2009 Toyota Tundra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Max S/Box 2WD 5.7 V8 /Ltd, Crew Max S/Box 4WD 5.7 V8, Crew Max S/Box 4WD 5.7 V8 Ltd, Double Cab L/Box 2WD 5.7 V8 6a Long
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 15 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 226–244.9 in
- Curb weight
- 5,236–5,690 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 10 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Toyota Tundra is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (4.0L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 4.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 226 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 146-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,236 lb (Crew Max S/Box 2WD 5.7 V8 /Ltd).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (15 city / 19 highway), 2% worse than the 2009 standard pickup truck average of 16.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2009
- New body dimensions: 2.7 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Tundra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Max S/Box 2WD 5.7 V8 /Ltd | 226 in | 79.9 in | 76 in | 145.7 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 5,236 lb | 58/42 |
| Crew Max S/Box 4WD 5.7 V8 | 226 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 145.7 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 5,465 lb | 58/42 |
| Crew Max S/Box 4WD 5.7 V8 Ltd | 226 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 145.7 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 5,540 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab L/Box 2WD 5.7 V8 6a Long | 244.9 in | 79.9 in | 76 in | 164.6 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 5,344 lb | |
| Double Cab L/Box 4WD 4.7 V8 5a Long | 244.9 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 164.6 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 5,690 lb | |
| Double Cab L/Box 4WD 5.7 V8 6a Long | 244.9 in | 79.9 in | 76.4 in | 164.6 in | 67.3 / 67.7 in | 5,646 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tundra 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tundra 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tundra 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 17 / 15 | -8% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Tundra 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 16 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Tundra 4WD FFV | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Tundra 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -10% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Toyota Tundra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Toyota Tundra (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Nissan Titan | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 GMC Sierra | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Pickup | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Suzuki Equator | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (10)
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System · Nov 23, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V920000 · 22,462 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
- Risk
- An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- Risk
- If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls · Oct 22, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V689000 · 1,814,284 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
- Risk
- If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Nov 19, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
- Risk
- Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
- Fix
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · May 12, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V278000 · 1,629 vehicles
- Problem
- SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE TPMS ON SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY CALIBRATED AND AS A RESULT THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP MAY NOT ILLUMINATE SHOULD THE INFLATION PRESSURE IN ONE OR MORE OF THE VEHICLE'S TIRES FALL BELOW THE THRESHOLD FOR WHEN THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP SHOULD ILLUMINATE.
- Risk
- DRIVERS WILL NOT RECEIVE A WARNING FROM THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR THAT ONE OR MORE TIRES ARE UNDERINFLATED, INCREASING THE RISK THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE DRIVEN WITH ONE OR MORE UNDERINFLATED TIRES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A TIRE FAILURE THAT MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN DURING JULY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TOLL FREE AT 1-800-301-6859, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM, EASTERN STANDARD TIME.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Mar 16, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V185000 · 1,489 vehicles
- Problem
- GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FJ CRUISER AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS." THE TPMS ON SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY CALIBRATED AND AS A RESULT THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP MAY NOT ILLUMINATE SHOULD THE INFLATION PRESSURE IN ONE OR MORE OF THE VEHICLE'S TIRES FALL BELOW THE THRESHOLD FOR WHEN THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP SHOULD ILLUMINATE.
- Risk
- DRIVERS WILL NOT RECEIVE A WARNING FROM THE TIRE PRESSURING MONITOR THAT ONE OR MORE TIRES ARE UNDERINFLATED INCREASING THE RISK THAT A VEHICLE WILL BE DRIVEN WITH ONE OR MORE UNDERINFLATED TIRES AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A TIRE FAILURE THAT MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATE TOYOTA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TOLL FREE AT 1-800-444-1074 MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM, OR FRIDAY 8:30 AM TO 4:00 PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Mar 4, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V148000 · 22,000 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
- Risk
- FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles
- Problem
- GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Risk
- THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
- Problem
- SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
- Risk
- A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Jan 21, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V017000 · 2,230,661 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
- Risk
- THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2009 Toyota Tundra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Toyota Tundra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Toyota Tundra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tundra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
| 2025 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 142 |
| 2024 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 354 |
| 2023 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 414 |
| 2022 Tundra | 22 | 245.7 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 434 |
| 2021 Tundra | 15 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 24 |
| 2020 Tundra | 15 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 47 |
| 2019 Tundra | 16 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 74 |
| 2018 Tundra | 16 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 100 |
| 2017 Tundra | 16 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 78 |
| 2016 Tundra | 17 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 120 |
| 2015 Tundra | 17 | 226 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 51 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →