Frame Rust problems of the 2000 Toyota Tundra - part 2

I received a recall notice on my 2000 Toyota Tundra for a rusted frame cross member in 04/22/10. Went to the dealer,they looked at it & said the whole frame was junk,including the cross member. The spare tire already fell out from under the vehicle on to the highway,no one was behind me by luck. I was told by the dealer that Toyota was buying these vehicles back,but after (7) calls to Toyota they said they were going to repair them (replace the frame) as of today nothing was fixed yet & pieces of the frame keeps falling off everytime I drive it. The dealer keeps telling me they can't do anything until they get ok from Toyota. Everytime I call Toyota they tell me I'm on a list (#8) I have been there since April, but the list seems to never go down. Toyota knew about this problem since, 11//16/2009 I think its time Toyota fixes the problem or buy the trucks back. I want to list, this truck has no rust on the body at all just nothing under it to hold the good body. So much for their "truck of the year" with the "extra heavy duty frame".

I had a 2000 Toyota Tundra shipped from massachusetts to where I live in montana. I bought it from a auto sales there whereby asking them before I even considered buying it if it had any rust issues. I was told no and the conversations I had throughout the dealing process I was confident that they were being upfront with me. I had it shipped to my son in denver and he shuttled it to me in sheridan, wyoming, where I picked it up and drove it home to montana. After inspecting it when I got home I was stunned to find the extent of the rust on the frame and various parts. One of the brackets that is welded to the frame that holds the steering stabilizer is almost gone. After talking to a friend of mine that owns a body shop he informed me about frame rust issues on earlier year Tundra's in certain parts of the country, massachusetts being one of them. He also informed me about recalls associated with this problem. After going online and reading on the Toyota website what the recall involves I am very sad to find it only talks about a rear crossmember that holds the spare tire. This doesn't come close to the extent of the rust on this frame and associated parts. This is my hard earned money and more importantly the fact not being able to trust people that you deal with has made this event a nightmare. Ii have to believe that there was a defect in the steel that Toyota used in these frames for the rust to be this bad.

The under side of my 2000 Toyota Tundra is so badly rusted that I had to have the spare tire removed and my brake lines and all of my frame are rusted. The rust continues to flake and fall from the frame of the truck. I have brought it to my dealer and they said they would order a new cross member part to replace what is there however, I have not heard from the dealer because they have not heard from Toyota. I am afraid to drive my truck. There is way more rust than just to the cross member frame. The entire frame is badly rusted and has gone into the brake lines!.

I own a 2000 Toyota Tundra. I bought the truck used from an owner in burlington vermont on 10/4/07. The truck is garaged in concord nh. I took the truck for an annual inspection as required by nh on 3/31/10. I was informed that the vehicle would be uninspectable next year. The ase certified mechanic suggested that I have a frame inspection performed by Toyota due to the massive amount of rust on the frame and cross members. I took the Tundra to the local Toyota dealership for the inspection. I was told that the Tundra had frame damage (rust through holes) and was advised not to drive the vehicle. I was supplied with a rental vehicle and the Toyota customer reporting phone number. I filed a claim with Toyota on 4/1/10. Toyota called me 4/5/10 and said that they will send a representative to inspect the vehicle as soon as possible. I am waiting for a determination from Toyota on what, if any action they will take. The body, bed and engine of this vehicle is in excellent condition with 132k miles.

When I took my 2000 Toyota Tundra into the Toyota dealer for my annual NY state inspection I was informed that the vehicle could not pass nys inspection. The reason given was due to a rust hole in the frame on the right side, front, next to the sway bar. (by the way, the spare tire cross member was not in need of replacing). I am currently waiting for Toyota to call me back a second time, to tell me what they are going to do for me on this 10 year old vehicle that I can't legally drive in new york state.

2000 Toyota Tundra. The frame is rusting underneith the car. Toyota acknowledges this is a problem and shouldn't be happening, but will not fix the issue. Truck will not pass inspection at this time. We are looking at having to pay for this defect out of our own pocket because Toyota will not take responsibility.

2000 Toyota Tundra excessive frame and componet rust.

Based on a news story on pbs advising Toyota owners of a 2000-2003 Tundra should be advised to check for excessive rust on the rear cross member of the frame and the attachment details of the spare tire stored under the frame. I had received no recall notice or letter of an "advisory"the vehicle is a sr5 (4x4) regular cab ,8' bed, 114,000 miles and meticulously maintained,with a leer high cap , and bedliner I this one owner. A mechanic briefly looked under the vehicle who told me he wanted to put it on the lift to get a better look. The damage was so severe to both rails of the frame that the truck was deemed to be totally unsafe and he had to take my keys and impound the vehicle. He took me to the lift and showed me first the passenger side rail of the frame. In front of the rear tire there was a fist sized hole in the frame as well as an adjoining crack that extended entirely through the steel member from top to bottom. It was basically split in 2 pieces. He then reached in where the hole was and pulled a 8 to 12 inch multilayered sheet of rust off the frame. The driver side was in very similar condition but the crack was just short or going all the way from top to bottom. I told the service manager ( dean carnes-bennett Toyota, allentown, PA. -610 437-6711) this was my business vehicle. He told me that all the dealer could do was provide me a rental car as they had no rental trucks. I am now driving a Toyota corolla that is unsuited for my needs. He said that anything further would have to go Toyota directly. I called and filed a case an reiterated I needed a rental truck. I got a call a couple days later from the Toyota rep. Assigned to the case. She told me that the case was put on "escalated status" because of the severity of the problem. I have no rental truck and no word from Toyota. They said the problem will be handled on a case by case basis. Inspection by the district mgr and policy from upper management is needed.

Brake failure on 2000 Toyota Tundra caused by excessive rusting of frame, cross member and proportioning valve mount. Lost all braking ability when exiting i89 southbound exit 18 in georgia, vermont. Narrowly avoided a vehicle stopped in front of me and another oncoming vehicle at the intersection of i89 and us route 7. I reported this event to Toyota that same morning and was issued a case number. Advised to contact local Toyota dealer for immediate inspection. Inspection revealed conditions listed at beginning of this statement and significant flaking/loss of metal on main rails of frame. Told by service manager that truck could not be repaired without inspection of vehicle by Toyota regional rep. The following Monday (brake failure occurred on the preceding Friday), local dealer provided me with a rental vehicle and advised me that the end decision on my vehicle was to replace the cross member and proportioning valve. Vehicle had not been inspected by regional rep. And service manager could not provide me with an estimated completion date for the work due to lack of a part number for the cross member. I learned of prior knowledge of this problem by Toyota and others when researching on the internet. Also learned that recall notices were to be mailed nlt end of January 2010 (Toyota statement). Toyota rep admitted this was not done and recall letters have still not gone out to owners.

I took my 2000 Toyota Tundra to my mechanic in January 2010 and he noticed that the frame was very rusty in the rear. I looked up the Tundra in the recall notice and found that there was a recall for the cross member holding the spare tire. I took the truck to my local Toyota dealer and they found that the cross member was ok, but the frame was perforated by rust in the left rear. The dealer stated that the frame probably had 1 year left in it but that they could not pass it for state inspection in its current condition. I called Toyota and requested information on a repair for this problem. They told me that the cross member issue was the only issue outstanding and that they would not do anything for me at this time. Unfortunately, I am left with a worthless vehicle and as I use it for towing it is even more susceptible to failure of the frame.

2000 Toyota Tundra sr5, excessive frame rotting/rusting of entire under carriage,frame is flaking away over the rear wheels and entire under carriage, as a result of which my safety and that of my family are at risk, and now the market value of the truck I bought new is worthless. I am requesting a total replacement of my vehicle. I have owned the truck since new some 10 years and the body is in perfect condition, but the frame is totally rusting away. I am requesting nothing short of a new Tundra in its place, there must be some justice for a company that was fully aware of this problem before they sold theses vehicle,s, I own (2) other Toyota, as well, a 2002 that I purchased for my daughter, and that vehicle also suffers from a similar problem.

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) this is regarding my 2000 Toyota Tundra, [xxx] . I am aware that the ntsb has issued a bulletin (#09v444000) concerning rusty frames on my model and year, specifically regarding the cross member holding the spare tire. That cross member on my truck is solid, however the spring mount portion of the frame has completely disintegrated and broken. Fortunately it broke while I was leaving my driveway, not while I was doing 65 mph on the highway. The local dealer service manager and an area Toyota representative have examined the vehicle. They have concluded that it is out of warranty and that Toyota is not liable. Toyota has already accepted responsibility for rust problems on the 2000 tacoma frames. I made them aware of the rust issues on my truck when the tacoma recalls were first announced, but they have insisted that it is not a problem. I believe that the rear suspension falling out from under my truck is a safety hazard and should be their problem.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2000 Toyota Tundra frame rust. Holes through the frame. Vibration of front end. Updated 12/16/09 pictures received. Updated 12/1/6/09.

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.

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.

I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra limited. Frame is so rusted it just flakes apart.

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.

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.

Rusted frame on my 2000 Toyota Tundra.

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.

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.

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.

Frame rusting on 2000 Toyota Tundra. Chunks of metal are peeling off the frame.