TSB: Some 2007 ? 2010 model year Tundra vehicles may exhibit a howling or growling noise from the rear of the vehicle that increases with vehicle speed. Changes have been made to the rear axle bearing to address this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Toyota Tundra powertrain problems
severe 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 37 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Toyota Tundra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 37 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL11-05): Toyota has received reports of customer concerns regarding the illumination of the check engine light (Malfunction Indicator Light) due to moisture/water in the Air Injection Pumps and/or Air Switching Valves in the engines of a number of these vehicles. T-SB-0160-11 has been released to assist dealers in the diagnosis and repair of these vehicles. However, some of the vehicles covered by T-SB-0160-11 may be outside of Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Powertrain Warranty and California Emission Warranty due to age and/or mileage. To assure customers that we stand behind our product, we are offering a warranty extension on the Air Injection Pumps and Air Switc
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) was introduced to reduce maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled maintenance checks. Here are some important tips when working with ATF-WS in Toyota vehicles requiring it's use.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Tundra's powertrain shows multiple distinct failure patterns across 37 complaints.
Transmission and driveline problems dominate the cluster. Owners report violent thumping and clanking during acceleration/deceleration that worsens over time; dealers often cannot duplicate the issue. Some describe transmission slipping—engine revving without vehicle acceleration, then sudden surging when it engages. A few report the transmission failing to engage any gear, causing the vehicle to roll freely and uncontrolled, with transfer case grinding and alarm sounds. One owner experienced violent banging that felt like the undercarriage was coming loose.
Secondary air injection system failures cause sudden power loss, limp mode, and dash warning lights (P2442, P2440 codes) at relatively low mileage (11,000–60,000 miles). Owners report the system pulls water when driving in rain at highway speeds, disabling traction control and 4WD, and forcing transmission downshifts. Repair costs range $1,400–$5,000. Dealers reference TSB T-SB-039-08 but claim no Toyota authorization to implement the remedy.
Rear axle bearing failures occur prematurely (16,800–75,000 miles), producing howling, humming, and vibration. TSB T-SB-0151-10 addresses the issue with a replacement kit, but Toyota has refused warranty coverage beyond the initial 3 years/36,000 miles.
Unintentional acceleration incidents are documented shortly after recall pedal-shim work and during remote-start operation, suggesting electrical or control faults rather than mechanical entrapment.
Electrical faults disable ABS, VSC, 4WD, and fuel systems without warning, creating hazardous conditions.
Same Toyota Tundra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission slipping and surging
Engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate; sudden lurching when transmission engages. Occurs during turns and light acceleration. Dealers claim normal behavior.
When: Throughout ownership; some reported at low mileage (100 miles, 19,699 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine accelerates without vehicle movement; Delayed engagement followed by sudden surge; Jerking and hesitation during acceleration; Difficulty shifting gears at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to remedy; one case cited electrical connection failure
Driveline thumping and clanking
Violent banging and thumping during acceleration and deceleration, progressively worsening. Owners report feeling like undercarriage is coming loose; one incident caused road-shoulder stop due to severity.
When: Early ownership; at least one reported at 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud thumping on acceleration/deceleration; Violent banging that worsens over time; Vibration felt throughout vehicle; Sensation of driveline disconnection
Repairs/costs cited: Drive shaft-to-transmission connection not locking securely; dealer unable to remedy
Transfer case and 4WD engagement failure
Transfer case fails to engage in any gear position (2WD, 4WD HI, 4WD LO), causing vehicle to roll freely and uncontrolled. Grinding noise and alarm beeping accompany failure. Vehicle parked in Park mode has rolled backwards on inclines.
When: Within first week of ownership reported in one case; others at varying mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from transfer case; Alarm buzzer activation; Vehicle rolls in any gear; no gear engages; Uncontrolled forward/backward rolling; 4WD light illuminates and will not disengage
Repairs/costs cited: Rear end and drive shaft inspection ordered by dealership; transmission failure suspected in one case
Secondary air injection system failure
Air injection pump ingests water during extended rainy/highway driving, disabling engine power on grades. Vehicle enters limp mode with multiple dash warnings. Repair costs $1,400–$5,000. TSB T-SB-039-08 Rev 2 references known issue but dealers claim no authorization to implement remedy.
When: 11,000–60,000 miles; repeat failures within months of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid power loss on medium grades; Unable to accelerate; Check engine light illumination; Cruise control causes repeated transmission downshifts; Vehicle stability control disabled; 4WD disabled and check engine light on; Limp mode activation
Codes mentioned: P2442 (Secondary Air Induction System Failure), P2440
Repairs/costs cited: Pump and switching valve replacement; $1,400–$5,000 parts and labor reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB T-SB-039-08 Rev 2 (10/28/08) documents issue; dealers claim no authorization to implement remedy
Rear axle bearing failures
Premature bearing wear and failure at relatively low mileage, producing howling and humming at highway speeds, vibration in floorboard. Failure can result in wheel seizure or separation. TSB T-SB-0151-10 addresses the issue; Toyota refuses warranty coverage beyond 36,000 miles/3 years.
When: 16,800–104,000 miles (most commonly 70,000–75,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud humming noise from rear drivetrain; Howling/whining at highway speeds; Vibration in floorboard; Clicking sound that increases with speed
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel bearing replacement; cost over $1,600 reported; replacement bearing failed again within one month in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB T-SB-0151-10 (6/11/2010) documents issue and replacement kit; Toyota refuses coverage beyond 3-year/36,000-mile warranty
Unintentional acceleration
Engine surges to full throttle when shifting from Park to Drive, with driver foot firmly on brake and not touching throttle. Occurs within minutes of dealership recall service. Also reported after remote-start activation.
When: Within 10 minutes/3.5 miles after recall service; remote-start incident
Symptoms owners cite: Engine immediately goes to full throttle upon shift to Drive; Rear wheels spin; vehicle held by front brakes; Occurs despite foot on brake and not on throttle
Repairs/costs cited: Attributed to electrical/control issue by owner, not mechanical
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Accelerator pedal shim recall (SSC) applied; unintended acceleration occurred after recall completion
Transmission rumble-strip vibration
Six-speed transmission with 5.7L V-8 exhibits vibration similar to driving over rumble strips, caused by transmission slippage under light engine load. Can worsen to prevent shifting into or out of gear, potentially stranding vehicle.
When: Early ownership; one complaint at 52 miles on odometer
Symptoms owners cite: Rumble-strip-like vibration under light load; Slippage sensations lasting several seconds; Progressive worsening to gear-shift prevention
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer expected to address but no repair details provided
ABS, VSC, and electrical control failures
ABS, vehicle stability control, 4WD, and fuel system controls fail without warning, with dash lights flashing. Causes loss of safety systems during critical driving situations. Owners report wiring harness and connection issues; one case involved ECM terminal failure.
When: At various mileages (34,000–100,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates; ABS fails to operate; VSC light and 4-HI/4-LO lights flashing; VSC fails to engage; 4WD shift fails; Check engine light on with traction control; Vehicle limited to 45–60 mph in limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement, ECM terminal failure identified in one case; extended warranty covered $600 diagnostic in one case
Transfer case rust and failure
Transfer case spider gear develops rust despite being submerged in oil (per dealer statement). Causes growling noise and hesitation during operation.
When: 104,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Growling noise during operation; Abnormal hesitation when driven; Rust on internal gears
Repairs/costs cited: Gear should be oil-covered and not rust per dealer; condition suggests design flaw
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
1. Turning right in 2008 Toyota tundra out of parking lot at work or into traffic, I decelerate preparing to turn right and remove pressure from gas pedal and brake during the turn. When I reapply pressure to the gas pedal during the turn the truck does not accelerate only the engine accelerates. Adding additional pressure to the gas pedal only causes the engine to accelerate more. When the…
The check engine light came on and the vehicle won't accelerate over 45 MPH. Almost caused me to have an accident. Seems like Toyota knows about this problem and won't do anything to recall the problem. *tr
The transmission and transfer case on our 2008 tundra 4wd drive has failed, repeatedly this past week while operating the vehicle on a public street. In this "fail" condition, the transfer case makes a grinding nose, the transfer case alarm buzzer makes nose and irrespective of transmission position or transfer case selection (2wd, 4wd hi, 4wd lo) fails to engage in low or hi, and most…
I have a remote start system on my truck, I remote start my truck. The truck was parked on a level surface, nose pointing in towards house. The driveway drops off into a slope, but the truck was on the flat surface area. We go outside to get in it, and it's gone. It's not in the driveway and it's no where to be seen. I look over towards the creek, nope not there. Look out front, there's my truck…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota tundra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle would jerk and pull abnormally when attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer who informed the contact that the ECM terminals had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was approximately 34,000.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 Toyota Tundra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Toyota Tundra?
It's a meaningful issue. 37 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 19,000 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 63,228. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,000; a quarter make it past 92,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Toyota/Tundra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.