Steering Problems of Toyota Tundra - part 1

On September 4, 2025, I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra to midas at 5325 olde wadsworth blvd, arvada, CO 80002 for an oil change and inspection. Midas advertises a “closer look vehicle check,” which includes checking steering, suspension, and wheels. Their inspection report marked the steering system as “ok” and only noted mild shock wear. Less than a month later, while exiting the highway, the lower ball joint failed completely, causing the front suspension and wheel to detach. I immediately lost steering control. Fortunately, this occurred at low speed; had it happened moments earlier on the highway, it could have caused a major collision or fatalities. The failed component (lower ball joint and related suspension parts) is still available for inspection. An independent mechanic later confirmed that the joint was severely worn and the failure appeared to be due to long-term deterioration that should have been detected during midas’s inspection. No warning lights or indicators appeared before the failure. The incident endangered my life, my passengers’ safety, and other drivers on the road. The business has refused to take responsibility or cover repair costs, which currently total over $2,400, despite their advertised inspection and guarantee. This raises serious concerns that midas and potentially other service locations may be failing to properly inspect critical suspension components, which poses a major public safety hazard.

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When driving the lane assist system will bounce me back and forth between the lane lines.

While driving the lane warning and lane assist will allow the vehicle to cross the lane lines and go off the road or into another lane. Now warnings.

Power steering rack and pinion failure on 2017 Toyota Tundra limited. Leak and popping clunk noise when turning steering wheel . Potential for steering loss and accident.

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The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine and steering warning lights were illuminated. The message to “shift to park and restart vehicle” was displayed. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v381000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with complete engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the VIN related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

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On August 31, 2025, my 2025 Toyota Tundra experienced a sudden steering failure while I was driving, which caused an accident with a parked vehicle. The steering wheel completely seized up and I was unable to control the vehicle. This was a serious safety hazard that put my life and the lives of others on the road at risk. The vehicle showed warning messages and error codes related to the steering system immediately before and after the crash. The problem was unexpected and there was no prior damage to the vehicle that would explain this. The vehicle is currently at a Toyota dealership, where the dealer has confirmed that the inspection has been submitted to Toyota corporate for review. My insurance company has also inspected the vehicle. At this time, Toyota has not provided me with a resolution. This appears to be a manufacturer defect in the steering system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

I had to have the steering rack assembly replaced in my vehicle due to a leak. This is one of the complaints and a recall but I never got a notification.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Getting a random power steering malfunction, steering power low.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

I am experiencing premature and uneven tire wear on my 2024 Toyota Tundra, specifically on the outer edges of the front tires. This has occurred despite proper rotation and no off-road use, the tires showed significant edge wear. Multiple alignment checks revealed improper front end camber and toe settings, which appear to be part of a wider issue affecting many 2022-2024 Tundra's, especially 4wd models. Toyota has not issued a recall but has quietly revised alignment specifications at the dealer level to address the problem. This defect compromises tire life, vehicle handling, and potentially safety. I believe this issue should be formally investigated and addressed by the NHTSA.

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I need to have rear shock replaced. They found that the bracket holder rusted thru . Shock was fine . The rear frame corrosion and separation, spare tire frame corrosion is really bad. I have had this truck since 2004 . I absolutely love my truck. I am deeply saddened that all the care I took still didn’t prevent all this damage .

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

First I had my engine replaced in may 2025 under the recall and service advisor informed me it would be about 3 days before they completed the engine swap and it had to sit to make sure there were no leaks anywhere and in less than 24 hrs the called me and told me my truck was all done. I went to pick my truck up they had it waiting in the service line with the engine running, I heard a strange ticking noise coming from under my hood that sounded like a lawnmower engine, the service tech tells me that is normal with the replacement engines which is absolutely false. Being a woman they tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I got frustrated and got in my truck and when I came to the first stoplight when the light turned green and I stepped on the gas pedal, my truck would not move, after about 5 seconds it surged forward and then again wouldn't move, then again my truck surged forward with a loud thud in the rear like somebody hit me from behind. It feels like it isn't kicking into gear and also my steering wheel was not centered when they swapped the engine so I have to hold my steering off to one side for my truck to drive straight. This has been a nightmare for me and Toyota refuses to acknowledge there is anything wrong. I've also been waiting for 7 months to get my front brakes fixed under the TSB and all they say is we don't have parts available, meanwhile they're building new trucks with new brake pads, rotors and calipers before taking care of the people waiting months and months? they try and wait until your warranty runs out so I have to pay for the fix. Please help. Thank you, lisa gordon.

Vehicle was accelerating down hill when engine stopped light came on stop in a safe place. I could not accelerate the gas or control the steering vehicle glided halfway to the side of the road before stopping. Engine stopped completely when exiting the vehicle smoke was coming out of the front hood. I could not shift the vehicles gears the system was completely locked up. Steering power low light came on. Engine stopped light came on. Tried to contact roadside assistance no one came for over 3 hours. Neighbors called a police officer and they had to tow it due to it being in an unsafe location (blocking traffic on a two lane road) without street lights. Vehicle was towed to marietta Toyota dealership.

The power steering failed at around 38,000 miles. The dealership indicated the entire assembly needs to be replaced which cost more than $6,000. This is apparently a known manufacturing issue as they recalled a significant portion of the vehicles made in 2021.

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My son was driving our 2023 Toyota Tundra (non-hybrid) at approximately 25-30 miles an hour when the engine shut down. He had difficulty steering but was able to safely brake to a stop in the middle of the road. Cars were forced to pass him on the shoulder. He was unable to restart the engine for what he estimates was approximately one minute. He was finally able to restart the engine and drive home. The next day I drove it to the Toyota dealer. The engine stalled on me one block from the dealer on a busy intersection. I was able to get it restarted, out of traffic and into the dealership where it sits today. There were no apparent symptoms with the vehicle prior to it stalling on my son. I received an engine failure warning message when the vehicle stalled on me. The dealership looked at the engine and stated that there is lose debris in the engine. The dealership has stated that they are unable to give me a diagnoses letter or a repair order at this time. Once they repair is made, they can give me something in writing. This issue appears to be similar safety recall 24ta07. However, Toyota is stating that my vehicle does not fall under 24ta07. It appears have a vehicle with an engine stall safety issue that is not attached to a recall.

--all systems failed while driving on highway**truck shut down** vehicle not available for inspection --vehicle shut down making it extremely hard to steer and keep control of vehicle. Had RV in-tow --yes --yes --all dash lights came on as a loud bang was heard almost simultaneously.

Tire are wearing on the outside only premature tire wear feathering real bad looks like the alignment specs are wrong from Toyota manufacturer.

The vehicle did not pass PA state inspection due to broken front shock mounts and severe frame corrosion.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 40-50 mph downhill, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there was an oil leak on the passenger's side of the steering gear onto the ground. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the destination without power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the steering rack replacement could not be covered under warranty due the part number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21e103000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

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1)over 60 mph with new tires the vehicle pulses & shakes on front end, checked alignment everything ok per mechanic. Just started to occur 2)bluetooth when on iphone will at any time cut out guaranteed to occur when using at any time been occurring for 2 + years. 3)trailer brake warning light (idiot light) comes on dashboard does not recommend trailering due to electrical issue. Occurring for 2+ years bought vehicle used in 2017 with 13k on truck now 2024 has 91k on truck love the truck but zero recalls for any of the above?.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Bad alignment causing front tires to wear abbormally.

Rack and pinion is leaking oil.

Frame corrosion through out the entire frame. Recently the steering rack broke away from the frame cross member. Now every time I turn the wheel there is a popping sounds and the steering feels loose compared to what it did before the sound accord. There is also a hole in the back of the frame behind the back tire. My attached tow package ripped sections of the frame and caused crack to extend towards the front of the frame. The fuel tank straps are also severely corroded.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Vibration at lower speeds felt in steering, pedals, driver seat and front passenger seat. Posses danger to operator and other traffic as this vibration could be mistaken for departure warning. Notified Toyota cooperation but they seem eager to close the case.

My 2023 Toyota Tundra currently has a open recall for the fuel tube rubbing against another near component increasing the risk of fire. The life of my family/public and myself were put at risk every day as this can cause a fire which is life threating. This problem has been confirmed by Toyota however there is no safe remedy for it at the moment. There is also a problem with the suspension/ball joints. Every time I turn the steering wheel while driving forward or reverse there is a clicking noise coming from what appears to be the suspension or ball joints or around that area. That issue has been reported to the local dealer however they cant duplicate that issue, according to the service adviser. There were no warning lamps turned on prior to any of the aforementioned. One thing I did notice was that the gas mileage significantly dropped even though I was driving the same distance. Also at times there is a strong fuel odor after a trip is completed or at times while the truck is operating. I am highly concerned for the safety of my family and others that are around my truck while operating as this fuel tube issue is a cause for an increased risk of fire. Toyota of seattle is where my truck currently is at however the dealer has yet to fix both issues.

Lower ball joints must be replaced under a recall. Toyota has told me to contact you to look into it for me and to ask them to recall the part in question for my vehicle. My VIN is a 2000 Tundra. Models from 2001-06 had a recall for lower ball joints. My truck has the exact same faulty part numbers as the later models. Part numbers are: 43340, 43330 for left and right. This part failing leads to catastrophic failures that causes the entire front end to fall to the ground and the wheels to smash into the fender wells. My truck has very low mileage and is starting to show signs of this failure. My biggest concern is safety especially with an older vehicle. A quick search on the internet will show you this happening to countless other 2000 Tundras. This vehicle has been well cared for but this doesn’t fall under routine maintenance when the part has these known issues. My case number with Toyota is under my name colby mackay and the file number is 230927002545. Thank you and feel free to reach out to me with more questions if you need to via email: colbymackay08@gmail. Com.

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The 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundra trd pro model comes out of the factory with the wrong alignment specs from the factory causing excessive tire wear on the front tires resulting in unsafe driving tires. Toyota has been “fixing the alignment with the wrong specs resulting in not fixing it “ now they have the correct specs but not issuing a recall as they should .

I was stopped at a turn light to merge left onto freeway and the truck steering went out when trying to turn, it led me into oncoming traffic that was just coming to a stop light, I was able to crank my wheel with all my strength to get to the side of the uphill freeway merge ramp. There were no warning signs. It was so scary and thank goodness I hadn't merged onto the freeway. The component that failed was the power steering assembly, rack and pinion with inner and outer tie rods. I don't believe the parts will be available for inspection since the truck was towed to repair shop. Overall, I was lucky to be alive. My safety was put at risk being unable to properly steer, if I had been going any faster, or even on the freeway there would be no way to control the vehicle. Initially, I was put into oncoming traffic that was coming to a stop. It put myself and everyone around me in danger. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair shop that truck was towed to. They immediately saw the problem and took several days to fix. Even questioned what I was doing at the time of this event, because something like this just doesn't typically happen. It concerned them so much, that united wheels and tires suggested I reach out to Toyota. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the dealer and the tow truck services. Insurance was notified of situation and services dispatched, since the truck was not drivable. There were no warming lamps, messages or anything on truck. Truck is in perfect condition and drove only on roads (no off-roading or towing, etc. ).

My power steering gear blew its seal on the passenger side losing all power steering fluid and almost making me crash into a car next to me, and Toyota refuses to cover it stating that I hadn't had the steering gear replaced prior to whenever their dates were this is clearly faulty equipment and faulty machine work on the steering gear itself. Why won't Toyota cover it? I tried contacting one Toyota and downtown Toyota here in oakland California and they told me that they wanted $250 to inspect my vehicle and that I would definitely have to pay for it because my vehicle was not under recall it states it is a recall if you look it up. It is worded recall if they're not going to cover it sounds like they're trying to back out of covering it until someone gets seriously hurt or killed like I almost did, I will never buy another Toyota again as long as I live because clearly they don't care about the faulty equipment on their vehicles that's going to hurt or kill someone. All they care about is the mighty dollar and that's just wrong. Safety has gone rite the window and if anyone reading this is thinking about buying a Toyota, I would seriously think twice.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

I took my vehicle in for scheduled maintenance. During the safety inspection the Toyota authorized tech advised me about a serious safety issue with rust on the undercarriage of my vehicle. He advised that the control arms as well as sway bars and suspension , shocks, struts had heavy rust on them. He advised that this is a safety issue as if something breaks I could loose control. I have enclosed the video. I then contacted first team Toyota and they initially wanted me to bring the truck in for inspection. The next day they called and told me that since I was no longer under warranty , that they could not help me. I was also told that the undercoating I paid extra for does not cover the parts that are rusted. I contacted Toyota corporate and they opened a case #230719000857. After several days they decided that there was nothing they could do for me. I have my vehicle serviced routinely and have never been advised of any rust problems on my truck. Then after the warranty runs out, I’m advised of this problem. I take extreme care of my truck and spray the under carriage with fresh water whenever I drive thru rain or puddles. I am extremely concerned regarding the safety of this vehicle.

Good afternoon, my name is anthony eakins, and I live in south west florida. I have a 2006 Toyota Tundra and I absolutely love my truck I believe this is one of the best trucks on the road even though it was built in 2006 (275,000 miles) the issue I'm having is my frame is to the point where I will have to get rid of my truck. The other issue is the frame is so bad I can't even sell my truck. I know there was a recall several years back and I'm curious why my truck is not part of this recall. My truck is rusting right above the rear leaf spring shackles and right at the bend by the motor. I have taken extremely good care of this truck it stays in my garage and the frame has been sprayed with under coating professionally every two years. I even have a detailed list of everything that's been done with this truck since 40,000 miles. Since my truck has been taken care of very well, I have not had any issues until now. I know Toyota is a very reliable vehicle and was curious if there's anything you can do to help me with the situation. Please respond to this email, confirming or denying assistance on my frame repair. Thank you.

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My power steering is leaking fluid, I didn't have anymore and had a loss of steering power while driving. So far I have just added more fluid, but haven't driven it since.

My Tundra 2014 have vibration during light to hard braking. The vibration can felt in any combination, steering wheel, seat, and entire vehicle. To can fell over a large or short rang of speed. The truck have a new rotors and new break pads (I change twice in 2 years helps a little bit but not fix the problem). I purchased the truck on 2023 and come with this issue, I tried to many shops and no one can find the problem until I see some complaints for the same problem, this maybe to late, I hope some cam help me please.

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I have been getting my Tundra alignment done every other month since I purchased it brand new and have actually run out of warranty on the alignments and have been coming out of pocket ever since. The vehicle pulls quite aggressively to the right unless extra pressure is applied to the left side of the steering wheel. It has steadily gotten worse after every alignment and I can’t even pull an empty trailer with a truck that has the towing package. I spoke with the manufacturer who believed that they have “not failed in repairing the vehicle” I am 8 months pregnant and am terrified to drive this vehicle. It sits while I drive my 25 year old beater car that feels safer because it can at least drive straight. All I want is for the manufacturer to take the truck back and return my money as I have no faith that I won’t receive another faulty truck.

Steering has gone out twice in 2 months. Rack and pinion had to be replaced.

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Vehicle was driven 30 miles to work with no steering issues and parked in work parking lot. Upon returning to vehicle to return home when backing out of parking spot the front driver wheel would not turn almost causing me to back into parked car next to me. I looked under the front of the driver side tire, and noticed the outer tie rod was hanging down, and was causing the no steering issue. I called a tow truck, and had the vehicle taken to the Toyota dealer where vehicle was purchased new. I informed the dealer to be careful with the vehicle as the outer tie rod on driver side was broken and was not possible to drive. The Toyota dealer investigated the issue and found that the threads on bother inner and outer tie rods on both passenger and driver side was stripped. All outer and inner tie rods on the vehicle had to be replaced due to the threads being stripped on all 4 tie rods. My concern is this truck only has 86,000 miles on it, and if I had been travelling on interstate at 70mph and the tie rod broke it would have resulted in a catastrophic collision due to a no steering condition. This vehicle has never sustained any front end damage of any type. I can provide the dealers name and the notes on the repair bill from the Toyota dealership stating exactly what I have stated in this report.