2008 Toyota Tundra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Toyota Tundra has 327 NHTSA complaints, 12 recalls, and a complaint index of 70, ranking 7th worst of 21 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, driven mainly by engine complaints (39% of total, median mileage 42,000).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #7 of 21 Tundra years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 327
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 12
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 24
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 14 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
Top 2008 Toyota Tundra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine128 (39%)
- Structure & Body61 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain46 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires42 (13%)
- Electrical System40 (12%)
- Brakes39 (12%)
- Other29 (9%)
- Fuel System20 (6%)
- Steering11 (3%)
- Airbags9 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe the accelerator pedal sticking or the engine surging unexpectedly at low speeds, sometimes leading to crashes.
- Some report sudden unintended acceleration from a stop that caused the truck to lunge forward into another vehicle.
- Drivers noted the transmission or drivetrain producing a thumping sensation before losing control.
- At least one owner reported the vehicle rolling backward while in park with the parking brake engaged.
- Owners describe the driver's seat sliding backward and reclining during a rear-end collision.
- Some reported the brake pedal sinking to the floor with the ABS, stability control, and 4WD warning lights coming on.
2008 Toyota Tundra recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V920000Nov 23, 2021Steering22,462 vehicles
Steering:rack and pinion
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.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
- NHTSA 16V396000Jun 2, 2016Structure & Body7,749 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
- NHTSA 14V743000Nov 19, 2014Structure & Body3,233 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
2008 Toyota Tundra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Toyota Tundra reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2008 Tundra has 327 complaints and a complaint index of 70, ranking 7th worst among 21 model years, so it carries a Caution verdict relative to other Tundra years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Tundra?
- Engine problems make up 39% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 42,000, followed by structure and body issues at 19% and transmission and powertrain issues at 14%.
- Does the 2008 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2008 Tundra, covering areas including steering, structure and body, suspension/tires, and visibility, with none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2008 Tundra compare to other Tundra years?
- Its complaint index of 70 is higher than 2009 through 2021 model years but lower than 2006, 2007, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, which carry Avoid verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Toyota Tundra?
- EPA rates the 2008 Tundra at 15 mpg combined (14 city / 17 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300.