2007 Toyota Tundra powertrain problems

Transmission does not mechanically lock in Park position, particularly after traction control activation or in 2WD mode on grades. Vehicle rolls backward despite shifter in Park. Safety-critical issue involving parked vehicle movement.

When: Reported from 16,850 miles to high mileage; typically after traction control events or cold starts

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not hold Park on inclines without parking brake; Vehicle rolls backward down driveway or grade; Shifter moves between gears but Park does not lock; Occurs more frequently in 2WD, not in 4WD; Can trigger simultaneously with traction control intervention

Repairs/costs cited: Owners reported $5,000+ in property damage from vehicle rollouts; Toyota field tech found no mechanical defect; dealers blamed operator error

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota field investigation concluded no vehicle error; owner claims related NHTSA cases exist for 2007 Tundra

4-wheel drive low engagement fails repeatedly despite proper procedure. Diagnostic testing confirms transfer case actuator failure. TSB-referenced repair requires complete transfer case replacement.

When: Reported at various mileages; one case at normal usage for low range (winter/off-road only)

Symptoms owners cite: 4WD Lo light flashes but never engages; Can switch to 4WD Hi and 2WD without issue; Requires multiple attempts on level surface with brake and emergency brake engaged; Dealer can replicate the problem

Repairs/costs cited: Toyota Service Bulletin mandates transfer case replacement, actuator replacement, and ECM reprogramming; owner reported cost of $5,200

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Service Bulletin identified as remedy; repair recognized and documented by dealer

U-joint or yoke separates from transmission output shaft, driveshaft falls out or becomes unsafe. Affects both 2WD and 4WD models despite recall for 4WD only. Safety risk of driveshaft contact with undercarriage and tires.

When: Reported from low mileage (under 50k) to high mileage (100k+); one case at ~23k miles with vibration preceding failure

Symptoms owners cite: Popping or banging noise from driveline; Violent shaking in driveshaft while driving; Yoke separates from slip yoke at transmission; Driveshaft falls out completely at low speed (10 mph); vehicle shudders and stops; Jerking with popping sound when accelerating from stop; Vibration and spinning sensation felt in driver's floor area

Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft specialist replaced U-joint and carrier bearing ($1,500+); complete driveshaft replacement required in other cases; owners paid out of pocket as 2WD models not covered by recall

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 07V579000 issued for 4WD driveshaft only; 2WD models excluded despite identical symptoms reported; 2011 Tundra models recalled for same failure; 2007 4X2 owners told no remedy available

Rear transmission seal fails, causing fluid loss during highway operation. Seal replacements fail to hold; problem recurs within weeks to months. Affects both 2WD and 4WD despite recall for 4WD only. Closed transmission design prevents owner-level fluid top-off.

When: Reported from 70k miles onward; one case at 96k miles with new transmission in 2018 then leak at 3k miles post-seal replacement in 2019

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking from tailshaft seal; Leaking only after warmup and while in motion; ABS and stability control warning lights illuminate at highway speeds (75+ mph); Leak persists after seal replacement with genuine Toyota part

Repairs/costs cited: Replaced tailshaft housing seal twice; driveline replacement recommended by dealer; owner cost $1,000+; one case with new transmission plus seal replacement still failed

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 4WD models only; 2WD models excluded despite same transmission design; dealer response indicates driveline replacement necessary

Transmission exhibits clunking sounds and sensation when stopping (feels like rear-end collision), delayed upshifting, rough gear engagement, and slipping. Clunking increases in frequency with mileage. Morning cold-start reluctance to shift into higher gears.

When: Reported from 18,500 miles to 211k miles; increases in frequency over vehicle lifetime; cold-start issues in mornings; one case as early as new truck

Symptoms owners cite: Severe clunking sensation a few seconds after coming to complete stop; feels like being rear-ended; Rough transmission shifts when releasing and reapplying accelerator; Transmission downshifts 3 gears immediately on flat freeway without cause; Clunking occurs initially occasionally (~36k miles) then regularly (~50 miles intervals by 58k miles); Morning cold starts will not shift into 5th or 6th gear until ~1 mile of driving; Slipping and grinding noises from transmission at 68k miles; Jumping/shuddering sensation when transmission attempts to shift while parked; Vehicle shudders excessively when trying to stop during rough transmission operation

Codes mentioned: P2714, P0751

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cannot replicate in service bay despite documented condition; one owner had new transmission installed ($4,500); owners reported transmission diagnostic indicates replacement needed; one case cited TSB TC017-07 with transmission replacement and ECM reprogramming as factory remedy

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB TC017-07 (dated November 28, 2007) documents transmission solenoid issue; remedy: transmission replacement and ECM reprogramming; dealers claim cannot fix without replication; one owner told transmission not normal to fail this soon but warranty denied

Transmission locks into 3rd or 4th gear and will not upshift or downshift. Loss of transmission control during operation. Check engine light and VSC/traction control warnings illuminate.

When: Reported during highway operation at various mileages and speeds; one case with trailer load

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift out of 3rd gear; stuck on freeway; Later fails to shift out of 4th gear; Check engine light, vehicle stability control, and traction control lights all illuminate; Engine codes P2714 and P0751 present; Vehicle enters limp mode with power loss

Codes mentioned: P2714, P0751

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer remedy per TSB: transmission replacement and ECM reprogramming; owner reported $4,500+ cost estimate

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB TC017-07 identifies this as known issue; factory remedy documented but not proactively applied; VSC/traction control disabled when transmission fault detected, creating unsafe condition

Secondary air injection system malfunctions, triggering limp mode, severe power loss, and multiple warning lights. Most common on cold morning startups. Repair cost $4,000–$6,000. Owners report Toyota prolonging warranty claim until extended 10-year/100k coverage expires.

When: Reported on cold mornings at various mileages; one case at 148k miles; recurrence after code clearing suggests incomplete repair

Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights flash and beep simultaneously; Vehicle enters limp mode with severe power loss; Engine runs rough with misfire; Transfer case stuck in 4WD Lo coincident with lights and misfire; Vehicle vibration and shuddering; Reduced to 50 mph maximum on highway; Problem resolves when weather warms but recurs in cold; Engine codes remain in computer after symptoms stop

Codes mentioned: P2440

Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed air pump valve failure; Toyota quoted $5,000–$6,000 for air pump repair; TSB available but dealer refused repair citing inability to replicate failure

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended 10-year/100k warranty coverage issued in 2017; Toyota told owner cannot repair unless failure occurs on dealership lot; owner alleges Toyota is stalling claim until extended warranty expires (September)

Vehicle accelerates suddenly and uncontrollably when shifting from Park into Drive, particularly when engine first starts. Multiple incidents, both near-misses with property damage.

When: Reported at vehicle startup; occurred twice to same owner in different scenarios

Symptoms owners cite: Engine accelerates suddenly upon shifting into Drive from Park after startup; Vehicle lunges forward unexpectedly; Vehicle reaches high RPM during unintended acceleration event; Engine acceleration occurs even with accelerator not depressed; Replicating shifting Park to Drive with brake applied still triggers event

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed evaluation and found no mechanical cause; owner applied maximum braking effort to stop vehicle

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer inspection found no defect or code; manufacturer not contacted for this specific failure mode

Pedal sticks or becomes oversensitive to bumps and suspension movement following dealer's recall repair (part installation). Vehicle accelerates or RPM rises with every bump or hill. Continuous RPM hunting during operation. Owner requests complete pedal replacement instead of part modification.

When: After recall repair appointment; ongoing after dealer 'fix' installation

Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal floats with foot, causing constant RPM rise and fall; Vehicle accelerates on its own or decelerates unintentionally; Engine RPM hunting constantly when riding over bumps or hills; Pedal oversensitive to suspension movement; Engine knocking/ticking sound like diesel after repair; Transmission downshifting excessively in response to pedal hunting; Problem began after dealer installed recall part

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer installed part as recall remedy but problem persists; owner requests full pedal replacement instead of part modification; multiple follow-up complaints to dealership ignored

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for sticky pedal; part installation performed per recall; dealer claims nothing wrong despite documented pre-repair normal operation

Vehicle lurches or lunges forward unexpectedly when brakes are released from complete stop or during deceleration. Separate from normal transmission engagement.

When: At traffic lights and stop signs; when releasing brake pedal; during deceleration

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward when brake pedal released from complete stop; Vehicle lunges forward abnormally when brakes initially applied in preparation for starting; Lunge sensation with severity that feels like rear-end collision; Occurs frequently enough owner hit wife's vehicle following behind

Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner stated issue common in 2005 Tundras and up based on research

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in complaints

Transfer case locks into 4WD Low mode and will not shift to 2WD or 4WD High despite multiple attempts. Dashboard lights flashing and beeping. Occurs particularly in cold weather or after traction control events.

When: Reported at cold startup and after traction control intervention; one case persisted with other electrical issues for days

Symptoms owners cite: Transfer case stuck in 4WD Lo despite multiple shift attempts; 4WD Lo light illuminated and beeping when vehicle in 2WD mode; All dashboard lights flashing simultaneously (oil, 4WD, skid, etc.); Cannot disengage from 4WD Lo to 2WD or 4WD Hi; Issue triggered by traction control/anti-skid activation in slippery conditions; Cold morning startups most common trigger; Problem resolves after battery disconnect and reconnect

Repairs/costs cited: One case resolved by clearing codes; recurred after restart suggesting electrical or sensor issue rather than mechanical

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; one owner noted Toyota extended 10-year/100k warranty but refused service

Transmission pressure control solenoid failure causes inability to shift, loss of power, and activation of VSC/traction control warnings. Documented in TSB TC017-07 with remedy known since November 2007.

When: Reported at various mileages; one case at 148k miles; issue known to Toyota since 2007

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle stability control and traction control lights activate; Vehicle enters limp mode; Transmission control loss; Codes P2714 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low) and P0751 (Pressure Control Solenoid Malfunction) present

Codes mentioned: P2714, P0751

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement and ECM reprogramming per TSB TC017-07; owner reported cost $4,500+

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB TC017-07 issued November 28, 2007, documenting issue and remedy; Toyota field tech aware of issue but states warranty expired; owner alleges manufacturer delay tactics

Severe vibration in driveshaft during highway operation. Carrier bearing or U-joint wear causes violent shaking and noise. Issue documented by dealer but declared unfixable without factory remedy.

When: Reported from 60k miles to 116k miles; symptoms develop and worsen over time

Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking in driveshaft at highway speeds; Loud popping or banging noise from driveline when accelerating; Severe vibration felt in vehicle body; Noise occurs particularly when accelerating from stop; Dealers can reproduce but state no known fix

Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft specialist replaced U-joint and carrier bearing; complete driveshaft replacement required in some cases; cost $1,500+

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle outside NHTSA Campaign 07V579000 scope despite identical failure mode; dealer states no known remedy available

Rear wheel bearings wear prematurely, producing grinding or scraping noise during cornering. Dealer confirms worn bearings requiring Toyota 'update kit' for prevention.

When: Reported at 50k+ miles; one case requiring bearing replacement at 48k miles

Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or scraping noise from rear wheel area when making turns; Noise localized to rear end during cornering; Noise may be related to differential operation during turning

Repairs/costs cited: Rear wheel bearing replacement required; Toyota 'update kit' available to prevent repeat failure, suggesting design deficiency; one owner paid $2,000 for front differential replacement at 48k miles

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirms worn bearings; update kit available, suggesting Toyota acknowledged design limitation

Fuel pump fails, requiring complete fuel system replacement. 2007 model requires unique full-system replacement unlike other Tundra model years. Loss of power results. Failure at low mileage.

When: Reported at 60k miles; fuel pump failure following earlier vibration complaints at 23k miles

Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Fuel pump failure diagnostic code; Check engine light illumination

Repairs/costs cited: Complete fuel pump system replacement required; cost $777.79; owner noted 2007 is unique model requiring full system vs. pump-only replacement in other years

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented manufacturer response; owner states Toyota operations manager acknowledged unusual transmission failure rate at 68k miles as not normal

Transmission jerks, kicks, or shudders a few seconds after coming to complete stop, feeling like vehicle is being rear-ended. Occurs every 50 miles or so by high mileage. Suspect torque converter or first gear clutch pack engagement problem.

When: Reported from 26k miles onward; initial occurrence at 36k miles, becoming frequent (~every 50 miles) by 58k miles; one case at 116k miles from driveline/transmission bearing issue

Symptoms owners cite: Severe clunk or kick sensation 1–2 seconds after complete stop; Feels like vehicle is being bumped from behind; Entire truck shudders during event; Frequency increases with mileage; Does not occur at other times (only when stopped at light or sign); May be accompanied by transmission rough shifts when accelerator reapplied

Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replaced once; seal changed; front driveshaft aluminum replaced; problem persisted after repairs; owner suspects torque converter or transmission ECU issue; similar issue reported on 2007+ Camry determined to be torque converter

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers cannot replicate issue in service and claim unable to fix; one owner told by Toyota this is a 'characteristic of the Tundra' and will continue to occur; warranty repair denied after first driveshaft replacement

Transmission shifts rough, causing severe shuddering of entire vehicle, particularly when decelerating or approaching stops. May trigger limp mode. Rear end shakes excessively. Owners report worsening conditions and dealer inability to provide remedy.

When: Reported at 211k miles; issue recognized by dealership but without known fix

Symptoms owners cite: Rough transmission shudder at speeds 30–40 mph; Shudder improves with further acceleration or by stopping vehicle and restarting; Excessive rear-end shaking when attempting to stop; Rear feels like it will skip off road during shudder events; Condition persists despite mileage

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership acknowledges problem reproducibility but states repair unknown; owner notes Toyota issued TSB for this issue but owner's VIN not covered by fix

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for rough transmission shift but VIN excluded from coverage; dealer unable to provide repair

Transmission or differential produces clunking sensation immediately after or before vehicle stops, particularly in mornings or cold starts. Feels like sudden downshift or engagement. Frequency and severity increase over ownership.

When: Reported from early ownership at 17k miles to 167k miles; morning cold starts most common; morning shifting delay to 5th/6th gear may last ~1 mile

Symptoms owners cite: Clunk sensation in transmission/rear end when stopping; Worse on cold mornings; Transmission slow to shift into 5th or 6th gear on cold morning (takes ~1 mile of driving); Transmission slow to engage 3rd gear on cold morning (takes until vehicle warmed); Dashboard lights flashing (4WD light, skid light, oil light) during cold-start episodes; All lights go off after battery disconnect/reconnect or vehicle warmup

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attribute to normal operation or warmup period; no repairs documented

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim normal behavior requiring vehicle warmup; one dealer noted their own vehicle exhibits same behavior

Plastic detent or cover pieces surrounding gear shift lever bend and crumble, preventing gear selection or jamming shifter between gears. Vehicle does not recognize Park position until plastic pieces manually pushed down.

When: Reported at 63k miles

Symptoms owners cite: Two plastic cover pieces around gear shift bend and crumble; Gear shift becomes caught between plastic pieces; Difficult to place shift in desired gear; Vehicle fails to recognize Park position until plastic manually forced down; Broken plastic prevents shift movement

Repairs/costs cited: Two plastic cover pieces require replacement; repair not completed in complaint

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer technicians identified plastic covers as requiring replacement

Engine exhibits knocking or ticking sound similar to diesel engine. Check engine light may illuminate with secondary air system codes. Engine performance degraded.

When: Reported after recall repair and at various mileages; one case with code P2440 at 50k+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Engine ticking or knocking sound like diesel; Check engine light illumination; Engine misfire and vibration; Power loss or acceleration issues; Issue began or worsened after dealer gas pedal recall modification

Codes mentioned: P2440

Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic cleared codes; Toyota quoted $1,300+ for repair

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented for direct engine knock issues