed me of serious frame corrosion/perforation, I called Toyota corp. Was told to take to dealer for inspection. Dealer inspected March 2018 informed me not to drive vehicle as the frame was unsafe. Dealer would not release vehicle to me without me signing their form about unsafe vehicle. I phoned Toyota corp. And was told no assistance was available. How is this possible / legit? The main frame has failed on the vehicle - and company not responsible for design and production/alloy errors?
Frame rot holes and parts of frame rotted thu also power sterring rack and all lines leaking thu pump ran out of fluid also the frame on drivers side at ft mount for step rail holes right thu frame and at front le4ft frome ral hole big hole
Lower drivers side ball joint popped out going down hyway. Tire ended up collapsing in on drivers fender door and broke cv shaft and twisted a arms. Very dangerous. No prior sign of clunking or popping.
Toyota's Tundra corrosion recall focuses on the frame, fuel tank mounting, and spare tire mounting hardware. If the frame has no perforations and the fuel tank suspension and spare tire mounting are sound, the truck is determined to be safe. My Tundra has been so inspected by a dealer, passed their test, and found to be "safe.". My complaint is that the vehicle's undercarriage shows extensive corrosion of frame, steering, and suspension components beyond the scope of Toyota's recall. The extent of the corrosion is so great that it calls into question the potential for a suspension or steering component to fail during operation, leading to a loss of control and injury to passengers and others on the highway. I have digital photographs of several corrosion sites on the undercarriage of my truck that illustrate my concern. …
Took the vehicle to a local dealer for a front end inspection due to a steering problem. The vehicle was very stiff during turning and would not return to center. Asked for a thorough front end inspection of power steering system and associated steering linkages, etc. Dealer advised that all was OK but that front end would need to be aligned. Paid for the diagnosis and a front end alignment. The problem was still there upon receipt of the vehicle. Drove another 600 + miles and while driving to a local business at approximately 10 MPH, the right front tire separated from the frame and wedged under the right front wheel housing. It turns out that the right front lower ball joint assembly had failed and the wheel was completely disconnected from the frame. Had the vehicle towed to a local shop for repair. …
Was driving home on a 2-lane rural highway when I heard a very loud bang and found my vehicle scraping and skidding down the road for approximately 100 ft. Fortunately, no one was coming from the other direction and no one was behind me. Wound up in the middle of the road. Managed to force the truck onto the left shoulder. After getting out, found the left front wheel flat on the road and jammed up inside the wheel well. Upon further inspection found that the left lower ball joint had snapped off at the bolt holding it onto the a-frame. Out of warranty. Toyota says they won't do anything to help. Looked on internet and found many, many similar experiences with 2001 tundras. Have scrupulously maintained this vehicle since I bought it new in 2001. This should not be allowed to happen. I could have been killed and I could have killed others. There should be a recall issued re. …
The 1st generation Toyota Tundra's are rust buckets. I own a 2001 Toyota Tundra w/ approx 101,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the local authorized dealer for repairs under recall: 09V444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The vehicle is being repaired (frame is being replaced). But the dealer also informed me that the steering rack and hose connections are rotted out and in need of replacement -> $1300. Additionally, the dealer informed me that the rear e-brake pivots are rusted/frozen and will also need replacing ->> $450. In a nutshell, the frame, the steering and the brakes are all rusted out - it appears that safety was an afterthought. I feel that Toyota corporation is negligent and that consumers are left holding the bag for poorly engineered products that are prone to early rust-out. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the shock absorbers were not functioning correctly. The steering would also pull the vehicle to the side while driving over a bump on the highway. Moreover, the power steering was leaking oil. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the frame was unsafe. The manufacturer has been notified. The current and failure mileages were 173,744. Updated 08/19/09 the rear cross members were rusted through on both ends. The front stabilizer bar was rusted through and broke off on the drivers side. The rear differential rusted out and leaked oil. Updated 08/20/09.
Steering complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Toyota Tundra, 6% of the model year's 415 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Tundra steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Toyota Tundra, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Tundra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 150,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.