Differential Unit Problems of Toyota Tundra - part 1

Rear axle differential has rusted through and is leaking oil. Emergency brake line has rusted and snapped. The rims have oxidated. Leaf springs have also rusted very badly. ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly; 2 - VIN corrected, error in one position; 14 - unable to provide information for all the characters in the VIN. #vpic#.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

The rear axel and differential housing/casting is corroded thru such that oil is leaking through the differential hub onto the roadway and resulting in a loss of gear oil within the differential and axels. After driving on the highway this oil was observed on the spare tire (mounted under the bed) and up the back of the bumper. The service representative at one dealership I approached to discuss the cost of repair indicated that they have seen the problem multiple times. This obviously should not be happening and I believe it to be the result of a defectively designed/manufactured component. I have not yet had the vehicle repaired due to the high cost, but it is not driveable as the differential will not hold gear oil.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Rear differential is leaking oil due to faulty metal used in manufacturing. Diff. Is leaking thru rust holes in housing metal and not thru seals.

Tl- the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear differential was leaking. The contact also mentioned that the chain that hold the spare tire in place fractured from the frame. The vehicle was taken to brown's Toyota of glen burnie 7167 ritchie hwy, glen burnie, MD 21061 (410) 761-9000 where the contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. Dr.

The rear differential cover plate is leaking gear oil. The cover plate is fixed in place not bolted on. The excessive corrosion of the entire rear axle assembly is the problem. The only solution is to replace the entire rear axle assembly. There is an existing recall for Toyota tacomas so I contacted Toyota and they will not address the problem without a recall initiated by NHTSA. Should this cover plate totally fail while on the highway the resulting in loss of control the resulting accident may cause loss of life for this vehicle and other vehicles traveling on the same highway.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

I am very concerned about a noise in the front end of the truck (front differential and shaft) while the car is running still on cold and at a speed lower than 50mph. I do not know if it could lead me to have a car accident into the city. I have seen many other people with the same complain with absolutely new Tundras. I wonder if it is about time for Toyota Tundra put hands on it and fix this old problem.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

This vehicle was part of an earlier recall for corrosion of the frame and component parts. Toyota replaced the frame along with a corroded leaking gas tank. Approximately one week ago we noticed an oil leak from our rear differential. Upon inspection by our local mechanic he determined the rear differential housing is corroded this causing a leak. This vehicle is known for its severe corrosion of frame and component parts. We discussed out concernes over the wide spread corrosion with corporate Toyota when the frame was replaced. I contacted corporate Toyota yesterday to discuss the current issue and was told they would only consider our claim after the vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealer at our cost. I was also informed that it was very unlikely that Toyota would repair the vehicle because of the age. This vehicle is mechanically sound and we intend to keep it, however the corrosion issue is prematurely ending the life of the vehicle. I contacted the local Toyota dealer and was told by the service manager that they have seen this issue and address it with spray on epoxy to stop the oil leak. They could not confirm that would work on our vehicle until they inspect it. We believe Toyota should inspect the damage free of charge due to the known issue they have with corrosion. The brake component attached to the rear differential are also showing excessive corrosion and we are concerned these components will fail causing an accident.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

2008 Toyota Tundra. Consumer writes in regards to grinding noise from vehicle.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

The differential housing is rusted so bad that oil is seeping through rust pits. The frame is also rusted and had to have it welded. Also lost the spare tire due to rust.

Purchased the vehicle in February 2017 and was informed by the mechanic that the rear end differential was beginning to leak due to excessive rust. Further inspection of undercarriage do to a noise under vehicle found that the frame and body mount had deteriorated due to rust causing a hole in the body mount causing the cab to flex and bounce on the frame. Vehicle treated by Toyota for earlier recall due to rust of the frame and given a 5yr extended warranty. Body of vehicle is free of rust, frame and differential have excessive rust making the vehicle unsafe to operate.

I am a retired Toyota master diagnostic technician. As I was replacing my rear brake lines on my 2003 Tundra-with 79,962 miles, I saw a fluid leak under rear of vehicle. Upon inspection I found the rear differential housing has rusted so badly that the gear oil is leaking through the housing. Unfortunately the only remedy is the replacement of the complete rear axle/differential assembly. The frame has already been replaced-under recall. The rear brake lines have rusted through which had to be replaced- at my expense. Also the power steering lines have also rusted through which also had to be replaced- at my expense. It is obvious that the material that was used is of very low quality causing very dangerous situations. Ie; loss of vehicle control due to differential lock-up, loss of vehicle braking due to rapid fluid loss, loss of vehicle steering control due to rapid fluid loss. I am amazed that Toyota motor CO. Will not stand behind the product they sold-without being forced to. One quick look under a 2003 Tundra is all it takes to see that low/poor quality hardware and materials were used. Without repair and/or replacement of above stated components someone will get injured-possibly fatally. My brakes failed as I was towing a trailer in heavy, city traffic. I was going 35mph when a vehicle pulled out in front of me and then proceeded to stop suddenly to make a left turn into a parking lot. I slammed on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was lucky there was room to maneuver to the right so I was able to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. I'm sure there have been those less fortunate. Please investigate these complaints as soon as possible. These components should last for the lifetime of the truck. A differential is not an item one expects to ever replace. Owners have been complaining about these failures for years. Thank you. Sincerely,. . . .

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Rusted rear differential. Rusted frame at front right sway bar. Can't pass inspection. Seems to be a common problem just like the 2003 model. I still have payments on this vehicle I can't drive.

Toyota had a recall of rusted out frames for 2003 Toyota Tundra trucks. Mine was replaced, but now the differential has rusted out and it requires an entire new rear axle. I filed a complaint with Toyota corporate and was told since my vehicle is out of warranty they will not stand by their product and replace an obviously defective part. This defect could cause the rear end to lock up while driving and possible cause an accident with injuries.

The drivetrain on my 2016 Toyota Tundra are not allowing the wheels to rotate freely. Additionally, the wheels are locking up on the truck. On 6 Dec, I picked up my Tundra from the dealership¿s service depart after having the rear differential repaired. The vehicle started to drive sluggish. As I neared my home, I tried to test the 2wd and 4wd functions of the vehicle. I attempted to test the repair that was done. The wheels on the vehicle started to have problems rotating freely and locking up. While in 4wd the vehicle would not move. It appeared as if the breaks were locked on the vehicle. Four days later, the vehicle still drives sluggish. While driving at speeds of 45mph, I would take my foot off the accelerator and the vehicle would almost come to a complete stop on its own. Currently the vehicle acts like it wants to drive in 4wd low and high mode. Additionally, the wheels are acting like they do not want to rotate freely. As of 6am on 8 Dec, I cannot drive the vehicle over 25 mph. The vehicle is idling over 4000 rpm and not changing gears. The vehicle is registering being in 4wd low but the selector switch is on 2wd mode.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

While driving back from florida on 30 Nov, I heard a humming noise coming from the rear of my Toyota Tundra. On 2 Dec 2015, the dealership did service on the truck to address the noise. The dealership replaced the rear differential assembly and did something to the lsd. I picked the vehicle up on 6 December 2015, the rear wheels started locking up and made it difficult to drive the vehicle. I let the vehicle set over the weekend. On 7 Dec 2015, I attempted to drive the vehicle again, the wheels were still locking up and the vehicle had a burning smell. I have an appoint to return the vehicle on 9 Dec 2015.

The differential housing rusted through so that the lubricating fluid leaked out onto the road. This happened both when the truck was moving and at rest. Toyota had already replaced the vehicle frame as rapid corrosion and rusting caused a recall. The differential transfers power to the rear wheels so the lack of lubrication could have caused the rear wheels to lock while driving with the potential for a rear end collision or complete loss of control at high speed. Used replacement differential housings are unavailable because of high demand due to failure of originals due to rust.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Bad frame rust bad suspension rust bad differential rust bad spare tire rust. If rust condition gets worse the possibility of suspension failure is very real. Some of these models need to be recalled or bought back before there is injury or death.

I took my 2003 Tundra to a transmission repair shop, independent, to have the rear differential evaluated due to crunching sound which occurred when taking off from a stop and leaking of fluid due to corrosion on housing. The shop called me that day two hours later and informed me that my frame was completely rusted out near the front of the vehicle on both sides making it unsafe to drive and not worth proceeding in any repairs of the rear differential at this point. They contacted the nearest dealership which told them that the frame perforation recall, NHTSA # 09v444 had expired 7/31/2015 six days prior. I was instructed to call Toyota, which I did. The lady informed me that the recall was still ongoing. I took the Tundra to that same dealership for them to inspect the frame. The next day they call me and inform me that I need to contact Toyota again myself. This is a Toyota garage telling me this. Tonight I get on Toyota's website and find two recalls in regards to the frame perforation. According to the toy website both status' of recalls offer remedies available and this site is updated 8/7/2015. I can see that my nearest dealer isn't going to be very helpful. My truck has 112,000. I'm the 2nd owner and have been diligent with maintenance. I do no off roading and use if to transport my motorcycle to races hundreds of miles from home.

Rusted brake lines, rusted differential leaking fluid.

The Toyota safety recall work done in 2012 to treated my vehicles frame to prevent rust perforation has failed. During nh state inspection areas where the frame had rusted through were identified. These areas had been treated under Toyota's guidance and at their expense. Due to frame rust perforation, and rust issues identified below my vehicle would not pass inspection. Toyota of portsmouth, where the initial recall work was initiated, and Toyota motor sales have both denied to remedy this situation. Many other 2001 Toyota Tundra owners were provided complete frame replacements. I was provided with a rust treatment that has failed to correct this safety issue. The state inspection was requested by me prior to spending $2,776 (and up to $5,000 or more if internal parts were damaged) to replace a rusted through and leaking rear differential case that could have seized up at highway speeds if I had not noticed the leak. This inspection also identified for the second time a rusted through and leaking exhaust manifolds (the left manifold was "starting" to leak on 09/16/2014 when the truck last passed inspection. I heard the ticking sound, characteristic of this leak, since the vehicle was under warranty and told it was normal. The body and bed of my truck was determined by a local body shop to be in good condition with minimal rust. This was determined by visual inspection and the condition of the lower portions of the doors which are frequently a trouble spot in states where road salt is used and the first locations where rust (body rot) appears. Toyota has failed to provide adequate corrosion protection on the frame and rear differential of my truck and created serious safety issues. The frame rust treatment Toyota used on my truck did not work. I do not understand why they have declined to remedy this situation. They have replaced many frames for others.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

The rear differential housing of the truck is rusted through and leaking gear lube, if it goes unnoticed the rear differential could lock up causing the rear wheels to lock up and cause a crash. This a very common issue with the 2000-2003 Tundras and is very unsafe, there is no reason the rear differential housing should rust through this quick, 30 year old trucks do have this issue but a whole lot of Toyota trucks do, if you do a search on google for rusted through differentials its all Toyota trucks, and its not just a differential cover its the entire housing, I would not be writing this if it had a cover I would have replaced it in an hour and called it a day. The frame of the truck was already replaced because it rusted through and now the differential housing is rusted through due to substandard materials used in its construction. This is a serious issue just like the frame that needs to be addressed.

Toyota recalled my Tundra for a rusted frame. Dealer took possession of the vehicle in April. They provided a rental car, but no other update or contact until a week ago when the frame arrived. Now nearly complete, they want to charge me $8000 for additional parts not covered by the recall which they claim is necessary to make the vehicle pass inspection and roadworthy yet many of these parts were unaffected prior to the recall. At no time did Toyota ever inform us of additional costs not covered by the recall. Two of the items are critical to the value and drivability of the car. They include the rear axle and differential which I believe failed due to the same rusted issues as the frame. The additional parts affected were the brakes. The front brakes seized from 6 months of non use and maintenance by the dealer, the rear brakes were failed by fluid leak from rear axle while in possession of the dealer for 6 months. In short, after getting a new frame, the dealer was holding trying to charge $8000 in extra repairs or they would return me a truck that had a new frame but was still inoperable in the condition under which it was stored by the dealer. The dealer and Toyota were responsible for maintaining the vehicle and returning it in as good or better condition than they received it, but instead it lost 1005 of its value. I cant drive it, I cant sell it. It has a new frame but now has no differential or brakes it has lost all marketable value, where it could have been traded in or sold prior to the "frame replacement" that was supposed to right all the wrongs" of Toyota's doing. I have full service records showing responsible ownership of the truck for the last 10 years. Needs to make it right and fix my truck so I can drive again, or buy me out, or offer me a trade allowance that is fair and equitable. This Toyota case number is 1504140934.

When you first start the vehicle and put it in drive, within 20 seconds at any speed, a loud ping/metal hitting metal sound comes from the rear gear differential box. It happens everytime at any takeoff speed. Toyota and my dealer do not believe there is a problem.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Vehicle has "growling" noise coming from front differential. Noise is also associated with vibration in steering and affects stopping and acceleration as faulty parts bind in gearing. This faulty equipment has occasionally locked one wheel while turning, forcing vehicle weight to one side. In wet road conditions vehicle has slid while cornering. Manufacturer is aware of this issue, as several owners report the same issue. Differential is replaced as a last resort by the manufacturer and only covers this faulty part(s) under the factory warranty.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he observed that the rear differential was rusted and leaking. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Front differential went out at 48k miles. It cost me $2000 to replace. I read various blogs and this is a common problem on many Tundras built between 2007-2013. I don't drive my truck very often and I treat it very gently. This was a huge expense bill for anybody to absorb.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while having the vehicle serviced, he was informed that the differential was rusted out and that fluid was leaking. As a result, the differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Excessive rusting on rear differential, leaf spring mounts and around rear hubs to wheels.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Excessive rust on frame, under body, and suspension. Rear axle / differential has large flaking rust so bad that it will not hold lubricant. Filed complaint with Toyota on 11/13/2013 and was given a case # and turned in photos at local Toyota dealer in early December 2013. Contacted Toyota in January 2014 and was told that a recall was going to be issued but it would cover frame only and no other components would be covered for rust. I personally took it upon myself not to drive this vehicle because I feel it is unsafe and not road worthy due to rust. I also feel that a company that I had a lot of respect for because of their reputation for quality and safety has let me down. Vehicle has been parked since 11/13/2013 and will not be driven until properly repaired or replaced.

I recently noticed a leak under the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the differential was found to be rusted right through and leaking. I examined the frame as well and noticed severe rusting in various places on the frame. I never received a notice of recall on the frame. Apparently there is not only frame damage to many Tundras, but also to necessary working parts. I have never had an axle rot out on any of my cars and because of the inability to simply repair a seal, the entire axle will need replacing? seems a bit extreme. I like the Tundra and will base my decision to remain a customer on how I'm treated in the recall appointment.

My 2003 Tundra sr5 4x4 access cab broke down coming to a complete stop during interstate driving in 2wd at the posted speed limit. Upon a lengthy and expensive tow to my mechanic, I was advised the rear differential had failed due to extensive rust not only on the rear differential cover, but over the entire rear axle assembly. The rust was so pervasive it allowed differential fluid to leak from the carrier assembly resulting in heat and friction leading to the catastrophic failure of the differential gears. The truck has just over 48,000 miles on it and had previously been recalled for replacement of rusted fuel tank straps. I received no satisfaction from any Toyota dealer except to be referred to Toyota USA. As such, I contacted Toyota motor sales, USA direct on oct. 28, 2013 and was assigned a case number (incident: 131027-000079). As expected, Toyota's oral reply on oct. 29, 2013 failed to acknowledge any responsibility for the excessive rust that is plaguing many Tundra owners and is resulting in expensive repair costs that would ordinarily be unnecessary had the vehicles been properly manufactured. Rather than simply apologize for the inconvenience and advise the matter would be elevated to management and rather than hide behind warranty expiration excuses, Toyota should be ashamed of its maleficence and in the interest of maintaining its reputation and owner base, do the right thing and correct this well documented deficiency. Toyota's response is typical of what other owner's are reporting on various web sites including "tundra solutions" and others. This is a serious defect for which Toyota should accept full responsibility. This failure could have led to a serious accident had there been a rear end collision or had control of the vehicle been lost while steering into a muddy median where road construction was in progress.

On 9/27/13 when my 2004 Tundra was being checked out for a recall for severe frame rust the ri Toyota dealer brought to my attention the rear differential was rotted through and leaking oil and said that this rust is not covered by recall. The whole axle has to be replaced. My question to you is, shouldn't Toyota be responsible for all the sub-standard steel? shouldn't this be under a safety recall for oil leakage? as far as I know the oil leak cannot be fixed w/o complete axle housing replacement and this is a problem that effects a huge # of Tundras.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the rear differential was leaking. The dealer stated that the rear end housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

The frame has severe rust. Also rear differential is leaking fluid through the steel bowl.

2004 Toyota Tundra worse than 2003 for metal fatigue. Front of rear differential is flaking apart. Tension adjuster for emergency brake is disintegrating. Adjustment bolts are seized. Spare tire attachment is flaking apart. Please help.