2001 Toyota Tundra

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

• Rusted frame and rear crossmember 2000–2003 Walk away if found

  What to check: Look over the frame and the rear crossmember for rust, and ask whether the crossmember or frame was replaced under the recall.

  Rust can drop the spare tire and damage the rear brake lines. Toyota recalled 2000–2003 trucks in 2009 to inspect and replace or treat the crossmember.

  Sources ^1,2

• Timing belt with no proof it was changed All years

  What to check: Look for a replacement label on the timing cover or engine, and ask for the receipt.

  Eight members across two forum threads tell buyers to check the timing belt. The 4.7L is an interference engine, so a broken belt can ruin it. One owner changes it every 100,000 miles, another about every 80,000.

  Sources ^3,4

• Lower ball joints All years

  What to check: Ask whether the lower ball joint recall was done, and have the ball joints checked.

  Three members across two forum threads name the lower ball joints. One says they separate, and another points to Toyota's recall.

  Sources ^3,4

• Cracked exhaust manifolds All years

  What to check: Look for cracks or leaks at the exhaust manifolds.

  Three owners across two forum threads name cracked or leaking exhaust manifolds.

  Sources ^3,4

• Warped front brakes All years

  What to check: Brake firmly from speed and feel for a shudder.

  Three members across two forum threads name the front brakes. One says they warp, and one owner has had recurring front brake trouble and new calipers under a Toyota service bulletin.

  Sources ^3,4

• Automatic failing in fourth gear 2000–2005

  What to check: Drive it in fourth gear at highway speed, and ask how hard it has towed.

  Three members across two forum threads name fourth gear or overdrive. One says trucks through 2005 have a fourth-gear part that can fail under hard use or towing, often by 150,000 miles. Another says the overdrive failed before 100,000 miles on some 2001s.

  Sources ^3,4

Recalls

• 09V444000 2000–2003

  Rust in the rear crossmember can drop the spare tire and damage the rear brake lines. Parts are replaced or treated.^1,5,6,7,8

Sources

1. NHTSA recall 09V444000
2. FLEX Automotive (Tundra years)
3. BITOG (2002 Tundra, good buy?)
4. IH8MUD (2001 Tundra purchase)
5. NHTSA recalls (2000 Tundra)
6. NHTSA recalls (2001 Tundra)
7. NHTSA recalls (2002 Tundra)
8. NHTSA recalls (2003 Tundra)