Denis, I appreciate your…
Denis, I appreciate your story and I feel badly for the new truck owners. Unfortunately every Tundra model seems to have had some issues, but if resolved the results can be worthwhile.
I have a 2001 Tundra. It was my daily driver. At 75,000 miles I lost power and had it towed to the dealership. The transmission had totally failed. Toyota replaced it at no cost to me. When the truck reached 110,000 miles, I received a frame recall notice. At that point the truck was 15 years old and only used on weekends. I talked to the dealer and Toyota authorized the $12,000 repair (2016 dollars). The dealer had the truck for nearly four months. As they tried to take the truck apart, other elements were rusted and broke so they had to replace them as well. Toyota gave me whatever loaner I wanted and for fun, I tried all kinds of cars during the repair period. In the end, my truck was returned with a new frame, new shocks, all kinds of mounts etc. replaced. The Tundra is now at 175,000 miles and 23 years old. The clear coat is starting to peal, the leather seats are starting to dry out and crack, BUT the truck is still my weekend warrior. It starts up every time in all types of Midwest weather. At my usage rate, the truck may outlast me.
P.S. I also have a 2012 Sienna with 260,000 miles and a 2012 Highlander Limited with 240,000 miles that work perfectly with no unusual maintenance issues.