WEll it's been 7 months with the Tundra and all was well for the first 10,000 miles. However, I developed the infamous "warped brake rotor problem" there is a TSB for an entire new front brake system. I scheduled an appointment to have it done, no problem. After I left, the in dash CD changer decided to eat a CD and became jammed. At the same time, the starter started banging as I started the engine a few times. I also had one occasion when I had to turn the key about 8 times to make things happen. The clock kept losing time, dim dome light. Diagnosed as a bad battery. Had new brake system installed and went back for new CD changer and CD extraction (one busted), new battery, OK fine. Now, my ABS light comes on when the low fuel light is on and stays on. The ABS light also comes on at other times for 2-3 minutes or so and goes off. Can't fix it unless the light is on. They say. I never have time to take it in before I have to get gas.

I had three F-150s before my Tundra and never managed to scratch any of them. Never any cosmetic problems. IN the last week I've had my Bucs front plate fly off and almost scratch the truck and today my 5X8 cargo trailer popped off the hitch as I was backing up and smashed my tailgate.

I am not thrilled with last 5000 miles my Tundra ownership so far. The engine is great but the serpentine belt squeaks a lot. The new brake system was excellent when I got it back but the brakes have gotten far worse. they feel like they won't stop the truck. I bought this truck to avoid dealing with a service department.

My point is, this must be a "made in America" thing. My wifes Highlander is flawless in almost 20K miles. It is built in Japan. My tundra has all of the above problems along with a series of weird events and a miserable dash rattle that comes and goes.

Perhaps there is some charm that comes with these problems and all made in america vehicles are that way. If so, I'd rather be charmed by a Super Duty crew cab with a power moonroof.

On top of all of this the Tundra averages around 12 mpg. My highest was 13.6

 

What is up with the dashes on the Toyotas. My dad 01 Tacoma 4x4 rattles when ever you hit a bump in the road. It is a nice truck, but the dash rattle is annoying.

 

Soooooooo you come here looking for sympathy with your Jap truck..

Websters says that sympathy is located between shi* and syphilis

 

Man you just seem to have the worst luck with vehicles. I even considered getting a Tindra but reconsidered and thought a bout a Tacoma. If the Tacoma's follow in the Tundra footsteps then no way do I want that. My 97 F150 has problems but no way do I want a truck with those kinds of problems. After the treatment and BS I got from the local Toyota dealership they can keep their stupid trucks or at least that one. They offered no test drive, but drove mine without asking, no credit help, wouldn't harldy let me leave, and were rude. Anyways hope you start having better luck with your Toy.

P.S. Nice to see you all again I haven't been on here much since about NOV.

 

I have always heard that the Tundras were pretty good trucks. In fact I looked at one when I was looking for my new truck. I like my Ford much better though.

Kyfordfreak,
I had a Toyota dealer here do something like that. At first he told me that he could get me financed, then he said that it was just too much truck for me. The thing about that is it actually cost less than the Ford that I brought. I looked at another vehicle on the lot that he said he could get financed, I had to go to work so he said that he would call me and let me know if it was financed. That was over 5 months ago and still have not heard from the guy. This particular lot is brand new and claim to have broken every sales record for this area, I just don't see how when they can't even tell you if you got financed or not. Oh well, I ended up getting what I wanted anyway, another Ford.

 

No fast gator, I am ot looking for sympathy. I just thought it would be entertaining after having a lemon F-150 which I really liked other than the probems. To buying something I was "on the fence about" in an attempt to avoid problems only to have problems anyway.

I just laughed when the tailgate got smashed in.

I have learned to buy what you like and do your best with problems. I have also learned to be a little more patient about things. I guess I just pick the bad ones these days.

 

I looked at the Tundra before i bought my F150 and it seemed ok just too small and price a little high for me, It just goes to show no matter what the brand you will have good and bad points with all. Hope you get it taken care of.

 

yea i just have a nice little giggle too when i smash something into my paint and put a huge dent in the truck. dont we all???




NOT

 

Hey seacrow - ever start wondering if maybe it isn't the trucks at all..? Seriously though, hate to hear that you seem to be headed down the same road with your Toyota as you were with your Ford. Guess it just goes to show that all manufacturers have their issues. Good luck with it - maybe your service experience will be better than it was with your F-150.

 

Hey seacrow!

I'm thinking about replacing my 98, any chance of you coming along to help me decide what to get?

Of course what I mean by that is I'll buy whatever truck you don't choose.

Sorry about the problems, have you tried another dealership for service?

 

Can the Tundra and come back to Blue Oval trucks!

At least then when you have problems we can help

 

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

Wow seacrow. thats no good!! i hope my dad's Tacoma doesnt have all those problems

Invalid_Access...
My dad has an 02 Tacoma 4x4 V6. I know the rattle you are talking about and it drives me crazy when i drive it. does yours have the clock by the steering wheel too? THAT DRIVES ME EVEN MORE NUTS HAVING TO SHIFT MY BODY TO READ THE FRIGGIN CLOCK!!

 

I'm so sorry to hear about your problems seacrow. I know we talked about it last nite - I was shocked when you told me what's been happening.
If you receive better service from Toyota than Ford at least you'll have that on your side. Hang in there ok?
Have you found any Tundra boards similar to this 1? Maybe there's some suggestions that will help expedite the repairs.
I don't care if you buy a Ford or Toyota - when you spend as much money as any new vehicle costs, you have a right to expect a certain MINIMUM level of reliability & performance. I always looked at it this way - as long as you're the 1 paying the bills you have the right to drive whatever you prefer. Had I not found this truck I was going to go with a Toyota too - I had an awesome '85 Camry & was more than pleased with it's reliability. In fact, it was probably the best car I'd ever owned. My only problem with Toyota trucks was that they were too small - I wanted a full size truck so that's why I'd held out for the F150.
Keep us posted & I wish you the best of luck - hopefully things will improve after this rough spot.

 

I'm never pleased to hear of another person's truck troubles no matter what brand it is.

But dang-that low mileage report caught my attention. That sucks for a truck that size and weight. My Superduty 4x4 with 6.8L V10 averages 11 and can get 13 on the interstate and it weighs about 2000lbs more than a Tundra. Towing about 4500lbs on the highway I can still get a little over 10mpg with it.