YearToAvoid

2010 Toyota Tundra Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2010 Toyota Tundra, 11% of its 160 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 49,024. A related recall (10V091000) covers a propeller shaft weld defect on 4WD models.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
18
11% of 160
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
49,024 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the truck lurching or jolting forward unexpectedly when stopped or pulling out at low speed, as if hit from behind.
  • Some describe the transmission slipping or hesitating intermittently while driving around 10 mph, with dealers unable to duplicate the issue.
  • Several report the vehicle acting as if in neutral at low speeds before lurching forward and coming to an abrupt stop on its own.
  • A driveshaft broke at the rear yoke from what the owner described as a metallurgical failure, separate from the 2010 recall.
  • Owners note a growling or howling noise from the front end with vibration between 15 and 30 mph during acceleration and deceleration, which dealers attributed to tires.
  • One owner reported the engine rpm surging to 3,500-4,000 while in park with the throttle body diagnosed as stuck open.

When 2010 Toyota Tundra transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 26, 2010, latest Dec 28, 2020.

2010 Toyota Tundra transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2010May 2011Nov 2013Mar 2014May 2015Dec 2016Mar 2019Jul 2020
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2010 to Dec 2020; peak Nov 2013 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2010 Toyota Tundra

  1. NHTSA 10V091000Mar 10, 2010Transmission & Powertrain2 vehicles

    Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 tundra vehicles with four wheel drive, there is a possibility that an improper weld exists at the union of the propeller shaft and yoke. Due to this improper weld, this joint may separate and the separated shaft may come into contact with the road surface.

    Risk: This may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front propeller shaft free or charge. The safety recall began on march 19, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Tundra model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201018 (11%)
  2. 201118 (13%)
  3. 201221 (14%)
  4. 20130 (0%)
  5. 20145 (5%)
  6. 20151 (2%)
  7. 20165 (4%)
  8. 20176 (8%)
  9. 20183 (3%)
  10. 20191 (1%)
  11. 20203 (7%)
  12. 20211 (4%)
  13. 2022104 (24%)
  14. 202385 (21%)
  15. 202483 (25%)
  16. 202535 (27%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA records 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2010 Tundra, which is 11% of the 160 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or driveshaft recall for the 2010 Toyota Tundra?
Yes. Recall 10V091000 covers 2010 Tundra 4WD models with a possible improper weld at the propeller shaft and yoke joint; dealers replaced the front propeller shaft free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2010 Tundra?
The median mileage at failure among reported Transmission & Powertrain complaints is 49,024 miles.
Did the transmission complaints lead to crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data for this component on the 2010 Tundra shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
How does the 2010 Tundra compare to other model years for this problem?
The 2010 Tundra's 18 complaints and 11% share are similar to 2011 (18 complaints, 13%) and 2012 (21 complaints, 14%), but far lower than 2022's 104 complaints (24% share).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.