Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1) The newly installed rack & pinion rack locks up and tried to turn right when on a continuous or left turn followed closely by another left turn. 2) My safety and the other drivers near me were all in danger when the loss of steering control occurs. The problem makes the vehicle want to turn hard to the right and the hydraulics are too strong to control the steering. 3) The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but the problem still exist and is repeatable for any needed inspection. 4) The vehicle has not been inspected by any outside entity, but is available for inspection. The problem still exist and can be confirmed. 5) There are no warning lights or symptoms. When it happens, all of the sudden the truck wants to make a hard right and there is nothing you can do to stop it, other than stop and let go the the steering wheel.
I had the dealer take my truck in for the frame recall. I asked for them to replace the frame because I was not comfortable with how they were handling it. Per the service record they filled in perforations and "undercoated. I did not believe that filling in existing perforations was the safest way to handle this. After brining the truck to a shop to check the steering we were told that they wouldn't even put it up on a lift. The steering issue was that the rack and pinion steering was literally falling out due to the rusted frame. We drove this vehicle home and parked it. About a week later the spare tire fell out right onto our driveway. Needless to say, I am certain there are many more Toyota trucks out there ready to fall apart on the road. We contacted Toyota corporate several times to try to rectify this mishandling of our recall. We called and sent certified letters. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact viewed a recall notice for the lower ball joints on the internet. The dealer advised the contact they were waiting on a recall notification from the corporate office. The contact was having problems maintaining control of the vehicle while driving. The current and failure mileage was 100,000. The dealer diagnosed the failure as the power steering pump and replaced it at cost to the contact. Two to three weeks ago the dealer diagnosed the lower ball joints, and advised the contact that they were operating normally. On 2/19/07, while driving 25 MPH the driver lost control of the vehicle and crossed the center line, hitting a wooden post. There was damage to the fender, the hood and the tire. The driver was unable to open the door. There were no prior warning light indicators. There were no injuries ,and the road conditions were dry. …
6/13/13 vehicle did not pass inspection major frame perforation Toyota performed limited frame replacement at their cost after much discussion . Not all severely rusted parts were replaced only the major assembly mounting piece items that were disassembled and couldn't be reused were replaced. No sub pieces of the major assembly were replaced. If the were rusted they were reinstalled. 8/4/14 vehicle did not pass inspection major rust failure deformation and leaking of steering rack housing that was severely rusted and not replaced when frame was replaced. Rack was replaced by owner at owners expense. 4/15/15 rear differential housing rust thru and housing failure. Housing was severely corroded when frame was replaced. Owner was informed it was not part of the frame replacement . Toyota does not have any recall bulletin issued despite the numerous complaints found on the internet. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there was an electrical failure in the vehicle. The horn, door locks, power windows, and all other electrical components except the alarm malfunctioned. The horn sounded while the vehicle was in motion and parked. The contact also stated that the steering wheel made a loud noise while driving. The seat belt warning light was the only light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact felt that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The dealer and manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The failure mileage was 176,000. Updated 08/16/16 consumer stated I feel this is a safety issue related to steering column and related parts including airbag-dealer steering is not related to safety concerns- I feel this can result in accident by losing. …
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?
High pitch sound when I go to turn the steering wheel. Power steering fluid reservoir empty. Took to dealership and they said the rack and pinion is no good and has to be replaced at a cost of $1900.00. The issue I have is, I have a co-worker who bought the same truck I did, in the same month I did. His has 145,000 miles and his rack and pinion went out two weeks ago. Less than 10,000 miles between these incidents is quite a coincidence.
I drove off the highway and it felt like the truck was steering itself. I had this steering problem since it was new- dealer said it was tire balance and later shocks- but " we won't throw parts at it"- a independent shop replaced the tie rod and the steering veering off stopped. The problem was noticeable when I was driving and going around curves- the truck was hard to control- shook and needed steering help.
Toyota has a recall for excessive rust and they did undercoat my truck. Yesterday when I pulled into my driveway I heard a squealing sound from under the hood. I checked and found my power steering fluid was low. I looked under the truck and saw a puddle. Further investigation showed that the steering rack has rusted through and power steering fluid streams out when you turn the steering wheel.
Gear shift leaver has detached from steering column. This is the second time this has happened (1st time was in 2011). Repair done then was with factory part. Truck cant be driven & if happens while in any gear other than park can be a safety issue, especially on unlevel parking pad. Appears to be lots of Tundra owners on the Toyota owner/Tundra owner websites experiencing same issue.
Steering complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Toyota Tundra, 6% of the model year's 466 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Toyota Tundra steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2004 Toyota Tundra, though it has 8 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 2004 Toyota Tundra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.