Frame rust — subject of a $3.4 billion class-action settlement
Premature frame rusting affecting structural integrity, recurrent even after treatment
Check engine light: Off
Premature frame rusting severe enough to affect structural integrity, with recurrent perforation reported even after Toyota's 'HOF' (Hall of Frame) treatment and recall remedies applied 2017-2018. This defect is the subject of Burns v. Toyota, a 2016 class-action settlement valued at $3.4 billion covering 2007-2008 model-year Tundras (and other Toyota trucks/SUVs), in which the complaint alleged Toyota 'knowingly failed to apply adequate rust protection.' The Toyota Tacoma has its own documented frame-rust remedy; the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser are not covered by either program.
See recall notice — not a routine repair cost
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Secondary air injection system failure — dangerous 'limp mode'
Vehicle speed restricted to as low as 20-45 mph
Check engine light: On
Secondary air injection pump and valve failures cause the vehicle to enter 'limp mode,' restricting speed to as low as 20-45 mph — one owner describes this as a 'severe loss of power which can be dangerous' when it occurs during highway driving. Toyota extended the warranty for this defect to 10 years/150,000 miles, covering an estimated 477,000 affected vehicles, but that coverage has now expired.
This affects an estimated 477,000 vehicles and can cause dangerous power loss on the highway.
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Fuel tank support strap corrosion
Straps rust and fail, tank drops or hangs precariously
Check engine light: Off
Fuel tank straps rust and fail, causing the tank to drop or hang precariously — an immediate safety hazard while driving. The same corrosion is reported on other vehicles, including the Toyota Tacoma.
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Truck bed rust — expired TSB coverage
Bolts securing the bed to the frame corrode, rust bubbling through the bed floor
Check engine light: Off
Bolts securing the bed to the frame corrode extensively, with rust bubbling through the bed floor. Addressed under Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0101-12, but that coverage has since expired.
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Sunroof glass spontaneous shattering
Glass shatters while driving, no apparent cause
Check engine light: Off
Spontaneous sunroof glass shattering while driving. The same defect is reported on other makes, including the Toyota Venza.
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Electrical system malfunctions
Dashboard warning lights, VSC/traction control warnings, various component failures
Check engine light: On
Dashboard warning lights and VSC/traction control warnings. A range of electrical component failures is reported on the 2008 model year specifically: alternator failures, radio/stereo malfunctions (including a very early factory-warranty replacement), TPMS sensor failures, combination switch failure, front flasher socket burn, and battery clamp corrosion.
$200 – $900as early as 2,100 mi (radio) to 87,000 mi (alternator)
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Brake, steering, and wheel bearing issues
Squishy brake pedal, steering fluid leaks, wheel bearing failures at low mileage
Check engine light: On
A 'squishy' brake pedal with extended travel; steering problems and fluid leaks; wheel bearing failures at relatively low mileage. Separately, airbag deployment issues have been reported during actual crashes, and engine stalling with loss of power.
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Ticking Noise From Failed Exhaust Manifold
Ticking noise from a failed exhaust manifold
Check engine light: Off
Ticking noise from a failed exhaust manifold. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 264 owner reports on file.
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Oxygen Sensor May Fail
Oxygen sensor fails
Check engine light: On
Oxygen sensor fails. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 124 owner reports on file.
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AC Light Flashing With Intermittent Cooling Issues and Compressor Problems
AC light flashes, with intermittent cooling issues and compressor problems
Check engine light: Off
AC light flashes, with intermittent cooling issues and compressor problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.
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2007 Ignition Issue With Key Stuck and No Response When Turning Key
Ignition issue with the key stuck and no response when turning the key
Check engine light: Off
Ignition issue with the key stuck and no response when turning the key. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.
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Loud Vacuum Cleaner Noise on Cold Start
Loud vacuum-cleaner-like noise on cold start
Check engine light: Off
Loud vacuum-cleaner-like noise on cold start. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.
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Pink Coolant in Reservoir and Transmission Slipping
Pink coolant in the reservoir accompanied by transmission slipping
Check engine light: Off
Pink coolant in the reservoir accompanied by transmission slipping. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
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IMPORTANT: This generation's frame corrosion was the subject of a $3.4 billion class-action settlement (Burns v. Toyota, 2016) covering 2007-2008 model-year Tundras and other Toyota trucks and SUVs. The complaint alleged that Toyota "knowingly failed to apply adequate rust protection." Separately, a widely-affecting secondary air injection system defect (an estimated 477,000 vehicles) can put the truck into a dangerous 'limp mode' as low as 20-45 mph on the highway; that extended warranty has also since expired.