Problems · by component
2004 Toyota Tundra structure problems
200 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2004 Toyota Tundra cite structure, 43% of all 466 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
200
43% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the structure
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was Emissions tested, and rust was discovered on the driver’s and passenger’s side subframes. The dealer was notified of the issue, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE09049 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Fuel System, Gasoline, Structure). The failure mileage was 72,000.”
“The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that after purchasing tires for replacement, the tire technician stated that the subframe was damaged from corrosion to the front frame, the side members, and the rear subframe. The contact was informed that the most severe corrosion was located on the driver's side front subframe behind the wheel well. The subframe was almost fully rusted through. The contact was referred to a welder by the tire shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and issued a customer complaint report. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.”
“The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that on several occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds and then parking the vehicle, the contact observed oil leaking from the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact observed corrosion and holes on the frame of the vehicle, and the motor mounts were rusted, causing the engine to run abnormally low. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle was flexing due to the holes throughout the frame of the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to lift the vehicle due to the excessive corrosion. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
“The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the sub frame underneath the vehicle was rusted. The contact was concerned that the sub frame could collapse. The vehicle was taking to the dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 157,000.”
“The warranty work done on the frame of my Tundra that has since failed. The Bracket holding my SwayBar has broken off the frame and, more importantly, the frame has rusted to the point where there is now a hole in it. These are areas where the warranty work occurred.”
“I took my truck to a garage for simple tire repair. I had a slow leak. In the process of trying to lift my truck, the technician hear 'crumbling sounds'. They stopped the lift immediately. Upon looking at the my chassis frame, the technicians saw major rust damage. One technician used flashlight to tap against the frame and he poked through it. The technician stated that this was not the first time seeing this problem on this truck model style. I contacted a local dealership. The individual I spoke with at the dealership also confirm rusting issues on the frame of my truck style model. I researched this on the internet to find out multiple complaints concerning the premature rusting of these frames due to poor quality steel and inadequate rust prevention coating. I reached out to my vehicle manufacture "care line". They stated they could not help me. My fear is my frame could break while driving and cause a vehicle accident. The worst frame damage is near the front wheels, both sides. The body, engine, transmission and all other safety components are solid and working well. Side Note: My dad owns a 1992 full size pickup truck (different manufacture). The frame…”
Showing 6 of 200 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.