Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicles stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate above 50 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the secondary air injection pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000. The VIN was not available.
Truck goes into low power mode or "limp" and has difficulty accelerating. The check engine light is on, "VSC OFF" light blinks on and off, as well as the "slippery tire" sign stays on. Very dangerous if this happens when driving on an expressway as you can't drive over 45 mph in low power mode. This is a known issue with Air Injection Pumps and Air Switching Valves for Toyota Tundra trucks between 2007-2008. Toyota extended the factory warranty instead of offering a recall. Due to the factory warranty extension Toyota would not fix this problem until it manifested, and it usually doesn't manifest until after the extension of the factory warranty has expired.
The truck has had three engine oil leaks since 4-20-22. The most recent is being repaired now. In each of these leaks, engine oil leaks out of the valve cover and or the cam tower and drips onto the exhaust. The burning oil can be smelled inside the truck cab. I am concerned it could cause a fire. The dealer has repaired the first two leaks and is working on the cam tower leak now (drivers side). I notified Toyota, they refused to fix the problem.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The air injection pumps went out. Vehicle could not get out of limp mode, was very dangerous as I couldnt get up to speed while merging onto traffic. Had to put hazards on and drive vehicle home under 25mph. Vehicles were going around me. Vehicle is scheduled to be looked at by a dealer, but still recommend this be a safety issue!!
secondary air pump failure, truck has a tough time accelerating, I've unhooked the pipes and drained the water out the pipes but that did little good. The check engine light is on, "VSC OFF" light blanks on and off, as well as the "slippery tire" sign stays on.
When accelerating on my truck between 45 and 55 miles, the motor starts shaking alot. I have to release the gas pedal to make it stopped. Also the transmission shift by itself when I am at a stop sign. Just once.
My truck drove fine then all of a sudden my check engine, vsc and traction control light came on. I brought it to the shop and the code read P 2440. It is in limp mode and the shifting is sporadic.
I have a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The secondary air pump failed on my vehicle. I took it to the dealer and was told I would be $3500 to repair. This is known problem with the Tundra. I was told by the dealer that Toyota had extended the warranty for this but it expired after 10 years or 150,000, I have 121,000. When the pump fails it causes the vehical to go into limp mode. I ran a errand today and the truck ran fine. I went to the store and returned to the truck. I started it and the the vsc light and check engine light came on. As I headed into traffic the vehical would not accelerate to keep up with the traffic and almost got rearended. Toyota should of had a recall on this because it is a safety feature and could cause a serious accident. This air pump is installed on tundras and other models. I bought this truck new in 2008 and have serviced it on the mfg schedule. …
Tundra won't accelerate as engine goes into limp mode which restricts speed capability of vehicle. This is related to air injection pump failure and related also to air switching valves. Limp mode on a Toyota restricts speed at which you can drive, shifting and top speed are restricted. Slows to point if entering highway or trying to keep up with speed over 50 MPH could not do it. Toyota is aware and has a customer support program ztq buying vehicle used not aware of this or anything about it. I slowed traffic and caused back up on the street was traveling could nit do more than 20-30 MPH on road posted at 50 MPH. Glad not entering freeway. Plenty of u tube videos detailing repair and problem. The Toyota documentation says 477,000 Tundra vehicles were covered by this enhanced warranty program. Previous owner did complain to Toyota and had computer replaced on vehicle.
Engine complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Toyota Tundra, 17% of the model year's 327 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Tundra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Toyota Tundra, though it has 12 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 2008 Toyota Tundra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.