Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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 remote start system on my truck, I remote start my truck. The truck was parked on a level surface, nose pointing in towards house. The driveway drops off into a slope, but the truck was on the flat surface area. We go outside to get in it, and it's gone. It's not in the driveway and it's no where to be seen. I look over towards the creek, nope not there. Look out front, there's my truck and it is backed up on half in the street half in then the front yard. It's sitting where our mailbox should be. It is running and side marker lights are lit. I go look, open the drivers door to see if anybody is in it, nope, not a soul. It's in park, the 4 wd lo alarm is beeping, the 4lo LED is lit on the dash, however, the switch/knob is still on the 2wd mode position. I press the brake pedal and the motor cuts off. So the remote start safety features were working properly. …
Transmission slipped and vehicle lose of power. Dashboard all warning lights began to flash. Pulled to side of road. Turned off vehicle attempted to reset. Managed to get vehicle to nearby parking lot and out of traffic. Complete loss of power to drive train. Cause was power steering unit sensor per Toyota. Toyota covered part in attempt to prevent this complaint. From internet, "some 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra vehicles May experience power steering dtcs p0552 and/or p0553. The power steering sensor has since been changed to correct this condition. The old/previous power steering sensor is p/n 89448-34010. This has been replaced with sensor p/n 89448-34020. Using tis techstream, confirm the condition by checking for dtcs p0552 and/or p-553. …
We began leasing our new Toyota Tundra 12/07. We noticed thumping in the drive train and complained of the thumping to Toyota dealer 4 times prior to 12/08 and they continued to say nothing was wrong. There was an accident 12/08. Was driving on road the vehicle lost control after locking up. Dealer had vehicle for almost 2 months repairing accident damage. Upon return thumping continued and rear tires wore out in a few months after purchase of new tires (originals needed replaced previously). Returned vehicle to Toyota, they changed rear end housing 4/09. Insurance paid as continued damage from 12/08 accident. The thumping is still continuing and appears there is something still wrong with the vehicle. We did complain to insurance company that we felt the accident was due to an auto defect immediately following the accident. They were to do an investigation. …
Abnormal noise and vibration in right rear wheel as vehicle was in motion. Toyota dealer identified right wheel bearing as defective and replaced in May 2017. Dealership had problems replacing bearing and also contacted Toyota corporate to see if repair could be covered-Toyota refused to cover the issue. The replaced bearing failed again in June 2017 with a clicking sound which increased with speed. Dealership is replacing right rear bearing under their warranty. I reported problems to Toyota consumer advocate who advised me that there is no recourse or escalation since they had no recalls, service bulletins or warranty coverage documented. I provided NHTSA complaints and eventually I located TSB t-sb-0151-10 to Toyota corp. My concern is that a bearing failure can result in a loss of steering control or wheel separation from the vehicle. …
Vibration at 70,000 miles in front and rear of vehicle. Checked out online. Seems people are having problems with bearings in Toyota Tundra's at relatively low mileage . Took to mechanic. Bearings need replaced in front right and rear wheel hubs. 70,000 miles, wow. Mechanic was flabbergasted too. Little early for bearing replacement . With the frame already under recall. Makes you wonder who went cheap with bearing's too. I bought Toyota in thinking things like this wouldn't happen. My 1996 Nissan frame looks better then the frame on my truck. Toyota inspected frame . Told me it looked better than most . Bolts that hold bed on under my bed liner are already rusted, as well as the bed body and frame .told me it doesn't meet replacement requirements . So now I'm waiting for them to spray underneath body. Something that should have been done in production . …
I'm writing regarding my 2008 Toyota Tundra and a recent rear axle wheel bearings failure. The truck itself is in meticulous condition and only has 58,000 miles on it. The reason for the note is that I've seen articles indicating there has been issues as well as located a related Toyota service bulletins. I was also told by the service technician that the bearings that were installed were upgraded bearings. Typically I wouldn't think twice, but knowing this is a safety issue as well as the other information we have found, I'm curious if NHTSA has done any investigation or has any additional information it can share? Toyota and my dealer ended up covering half the repair, but there was still quite a bit we had to cover. Beyond the bearing, we recently learned there May be issues with the frame. Anything you can share on that would also be appreciated. Thank you in advance. …
I recently had a loud humming noise coming from the rear drivetrain of my 2008 Toyota Tundra at almost any speed and the sound was present regardless of turns or type of driving. I had noticed the noise for quite a while but it started to get so bad that you could feel a vibration in the floorboard. The truck only has 75K miles on it and it turns out the rear axle bearings have failed prematurely. This is a known issue to Toyota (see TSB-0151-01) but after asking their dealership and calling their recall center, they refuse to assist financially with the repair, which was very expensive. I believe this is a safety issue on this vehicle, as the bearing could seize or come apart, potentially causing an accident. Please consider having Toyota issue a recall. Also, please note there are quite a few complaints about this issue on online chat forums.
We bought this vehicle used in February, 2012 with 33,000 miles on it. A bulletin came out in June, 2010 (#t-sb-0151-10) about rear wheel bearings going on 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra and the replacement kit. We were not told about this when bought from dealership. We now have 92,000 miles on it and howling has started in the back end and dealership said it is the wheel bearings--known issue but still have to pay over $1600 to get them replaced. Toyota customer service no help at all saying out of warranty at 36,000 miles/3 years even though they know the wheel bears were junk and they upgraded the bearing kit way back in 2010. Wheel bearings are a safety issue the wheel can come off if not replaced. No help from Toyota company or dealership. Called Toyota and case #161110029.
Transmission complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Toyota Tundra, 14% of the model year's 327 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Tundra transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.