Problems with 2000 Toyota Tundra STRUCTURE

2000 toyota tundra with rust holes through frame over and beside rear shock brackets and spring brackets. i am at my wits end with toyota and have tried to resolve this obvious defect at every level. this has become a safety issue for my self and other drivers, it is just a matter of time before the frame will snap in half. this truck is only 8 years old and the problem is getting worse by the day, i reported this with toyota almost two years ago and they said they would put it in the system? now march of 2009 toyota has inspected the truck and admits there is a problem but does not want to resolve it. i can go on line and find alot of complaints about this same problem with toyota dodging the issue. i was wondering if this would be something that should be looked into since they have already had this problem with some of the other trucks they manufacture. i plan to also notify my insurance company that they possibly could be insuring a potential disaster. your help and input would be greatly appreciated. *tr

Noticed an abundant amount of large scaly rust on my 2000 tundra's frame. in the past 3 months i have had a leaf spring piece break without a load on my truck. *tr

I lost my brakes. i had the 2000 tundra towed to our mechanic and they called and said the entire frame from the driver's seat to beyond the shocks was totally rusted and cracked ! they said it was not drivable. i called the irwin zone in laconia nh and they offered to help, we took the truck down they took pictures and then the gave me a official inspection form to sign saying they were not responsible for me driving the vehicle off the lot. the form said the car is not to be driven. tech inspected and wrote this invoice #547395 "frame has a hole on frame at lt wheel area,also has crossmember separation at frame on lr and has caused damaged to the brake line. we strongly recommend vehicle not be driven, customer takes vehicle at own risk and responsibility. #119848 frame cracked and rusted bad. not safe to drive." toyota said there was nothing they could do because there is not a recall on the tundra. i have contacted the attorney general complaint dept. and a lawyer. i cannot drive my car or even sell it as it is. looking for help with this manufacturer defect. *tr

I drive a toyota tundra 2000 sr5/trd which i purchased new from tarbox toyota. the frame rotted out all the way through causing separation over the rear drivers-side wheel. the rot caused the frame to break in half over that rear wheel. this has also caused my brakes to fail from loosing fluid. toyota as well a professional welder has deemed my truck undrivable as well as unfixable. i have looked for compensation from toyota, but to date they have denied responsibility. this was not a accident, this was a product liability failure. i presently have a complaint # with corporate toyota. *tr

I was driving down the road in my 2000 toyota tundra when i looked out my mirror and noticed the back bed of my pick up was moving more than the rest of the truck so i got out to see if something was broken and that was when i realized the frame was rotted out so bad that it was only held together by the top of the frame rail took it to toyota to find out what they suggested that i should do toyota told me that it was my problem not toyotas so i took the truck to a local welder he did what he could but it is only a temporary fix so my frame on my pick up is still not safe just waiting to hear from toyota. *tr

I own a 2000 tundra with 111,000 miles and it has a rotted out frame. i filed a complaint with toyota on 3/3/09 regarding this issue and got a case # but was told that they could only take down the information. i had gone in for my routine oil change but this time toyota put the truck on the lift and the frame crack in half...leaving me with a truck that was undrivable and costly to fix. never the less toyota on rte 44 in raynham still did the oil change don't ask me why..they have never told me anything in the past 5 years as an owner about my frame being rotted before. i drive around with 2 children ages 12 & 2 and it kills me to think i could have been in a serious accident with this situation. i have recently seen channel 5 investigates and i am glad other toyota tundra owners have stepped up to tell their stories. as so i am doing now. i hope toyota will step up to the plate with this problem and give us the same buy back program they gave to the tacoma owners. *tr

Driver and passenger side rear leaf springs broke in half due to corrosion in spring of 2009. frame and cross members rusting, large flakes of rust falling off started a few years back around between 100000-110000. *tr

During routine tune-up (tire rotation, oil change, check fluids, etc) my mechanic informed me of a serious rust condition affecting the frame of my 2000 toyota tundra. he noted it was similar to tacomas he had worked on. i was advised to contact toyota immediately. toyota dismissed my concern by simply stating it was 'out of warranty. the vehicle has 38,000 miles on it. excellent condition otherwise. significant rust affecting brake lines, leaf springs, ball joints, to name a few. *tr

I own a year 2000 toyota tundra, which i purchased as a new vehicle. the truck has approximately 81,000 miles on it and has been garaged for the entire time that i have owned it. the underside of the vehicle has shown extreme rusting, especially the brake system which has failed twice due to corrosion. during the most recent brake failure i could not stop the vehicle while descending a hill and downshifted the transmission to slow down. additional rust problems have included replacement of all front and rear brake lines, including the rear proportioning valve. the front rotor caliper pins have also seized due to rust. the emergency brake seized due to rust and was not operational. both sway bar links and bushings failed due to rust. the heat shields around the muffler and catalytic converter rusted off the tundra and may have posed significant safety hazards to drivers traveling behind me on the highway. these corrosion problems were reported to toyota and the truck was inspected by a district service representative for frame rusting only (summer 2009). the other problems with the braking system, etc. were completely ignored, even though i brought this to the service rep's attention. in addition, the district manager was contacted several months ago and has not addressed my concerns. all the above problems above were repaired at the local toyota dealer, whose mechanics commented that the underside of the truck was severely corroded. also, the repairs are documented in my vehicle's service history. *tr

I asked a local service station about adding a trailer hitch. after inspecting my truck, they said the frame was so badly rusted, that a hitch was out of the question. in fact they said the truck was unsafe to drive. they advised me to contact toyota. i took my truck to the local toyota dealer and the service manager confirmed the frame was badly rusted. the service manager said he would make an appointment with a toyota representative and also advised me to call the toyota customer service. the customer service said the truck was out of warranty and there was nothing they could do, but did give me a file number. the toyota rep. took photos and sent his report to toyota. i asked a service dept. person how long it would take to get a decision, because my inspection sticker would run out in 4 days. he said about a week, but if i needed an inspection sticker "don't bring it here", go to a small gas station since they usually don't look at frames. the toyota rep's report came back saying toyota would do nothing. i asked for a copy of the report, but was told it was "company confidential". so, here i am driving around in my $32,000 tundra which is now worthless and unsafe to drive and wondering what i should do! *tr

2000 limited toyota tundra has excessive frame rust. more than i've ever seen on a vehicle that was not in a junkyard. no serious incidents have occurred thus far, but i am sure that this frame will fail soon. i noticed the problem about a year ago and have noticed that the problem has gotten exponentially worse in that time. *tr

The frame on my 2000 toyota tundra with only 40,000 miles is completely rotted out!. there are holes in the entirety of the frame the worst of if concentrated under the bed. my truck is virtually useless at this point. it is unable to hold any weight as the frame could break due to the holes and rot on it. i have been told not to put more than 1/2 tank of fuel at a time as the weight could break the rusted out straps holding up my gas tank. i have taken this to many professionals and the only fix is the swap out the frame with a new one. if i just patch where the holes are than the rest of the frame will rust around it as it is all bad material. *tr

Mid frame has severe rust and perforations, heavy scale entire length. will not pass? 09? state inspection. my mechanic said it is unsafe to drive. called toyota ,they told me to take it to a toyota dealer for a estimate. the dealers estimate was in excess of 5,000 dollars, the book value is 9,000 which is just what i owe. i called toyota back they said too bad ,good luck ,have a nice day. here i am and i am not having a nice day . i called the dealer back he suggested that i sell my truck for parts. *tr

I have a 2000 toyota tundra that has only 85,000 miles on it and the frame is severely rusting away. approx four months ago my neighbor called me and asks if i lost my spare tire. after investigating it was apparent it was mine the metal support plate completely rusted away from under my truck. i was lucky; i was not towing my trailer or on the highway, this could have been a bad experience. this is a disaster waiting to happen i don't understand why there has not been a recall on this. after additional investigating i discovered the entire frame was severely rotting away as well. i contacted the dealer and they implied to call toyota customer complaint department. i call toyota and there response was sorry only the toyota tacoma was in recall for this rusting issue. nothing could be done not what i expected from toyota. my brother has a 2001 tacoma that was in recall and they just replaced his entire frame. i inspected his frame and my tundra has 75% more rust than his had on his old frame it doesn't make sense. *tr updated 07/02/12 *bf

I have a 2000 toyota tundra and am noticing excessive frame rusting. *tr

The brake line tubing at the proportioning valve on the left rear inside frame rail corroded and burst causing all brake fluid to escape and the brake pedal went to the floor and made the vehicle difficult to stop. i was traveling close to home at a speed of approximately 25 mph. i down shifted and was able to slow to 5mph to drive the vehicle to my home garage where i replaced the tubing,fluid and bled the brakes. fortunately no accident occurred, i discarded the old tubing and fittings after the repairs were made. the frame area behind the tubing near the left rear shock mount is corroded so badly that i am able to pass a tennis ball through the left rear frame rail. the right and left frame rails are perforated where the spare tire carrier is riveted to the horizontal frame channels directly above the rear axle. the frame is corroded badly and paper thin in areas that surround the perforations. *tr

Frame rust is widespread. *tr

I am concerned about my 2000 toyota tundra. the frame has severe corrosion and there are actually pieces of the rear crossmember missing. the spare tire carrier under the rear of the vehicle came unattached about a year ago and the frame has gotten worse since then. i contacted toyota and they have assigned a file number, however cannot tell me when or if anything will be done. i remember a few years ago when ford recalled thousands of explorers for a firestone tire concern. this is a frame concern. doesn't anyone realize the danger involved if these vehicles experience frame separation/failure while the vehicle is in motion? it will result in potential serious injury and possible fatality. i offered to send photographs to assist in their, (toyota's) investigation. i was basically told that wasn't necessary. i will be taking the vehicle to a toyota dealer for verification of this concern although it is pretty plain to see. as i said, there are pieces missing. please help. *tr updated 01/25/10 *bf photos received. updated 01/26/10.*jb

Low mileage (72k) 2000 tundra with extensive frame rust and rot in cross members. spare tire almost fell off due to rot in supports, which tipped me off on how bad things were getting. poked my finger right through the cross member the spare hangs from. the factory paint on even flat surfaces of the frame is flaking off with 1/8 of an inch of rusty metal attached. primary concern is pending failure of the l-shaped brackets holding the rear differential in place. the front driver's side bracket has lost half its thickness and i may have to dispose of this otherwise 12k vehicle for nearly nothing. complained to dealer, filed a complaint with corporate (case# 200810100741) but factory representative refused to look at it at all. took it to dealer for the tacoma test, but the frame is much thicker and it past. no apparent concern about the potential for the differential to go astray or that the vehicle could have dropped a 60 lb spare tire in the middle of the highway either. *tr

No incident yet. however, the frame on my 2000 toyota tundra is rusted well beyond normal wear and tear. it is at least twice as bad as the tacomas from the same year being recalled. i worry that it will not pass inspection. toyota has been zero help with the issue (corporate and the local dealership/service manager would not even look at it). i have taken it to a body shop and they gave me an estimate of $1300 to fix it. *tr

In october 2008 i had the truck inspected and was told about unusual amount of frame rust. they gave me a sticker but said it might not pass inspection next time. i took the vehicle to my toyota dealership and asked them to inspect the rust on the frame. they said it was just surface rust. july 22, 2009 i had it in for an oil change at the dealer and they said i have " some buckling in the frame from excessive rusting." the service advisor said he didn't think it was safe to drive. he suggested i contact toyota. i will do that tomorrow. *tr

I have a 2000 toyota tundra whose frame is rusting severely and in one area under the driver door a mechanic stated it was so soft he could push his finger through it and is worried about it being driven. *tr

The frame of my pickup truck is rusting away prematurely. some of the components of the frame have deteriorated so badly that i don't know if the vehicle will make it through another new england winter without some sort of catastrophic failure. the vehicle has always been properly maintained and is otherwise in very good condition. i am the original owner, purchased new in jan. 2001. current mileage 81200. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. while the contact was having his vehicle inspected, he was informed that there were 2 rust holes in the frame near the rear end of the vehicle. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the contact stated that the rear brake lines previously needed to be replaced due to rust. the current mileage was 88000 and the failure mileage was 85000. updated 11/9/09. *nj updated 11/10/09 *bf the brake lines had rusted and were leaking. the mechanic replaced both rear leaf springs. updated 11/10/09

Last year i was driving my 2000 toyota tundra and heard a thud from the rear of my truck. i pulled over to discover my spare tire hanging from the supporting cable. apparently, the support frame for the spare tire disintegrated from corrosion to the point where it could no longer support the weight of the spare tire and failed. luckily the cable did not fail and kept the spare attached with the truck. after further investigation, heavy corrosion was observed throughout the frame. this failure has only occurred once. a mechanic offered to attach a piece of angle aluminum as a support so i could at least stow my spare tire for emergencies. due to the condition of the existing support frame, this angle aluminum support is only temporary. further overall deterioration of the frame is a significant safety concern for myself and others on the road. photos are available upon request. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the contact stated that there was a considerable amount of corrosion on the sub-frame. he is concerned that the manufacturer is aware of the failure and refuse to offer the consumers any assistance. the failure and current mileages were 63,539.

Well at 48,000 my master cylinder stopped working. sept of 08 the rack and pinion steering rotted away and i also noticed my frame rotting back in 05.. and now i can peel metal of my frame. i just put 1800 dollars into a dyeing horse... i bought toyota for a reason. they built some trucks on frames knowing they were no good in new england weather.... please help ... *tr

Rust on the frame of my 2000 toyota tundra is excessive at and surrounding the area the bed is attached to as well as where the suspension attaches. the rust has not yet perforated the frame but large 1/8 inch thick flakes of rusty metal fall from the frame when touched lightly. i was told the rust will likely prevent the vehicle from passing nh state inspection this october. *tr

The frame on my 2000 toyota tundra is rusting aggressively and although i have not yet had any problems or related failures, the integrity of the chassis is questionable. the connection points for the leafspring and body mounts have layers of metal peeling off and its undetermined how much strength has been compromised. i have sent a letter and photos to toyota regarding the matter, they acknowledged the letter but refused to accept responsibility for the problem. there is no definition for what is normal when it comes to rust but through my experience with previous vehicles, the aggressive nature of the oxidation on my tundra frame is occurring at a much faster rate than what is normally expected for vehicles in the new england area. i am hopeful that enough owners will step forward and a obvious pattern will emerge indicating some negligence on toyotas part and hopefully a recall will be initiated. *tr

2000 tundra having emergency brakes rusting all the time along with crank bell and rear diff.housing. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the vehicle was taken in for repairs and the technician observed that the rear subframe bracket was damaged, which could result in the vehicle turning over. the technician recommended that the vehicle be inspected at an authorized dealer. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the subframe bracket was severely cracked. the warranty was expired and the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the failure was repaired. the contact has notified the manufacturer due to the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 181,231 and current mileage was 182,000. updated 11/24/08 *cn spare tire carrier was severly rusted. updated 11/26/08. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra/sr5. in september of 2008 the vehicle rear and front frame began corroding, which caused the power steering fluid to leak. he contacted the manufacturer, and a representative stated that there may be a recall in the future for the failure. however he made some replacements under and around the vehicles bed area. recently he noticed the check engine oil light illuminated on the instrument control panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change. the dealer concluded that they could not change the oil because the steering rack belts, cross members and the entire frame was corroded. he then recommended that he discontinue vehicle operation as a safety precaution.. the failure mileage was 51,000. the current mileage was 53,000.

2000 toyota tundra with extensive frame rust. bolts all rusted. nothing has been done to repair. have contacted toyota dealership, but there is no recall. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for routine inspection and was informed that the frame had excessive rust. the manufacturer did not assist. the failure mileage was 73,000 and current mileage was 75,600.

2000 toyota tundra - the frame/undercarriage has major rust problems. my mechanic said it will not pass the next inspection and i should contact a toyota dealer about the problem. i feel tundras should be included in the buy-back that toyota is doing for the tacoma owners, since it has the same problem. if toyota wants to uphold its reputation, it needs to stand by its vehicles and their owners. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle would exhibit excessive shaking. the dealer stated that the vehicle needed new tires. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for a second opinion and then taken back to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. the dealer stated that the driveshaft center bearing needed to be replaced. the contact also stated that the frame was covered with severe corrosion and rust. the fuel tank was barely attached to the vehicle. the contact referenced nhtsa recall campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) but was unable to confirm if his vin was included in the recall. the driveshaft center bearing was replaced by the dealer who also classified the vehicle as condemned. the failure and current mileages were unknown.

I had to replace my power steering rack due to rust. this was done in july of 2008. when the service tech (actually all in shop) looked at it, they said they had never seen anything like it. the part was literally crumbling in their hands. now in nov. of 2009, i read that toyota is saying that this truck did not receive the proper rust protection when built. i am a long standing toyota owner. this i hoped to handled in a way to make customers satisfied. today i took my tundra (limited 4x4 access cab) to the local dealer (byers in delaware, oh) where it was purchased. they inspected the truck and simply told me "it passed the perforation inspection". when i asked about the details, they repeated "it passed". as i had read where other owners were losing their spare tire, i asked if the spare was removed for the inspection. the service manager had to ask the tech. the reply was "i looked around and through it and 'it' passed". overall, the rust inspection was graded against a simple "multi-point inspection report". there was no specific mention of the frame, steering rack, or cross member. one last time i asked about what would happen next as i thought toyota was offering a corrosion treatment. all i was told was "it passed". i left not feeling happy or safe. toyota and this dealership needs to focus on their customers. i have reviewed the frame problem on nhtsa, and found several steering rack complaints filed. i believe that the frame is only the beginning of the is rust problem, and that the steering rack and other parts should be reviewed. *tr

I was driving my 2000 toyota tundra, luckily at about 35 mph on a two lane country road, when i heard a loud noise and felt as though i ran over something almost losing control of my vehicle. the spare time and sub frame fell right off the frame of the truck! my toyota dealership confirmed that the sub frame did indeed rust out but there was nothing they could do because the warranty had expired and recommended i take to a body shop. i did and learned the rear frame is also 60% rusted. i bought my truck in 2001 as a new truck and service it at the dealership (i just got new tires) this happened at 124,000 miles, july 2008. *tr

Was driving at 65 mph on the highway and my spare tire that is mounted beneath the truck fell off and fortunately bounced off the road instead of into oncoming traffic. i inspected the frame in the area of the tire mount and found it to be almost entirely corroded. there is similar corrosion on the frame in the vicinity of the rear axle, however it is not quite as bad.*tr

2000 tundra sr5 truck was inspected at ira toyota on july 5th 2008. reason was my normal inspection in june(birthday) found a lot of rust on frame and was second time the state inspector mentioned it!!! he stated it may not pass in future . when i bought truck in 2005 i never got to look under vehicle. toyota said the tundra isn't on a recall list so i would have to go to local body shop to have it checked. mentioned the tacoma recall but they again said tundra was not on recall list . now the boston channel five tv investigative team finds a lot more tundras and said that toyota just about admits the tundra did not get the proper rust protection as with the tacoma . the truck will be worthless if it fails inspection and it is said to be a safety problem because rust is relentless. tundras should be recalled so people have a chance to recover from a faulty and dangerous situation. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and a technician concluded that the brake lines and the frame corroded which caused him to lose brake power and fluid. the brakes were replaced. the dealer informed him three weeks ago that they had to submit pictures of the frame failures to toyota and would contact him with a response. the failure mileage was 80,120.updated 11/13/09.*lj updated 11/17/09

Excessive frame rusting on a 2000 toyota tundra, it is the material used for the frame. the rust comes off in large wafers. i am a mechanical engineer and i am very concerned about the integrity of the frame. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the frame rail was rotting near the rear passenger side cab mount. there was a hole in the frame. the vehicle is still able to be driven, but poses a safety hazard. the dealer stated that a new frame was needed and advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were 108,809.

My 2000 toyota tundra with 108,499 miles on it. i had it in for serviced when it was lifted up i was told that a big piece of my frame fell off and that the frame was buckled and it looked very poor. at this time i didn't see any holes in it. i called toyota customer service and they said that there are no problems with the frames on the toyota tundra. just the tacoma's. the lady stated that i could take it to toyota and have in inspected so i did. upon having it inspected the toyota technician found that the frame has holes in it. after speaking to the service manager he advised me not to drive the vehicle and that it was unsafe to drive. i called toyota customer service and they said that they were sorry but there is nothing that toyota could do for me. *tr

We own 2000 toyota tundra w/55,000 miles. purchased & serviced by same toyota dealer. took for routine service 6/9/08 & concern gas tank leaking. told us "not worth fixing" toyota rep came & took pictures. the dealer said per the rep toyota is going to buy it back. if we need a rental toyota would pay since it's unsafe to drive. frame is badly rusted through & pitted. we inspected & found where the frame measured only 65/1000' thick. it's the same safety issue as the 95-00 tacomas. after 7 weeks waiting & checking, per toyota the tundra isn't part of tacoma buyback. they offered $2,000 toward new or certified toyota. we're not an isolated case of unsafe rusting on this tundra. here's just some comments found in blogs & response to questions & concerns about the 2000 tundra: -my father was driving his 2000 tundra when the back end jumped off the road & almost crashed the truck. come to find out, the spare tire fell off & hit the truck. the tire rolled down the road & almost took out a bunch of cars. we looked under the truck & the whole frame looks like it's about to crumble away' -my tundra also a 2000 rusted out pretty good around the frame & in between the bed & frame.., had to replace both front & rear bumpers & have the rocker panels sprayed with tough stuff -my father in law has a 2000 tundra that the frame is rusted out very bad. his truck has less than 60,000 miles... when i looked underneath i couldn't believe how much rust it had on the frame.. - i have about 93k miles on my tundra'& was told that my frame is rusting so bad i should consider trading it in or selling' -i'm from new hampshire & have serious frame rot. it's rotted through' i have a 2000 w/83,000 miles.' -i have more rust than i would like on my 2000 with 56k miles' -i have a 2000, w/44000 miles & has just failed state insp. i was told ' my tundra is worthless to me unless i pay $638 to repair the frame' we did take our truck home and are concerned. this is serious safety issue. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the contact heard a noise in the rear of the vehicle and thought it was a back shock. when he took the vehicle to the dealer, he was informed that the rear driver's side frame was rotted. the dealer stated that nothing could be done because the vehicle was out of warranty. he has been unable to drive the vehicle because he believes the rear end is going to fall off. the current and failure mileages were 160,000.

I have a 2000/2001 tundra with the very problem your investigation started on 10/6/2009 is looking into. the drivers side rear frame and passenger to a lesser degree is rotted away. to the point that the shock mounts are no longer connected rendering the truck un safe to drive because of handling issues. i can supply pictures. *tr

There is severe rust of the frame, truck bed and body. *tr

2000 toyota tundra. excessive frame rust. notified dealer in 2005 that frame had excessive rust. dealer said there was nothing they could do. i contacted toyota in may 2008( file# 200805210214) to explain the problem and they (toyota) told me that they were not in any position to help with this problem. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. while driving 20 mph, the contact heard a mild grinding noise coming from one of the wheels. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the frame was rusted up to 16 inches in some places on the frame. the technician advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. the contact took the vehicle to the frame dealer and was informed to call the manufacturer. the vehicle was not inspected and no repairs were made. he called the manufacturer and was informed that no compensation would be made because the warranty was expired. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 68,000.