Toyota Tundra Owner Experiences

tundradude · February 2002

It comes out in 2004 as a 2005; like the last Tundra came out in 1999 as a 2000.

bamatundra · February 2002

My 7 yr old has been using a booster seat in the backseat of my Tundra for the last two years. She is getting to the size now where I can get rid of the booster seat and let her use the normal shoulder harnesses.

Running boards? We don't need no Steenkin running boards.....

dch0300 · February 2002

Nice picture. Looks a lot like my 5 year old son trying to get into my truck, and that is one reason I installed some step bars. Is that locking gas cap door standard on the Tundra?

bamatundra · February 2002

Yes, the Tundra comes standard with a locking gas cap and a locking tailgate. No locking glove compartment though. {:(

I din't like the look of the Tundra running boards, they were expensive, and my daughter learned how to climb in the truck without them. I also didn't like the fact that they lower the ground clearance.

The Tundra back seat is not that bad. I have been in the back of many compact cars that have less room. The trick for adults is to slide the front seats forward some (The Tundra has a lot of front seat legroom). My 6' tall, 78yr old father-in-law has ridden back there for hours without a complaint.

dch0300 · February 2002

No locking glove box. Now that is one feature I wish the manufactures would still offer. As a License To Carry Concealed Pistol holder, I sometimes carry a pistol in the truck. And with the kids riding in the truck too, I wish I could safely lock up the pistol in the glove box.

Reduced ground clearance is a definite drawback with step bars. However, even with them on I still have over 11" between the bottom of the step bar and the ground, which is still 1.5" greater than the distance between the rear differential and the ground.

You stick you father-in-law in the back seat? Well, I guess I shouldn't say too much. When 6 of us go places, it is me driving, my son in the middle front seat, and my father-in-law in the front passenger seat. Then in the back seat it's my wife behind me, then my daughter in the middle, and then my mother-in-law on the right.

bamatundra · February 2002

But your stepbars are much more likely to bottom out than your differential.

I was riding back from a trip to Mt. St Helens. My 11yr old daughter wanted to ride up front and my father-in-law agreed.

I go out to lunch every Friday with some friends of mine from work (both over 6') I have never had a complaint from either of them. One of them drives a 2 door Saab and the Tundra rear seat has more room and it easier to get into and out of than the Saab.

hutch7 · February 2002

I put a set of black Westins on my truck so my 8yr old could get in and out easily. They don't stick out very far (like on Ford's and Chevy's) and they were only $189.00 installed.

kathy21 · February 2002

Hi, just starting to look at these trucks. I HATE my present chevy 3/4 ton. It sags and hesitates etc...but I need to plow snow. Can a Tundra be fitted with a snow plow. Preferably a minuteman or fisher quick mounting and dismounting type so the plow is only on when you need it. I'm afraid to get my hopes up. Thanks for any info.
KD

kcowboy · February 2002

The 2001 SR5 EXT.Cab I got has been excellent, plenty of power with the V8 and very smooth running. I bought last summer when they were offering $5000.00 off window plus the in-out they gave me on my old truck saved me from having to pay taxes on what I got for my 86 F150. I hope Tundra will come out with the crewcab, that would be nice. I also read where they will be offering bigger engines in the Tundra, to be built in the new Huntsville Alabama plant not in Mexico or Canada like the chevy trucks (real American- huh!).

ak4x4 · February 2002

Don't like your 3/4 ton??? What year?? To nswer your question about the plow: No. Toyota does not have a kit for this, and the front end has no place to mount the plow. The Tundra sucks, it really does. Your 3/4 ton has more power then that truck. You could go to a 1 ton or down to a 1/2 ton. What exactly about the 3/4 don't you like?? Maybe I can help with suggesting some trucks for you.

krezabek · February 2002

In December, at 52,000 (primarily highway) miles, my overdrive failed, and the transmission had to be replaced. I've owned 7 Toyotas, including this one and my wife's 2002 Camry, so I've been pretty loyal. However, I definitely won't be buying another Toyota pickup after this failure...I just don't have confidence in the product! Just thought this might be of some help to anyone considering buying a Tundra.

markg92 · February 2002

Haven't been to this board in awhile, but here's an update: 2000 V8 4x4 LTD TRD with 8000mi, only problems thus far "console shakes" (repaired n/c) and trailer hitch electrical connector TSB (also n/c). My dealer (in High Point NC) very responsive and polite, so far (pleasantly surprised).

Great vehicle -- I'd buy again.

plutonious · February 2002

krezabek is posting a fabricated tale?

krezabek · February 2002

I'm only trying to help potential buyers make an informed decision. I have no reason to lie, inasmuch as I've loved every Camry and Corolla I've owned! The transmission was replaced under (60,000 mile) warranty, and was done at the Toyota dealership in Jackson, TN where I bought the 2002 Camry. Everyone understands that such a problem may be a "fluke". In fact, from the lack of similar postings, this doesn't appear to be a pervasive problem. However, being the one this happened to, I simply don't feel I can rely on the Tundra now...as much as I'd love to own a Toyota full-sized pickup!

losangelesemt · February 2002

Assuming that what you've posted is true, to say you've lost faith in Toyota trucks because you've had one bad experience with them seems silly. Even after your own admission of having so many other good Toyota products. Yes i think it's unfortunate about your situation, but if you're saying you cant rely on Toyota now, then i think you're really in for a suprise should you decide to switch to a different manufacturer. I don't know of anyone else period who's had a trans. problem with their Tundra, not saying they don't exist. Definitely sounds like a fluke bad luck thing, but those kinna things happen with all trucks. I'd be very doubtful that you will find another truck maker that will offer you even the SAME reliability that your Tundra does, just my opinion. Nonetheless, we appreciate you sharing your experience, good or bad.

quadrunner500 · February 2002

You can read about Tundra transmission problems reported on the NHTSA website. Right now Tundra is generating complaints for 2000-2002 models at double the rate of G.M. or Ford.

bamatundra · February 2002

Quad - a lemon Chev owner posting to a Tundra Owner's website. Tundra envy?

I have been reading this website for two years - only one reported transmission failure. Now go to Chev's topics and look - a veritable bloodbath!

Edmund's claimed the GM truck they had for their long-term test was the most unreliable vehicle they have ever tested by a factor of two!

Cmon Quad - you are the only one gullible to believe the tripe you are posting.

xyz71 · February 2002

The tranny in the Tundra has proven itself in the Tacoma. If it was weak hundreds of Tacoma truck owners would be reporting tranny problems. They are not so it must be a fluke.

Or

Maybe you should not put a tranny designed for a compact in a mid size truck.

ndahi12 · February 2002

You keep spreading misinformation. I looked at the complaint section of NHTSA for the 2000 Tundra and 2000 Rado. It was under "POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC" for both trucks. I found 28 entries for the Rado and only 7 entries for the tundra. The Rado has 4 times as many tranny complanits as the Tundra. Once again you are proved WRONG.

Ragards

bamatundra · February 2002

Better go back to studying your alphabet - the Tundra is light years more reliable. Heck - Yugo makes better quality vehicles than Chev.

f1jules · February 2002

Yes, as much as I like my '00 Tundra I will never buy another Toyota because of krezabek's post. I have only owned one Toyota (which has been excellent so far) and even though all my friends, family and coworkers who have owned Toyota products and all raved about them, having driven over 200,000 miles on some of them with no major repairs, I will never buy another Toyota. Yes, because of this one post, I will never never never never own another Toyota. In fact, I'm going to go out right now, to the nearest chevy dealership and buy the first chevy I see.

Yep, that's what I'm gonna do. Because those chevy commercials got me believe'n that chevy trucks are built like a rock...or is built like a chunk...I can never get that straight...Oh hell, it doesn't matter. I believe, therefore it is fact!!!

losangelesemt · February 2002

Maybe its my imagination or farmer Tex is under a different name stirring the stew. Now i dont make it a point to spend my time in GM / Chevy threads, but I do like to keep an open mind about all trucks. So it strikes me funny when I hear that Tundra tranny's are generating double the complaints as G.M. or Ford.

I personally haven't checked the site so I necessarily cant say its not true. Heres whats true though. I've seen one or two posts in here regarding Tundra trans problems, not a significant figure. I go into Silverado problems or See-Error probs. and theres a problem for each day of the week. So i guess whats happening is all those Toyota owners are reporting trans probs. to NHSTA and not to Edmunds. The GM / Ford owners are too busy posting all their lemon probs. and dont have time to get a hold of NHSTA. Only thing i can think of, otherwise someones math is fuzzy.

quadrunner500 · February 2002

I wasn't singling out tranny complaints from the others, but it doesn't matter, the rate is about the same as all other complaints, using your numbers of 28 for Silverado and 7 for Tundra.

Tundra IS generating complaints at twice the rate of G.M. or Ford.

Tundra complaints reported to NHTSA 2000-2002 are 148. Tundra sales over the same period are 237,000. That's a complaint ratio of 0.6 complaints per 1000 vehicles.

Silverado complaints reported to NHTSA 2000-2002 are 523. Silverado sales over the same period are 1,600,000. That's a complaint ratio of 0.3 complaints per 1000 vehicles.

It is YOU who made the mistake because you didn't account for the fact that Silverados over the same period of 2000-2002 outnumber Tundras 6.75 to 1.

Better stick to forged piston theories. Math is not your strong point!

dodgeram10 · February 2002

When Toyota builds a real fullsize truck please let me know. Then I might buy one, but for now I will stay with the best truck built Dodge Ram.

brucec35 · February 2002

Out of 7 Toyotas you've owned, ONE has a failure at 52,000, and even then it was just the overdrive unit. Usually that fails when someone tows or hauls a lot without pushing the "overdrive off" button. Aren't you being a bit dramatic by "losing faith" in Toyotas because one vehicle has a problem? At 52,000 miles it should be covered under the powertrain warranty anyway.

Just which alternate brand would you choose in lieu of a Toyota to get the quality you're looking for? Dodge, Ford, GM? They all have worse transmission (and other) problems than Toyota. Any objective statistical study ever done has indicated this.

Also, did you get a 2nd opinion on replacing the whole transmission for a bad overdrive unit? Sometimes dealers prefer to just switch parts rather than tie up a transmission specialist for a long time repairing one. Not saying it didn't require it, but I had two overdrives go out on a '97 Dodge Ram, and neither required a new transmission. And both of those happened at under 36,000 miles.

But if covered under warranty, you should be happy to have a BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION at 52000 miles.

No vehicle line is perfect. But Toyota is right up there at the top in terms of quality. I think you're expecting way too much out of your vehicle. Try buying a $60,000 BMW 540i and driving it to the shop about every 2 months or so for a (usually something minor, but still annoying and expensive) repair. Then you'll appreciate your Toyota more. I've owned two of them so it's not a fluke.

quadrunner500 · February 2002

When I chimed in, that you can read about transmission complaints on the 2000-2002 Tundras, it is because you CAN read them. And the same for Silverados. Was not my intent to draw any conclusions about transmissions specifically. My point that taking all complaints reported to the government as a whole, Tundra is generating them at a rate double either G.M. or Ford. And the thing you should keep in mind about the government numbers, is that to enter a complaint in the NHTSA data base, you must accompany the complaint with a VIN number. That's your assurance there's no cheating. It's an actual report, with an actual vehicle attached to it.

Edmunds has a very active user base of domestic truck owners discussing their problems here, and a much smaller but much more defensive group of Tundra owners who don't talk about their problems, instead insisting us poor domestic saps are making this up. You can (and should) read the archives of http://www.tundrasolutions.com if what you want is a user forum of active participants engaging in truthful discussions about Tundras.

obyone · February 2002

Don't think all Toyota owners will agree with you on that one....

cblake2 "Engine Sludge? (Discussion Re-Opened)" Jan 5, 2001 6:13pm

brucec35 · February 2002

I like the Rams. I owned one, it was beautiful and comfortable, and even though it was problematic and drove like a semi compared to my Tundra, I almost bought a new 2002. But "best truck built" ? Come now.

0-60mph in about 9.5 to 10 seconds vs. the Tundra's 8.0 (2wd)?

Loud roaring and engine noise under heavy throttle vs. the turbine-like dohc V8 in the Tundra.

11mpg city with the big 5.9 V8 vs. 14-15 for the Tundra? (with my Ram I got 12.9 mpg unloaded in mixed city/hwy, it was really bad)

36K mi warranty on the powertrain vs 60K mi on the Toyota? That's two more years for most drivers. That's long enough to pay off a loan for the Toyota before you're gonna be out for anything major in repairs.

Toyota resale beats Dodge, which isn't bad either, but still inferior. The difference really kicks in on high mileage models, too. 2000 4wd quad cab Rams are advertised for about $18,000 here. A 2000 4x4 Tundra would be hard to find for less than $23,000. The Tundra cost a little more, but not nearly that much.

As for "a big truck", well...the Tundra (1950lbs on 2wd V8) is rated for higher cargo capacity than the Ram. Also, with "big size" comes "big handling", which means not as nimble. Even the new models feel bigger on the road. For any driver who doesn't haul passengers in the back regularly, the Tundra is hard to beat. The size/power thing is overrated. I tow a trailer with mine regularly, and it does a better job yanking it around than my previous "big" trucks ( '98 F150, '95C-1500 Chevy, '97Dodge Ram, '01 Tahoe) Yes, this means it's faster. Check on the latest Truck Trend/Motor trend? for comparisons of them loaded and unloaded. The "small" Tundra outhauls the Ram by a long shot.

The new Ram is a big improvement over the old, but the old one really needed improving in some areas. Choose the Ram if you prefer the styling or the spacious cab advantage, but calling it "the best" is hard to support with facts.

quadrunner500 · February 2002

>So i guess whats happening is all those Toyota owners are reporting trans probs. to NHSTA and not to Edmunds. The GM / Ford owners are too busy posting all their lemon probs. and dont have time to get a hold of NHSTA.<

Or, the Tundra owners are more motivated to get a hold of NHTSA because their problems are more severe?

brucec35 · February 2002

You need to read more carefully. They don't have to agree with me. They can agree with Consumer Reports, any car mags worth reading, various independent reviewing organizations, JD powers, etc etc. None are perfect in judging quality, but if it barks like a dog and looks like a dog and smells like a dog, it's a dog.

brucec35 · February 2002

While helpful, I'm not sure that having problems reported to NHTSA is an accurate gauge of problems when comparing different makes. I had two tranny failures with a '97 Dodge Ram and my brother had two with his '98, all within the warranty period, and neither of us reported anything to NHTSA. There really isn't any great problem reporting system out there. I'm sure the car manufacturer probably prefer it that way. But while certainly not perfect, Consumer reports consistently rates Toyotas high, most domestics low. But then maybe it's all a conspiracy. Try attempting to buy a 4 year old Lexus LS 400 and still having to pay $30,000 plus if you doubt the perceived/actual value of Toyota products long term. That's if you can find one in a good color that has been well kept. Those usually are snatched up before you can get there to see them.

All I can go by is what I've experienced, what people I talk to who own Toyotas have experienced(they rave about them), and what I can read in magazines and online. I've had a '95 Celica, a '93 Supra, a '91 4runner, and now a '00 Tundra, and the biggest problem I've had in a combined 150K miles of ownership was having to fix the power door locks on my then 9 year old Supra. A whopping $250. Oh yeah. I forgot. My seatbelt sticks a little when I get out on my Tundra. I'd better contact the NHTSA.

As for posters here who seem personally attached to defending their particular choice in vehicle, despite the facts, all I have to say is........ Psst...you didn't build it. You didn't design it. Why are you so darn proud of it? All you did was pay for it.

modvptnl · February 2002

Dodge recently announced a 70,000 mile powertrain warranty!!! Since the toy boys have been saying the 60,000 mile warranty makes toy the best......I guess dodge had to do something to sell their junk.

losangelesemt · February 2002

" You can read about Tundra transmission problems reported on the NHTSA website. Right now Tundra is generating complaints for 2000-2002 models at double the rate of G.M. or Ford "

While you didn't directly say the complaints were transmission related, I think many of us took it that way since that was topic at time. I for one am not a number cruncher because sometimes the differences are hardly noticeable. Does no good to get all worked up like some, over tenths of seconds and inches.

I am not disagreeing with anything you've posted. It seems to me that in keeping up with these threads, the Toyota complaints Vs. GM / Ford / Dodge are minor in comparison. Is that to say that NHSTAs numbers correlate, not at all.

I like to stay open minded about all trucks. Personally i have a chev 1500 rado out front that roomate drives. I like the room it has, like look of truck, and definitely feels capable of going to work. As a mechanic, I've always enjoyed working on GM vehicles, chevy in particular. Engines had some room to roam around and it was a nice change up from the foreign cars that were most times compacted together.

As far as my postings, I personally feel that Toyota is superior in reliability to all trucks. Will I be able to work the thing like a F-350 super duty ?? maybe not. Yet I dont feel any other truck maker offers a better truck in reliability. I guess when I have heavy stuff to tow and need to work the farm, then i'll give the domestics a look, until then gonna try Tundra.

ndahi12 · February 2002

is for all you domestic truck owners to leave our thread ALONE. We only read your thread and we do not post there. PLEASE give us the same courtesy. LEAVE US ALONE.

losangelesemt · February 2002

As far as forums, I will have to spend a little more time in Tundra solutions I suppose. I do credit the Chev guys with conducting a decent thread, they certainly have enough to post about.

krezabek · February 2002

Thanks for the input. Perhaps my disillusionment is attributable to the fact that my expectations are based on my previous (exemplary) experiences with the Toyota cars I've owned. I never had second thoughts about buying Camrys in the new model years (having purchased those in 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002). As long as my wife is happy with the Camrys, and they provide the same level of service and reliability to which we've become accustomed, I'll continue to own them. However, Toyota set the bar pretty high, and my Tundra, in my opinion, failed to make the hurdle. Certainly, if this transmission performs without failure to 100,000 miles and beyond, my opinion is subject to change!

Having had no previous experience with full-sized trucks of any make or model, I was not aware of the shorter warranty periods provided by domestic manufacturers. This is good information, indeed.

brucec35, you were right. It was the dealership's call to replace the transmission. I suppose I just figured they were the specialists, and never questioned the decision.

f1jules...hey a witty, accountant surfer-dude. I can appreciate that, and I bet you're all the rave around the water cooler!

losangelesemt · February 2002

You may have already mentioned, but I'm curious as to how many miles you have on truck now, and what total problems you've had with it. I personally think that you made out ok by getting a new trans. while still under warranty. Did you necessarily new a whole new trans, i dont know, possibly not. I think the dealer did an honorable thing in replacing unit free of charge, only a plus.

I understand the somewhat of a let down after so many other quality Toyota vehicles you've owned. The funny thing is, that you may feel a little cheated in having a trans problem at 52,000 but if you look through the other domestic threads, youll see that trans probs at 50,000 miles are not a fluke but more of a common issue. I'm not talking just the overdrive going out either, more like partial / complete failures. That isn't meant as a knock against non Toyota trucks but it seems to be truth. This isn't based only from the threads, but from my personal experiences as truck owner and mechanic.

Im interested to see how the rest of your truck has performed. By your own admittance you haven't owned any other full size trucks so you might not know exactly just how well Toyotas quality and reliability differ from the others. Toyota makes a heck of a product for most part, but its a whole lot easier to set themselves apart, when the domestics continue to fall short of mark.

kcowboy · February 2002

Why are there so many problems with Chevy, I guess they could care less about quality! Their problems got me ROFLMAO!! is that the cool computer thing to say. I hope I didn't ruin any GM owners weekend.

tundradude · February 2002

Now that I have over 1000 miles on my second Tundra, I can make some points.

Gas mileage is roughly the same. (as in the V6)

Short bed / Extended Cab gives mysterious feeling that something is always in the blind spot.

Automatic transmission much smoother than manual.

Since the extended cab V8's are more popular, I do not have a unique vehicle anymore.

Rear seat is tolerable. Perfect for one adult, Tolerable for two.

Front seats are very comfortable. (Captain Chairs). The V6 bench was just as good except the height adjustor.

Passenger front seat is much better than one piece bench seat. (Wife shorter than me)

Towing will be tested soon.

Short bed is also tolerable. I really would like to see Toyota offer long beds on more models. ( I miss the long bed.)

I am hoping the truck will get louder over time. The V6 did. (This is a good thing.)

losangelesemt · February 2002

dodgeram10 · February 2002

On your post #1382 you stated Dodge powertrain warranty is this, Dodge recently announced a 70,000 mile powertrain warranty!!! Since the toy boys have been saying the 60,000 mile warranty makes toy the best......I guess dodge had to do something to sell their junk. It is not a 70,000 powertrain warranty. The new Dodge powertrain warranty is 7 Years or 100,000, Before you make a comment make sure you have your facts straight will you please thanks.

bamatundra · February 2002

The poster who incorrectly stated the Dodge warranty was an unfortunate Ford Stuporduty owner.

I admire Dodge (actually Daimler-Chrysler) for stepping up to the plate with a fantastic standard powertrain warranty. Now the pressure is on Ford and GM to upgrade their measley 3yr/36k powertrain warranties.

modvptnl · February 2002

From all indications it's only available 'till March. So based on the toy boy's way of thinking, the dodge will be better than toy......for at least another few days anyway!!!

http://www.audubonchrysler.com/

plutonious · February 2002

Dodge has upgraded their warranty in an effort to instill confidence in skeptical customers because the company has had such a notoriously problematic history.

Toyota, on the other hand, has built for itself a reputation of quality and reliability, then puts the icing on the cake with a great warranty.

Mod's words:

"So based on the toy boy's way of thinking, the dodge will be better than toy......for at least another few days anyway!!!"

Well, based on the Chevy boys' way of thinking, their knocking trucks with the upgraded 100K warranty ought to be better than anything else on the road!

obyone · February 2002

cblake2 "Engine Sludge? (Discussion Re-Opened)" Jan 5, 2001 6:13pm

The best part about it is that the powertrain has the 60K mileage coverage....but what is that worth if Toyota denies coverage and blames it on the owner?

Good luck on this one now!!!

plutonious · February 2002

Isn't is strange that obyone, by his own admission, owns a bonafide lemon-law qualified Chevy that spends 4 months a year at the dealer but seeks "vindication" for his plight by brooding in Toyota threads at Edmunds Town Hall?

What a source of embarrasment this must be, obyone spending $30K on what Chevy convinced him was "the best built, longest lasting truck on the road."

I hope obyone sticks around in our Toyota threads, however. Despite his best efforts to criticize Toyotas, he provides the ultimate example of why Chevys should be avoided.

quadrunner500 · February 2002

One important difference Pluto, is that G.M. honors the warranty they do provide. Obyone is an example of that. Toyota pays you lip service and a piece of paper. And hasn't done a thing to bring your personal 1 Star side impact Taco wrapper to the updated safety standard (what, 2 stars? LOL!) of newer Taco shells.

obyone · February 2002

besides writing the stuff you write, ever bother to read anything? Read the sludge thread...then you'll understand why you still drive a one star side impact rated truck. What will it take for Toyota to correct that? I guess they don't think to highly of the lives of OLD customers now do they......

plutonious · February 2002

How many bonafide lemon-law qualified Tundra owners do you see in the Silverado threads doing their best to stir up trouble? NONE. And if one existed, would the Chevy guys take him seriously? NOPE.

SO WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU'RE ANY DIFFERENT?

ratboy3 · February 2002

Star adjuster and trailer wiring problems taken care of... that's it so far... almost 24k miles now.

Might have to give up the ride if I dont get a job soon... got laid off 3 weeks ago... and IT want ad is pretty thin.

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