2009 Toyota Tundra: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
One of the cleanest early second-gen years; complaints drop sharply versus 2007-2008. Mainly the residual air-injection-pump and Takata items remain on an otherwise mature, durable 5.7L V8. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Toyota Tundra ranged from $22,490 to $36,010 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
One of the cleanest early second-gen years; complaints drop sharply versus 2007-2008. Mainly the residual air-injection-pump and Takata items remain on an otherwise mature, durable 5.7L V8.
Sources (4)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/tundra
- realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-worst-years-toyota-tundra/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=tundra…
- cherishyourcar.comhttps://www.cherishyourcar.com/toyota-5-7-engine-problems/
Known issues
-
Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.
occasional · 49 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–100k miles · engine
-
Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.
occasional · 49 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–100k miles · other
-
Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks).
commonly reported · 49 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–150k miles · engine
-
Cam-tower oil leak from a deteriorating RTV seal; a labour-intensive repair that in some cases drips oil onto the exhaust.
commonly reported · 22 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–150k miles · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=tundra…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=tundra…
- cherishyourcar.comhttps://www.cherishyourcar.com/toyota-5-7-engine-problems/
- realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-worst-years-toyota-tundra/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Strong towing and payload, with comfortable, roomy cabs.
- Exceptionally durable 5.7L i-Force V8 with a reputation for going 250,000+ miles.
- Outstanding resale value and easy, predictable servicing.
Cons
- Interior design and tech aged noticeably late in the long generation.
- Large size and wide turning circle make it unwieldy in tight spaces.
- Early builds carried air-injection-pump issues and 2018-2019 trucks a fuel-pump recall.
- Poor fuel economy compared with domestic rivals.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | $22,490 | discontinued | — | — |
| SR5 | $26,305 | $46,510 | — | — |
| Limited | $36,010 | $54,860 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-toyota-tundra-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-tundra-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($22,490). Higher trims started higher (up to $36,010), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-tundra/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/tundra
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Toyota Tundra have?
Documented issue patterns include: Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall; Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008; Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks); Cam-tower oil leak from a deteriorating RTV seal; a labour-intensive repair that in some cases drips oil onto the exhaust. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Toyota Tundra reliable?
One of the cleanest early second-gen years; complaints drop sharply versus 2007-2008. Mainly the residual air-injection-pump and Takata items remain on an otherwise mature, durable 5.7L V8.
How much did the 2009 Toyota Tundra cost new?
Between $22,490 and $36,010 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Toyota Tundra expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.