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2009 Toyota Tundra Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Toyota Tundra has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission gear hunting and unexpected downshift.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Toyota Tundra.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission gear hunting and unexpected downshift

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-01 → 2011-04

“I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH THE 5.7L ENGINE AND 6 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION. INTERMITTENT SHIFTING OCCURS AS SLOW SPEEDS, WITH THE VEHICLE ACTING LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN NEUTRAL. THIS HAS CAUSED SERIOUS CONCERN WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND COULD LEAD TO A POTENTIAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10397501
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB SR5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY DOWNSHIFT TO 1ST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE THEY ADDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10397069
“LETTER REGARDING PROBLEMS HE HAVING WITH 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA (SINCE MARCH 2009 TO NOW), HE HAS TAKEN IT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS 3 TIMES AND IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS *TGW THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO SEARCH FOR THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10354268

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driveshaft vibration and drivetrain noise

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2009-09 → 2017-04

“PURCHASED A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH 67 MILES ON IT, AT ABOUT 12,000 MILES IT STARTED TO MAKE A DRAGGING SOUND FROM THE FRONT DRIVE TRAIN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT HEAR OR FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HAD IT BACK ANOTHER TIME FOR INSPECTION AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10971525
“1. COLD START PISTON SLAP - EVERYTIME VEHICLE IS TURNED ON AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. 2. TIRES DO NOT HOLD A BALANCE. 3. STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES; ESPECIALLY AT 64-70 MPH 4. DRIVE SHAFT BODY ROLL - FEELS LIKE BEING REAR ENDED - EVERY TIME TRUCK COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP *KB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10413611
“TRUCK HAS EXTREME VIBRATION, BOUNCE AND OVERALL SHAKE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AS FELT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THIS COMBINED WITH THE VERY LIGHT STEERING AND ACCELERATOR EFFORT LEADS TO A VERY UNSTABLE FEELING OF NOT BEING IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN EVEN AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10285760

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Secondary air injection failure and power loss

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2020-09

“IT LOSES POWER, MY 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH LESS THAN 90,000 MILES , JUST DECELERATES AND WENT DOWN TO 30 MILES PER HOUR IN THE FREEWAY, I USED A CARMD READING TO GIVE ME A CODE, AND IT SHOWS THAT THE CODE WAS P2442, IT WILL COST ME $2,500 OR MORE TO FIX IT. THE ENGINE RED LIGHT,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330897
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SWITCHED TO LIMP MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA TOYOTA OF MISSOULA (LOCATED AT 4001 BROOKS ST, MISSOULA, MT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244898
“AIR INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED WHILE DRIVING UP HILL. VEHICLE WOULD ONLY DRIVE ON FLAT OR DOWNHILL, NO MORE THAN 35 MPH. TOYOTA HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 10 YRS OR 150K. WHICH OUR VEHICLE IS 103K AND 10 YEARS 1 MONTH. TOYOTA WOULD NOT FIT US INTO THE WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11206332

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire blowout and wheel separation

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2009-05 → 2017-06

“YOKOHAMA TIRE BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH 5 FEB 2017. YOKOHAMA P275/65R18 GEOLANDER HTS. READ TIRE, SIDEWALL RUPTURE. NO ROAD HAZARD CONTACT. TIRES PURCHASED FROM TREAD QUARTERS IN HAMPTON VA AUG 2016. APPROX. 7000 MILES ON THE TIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10950289
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND HAULING A LOADED TRAILER, ACCORDING TO THE ESTIMATED CAPACITY, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND CAUSED THE TRAILER AND THE VEHICLE TO LOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993130
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR WHEELS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY MECHANICAL NEGLIGENCE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE WHEELS MAY NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10268592

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and bed corrosion

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2023-01

“Frame perforation , front passenger side , bottom part of frame in critical point where weld is , in close distance from rack and pinion . At the dealer while servicing have asked to check the frame as there ben lots of concern from Tundra owners. I'm aware that early models”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501414
“BED OF TRUCK IS RUSTING FROM BOTTOM UP FIRST NOTIFIED TOYOTA 11/04/2016 HAD A DEALER LOOK AT IT SORRY ABOUT BY LUCK THEY WILL NOT COVER IT ONLY HAD 38,794 MILE ON IT ALWAYS HAD A CAP ON IT AND WAS INSIDE AND RARELY DROVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10979393

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and stuck accelerator pedal

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2018-11

“I HAD THE ACCELERATOR STICK TWO TIMES RECENTLY. MY TIRES SPUN VERY FAST AND I ALMOST TOOK OFF INTO A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF I DIDN'T QUICKLY PUT THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL UNTIL THE ENGINE REVVED DOWN. THIS IS A HELPLESS FEELING AND SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154118
“I WAS THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE ON MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE ACCELERATOR WAS WIDE OPEN WHILE I WAS HARD ON THE BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK, AND ONCE I DID THE ENGINE STOPPED ITS ACCELERATION. I WAS ON HARD CONCRETE, THUS THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10472607
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT WARNING WHENEVER HE MADE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AND WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE EACH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10305749

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and recall response

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2021-01

“RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR FAULTY SPIRAL CABLES EFFECTING AIRBAG MALFUNCTION ON MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, 2009-2010 MATRIX, 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, 2009-2010 TACOMA, 2006-2008 RAV4 AND 2006-2010 YARIS VEHICLES. MY 2009 TUNDRA CREWMAX THAT I JUST BOUGHT HAS THIS PROBLEM AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390519
“TAKATA RECALL HAVE BEEN GETTING CALLS AND MAILERS FOR A FEW OF YEARS. HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIME,. BUT HAVE NEVER RECEIVED 'ANY' POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE RESPONSE FROM THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967575
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED IN THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS IN WHICH THERE WERE NO SERVICE REPAIRS PERFORMED FOR THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10323003

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

13 crashes 1990–2024

How the 13 occupant deaths break down

11

driver deaths

2

passenger deaths

13

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Toyota Tundra reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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