All Known 2008 Toyota Tundra Problems
Tim Esterdahl | May 25, 2012 | Comments 39
Here is a hopefully helpful list of all the known 2008 Toyota Tundra Problems. We are still big fans of the truck, we just thought a reference guide would be handy.
The 2008 Toyota Tundra sure is one nice truck. Yet, like any vehicle, it has had a few problems come up.
Location of Oil Filter
Many people have stated that the location of the oil filter is “ridiculously stupid.” It is under the skid plate. So, yes you have to remove the skid plate to replace the oil filter. It isn’t terribly difficult to do, but it is one more step that seems needless.
The notorious skid plate that you have to remove in order to change the oil filter. Thanks to TundraSolutions.com member MHadden for the DIY with photos.
Here is a good do-it-yourself guide on how to do it.
Air Injection Pump Problems
Many 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra owners have reported problems with either air injection pumps seizing or air injection valves in the intake manifold rusting so that they can’t open or close any longer. While Toyota has come out with a special customer service program to warranty this problem, the warranty expires after 150k miles. Learn more about Tundra air injection problems here.
Radio
While we had hoped that Toyota would address the odd issues arising from the stock radio, it didn’t get addressed. Dealers are still replacing them as they come in. Got an odd radio issue like turning on/off. Take it to a dealer.
Too-thin Tailgate Metal
Many Tundra owners report that their tailgates have bent or broken during loading. We know that Toyota agreed to fix or replace some tailgates, and we have a copy of a Toyota internal memo that acknowledges the issue…and also claims that the issue was fixed in 2007. However, some 2008 Tundra owners still report problems.
Trouble Heating Up Quickly
This was truly a strange one. It seems that Toyota decided that the truck was simply taking too long to heat up when it was cold outside. So, they issued a TSB to “correct” the problem. The fix is a simple software upgrade.
Bed Bounce
Unfortunately, the bed bounce issue didn’t go away in 2008. There are a host of factors and opinions on why it happens. It is a very odd problem that occurs when driving over concrete expansion joints on highways between 55-60 mph and cause a nasty vibration. Interestingly, a reader of this site can up with a very plausible explanation to why it is occurring and that the shocks are to blame.
Paint Issues
Some Toyota Tundra trucks owners feel there is a paint issue with the truck. Specifically, the problem is defined as bubbles, orange peel, contaminants in the paint, discolorations or poor color matches, and plastic painted parts not matching the rest of the vehicle. There has been a petition circulated by upset owners to fix this issue. We haven’t seen anything widespread that would indicate the size of this issue. Hopefully, this was just a weird occurrence.
Chrome Rust Issues on Lug Nuts, Wheels, and Bumpers
Rust can form on chrome and lug nuts. Get it replaced as soon as you see it.
According to some 2007 and 2008 Tundra owners, small rust spots form on chrome bumpers and lug nuts. While rusting is quite common in certain areas of the U.S., it’s relatively rare to see it on such a new vehicle. Toyota dealerships are prepared to remedy the issue. Dealers are allowed to replace parts showing rust on an individual basis at no cost to the consumer.
Rumble Strip Problem
Some 2008 Toyota Tundra owners have had an odd issue that has been dubbed the “rumble strip” problem. According to a post on PickupTrucks.com, this is when “the transmission randomly rough-shifts for several seconds, making the truck feel like it’s riding on a roadside rumble strip. Hence, the problem has been given the informal name ‘rumble strip’ transmission issue.” The issue is related to a torque converter and dealerships have been replacing the part. If you have this issue, contact your dealer.
Any problems you’ve had that aren’t mentioned here? Tell us about them!
Filed Under: Tundra News • TundraHeadquarters.com
I would say that the Air Induction system problems are certainly worth mentioning here. The warranty has been extended to 10yr/150k but the problem isn’t solved.
There have also been a significant number of water pump seal failures. The consensus is that the Toyota pink anti-freeze is causing the seals to fail.
mendonsy – OOPS! Tim asked me to look this post over and I missed that one. My bad. It has been added.
I aggree with the above problems as I just changed my water pump. I am trying Amsoil anitfreeze to see if the pump lasts longer. I also added sound dampening material to the entire inside of the cab and doors. Also the tailgate is a weak point so I added 3/8″ plywood to it.
yah, missed water pump premature failure, too thin tailgate sheet metal, serpentine belt cracks in ribs under 36K, and poor seat/track noisy and sloppy before 36K.
Have had the chroming rusting all over, poor paint or prep work from mfg. on tailgate and body panels, power seats needing replacing, tailgate sheet metal denting way too easily, and serpentine belts cracking way too early on. I think in 2009 the rusted chrome and serpentine belts were remedied but not the rest as i can testify as an example.
mk – I’ve added your notes about tailgates. Are the other issues you’re referencing specific to your truck or are these issues being talked about on forums that I haven’t heard about?
How do they expect us to change the transmission fluid? There is no dipstick on the 2008 4.0 6cyl.
Sure am glad I bought a GMC in 2000, after 12 yrs the only issue I’ve had is needing a new right side power window motor and a new u joint. Aside from new tires, oil changes and a 100,000 mi service check its only needed gas. Wish it got better than 15 city and 18 hwy but you can’t have everything.
I have tundra .I tink is the best truck powerful,nice quality.and faster.
08 tundra on third water pump going in today because the coolant is low again so possibly the fourth water pump. did the air pumps, rear end, wheel bearing, coolant crossover gaskets and a heater fan not impressed to say the least shoulda kept my super duty last toyota for me
oh yeah all in under 80,000
There was a heavy down pour today and my son noticed water leaking into the cab near the back window. I wonder if anyone else has had this problem?
Wow. I’ve had the same issue as well. Just popped up recently, but I have been unable to find where the leak is occurring.
Back window needs to be replaced. Mine did the same thing.
Paint is crap . As well as the cloth seats .
2008 tundra 5.7 bearing wine vibration felt at 48-50 miles an hour. Can feel in floor , throttle, and steering . Also truck only gets 15.3 miles to the gallon on the highway. 90,000 miles on truck
rear bearing cost me $750 with less than 75000 miles!
I recently had the bed of my 2008 Tundra replaced by Toyota at no charge due to rust through at the four corners on the floor of the bed. This was discovered when I took out the Dealer/Factory installed bedliner out(in since day one when purchased new)to have a spray-in bedliner installed and a new tonneau cover.
The Line-X dealer pointed the defect out to me and said he was familiar with it because a previous customer with an ’09 Tundra had the same issue that was missed and consequently two days after the liner was sprayed on it began to bubble in the four corners. The truck owner informed his dealer and Toyota replaced the entire bed at no charge as they were aware of this problem on 07-10 Tundras.
In my case, the dealer recognized the problem as rust-through from the bottom and arranged with the factory to replace the bed. New bed and paint all done with no hassle whatsoever. I’ll say this: Toyota stands behind their vehicles.
2008 SR5 Double Cab, 32,000 miles
Craig,
That’s great!
-Tim
Same problem but I have 2007 crewmax limited with 181,000 miles
I was 2 months past the 5 year warrany told me to get screwed . Also had a bad tailgate at 45,000 miles also told me to get screwed
Last toyota for me RUSTING after 5 years
That’s horrible
Sorry is not good enough
Does anybody have a 2008 toyota tundra that shimmys on take off or on inclines is there any answers to this
I have an 08 with 5000 on it pretty sure fuel pump died today any one els have this issuse
I have a 2008 crewmax 4×4…65000 miles…when i start engine, rear bed window sometimes rolls down…also sometimes when rolling the rear bed window down it shuts off radio…the newest issue is, when i turn truck off & pull key out of ignition, the truck continues to run….
Jason Kuhn,
Sounds like you have an electrical issue somewhere. Have you gotten it checked out?
-Tim
I had toyota service dept hook it up to computer when it was shutting off radio while trying to roll back bed window down , it showed no code…
What have the service guys said about the problem?
-Tim
They said it didn’t show a code, so they didn’t see any problems.
I have only had the truck 4 weeks,
the 2008 tundra I bought has turned out to be the biggest piece of ???? that I have ever owned fuel milage is in the toilet transmission never stops shifting or gets stuck in third gear cant risk going anywhere you may have to use four wheel drive because it is almost gaurantied to get stuck and now what about resale value there is none i have not been able to sell privatley and and trade in value is unspeakable so for any of you thinking of leaving dodge or gmc I would think long and hard before you make that mistake
HaHa – I left Dodge after my 1980 Dodge RAM P O Sh** Only Dodge I ever enjoyed was 1972 Dart Swinger 340. I always told Toyota (my Dad’s favorite car) if they ever made a pick up I’d buy it. My 08 is the second and I wouldn’t go back to any other
your full of (it). Do your research on resale.
I have done my research why do you think i remarked on it i am still stuck with the piece of ____ I have had no offers even at the low price I have set.
I’ve owned full size pick ups since 1973, not just Toyota, all of them. They all have their issues, however Toyota has the best response to issues that “I have experienced”. If you’re locked into “resale” value you’re highly misinformed as to the value of a vehicle. Reliability is the most important to me, and that has been my experience with my Toyota Tundras. I could fill up this comment column with issues that I have had with other trucks, but you’re obviously a “Dodge Boy”. Grow up. Get real.
2nd post my tailgate folded in two while loading my sled engine light keeps coming on and staying on have to disconnect battery to turn it off O Ya 90$ Canadian to have it diagnosed every time something goes wrong even if its the same thig
Add the tailgate latch. Mine broke at three years and less than 35K miles. Now the water pump is leaking pink fluid at 56K miles and although it’s under warranty for two more weeks. Toyota refuses to replace it. They want to wait until I’m on the side of the road in 105 degree heat with my horses behind me in the trailer and it’s my bill and not theirs. No more Toyotas for me!
Judy,
That stinks!
-Tim
I HAVE A 2008 CREWMAX, 5.7 ENGINE. DURING STARTING WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, IT AUTO CRANKS FOR A LONGTIME BEFORE IT STARTS. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE PROBLEM? I HAVE 70K MILES.
Eddie,
Why don’t you have a technician look at it. Sounds like it could be a starter. Hard to say anymore, probably need a diagnostic check.
-Tim
We purchased our second Tundra 2008 and updated to a 2009/2008. We got the 5.7 engine with automatic/6 speed manual transmission 4 x 4. About a month ago the SENSORS under the truck decided that we were on ice (it was about 50 degrees) and water apparently got up under the truck (it had been raining) and this set off the sensors that told the truck to go into 4/low and nonskid as well as other engine lights came on and the truck would not hardly go as it was in low range 4 wheel drive. This has now happened “4″times and it is always when we are on the road.
I had the same thing happen. There are two pumps involved with the issue and they are covered for 10 years, 150,000 miles. I just had mine changed by Toyota dealer at no cost.
Our 2006 Tundra was awesome. Our 2008 Tundra does not hold a candle to the 2006. The seats rattle and we have had it in on 2 different occasions and have been told this is Just The way the truck is! One door does not shut properly, again we were told this is due to inside pressure and this is the way it is! The other 3 doors shut properly. We had previously owned Ford and Chevrolets with captain chairs and they had seats that had turned down arm rests as part of the seat. We were told that Toyota does not build such a seat for any Toyota vehicle. THAT IS ASHAME, if they can’t keep up with Ford and Chevy they should lower their prices.