Two problems related to front suspension leaf spring have been reported for the 2000 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Toyota Tacoma based on all problems reported for the 2000 Tacoma.
Frame rust perforation per Toyota 1995 through 2000 Toyota frame rust corrosion perforation warranty enhancement (customer support program) was conducted on my truck last year (September 2010). The local Toyota dealership inspected and said it was ok. Today they conducted another frame inspection and said the frame was perforated and would not pass the safety inspection. I asked to see a digital photograph of the frame damage and was told none were available. No offer was made to put the truck on the lift for me to see for myself. I drove home very carefully, pulled the truck in the garage and had a look, does not look safe to me. Appears the left front rear axle leaf spring mount / chassis frame could fail causing the axle to separate from the vehicle. Perhaps this is more serious than a "customer support program"!.
While driving, suddenly there was cracking, then a metallic clunking noise. The consumer slowed the truck down, drove home and parked the truck. The next morning , the consumer could visually see the broken leaf spring, because the spring was sticking into the gas tank, but didn't penetrate. The consumer contacted two dealership who indicated that this is a common failure with these vehicles. The consumer feels that the spring broke because of a design flaw, due to the springs being assembled in correctly. If the truck was towing a trailer at the time of failure, this could of resulted in a roll over.