2005 Toyota Tundra NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA Tundra Defect Investigations
The following investigations on the Toyota Tundra have been announced by the ODI. Interested in how this information is collected? Read more about investigations by the NHTSA.
Recent 2005 Tundra Investigations
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FRAME CORROSION Defect Investigation for the 2005 Tundra
Vehicle Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Differential Proportional Valve*
Summary: This investigation was opened based on 20 reports of model year (MY) 2000 and 2001 vehicles experiencing severe corrosion of the frame, resulting in either under-body mounted spare tire separation or rear brake failure. The failure report counts shown above are for MY 2000 and 2001 vehicles only. By letter of November 16, 2009 Toyota has notified the Agency that it will conduct a safety recall (09V-444) of approximately 110,000 model year (MY) 2000 through 2003 Tundra vehicles. The affected recalled vehicles were sold or are currently registered in the District of Columbia and the states of ct, de, il, in, ky, ma, md, me, mi, mn, nh, NJ, ny, oh, pa, ri, va, vt, wi, wv. Toyota alleges high amounts of "road salts" are used in these areas and excessive corrosion of the rear cross-member (to which the spare tire is mounted) can occur and cause the spare tire to separate from the vehicle and can also lead to rear brake failure. Toyota stated: "Toyota has tentatively concluded that the root cause is a combination of factors, including usage in areas where road salt is applied, inadequate vehicle maintenance (I. E., not following the recommendations in the owner's manual), the design of the rear cross-member, and manufacturing issues."the design of the rear cross-member is such that it is open on the top side and susceptible to accumulation of dirt, water and road salt. Manufacturing issues of the rear cross-member related to the coating process also affect its corrosion resistance. Toyota also states that owners of MY 2000 through 2003 vehicles in states not covered by the recall will be notified on how to obtain the same inspection and repair as the recalled vehicles, free of charge. Further Toyota states: "please note that while Toyota has not determined a defect exists in 2004 through 2006 my Tundra vehicles, Toyota plans on initiating a field action in the near future to prevent future corrosion on those vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the affected region at no cost to the owner."by letter of January 8, 2010 Toyota has notified the Agency that it amended its defect information report for safety recall 09V-444 to include the "fuel tank mounting system" (I. E., fuel tank support straps and fuel tank mounting cross-members) in the safety recall. Toyota states: "Toyota has not decided that the fuel tank mounting system in those vehicles contains a safety-related defect within the meaning of federal motor vehicle safety law. Rather, Toyota is taking this action at ODI's request and to avoid future disagreement with ODI with respect to this issue."MY 2007 and newer Tundra vehicles are not included in any of Toyota's actions as the rear cross-member in those vehicles have been redesigned so that it is open on the bottom. The actions taken by Toyota are sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist in the subject vehicles. The Agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE09049 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on January 26 2010 and there was a recall ordered: #09V444000
* This defect investigation is filed under 8 related vehicle components.
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE Defect Investigation for the 2005 Tundra
Vehicle Component: Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
Summary: In a letter dated January 18, 2007, Toyota notified NHTSA of a safety defect in model year (MY) 2004 through 2006 Toyota Tundra and MY 2004 through 2007 Toyota sequoia vehicles produced between September 15, 2003 and November 17, 2006 (NHTSA recall no. 07V-013). According to Toyota, ¿in the front suspension lower ball joint on the subject vehicles, due to possible improper finishing of the ball joint, such as the aspect of the ball stud surface, some ball joints may experience an incidental deterioration of the internal lubrication. This may cause the ball joint to wear and loosen prematurely, which could result in increased steering effort, reduced vehicle self-centering, and noise in the front suspension. In extreme cases, if the vehicle is continuously operated in this condition, the lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle and could cause loss of vehicle control.¿Toyota will instruct owners to return their vehicles to any Toyota dealer for replacement of the front suspension lower ball joints. This engineering analysis has been closed, as Toyota is recalling the affected vehicles. ODI will monitor the effectiveness of the remedy and take further action if warranted.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA06014 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on February 28 2007 and there was a recall ordered: #07V013000