2001 Toyota Tundra

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Learn

What changed

The TRD Off-Road package on V8 Access Cabs, a package for the Limited that paints the bumpers and tailgate handle, a bigger alternator for the V6, and two new colors.¹

What it came with

3.4L V6^2,3

190 hp · 2000–2004
4.7L V8^2,4

245 hp, 282 hp from 2005

Transmissions: 5-speed manual (2000–2004)^2,5, 4-speed automatic (2000–2004)^2,5
Drivetrains: 2WD^2,5, 4WD^2,5
Trims: Base⁴, SR5^2,4, Limited^2,4
Packages: TRD Off-Road Package^1,4, Color-keyed package (2001)¹, StepSide⁶, Sport suspension package^6,4, Towing and cold-weather packages⁴

Colors

Natural White 2000–2006 ^7,8,9,10
Black Onyx 2000–2006 ^7,8,9,10
Imperial Jade Mica ^7,8,9
Phantom Gray Pearl ^8,9,10
Desert Sand Mica ^8,9,10
Salsa Red Pearl ^8,9,10
Silver Sky Metallic ^9,10
Golden Sand Metallic ⁷
Stellar Blue Pearl ⁷
Sunfire Red Pearl ⁷
Autumn Red Mica ⁷
Blue Marlin Pearl ⁹
Stratosphere Mica ⁹
Timberland Mica ¹⁰
Bluesteel Metallic ¹⁰
Spectra Blue Mica ¹⁰

Interiors

Bench seat Cloth, Base ⁴
Captain's chairs Leather, optional, Limited ^2,5,4
Pebble Beige ^7,8,9
Graphite ⁸
Grey ⁸

Compare with another year

Buy

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Rusted frame and rear crossmember 2000–2003 Walk away if found

What to check: Look over the frame and the rear crossmember for rust, and ask whether the crossmember or frame was replaced under the recall.

Rust can drop the spare tire and damage the rear brake lines. Toyota recalled 2000–2003 trucks in 2009 to inspect and replace or treat the crossmember.

Sources ^11,12
Timing belt with no proof it was changed All years

What to check: Look for a replacement label on the timing cover or engine, and ask for the receipt.

Eight members across two forum threads tell buyers to check the timing belt. The 4.7L is an interference engine, so a broken belt can ruin it. One owner changes it every 100,000 miles, another about every 80,000.

Sources ^13,14
Lower ball joints All years

What to check: Ask whether the lower ball joint recall was done, and have the ball joints checked.

Three members across two forum threads name the lower ball joints. One says they separate, and another points to Toyota's recall.

Sources ^13,14
Cracked exhaust manifolds All years

What to check: Look for cracks or leaks at the exhaust manifolds.

Three owners across two forum threads name cracked or leaking exhaust manifolds.

Sources ^13,14
Warped front brakes All years

What to check: Brake firmly from speed and feel for a shudder.

Three members across two forum threads name the front brakes. One says they warp, and one owner has had recurring front brake trouble and new calipers under a Toyota service bulletin.

Sources ^13,14
Automatic failing in fourth gear 2000–2005

What to check: Drive it in fourth gear at highway speed, and ask how hard it has towed.

Three members across two forum threads name fourth gear or overdrive. One says trucks through 2005 have a fourth-gear part that can fail under hard use or towing, often by 150,000 miles. Another says the overdrive failed before 100,000 miles on some 2001s.

Sources ^13,14

Recalls

09V444000 2000–2003
Rust in the rear crossmember can drop the spare tire and damage the rear brake lines. Parts are replaced or treated.^{11,15,16,17,18}

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Sought after: The 4.7L V8 at high miles All years

Three owners of V8 trucks in two forum threads speak well of them. One calls a 2002 rock solid from 110,000 to 205,000 miles, one calls a 2006 reliable at about 140,000, and one calls theirs a great reliable truck past 200,000.^13,19,14

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.