Problems with 2001 Toyota Tundra STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the contact stated that there was corrosion and rust on the frame, rear axle and brake system. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the vehicle was taken to dealer where the contact was advised that the recall repairs could not be perfomred due to the state in which the vheicle was housed. the dealer then advised that there were no holes in the frame that would require immediate attention. the bumper, grill, hood and fender were replaced. the current and failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the frame was completely corroded. the contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and refused to provide any assistance or approve the frame replacement. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 170,000. updated 02/10/16*lj ...updated 02/19/16 *bf consumer took the vehicle to dealer (4/19/12) updated 05/18/18*jb

2001 toyota tundra. consumer states crc application has proven to be a completely inadequate solution to the long-standing frame and cross member rust problem *tgw the consumer stated only one of the gas tank straps were replaced, contrary to the promised replacement of both in the recall notice. the compound was applied over the existing rusty surface, although he was assured that the areas to be treated would be cleaned of rust before applying the compound. a toyota rep also told the consumer the spare tire carrier assembly would be replaced, but not only wasn't it replaced, but what was left of the assembly, was a small rusted, broken fragment and no spare tire. the mechanic informed the consumer, the frame was unsound and advised against using the hitch for any kind of towing. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the contact made an appointment to have the vehicle repaired under the nhtsa campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:under body shields) recall. the contact received a voice mail message from the dealer stating that the appointment was cancelled and they were unable to assist him at this time, without giving an explanation. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified and a complaint was filed. the approximate failure and current mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the spare tire became detached from the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician advised the contact that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure) and the recall repair was performed however, the dealer would not cover the replacement of the cross member that held the spare tire in place. the approximate failure mileage was 217,000.

2001 toyota tundra brought to local toyota dealership for concerns with rot holes through cross members that support gas tank. received toyota recall notice regarding cross member at rear of vehicle supporting spare tire. dealer states that recall does not cover failing cross members other than one supporting spare tire. dealer recommends contacting toyota directly and filing complaint. contacted toyota direct and was told they would only replace failing component if ntsb forced them to even though they are the same part, installed at the same factory at the same time and have the same problem. this is a safety issue!! this failing cross member is just as important if not more than the one toyota is recalling. isn't a falling fuel tank more of a safety concern than a falling spare tire?? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance when the technician noticed a part of the frame was corroded and the steel was chipping. the contact stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) and was repaired prior to the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated the frame was in good condition and was not in need of repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000. updated 6/8/11 *cn

Rusty frame on a 2001 toyota tundra. *tr

Toyota's tundra corrosion recall focuses on the frame, fuel tank mounting, and spare tire mounting hardware. if the frame has no perforations and the fuel tank suspension and spare tire mounting are sound, the truck is determined to be safe. my tundra has been so inspected by a dealer, passed their test, and found to be "safe.". my complaint is that the vehicle's undercarriage shows extensive corrosion of frame, steering, and suspension components beyond the scope of toyota's recall. the extent of the corrosion is so great that it calls into question the potential for a suspension or steering component to fail during operation, leading to a loss of control and injury to passengers and others on the highway. i have digital photographs of several corrosion sites on the undercarriage of my truck that illustrate my concern. i have taken my truck to a body shop for evaluation and was told it is not safe. toyota's recall does not address the full range of safety issues brought on by their corrosion problem. toyota should be required to inspect all of the critical components subject to the excessive corrosion and either determine they are safe or repair them. if my digital photos would assist you in understanding my concern, i would be happy to forward them to you. thank you! *tr

Noticed oil in drive way looked under truck and notice my steering rack was leaking and stabilizer links were rusted off. took to mechanic for repairs and he informed me my whole exhaust was rusted as well as the body. took to a toyota dealership back in 2009 for body rust recall and was told it was ok. i now no that was not true. *tr

- 1st 2001 tundra frame rust recall. took to dealer. said my spare tire was not in danger of falling off. did nothing further. -2nd recall expanded. took to dealer, said they were going to replace the frame. was told if they broke anything off due to rust

Tl* the contact owns 2001 toyota tundra. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for routing maintenance where she was advised that the frame and cross members of the frame were severely rusted and corroded. the dealer advised that the rust was so sever that if he attempted to scrape the rust off the frame, the tool would go straight through the frame. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 109,000.

I own a 2001 toyota tundra. it is my work truck, so i drive it a lot! it has 184k miles. i received a notice of recall for the cross members being corroded, so i went out to inspect my vehicle. what i found was absolutely shocking! not only were the cross members rusted almost completely in two, but there were very large holes rusted out of the frame of the truck. i drove the truck an hour and a half to the nearest toyota dealership, where the said that it was unsafe to drive and gave me a rental car. toyota has given us little information about how long the repair will take or what all they will be doing to fix the problem. they have said the parts are not yet available and it will take over a month to get the new frame. *tr

My brakes line rusted off. i got it replaced. if i didn't notice it i could have gotten into a major accident with no brakes. my frame on the pickup is rusting and i am concerned that it will become another safety issue. i have owned toyotas all my life and now worried to drive them due to rusty frames. *tr

Tl* the contact owns 2001 toyota tundra. the contact received notification of nhtsa recall campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: under-body shields) on april 10, 2010. the dealer inspected the frame and advised that the frame exhibited slight corrosion and would not need to be serviced under the recall at that time. the manufacturer advised they would contact the dealer to determine why recall repairs were not made to the vehicle. the contact never received a response. the vehicle was not repaired and the contact stated the recall was not being handled within a reasonable time. the failure mileage was 49,717 and the current mileage was 52,447.

On 3/15/10 my vehicle was inspected by toyota as part of the recall addressing the frame rusting. the dealership said nothing needed to be done. on may 4, 2012 the dealership stated the frame needed a coating applied to inhibit the frame from rusting. the dealership applied the frame coating. on december 23, 2013 my inspection mechanic informed me that the frame was rusting. i returned the vehicle to the toyota dealership and they confirmed the frame was rusting but nothing could be done since the recall had expired. my issue is they should still be obligated to fix the frame since it was never addressed properly in 2012. they should have replaced the frame as was the protocol in most cases. in my case they elected to apply a coating over the rust which prevented nothing. the dealership and toyota claim since the recall has ended there is nothing they can do for me. again my issue is the recall was never addressed the first time by team toyota of glen mills. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the contact stated that while driving at about 55 mph, the spare tire fell off the vehicle due to corrosion on the frame. the contact called the manufacturer and referenced recall 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) for which he never received a recall notice. the manufacturer gave him a case number and advised him that someone would get back in touch with him in reference to the failure. the current and failure mileages were approximately 100,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the contact noticed that the frame of the vehicle was covered with rust. the dealer inspected the vehicle and deemed it as unsafe to drive. the vehicle was left in possession of the dealer and a rental vehicle was provided for the contact until the manufacturer stated the remedy they would be able to offer the contact. the failure mileage was 66,653 and the current mileage was 66,673. the vin was not available when the complaint was filed.

I own a 2001 tundra. i just learned of 4 recalls: nhsta #09e025000, 09v444000, 06e026000, and 06e065000. we received no notification from the companies required to do so. the truck is registered. we purchased the truck new and have been the only owners. we have not changed address since the purchase. i believe the failure to be notified was deliberate to avoid the cost of compliance with the recall. i have been unable to get any of the 4 companies involved to respond to phone messages. *tr

The rear section of the frame is severely rusted. the floor of the truck box has several large holes that are rusted clear through the floor. *tr

2001 toyota tundra rust frame - first i didn't get the recall notice. took truck to toyota in greensburg pa and they removed spare tire to back of truck. also noticed more issues with frame itself and scheduled another appointment with inspector. they wanted this done before they did any repairs. the frame rust is that serious. after this inspection, i was instructed to call the toyota experience center to open a case. so i tried, not too successful. they kept insisting that my case was already closed. the first person i talked to took all my info and then said he had to transfer me. so they did. to me it seemed to be the same place. the second person then again took all the same info and tired to tell me my case was closed. i kept stating what had happened, that the spare tire was in the back of my truck and the frame was not repaired but they kept trying to correct me. finally after about the 3 or 4th time, he relented and gave me a case number. it was a very disturbing call, i felt as though they just wanted me to go away and live with the rust issue. i went back to the dealer and file a complaint with them. then a couple of days later, i get a call back from toyota. again they tried to get me to close the case saying all they can do was done. that is not true, my spare tire is still in the back of the truck. and they didn't even want to hear about the rust perforation of the frame itself. the rep even hung up on me. extremely rude person. so i went back to the dealership. the next day the dealer ship called me back and said my case was reopened and that i should hear something in 3 or 4 weeks. that was a week ago. in conclusion, all they wanted me to do was go away. all three reps that i talked to at the toyota experience center were very arrogant to me. my truck is broke, and i just get the feeling all they want is for me to go away. they are not backing their product, just like the brakes. the dealership is not the issue here, it is the call center so far. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the contact received a recall notification under the nhtsa campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on february 23, 2010 for service repair. however, the technician informed that the specific part for the remedy repair was unavailable, and would not be available until two weeks. the authorized dealer was notified on a separate occasion in which the part remained unavailable. the contact continued to wait for the part and it had been over a period of three months. he had not experienced failure regarding the recall defect at the time of the complaint. the current mileage was 91,420. the vin was unavailable.

2001 toyota tundra failed yearly pa state safety inspection for frame rust. dealership would not release truck back to drive home because it was "unsafe to drive", so provided a rental to drive at their expense. per dealerships suggestion, called toyota customer experience center which then opened and assigned a case number. the truck has now been at the dealership almost three weeks awaiting direction from a toyota regional office. *tr

I own a 2001 toyota tundra and the spare tire winch mechanism which is attached to the rear cross member is very rusted. to minimize the risk of a crash from the spare tire falling from the underside of the truck while moving, i took the recommendations of the nhtsa website and removed the spare tire and placed it in the bed. i then noticed that the rear brake proportioning valve was extremely rusty as well. i took the truck to the dealership for a frame rust inspection and they said everything was fine. i am very concerned with this because if the proportioning valve rusts and brake fluid leaks out then i will have no rear brakes on the truck. this is a potentially lethal issue and i would like immediate action to be taken by toyota. i am also not satisfied with this because when i took the truck the truck to the toyota dealership they knew nothing about the undercoating that i am entitled to. in a letter from the nhtsa to mr. chris santucci, assistant manager of technical and regulatory affairs, toyota motor north america, inc. dated november 25, 2009, on page 2 under the heading 'remedy' it states that 'dealers will inspect the rear cross member and related components, including the brake lines, and replace them if necessary. if the cross member does not need to be replaced, it will be sprayed with a corrosion protection compound. these services will be performed free of charge...' to this date, february 20th, 2010, i have received nothing from toyota stating that there is a recall on my truck or instructions as to what to do. here is what i am asking for: 1.a letter from toyota that states the following: a.i am entitled to a free inspection b.my brake lines and proportioning valve will be replaced free of charge due to rust c.my spare tire winch and bracket mechanism will be replaced free of charge due to rust d.my truck will be sprayed with a corrosion protection compound free of charge (as stated in the letter dated november 25, 2009). *tr

Tl*the contact owns 2001 toyota tundra. while driving approximately 10 to 15 mph over a bump in the road pieces of his frame fell off of the vehicle. he did not take the vehicle to the dealer. he received a nhtsa recall notice, campaign id 09v444000, structure frame and members, underbody shields the second week of june 2010; however, his vehicle was in the dealers possession for approximately three weeks. the dealer had to order a frame for the truck. the contact was unable to provide a vin. the approximate failure mileage was 158,000 and the current mileage was 160,000.

Rust on frame and crossmember near spare tire. i'm second owner, registered in ky 01 thru 07. now in ga. contacted local toyota dealership last week. asked if there were any recalls for my truck, supplied vin. service agent said no. *tr

2001 toyota tundra. i have replaced front left lower control arm, rear brake parts and other parts attached to the frame of this truck. i have sanded, scraped, primed and painted the frame of my truck. i wash the frame at least once a week in the winter time. the frame is still rusting away. the rear of the frame is rusted around the spare tire mount and rear frame rails. the front of the frame does not appear to have much rust looking from the outside, however if you look inside the frame there is heavy rust. i have two large chunks of rust that have been retrieved from the inside of the front frame. i have saved these two large chunks needed. i have contacted toyota many times on this matter, dating back to 2008. i have been told there is a recall, yet this recall is only for the rear cross member. i was also told that there was only a recall for rust perforation (hole). this seems strange to me knowing that as the metal in the frame deteriorates from corrosion it is weakened. i don't believe there has to be a hole in the frame to make it weak. i am not looking for a new truck. i would just like to have my truck last as long as advertised in toyota tv commercials. "legendary reliability" my truck is not that old and only had 80k miles on when i first filed a complaint with toyota. the body on my truck is almost 100% rust free. if i had not cleaned and painted my frame the truck would have been junk along time ago. i would just like to see toyota take care of this problem with more than a anti corrosion spray and hitting it with a hammer. *tr

The spare tire separated from the cross member on my 2001 tundra. fortunately i was at slow speed. i now know you have opened an investigation but wanted to be sure to log the issue. my truck is no longer drivable and toyota has told me that they do not have the parts to fix it yet. i think it is time that you require toyota to replace the frame and all associated components. this is not isolated to just the rear crossmember, there is rust throughout the whole underside of the vehicle. *tr

We own a 2001 tundra with severe rust problems on the frame, brakes, body parts, spare tire, suspension and nuts and bolts all over the vehicle. the spare tire dropped from the rear of the truck due to rust and damaged the rear bumper. we have spent thousands of dollars to repair rusted items on this truck. *tr

2001 toyota tundra frame rust: toyota has had my truck for three weeks now and finally i heard from someone on 12/4/09 saying that my truck is not safe to drive. they will not provide me with any report from the evaluation they did as to why it's unsafe. i believe it has more to do with the frame and not the cross members as they currently suggest on the recall. i purchased this truck based on their ads of vehicle longevity and resale value and now because of their manufacturing defect, i am without a truck. toyota should replace the defective frames at no cost to the consumer. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the frame of the vehicle has corroded. a technician from the dealer stated that since the failure was surface corrosion they could not provide a remedy. the toyota manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. the failure mileage was 80,000.

This morning, after being told about a spare tire housing recall on toyota tundra, i inspected the area around spare tire housing and noticed that the frame itself appears to be rotting and corroding. i was actually able to remove large pieces of metal flaking off the frame. the frame does not appear to be safe. when i tapped the frame with my knuckle, it gives off a crunchy noise and has a general "give to the frame" (somewhat soft). i do not feel comfortable driving this vehicle after seeing this. *tr

My son was driving home november 24, 2009 from college in rhode island for thanksgiving. it was dark, raining & he was on busy rte 195 heading east when rear cross-member bar w/ spare tire attached hinged down into road. the tire dragged behind my son's tundra. eventually, my son was able to safely pull over to the side of highway & kick spare off, throwing it into bed of truck & carefully proceeding home. we looked under the tundra & were astonished at how much rust covered the entire underside. we took photos. we were also greatly relieved that my son was not in an accident or the tire falling off did not cause a serious accident on the highway. my son had called the week before coming home to ask to have an appointment made to have the brakes looked at because they seemed not to be working properly, causing the truck to steer oddly when applied. in addition, we had, w/in 1 1/2 mth prior, paid over $750 to have sway bar replaced & new radiator installed. not only that, but when we purchased the vehicle, it didn't pass inspection until a tie rod was replaced. first thing the following day, we took the tundra to hyannis toyota - where it still sits.after 14 weeks, we had gotten no satisfaction. i was driving a camry loaner; my son was driving my 4runner. we were still paying insurance on a vehicle that was un-drivable; we've had to arrange for a plane ticket to get my son to california; we've lost out on end-of-year car sales and 2009 tax considerations and our 'ownership experience' is waning. nine (9) weeks after the spare tire rusted off my son's tundra, on january 22, 2010 at noon eastern time, charles zacharie called me and explained that 'although the government hasn't required a recall on the tundra issue, toyota has implemented a 'special service campaign' pertaining to the rear cross-member bar," & that toyota would not be fixing my son's truck because rust damage is so extensive (duh!) and will 'repurchase the vehicle at a "good will offer." bogus! *tr

Excessive frame rust on 2001 toyota tundra. *tr

I was driving east on route 109 in millis, ma. where i live. as i stopped for a red light, the spare tire on my 2001 toyota tundra longbed dropped onto the pavement. there was no injury, i simply pulled over and recovered the spare. i feel extremely lucky that this did not occur on a major highway! a rather large tire would be right in the path of whoever was following behind. there is a short cable and hunk of rusted metal still attached to the tire if anyone needs to see evidence of what happens as a result of this problem. this does not appear normal and i simply want to bring it to your attention. mark thompson *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the rear bumper has corroded at the point where the frame is bolted to the frame. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that there was no recall referencing the failure. the toyota manufacturer referred her back to the dealer. the failure mileage was 90,000.

Vehicle will not pass state inspection. rust has caused holes in the frame. i have been advised to not drive the vehicle. *tr

I took my 2001 toyota tundra truck to a mechanic to have it checked over. i heard a noise, and he discovered that i had a problem with excessive rust to the frame. it had just about 56,000 miles on it. he suggested taking it to the dealer for inspection of excessive rust corrosion to make sure that it is safe to drive. i took it to the dealer where i purchased the tundra. upon there inspection they found a hole in the frame and excessive rust and corrosion. i called toyota and have a case number and was advised that they did not have a recall but they were doing an investigation. *tr

2001 toyota tundra brake failure resulting in single vehicle accident running off the road into ditch and had to be towed. inspection photos available demonstrate brake line corrosion along with chassis and frame rust through. *tr updated 03/29/10 *bf pictures received 10/05/10.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the frame over the wheel wells and the cross member for the spare tire has corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and he was advised that he would have to pay for any repairs made. the toyota manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. the failure mileage was 55,260.

Excessive frame rust 2001 toyota tundra - premature frame failure due to rust unusual amount of corrosion to frame rails resulting in loss of structural integrity. large defragmentation of frame due to excessive rust excessive perforation of metal frame due to corrosion/ rust 3rd party review of rusted frame concludes inadequate metal may be a reason for premature frame failure safety concern. *tr

2001 tundra, 143,785 miles. regularly maintained. i was told at inspection 6 months ago that there was frame rust, but it passed. three days ago, heard a noise, took it to dealer who said that frame had rusted through, driver-side leaf spring had to have section removed. mechanic advised that vehicle was "unsafe to drive". dealer said they had taken photos of frame, and that we should contact toyota directly. contacted toyota customer experience center and was told that there is no recall, no restitution, no program to deal with tundra issues. *tr

I have a 2001 toyota tundra with 144,000 miles. this truck has been maintained at heritage toyota in burlington vermont since i bought it. last month i brought it in to have the rear brakes repaired and while the truck was on the lift the technician noticed the frame was rusted. apparently the way that this dealership tests the integrity of truck frames is by hitting it with a hammer. i did not ask these people to do this. they called me back and said i shouldn't do the brake job because my truck has a rusted frame and it is no longer inspectable. i started a claim with toyota and they said there was nothing they could do for me because my 100,000 mile warranty was up. i asked about the tacoma recall and they said there was at this time nothing they could do for me. great!!! i called my dealership back and after getting the runaround i was told that they would give me 500$ for my truck. you have got to be kidding me. the body on this truck has very little rust and i really feel as if the frame must be defective. *tr

My 2001 toyota tundra was just taken to be inspected. i was told by my local toyota of newport dealer that the frame was rusted out and would not pass inspection. also, tire cross members exhaust system crossover pipes and power steering frame rusted out and is leaking. i called toyota hot line and am waiting for a response. *tr

There was no incident here, let me clarify that first of all. i am beginning to read quite a bit about the 2000-2001 toyota tundra vehicles in cold weather states, experiencing an unusual amount of frame rust. i live in maryland and currently own a 2001 toyota tundra sr5 4wd. my vehicle has 36,000 miles on it and has always been garage kept. after the first year the rust started, i have used at least a case of rust-oleum to counter the effects of the rust. my biggest concern right now is the appearance of my steering column (located under the hood) this metal shaft is engrossed in rust. i own a 1987 buick with 117,000 miles on it that does look no where near this bad. there is no doubt in my mind that this could at some point pose a safety risk. just today i called the toyota's customer experience center at 800-331-4331 and notified them of the problem. they acknowledged the frame rust, but said that i was on my own with any other rust. they told me to schedule an appointment with the dealership. upon contacting the dealership, they only acknowledged rust problems with toyota tacomas. i just wanted nhtsa to be aware of this . thanks *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. while driving approximately 35 mph in october 2009, the spare tire fell off of the rear of the truck which he believed was caused by corrosion. the contact called the manufacturer and was informed of recall 09v444000 and that the repair would be free of charge. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the current mileage was 114,500. the failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

I have a 2001 toyota tundra. i brought this vehicle in for rhode island state inspection and it failed due to frame rust. the spare tire separated and the frame that holds the tire broke and is being held together with a strap. there are places in the frame that have rusted through completely. both the dealership and the corporate offices have not been of any assistance. *tr updated 03/25/10 *bf the consumer sent in pictures. updated 07/14/10.8jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. the frame on his vehicle has corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer , but no assistance was provided . the failure mileage 39,300.

I currently own a 2001 toyota tundra pickup truck, bought in 2003, and have garaged it for 85% of its life, sprayed and cleaned the undercarriage on a regular basis. the truck currently has 90k on it. the frame does have rust throughout. especially where the suspension supports are located from front to back and most if not all of the hardware that holds the bed to the frame and the whole truck to the frame is rusted and some of the threads of the fasteners are gone. am concerned that it is a safety hazard for my family and anyone passing by the truck while it is in motion. am wondering what the out come will be. *tr

I have a 2001 toyota tundra and have a problem with the structural frame system. i have pieces of the frame system that are about 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches long in rusted layers that has fallen off. there is a lot of steel frame that has flaked off and the frame is showing signs of heavy corrosion also. *tr