Problems with 2000 Toyota Tundra STRUCTURE

----- original message ----- to: bill wise ; [email protected] sent: wednesday, february 10, 2010 8:53 am subject: fw: website inquiry it turns out that i have to replaced another "left front axle, front axle seals, bearings, plus lo

2000 toyota tundra with frame holes, it will not pass inspection. at least 6 holes found during toyota inspection and i have filed claim. the existing recall for cross member is not enough!! they will not touch cross member until toyota responds to the claim. inspection is due next month???

I own a 2000 toyota tundra. yesterday i was checking my tires and gasped in absolute disbelief. my frame behind my axle was broken in 2 places. i was about 100 miles from my house so i drove to town cautiously and went to see my family mechanic. he couldn't believe what he saw. pointing out the 2 spots where the frame had corroded so bad that it snapped , he also notice that it looked cracked behind the spot it was broken, and was developing a crack over the axle. i went home and immediately called toyota of north america and my local toyota dealership. i received a case number and i am waiting for someone to call me back. i also was researching and found out that the frames were made in the same place as the recalled tacoma frames were made. so it is obvious just by reading on this site along with many others that toyota has a major problem on the horizon. these trucks need to be recalled and offer the same thing as the tacoma owners were getting. i realize that another recall would kill toyota but that is better than someone's spare tire to fall off, or there brake line to rust away ( mine did over the summer ), or have the frame collapse and cause a major accident on our roadways. tundra owners must come together and push for this recall to happen before something tragic happens. *tr

On 2-03-10 while driving vehicle slowly through a parking lot i traversed a speed bump and heard aloud banging noise from the rear of vehicle. upon inspection, the rear leaf spring shackle apparently disintegrated from rust and separated from the frame[.as of that date i had yet to receive nhtsa campaign number 09v444000 from the mfg.].i proceeded to the dealership the next day and upon inspection they deemed the truck unsafe to operate and they indicated that the main frame rusted and there were holes through the rear frame. dealership took photos and indicated they would forwarded all information to corporate office. i was provided a vehicle for transportation until corporate makes a decision. almost three wks. and no decision,and according to corp. office no time table to resolve.please note, i advised corp. office of my safety concerns on 6-19-2009, regarding severe rusting condition of frame. they assigned a case # and stated no action to date on the 2000 tundra's. i consider myself fortunate this safety issue did not cause a serious accident, and i feel very strongly that it is time for nhtsa to further investigate these safety issues. *tr

I own a 2000 toyota tundra. the vehicle was recently at the toyota dealership in middletown, ct. they inspected my vehicle and told me that there was an 8 inch hole in the frame caused by excessive rust, and that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive. they recommended i call toyota to let them know about the problem and to see what/if they would do anything to help me. i tried to reach them by phone, but i was on hold for 1 hour and 45 minutes and never managed to get through. when i tried to call today, the call was not accepted due to high call volumes. i sent an email two days ago and have not had a response other than an automated one. i purchased the vehicle in november of 2007 for $10, 300 and it had 133,000 miles on it. it currently has 143,000 miles on it. i am writing to the nhtsa because in conducting some research online i see that other people are having a similar problem and i was wondering if there was anything your agency could do to pressure toyota to compensate owners or initiate a recall to get these unsafe vehicles fixed or off of the road. the current recall for the rear cross member which holds the spare tire is not adequate because it does not address frame rot. by the way, my spare tire broke away and was hanging from the suspension wire just 2 inches off of the road while i was pulling a trailer this past august. i was very lucky to have discovered it before it fell completely. *tr

2000 toyota tundra access cab - i own a 2000 tundra with 103,000 miles and live in southern maine. i was in at the dealer (berlin city - portland) for a 4wd problem in january 2010 and was informed there was a hole in my frame forward of the left front tire. dealer suggested that i call toyota and establish a case #, which i did. the boston regional office [xxx] called me and set up an appointment to have the frame inspected by a technician, which was done on january 28th. i placed several calls to the boston office for feedback on the frame inspection, but none were returned. yesterday i called toyota (california?) and discussed the case with the case manager [xxx]. [xxx] informed me that my case has been forwarded to a group of managers within toyota who are evaluating the tundra frame rust issue. i asked [xxx] if i was going to be given the option of a new frame or a buyout - she said that the case-by-case evaluations have been ended and that the next step is for toyota to evaluate the issue as a whole. [xxx] was unable to give me a timeframe for resolution. meanwhile, i have a state inspection coming up in april - if the frame fails and toyota hasn't come through, i'm without a vehicle. as there have been verified incidents of frame cross members holding the spare tires failing and dropping the tire on the road and other mechanical failures due to the extreme rusting caused by sub-standard steel used in the frames, it is imperative that the dot and nhtsa immediately require a comprehensive re-call of these vehicles. *tr

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) the frame on my 2000 toyota tundra is rusted so bad it has holes in the throughout. i opened up a case at toyota experience.(case # [xxx] ) in may of 2009 after my truck would not pass inspection.they said there was nothing in place to fix these so nothing was done. i called back repeatedly throughout the year and they kept saying nothing is being done at this time.when the recall came out in november 2010 for the rusted crossmember for the spare tire i called back and they told me to bring the truck to the nearest toyota dealer for inspection which is grappone toyota in concord nh. i dropped the truck off for a frame inspection on january 27 2010. the truck failed the inspection they said it is the worst rusted frame they had ever seen. grappone told me my next step was to call toyota back and have them send someone out to look at the frame. i called back and have been ignored since. my truck has been at grappone toyota for one month. i have called back repeatedly but they have not sent anyone out to look at my truck. it is nearly impossible to get in contact with my case manager at toyota or the service advisor at the dealer. *tr

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) the frame on my 2000 toyota tundra is rusted so bad it has holes throughout.i opened up a case at toyota experience.(case # [xxx] ) in may of 2009 after my truck would not pass inspection.they said there was nothing in place to fix these so nothing was done. i called back repeatedly throughout the year and they kept saying nothing is being done at this time. when the recall came out in november 2010 for the rusted crossmember for the spare tire i called back and they told me to bring the truck to the nearest toyota dealer for inspection which is grappone toyota in concord nh. i dropped the truck off for a frame inspection on january 27 2010. the truck failed the inspection, they said it is the worst rusted frame they had ever seen. grappone told me my next step was to call toyota back and have them send someone out to look at the frame. i called back and have been ignored since. my truck has been at grappone toyota for one month. i have called back repeatedly but they have not sent anyone out to look at my truck. it is nearly impossible to get in contact with my case manager at toyota or the service advisor at the dealer. *tr

I own a 2000 toyota tundra 4x4 limited access cab. i took it in to my local dealership on 4/26/2010 for unrelated servicing and because i was concerned about the amount of rust on the rear frame components. i had heard about the recall and assumed that they would tell me something. i was told that it was ok, and that i would be contacted when they have the anti-corrosive treatment ready. today is 11/24/2010 and i have still heard nothing. pieces of the frame rails continue to flake and fall off in sheets (some approximately 4 inches long and 1/16th of an inch thick or greater). i'm concerned about the structural integrity of this vehicle. i'm especially worried that the rear springs will give out while driving and cause injury or worse. nhtsa and usdot should look into this problem. toyota needs to compensate owners of these vehicles as was done for the tacomas that experienced the same failure. the rusting problem is much greater than just the rear cross-member. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the cross member that holds the front part of the fuel tank was rotten. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they sent him to a welding shop to weld a plate over the rust hole. he stated that he could not afford to repair the vehicle at the welding shop. he called the toyota manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no recall for his model vehicle. he filed claim# 1001135934 with the toyota manufacturer. the failure mileage was 170,937.

2000 toyota tundra rust found in front frame box while having toyota dealer inspect for cross member recalled by toyota. i consider this to be a serious safety hazard if in an accident.. more so than the rear crossmember dealer kept my vehicle.*cw

My 2000 toyota tundra was inspected at portsmouth toyota in new hampshire and deemed undriveable due to a corroded/rusted/rotted out frame. *tr

To whom it may concern, i own a 2000 4x4 limited tundra which has a rust problem. most of the underside of the vehicle has heavy surface rust. it also has a front body mount that is rusted and corroded the medal is flaking and peeling away. i took the vehicle to a toyota dealer for inspection. the dealer told me that the frame has no perforation holes in it. nothing they can do. in addition to all the rust i had to replace rear brake lines and rear parking brake assembly on both sides do to rust and corrosion. i called toyota corp to complain about these problems all they did was give me a case number. i also told them that the value of my vehicle has been compromised due to the rust . they will not do anything until holes are formed through the frame. i feel im caught between a rock and a hard place. toyota did the right thing last year with the tacomas having rust issues but doing nothing for tundra owners. *tr

Frame rails rusting excessive! metal flaking off in big chunks all along the entire frame. including all the cross members and structure supports. i have been advised to limit the load and towing capacity of the truck, being afraid of failure and causing an accident. *tr

Severe drivers side frame corrosion over rear axle, on bracket securing axle to frame. *tr

While washing the underside of my 2000 toyota tundra in a commercial self-service car wash numerous pieces of severely rusted flakes of steel came off my frame. the largest pieces were the size of a motorcycle license plate. these pieces came off from the main fore and aft frame members forward of the back tires. upon further inspection i noticed that not only the aforementioned main frame members were severely rusted but that the cross-member frame pieces were also very rusted. i am concerned that the integrity of the frame has been compromised by this severe rusting. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, and loss complete control of the vehicle. the vehicle swayed off of the road and crashed into several trees. the driver sustained severe injuries. the police was not called to the scene. the failure was contributed to a broken frame. the vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to an authorized dealer for further inspection by the manufacturers engineer. the contact stated that prior to the crash the vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer and manufacturer engineers on four separate occasions and reassured him that the frame was not a potential safety hazard. the failure mileage was 200,000. the vin was unavailable.

Based on news articles in december 2009 regarding severe rusting and deterioration of the support frames of 2000 and 2001 toyota tundra pick-up truck i took my vehicle to motor world toyota in wilkes-barre, pa in january 2010. the service technicians performed an inspection and did, in fact find significant rusting on the frame, cross members and attachment points. i was told that my emergency brakes mechanism was severely rusted and did not function properly. i was told that it would cost approximately $150.00 to repair the brake. as i was expecting to be notified by toyota that a re-call was taking place and elected to delay the repair to see if it would be part of the recall of the rusted frames. as of today, 23 february 2010 i have not heard anything regarding a re-call of 2000-2001 toyota tundra pick-up trucks. as there have been verified incidents of frame cross members holding the spare tires failing and dropping the tire on the road and other mechanical failures due to the extreme rusting caused by sub-standard steel used in the frames, it is imperative that the dot and nhtsa immediately require a comprehensive re-call of these vehicles. *tr

My 2000 toyota tundra was recalled for frame corrosion and the truck sat in a toyota dealership parking lot for 4 months until toyota just decided this week that they are going to replace the rusted frame but they wouldn't guarantee this for free - they said they if anything else goes wrong while they are replacing the frame, that they may not pay for it and that i will have to. i find this completely unacceptable as this is a recall - why should i have to pay anything out of my pocket? *tr

2000 toyota tundra. consumer writes to express discontent about treatment at a toyota dealer in regards to repairs *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle began making a squeaking noise. the vehicle was inspected and the consumer was informed that the left rear shackle needed to be replaced. when the vehicle was being lifted, the frame broke because it was severely corroded. the consumer then learned that the vehicle had been recalled for frame corrosion. the consumer stated she and her husband were never notified of a recall. the consumer was informed the rear leaf springs, the front lower arms, rear shocks and steering rack needed to be replaced. the consumer believed it was related to the broken frame. but, toyota refused responsibility of any other repairs. *jb

The frame is rotted on my 2000 toyota tundra. *tr

I purchased a 2000 toyota tundra with only 107k miles on the odo. this was just before toyota announced a minor rust recall. i took the vehicle to the local toyota dealership and to my surprise they told me that the entire frame was compromised. i have now been without a vehicle since the 28th of dec because my low mileage truck was deemed unsafe for the road. toyota has yet to offer a solution to this problem. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. the frame underneath of the vehicle has corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the technician stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, so he was provided with a rental vehicle. he has not contacted the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 147,400.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. while the contact was having his vehicle inspected by a local mechanic he was informed that the frame on his vehicle had begun to rust. the vehicle had not been diagnosed by the dealership and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 148000. the vin was not available.

We bought new rear tires for the truck 12/17/2009 and when the tire provider put it up on the rack to do the tires the rust fell off the frame in big pieces. we then looked on internet to find they had issued a recall on 2000 toyota tundras frames. called dealer and got it in 12/21/2009 they have yet to tell us what they are going to do. they did not tell us not to drive it but i am afraid due to safety issues. we even bought an extra care toyota certified package at the time of purchase. *tr

I own a toyota tundra, model year 2000. the frame has extensive rust. a toyota dealership inspected the vehicle on december 15, 2009. i was instructed to stop driving the vehicle by the dealership that day. a case was opened with toyota. toyota engineer inspected the frame january 21st, 2010. i was told the vehicle could not be driven and was issued a loaner vehicle. i have been waiting for feedback on the next step, however, toyota advises that they are still investigating all complaints for tundra frame rust at this point. *tr

The truck cannot pass inspection because of a rusted frame. there are holes (2"-3") in both side rails of frame, 3 of the crossmembers are rusted through, one of them totally disintegrated. the rear cross member is also carries the spare wheel, which eventually will fall off and may cause an accident. rear brakelines are attached to this crossmember also, which may also be ruptured. rear shackles for rear springs are almost rusted through and are very unsafe. no accident has happened yet, but vehicle in inoperable. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. during routine maintenance her independent mechanic stated that the sub-frame deteriorated. the toyota dealer also confirmed that the sub-frame deteriorated. the manufacturer stated that they would notify her to determine how to rectify the failure. there were no recalls. the failure and current mileages were under 81,582. updated 02/13/10 *bf the dealer informed the consumer, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. updated 02/16/17.*jb the consumer still has not heard from toyota, even though he was told he would receive a call back within 2-3 weeks a decision. updated 03/09/10 *bf

Complaint and concern regarding my toyota tundra truck, year 2000. my auto mechanic advises me that the rear frame, along with the supports that attach the truck bed to frame have rusted to point that they are unsafe, and should be replaced. he states that the bed is becoming unsecure due to the heavy corrosion of the brackets and that parts of the frame will need to be reinforced within the next year. the rust and corrosion is very visible - and all this in spite of fact that the truck is garaged and very well maintained - less than 90 k miles and only one driver. i have been unable to trade it in due to the heavy rust problem of the frame and brackets. he says that in an accident, the truck bed could fly off if the problem is not resolved. *tr

On 12/01/09 i was informed by toyota & scion of clifton park ny that my 2000 toyota tundra had a hole/perforation in the frame & the drives side cross bar was all rusted out. i was advised to contact toyota's 1-800 number which was done on 12/8/09. between 12/10/09 & 12/11/09 a regional manager from toyota inspected my truck and again i was advised to contact the 1-800 which was done on 12/15/09. a customer service representative informed me someone will contact me within 24hrs regarding the vehicle. as of the time of this report they have failed to do so. *tr

2000 toyota tundra frame rust. holes through the frame. vibration of front end. updated 12/16/09 *bf pictures received. updated 12/1/6/09 *tr

I have not yet had a failure but my tundra is having a rust issue more then it should want to file with the nhtsa ..i wash and wax and undercoat this truck every year got paperwork to prove but the rust is winning against all my extra efforts. nobody takes care of a vehicle better then me.. *tr

I took my 2000 toyota tundra to get new tires and the vehicle broke in half on the lift. i had brought a live stock trailer that day so i could pick up my 1500pound grain order so i can feed my animals,i did not get to do this. i frequently drive long distances at 50 mph or faster for my business with weight in the rear. there has been a claim filed with toyota i still have no answers as to what and when anything will be done. in the mean time im having difficulty performing the chores that need to be done without a vehicle that works to my needs. toyota did rent me a vehicle at their expense. i'm afraid to drive anything now for fear it too could be faulty im lucky i'm not dead and my 9 year old child too. *tr

I own a 2000 toyota tundra already under recall for rusting supports for spare tire this excuse is minimizing the true problem my truck's frame is flaking off metal over the rear wheels at the center of hump which supports the rear axle both sides are coming off in layers as well as the rest of the frame rusted this problem is more serious than toyota is letting on. *tr

I own a 2000 toyota tundra which has severe frame corrosion. on 12-05-09 the drivers side rear shackle support broke. i had no cargo or any load in the bed of the truck at the time and did not lose control of the vehicle. the only way i perceived anything wrong with the truck was the very loud bang i heard as the shackle support gave out, and the bed of the truck shifted downward. i am not sure if i can safely operate my vehicle as this is the only transportation i have available to me. i called ira toyota in danvers massachusetts and was informed that no recall is currently covering the problem i am experiencing. i was given a telephone number to call at toyota(1-800-331-4331) . no weekend hours..............no help! *tr

2000 toyota tundra. frame extremely rusted. i have 3 holes in my frame. the biggest being the size of a baseball with no attempt on my part to make it larger. the location is approx 6-8" from front bumper (drivers side). 2nd being same location on pass. side. 3rd hole being under back door on drivers side. the entire frame is delaminating. shock brackets are to bad to install new shocks. sections of frame are thinner due to metal that has fallen off. truck has been inspected by field service technician from toyota. toyota has given me several dates that they were going to give me their answer to the resolution only to be pushed back. latest date is jan 25. *tr

Inspection of the vehicle's frame indicates that there is extensive rot beyond the crossmember involved in the current recall for this vehicle. the current recall is limited to the crossmember supporting the vehicles spare tire, while the frame rot uncovered in this inspection involves the frame rails (running front to back) in the vicinity of both forward wheel wells and it is extremely apparent within the drivers side wheel well. in addition, there is extensive rot in the frame beneath the drivers seat in the vicinity of the rear brake line mounts and also in another crossmember forming the rear shock tower on the passengers side. it would appear the rot is so extensive that the frame is beyond economical repair and replacement would be warranted. no crash or injuries were involved. *tr**12/10/09 update cw ** updated 01/06/10 *bf the consumer sent in pictures of the vehicle. updated 01/06/10. *jb

I have a 2000 toyota tundra limited. frame is so rusted it just flakes apart. *tr

Severely rusted frame, brackets & anything else attached to the frame. frame is so rotted that huge chunks of metal are coming off. frame rotted at front of frame where it meets the bumper (i'm just waiting for the bumper to fall off), tire cross member rotted (i have removed the tire). entire frame needs to be replaced due to rust, beyond repair. frame has been this way for years & toyota will do nothing about it. *tr updated 02/01/10.*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. he stated that he could feel a difference in how the vehicle was functioning while driving approximately 25 mph and various speeds. the dealer discovered that the entire frame rail covered with rust on the driver's side of the vehicle. the manufacturer was contacted and advised him that his vin was included in the recall campaign 09v444000, structure frame and members, underbody shields pertaining to rust on the rear cross-member. the dealer also refused to include the actual frame rail component in the recall repair and advised the contact not to drive the vehicle, deeming it as "unsafe." no repairs were made to date. the manufacturer would not offer any assistance. the current and failure numbers were 160,259.

Excessive premature rusting of frame and components, spring shackles, spare tire area. trucked failed ma state safety inspection on 11/24/09 and is considered undriveable until repairs are made. i am aware of a recall in effect on or before 12/15/09 and also plan to contact toyota for an inspection. *tr

On 24 nov 09 toyota issued a recall for 2000 tundra pickups, regarding frame corrosion and particularly corrosion on the cross member that holds the spare tire. although i read about this online, toyota has yet to inform me by mail. on 24 march 2010 i took my truck in to berlin city motors in portland me for an inspection of this problem. they told me that my corrosion was not enough to warrant frame replacement, but that i would be notified of when to return for application of some sort of corrosion inhibiting gunk. seven months later i heard nothing. i called toyota customer services and began a complaint process. they said that they are still sending out recalls ..almost a year later!!! they claim that they need info from the state of maine regarding legality of applying corrosion inhibiting gunk on safely, and they need "other" permissions. it is my opinion that toyota is stalling on this fairly simple recall, hoping to reduce the problem by attrition of older vehicles. i would appreciate info from nhtsa as to why toyota is being allowed to take this long on a project that isn't exactly rocket science. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

2000 toyota tundra brought to mechanic to check out power steering. power steering column and power steering block found to be almost completely rusted off frame of truck. mechanic reports that the truck poses a serious safety risk and that the problem was found just in time to avoid a major accident. currently contacting toyota company as this appears to be the same problem found in the 2000 tacomas. *tr

Rusted frame on my 2000 toyota tundra. *tr

I have 2000 toyota tundra sr5 4x4 access cab that over the last few years is showing rapid amounts of rust on the frame especially around the welds and hubs. this truck is only in the 90,000 miles range and besides the rust is in very good condition. i have kept up with the maintenance and have records. but it will do me no good if this continues to rust at such a rapid pace that it has thus far. *tr

Perforation in right frame rail. frame is rusted through on passenger side under cab door. actual hole in frame due to rust. my mechanic that services truck regularly recommended not driving due to location of rust. i asked toyota of wellesley, mass to look at the damage. they confirmed the damage but did not indicated on the paperwork that it was a safety concern. *tr

My vehicle is a 2000 toyota tundra v8 4.7 4wd 104k miles while changing oil during the month of november 2009 excessive rust was noticed on the truck frame near the leaf spring mounts. with minimal scraping large flakes of rusted frame peeled off. underneath the flakes the frame has rotted completely through in multiple spots with the largest hole being 4 square inches. this is occurring heavily on the right frame rail and to a lesser but still accelerated rate on the left. the body and undercarriage of the vehicle are otherwise rust free and in good condition. this is not right at all. it is like the frame is dissolving while everything else is rust free. *tr

Frame rusting on 2000 toyota tundra. chunks of metal are peeling off the frame. *tr

Severe corrosion of frame and rear crossmember where spare tire is located. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 toyota tundra. during a routine maintenance check with an authorized dealer he was advised that the frame was rotten. the dealer stated quoted a price of $8000-$9000 to replace the frame. the manufacturer but did not offer any assistance and that there was nothing they could do. the vehicle was not in drivable condition at the time of the complaint. the current and failure mileages were approximately 94,000.