2009 Toyota Tundra Problems: 10 Known Issues
2009 model year · 52,500+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 52,500+ owner reports, the 2009 Toyota Tundra has 10 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak ($0-$1,500 repair) and Driver's Power Window Master Switch Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall) ($0-$350 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak with 20,000 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 10 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls15 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tundra vehicles equipped with a resin rear step bumper and resin reinforcement brackets (vehicles with chrome step bumpers are not affected). In the event of an impact to the corner of the bumper, the resin bracket may be damaged but not be noticed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Toyota Tundra problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 52,500+ owner reports, the 2009 Toyota Tundra has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak, Driver's Power Window Master Switch Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall), Cam Tower Oil Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Tundra reliable?
The 2009 Toyota Tundra has 10 known issues documented across 52,500+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak and Driver's Power Window Master Switch Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tundra problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Tundra issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak, typically costs $0-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak?
Toyota recalled certain 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles (about 22,000 Tundra and Sequoia units in total) because the power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause oil leaks. When power steering fluid leaks from the assembly, it can result in sudde… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2011 Toyota Tundra Driver's Power Window Master Switch Overheating and Fire Risk (Recall)?
The driver's-side power window master switch on second-generation Tundras was assembled with insufficient lubricating grease on the sliding electrical contacts. Over time the contacts can wear, arc, overheat, melt the switch housing, and in some cases produce smoke or fire. Toyot… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Cam Tower Oil Leak?
The 5.7L iForce V8 engine is known for developing oil leaks at the cam tower due to Toyota's use of gray RTV silicone sealant instead of a proper gasket from the factory. The sealant degrades over time, particularly at the rear of the cam towers where the engine is slanted. Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2013 Toyota Tundra Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure?
The secondary air injection pump is prone to failure due to water intrusion. The electric motor is located in the wheel well with moisture exposure, and the rubber boot covering the motor traps water, causing the pump to short circuit. This triggers check engine lights with codes… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2019 Toyota Tundra Exhaust Manifold Cracking and Bolt Failure?
Toyota Tundra V8 engines are prone to exhaust manifold cracking, particularly on the driver side where the air injection tube weld enters the manifold. Additionally, exhaust manifold bolts can corrode and break, causing exhaust leaks. The ticking noise is most noticeable at cold… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2012 Toyota Tundra Water Pump Bearing and Seal Failure?
The 5.7L V8 water pump is prone to premature failure, often occurring between 40,000-70,000 miles. The water pump uses a spring-loaded seal that can fail, and internal bearing failure is common. If not addressed, this can lead to engine overheating and severe damage. Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Excessive Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Coking (3UR-FE)?
The 5.7L 3UR-FE is known to develop elevated oil consumption as it accumulates miles, driven by coking/sticking of the piston oil-control rings. Owners report needing to top off oil between changes, with consumption tending to worsen over time. While many trucks consume modest am… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra AB60E/AB60F 6-Speed Automatic Torque Converter Shudder?
Second-generation Tundras with the AB60E/AB60F 6-speed automatic commonly develop a torque-converter clutch (TCC) shudder felt as a vibration or 'rumble strip' sensation during light-to-moderate acceleration, typically between roughly 20-45 mph as the converter clutch tries to lo… Repairs typically run $250-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota Tundra Starter Motor Failure (Labor-Intensive Access)?
On the 4.6L and 5.7L V8 Tundras the starter is mounted low on the passenger side of the block beneath the exhaust manifold rather than in an easy-to-reach spot on the bellhousing. When the starter wears out (worn solenoid contacts/brushes) the symptom is a click or no-crank/inter… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra VVT-i Intake Cam Gear Cold-Start Rattle?
Tundras with Toyota's VVT-i system can produce a brief (~1 second) rattle or knock at cold start. The cause is the intake-side VVT 'cam gear' (variable cam timing actuator): when oil drains back out of the VVT unit overnight, the lock pin is disengaged and the internal components… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.