Underbody Shield problems of the 2000 Toyota Tundra - part 1

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. While searching for the spare tire, the contact was unable to locate the tire and realized that the tire had fallen off and the rear cross member was corroded. The vehicle was taken to mendenhall auto center (8725 mallard street, juneau, ak 99801) and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear cross member was completely corroded and no longer structurally sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v444000 (structure) due to the vehicle being registered in alaska. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

S10 direct reply- letter to the secretary re requesting assistance with the recall of a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The consumer stated the vehicle clearly exhibited rust inside the steel which was supposed to have been repaired at the original dealership. The consumer stated Toyota issued a recall. However, they did not repair it, they just painted over the problem. The consumer stated due to the rust, the wheels fell off the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. While changing the oil in the vehicle, the contact noticed that the entire frame underneath the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician pulled the bed off and coated the back. The front was not treated. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

The bed of my 2000 Tundra is rusting out where the cross members are welded to the bed and where the bolts are connected to the frame. Toyota replaced the frame in may of 2011. I looked online and there are other Tundra owners with the same problems. I took the truck to a local Toyota dealership as requested by Toyota recall center and the service manager,head mechanic ,and customer service manager all looked at the truck and said it was in bad shape and had to do with inferior metal,poor workmanship,or inferior under coating. Lakewood Toyota said they couldn't address the problem because there's no recall for the bed. If the bed becomes unattached from the frame then there could be a major accident. I was hoping you could notify Toyota of this problem because the company doesn't want to take responsibility for their inferior quality and poor craftsmanship want to put this on record so your dept can address the issue and or point me in the right direction to further pursue this matter. Thank you for your time and understanding. Updated 08/18/14.

I purchased this vehicle on 10/23/13. I heard about Toyota recall on frame. I called a Toyota service department and asked if the issue ha been addressed. They say yes it was. The frame recall passed inspection. I then purchased the vehicle based on the pass it received. On 10/24/13 I took the truck to another Toyota garage to do an overall inspection of the vehicle so I knew the brakes and other components were in good working condition. The technician called me back and said the frame is rotted! I asked about the recall and he said Toyota is not addressing issue any longer. I said it passed the frame inspection. He said they had them spray something over the rust and corrosion, but it didn't fix the issue. He advised me to return the vehicle for a refund. The owner did not know because she was selling for her father that has dementia. Help!!!!!!.

2000 Toyota Tundra. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle severe corrosion recall notice. The consumer stated he called three dealers to have the recall performed. The first dealer stated there were no appointments available for an inspection, the second dealer stated there were no more parts available and they could not order any more. The third dealer stated they could help and the consumer made an appointment. However, a few days later the consumer received a call from the dealer requesting he return the loaner vehicle, or he would be charged. The dealer informed the consumer the truck had not been inspected and no repairs were performed, and they would call him when the recall was revised. On may 9, 2012, the consumer noticed the gas tank was hanging on the ground. The rear support strap had rusted through. While making the repairs, the consumer noticed rust flakes the size of softballs were falling off the frame.

I recently took this truck in on a trade and knew nothing about Toyota's frame rust issues. Called Toyota customer experience center and explained the rust perforation issue I noticed on this truck. Has a marble sized hole by the drivers side spring perch and the frame is thin on both sides in that area. The passenger side behind the wheel has a hole the size of a tennis ball on the side, a hole the size of a golf ball on the bottom(same area), and a hole an inch wide by four inches long on the top of frame(same area). The rest of the frame is heavily rusted and thin. The rust comes off in big flakes. I explained all this to Toyota and received a case # and was told some one would contact me. Well finally got a call and they said they would do nothing yeah that is right nothing about it since their good will "limited service campaign a0f" had expired. So now that they will do nothing about it I have a truck that is a time bomb waiting to break apart hopefully some one doesn't get killed with this death trap. Way to make a happy customer Toyota !!!! wonder how many more people will get duped by Toyota.

In June 2010 my Tundra was repaired after being recalled for a severely rusted frame and spare tire housing. What signaled the problem was when my spare tire dropped from the mount and was dangling above the ground causing me to almost loose control on an off ramp. The first dealer inspected the vehicle and told me "the frame is so rusted I can put a screwdriver thru it". He then allowed me to drive home. On a second opinion, the truck was pulled off the road . When I picked up the truck following the repairs the spare was in truckbed and I had to ask for it to be installed. ( had they even looked at it?) )n 1/25/13 while pumping gas, I look behind the vehicle and see the spare tire on the ground! the plate that holds the tire was worn away. I contacted Toyota who told me that these things can happen in colder climates but when pressed she said that I could get it inspected and also have the fuel tank straps inspected as there had be rust issues with these on the 2000 Tundra. When I asked if there would be a recall or notification, I was told no. This is appalling. The tire easily could have fallen off while being driven and now a fuel tank holder may be rusted. Shouldn't there be a recall? I had talked to a ntsb member but wanted to update since I talked to Toyota.

On 1/1/2013 while at the dealer for an oil change, I was informed that there was a small hole in the frame. I was told that this was not covered by the recent recall because it had expired and not to worry about the hole. The hole is about the size of a half dollar and right above the front wheel. There is also severe rust scaling around the area and several large pieces of frame loose inside the hole. My Tundra has always been serviced by this dealer who also performed the recall inspection. When inspected initially there were no issued found. When I brought the vehicle in for the undercoating protection included in the recall the dealer didn't have the material. I filed a complaint with Toyota USA. Case #1109231360. In 2011. I have not received an update on the complaint. I am the original owner of the vehicle and have had all my service done at this dealer. How did they not notice this hole until after the recall expired? my concern is that the frame is rusting prematurely and the dealer turned a blind eye to it in order to avoid the cost of the repair. Than after the recall expired, informed me of the defect. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle.

I had a recall letter from Toyota regarding frame rust. It was to be done at no charge. When the dealer inspected the frame, they said the truck qualified for frame replacement at no charge. When the work was beginning, however, I received a phone call stating numerous parts had to be replaced because they were destroyed during the frame replacement process. I was told it was not negotiable and I would have to pay for them. These included all shocks, tie rods and ends for $350. Also, they suggested replacing the steering rack and radiator cap for an additional $650. I have contacted Toyota corporation to try to get the real story of what is covered and what may not be covered.

In accordance with the frame corrosion recall, I took my Tundra in for a second inspection. It was perforated so bad it was deemed unsafe to drive within a year after the first inspection when it passed. After multiple delays and 12 weeks I received my Tundra back only to be plagued with multiple repairs since. Tacoma owners with the same recall were offered a cash value to purchase a new vehicle but Tundra owners were not offered that deal. I wanted to have it inspected by a third party but Toyota would not let me drive it. Multiple repairs since can be attributed to the frame replacement. Toyota took 2 days to rebuild my truck for what was a 2 week job. Since then my research has resulted in numerous conflicts with what should have been replaced on my truck with the recall work and what was actually done. It is clear that Toyota rushed through my rebuild once the delayed frame arrived to get my truck back to me as quickly as possible which concerns me for the workmanship and quality. I currently have ongoing repair problems that they cannot seem to fix and Toyota is unwilling to accept that the frame replacement on a 12 year old vehicle may be the cause. I have/had hard knocking noises in my suspension, steering problems, brake issues, axle seal problems, parking brake issues, damaged radiator etc. That I have paid for an continue to fail. I have asked for a complete parts list from the rebuild which I have never received. My inquiries have gotten me nowhere and Toyota corporate discounted my issue and sent me back the dealer/ service center. I also own a rav 4 which had the gas pedal recall which I had to take in twice because the first time I was informed that my vehicle was not part of the recall, but it was. Then I got another letter, called and was informed that is was and then took it in for repair. Safety does not seem to be the priority of Toyota.

2000 Toyota Tundra. Consumer writes in regards to recall notice concerning severe corrosion of the rear cross member the consumer complied with the recall notice and took the vehicle to the dealer to be inspected. An inspection revealed, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The consumer was given a loaner vehicle. However, a day in a half later, the consumer was advised to return the loaner and to pick up his vehicle because Toyota would not authorize the repair as the vehicle was a total loss according to a carfax report. Toyota advised the consumer once he contacted carfax to have them delete the vehicle as being a total loss, they would repair the vehicle.

2000 Toyota Tundra. Consumer requests reimbursement for recall repairs related to rust the consumer stated the dealer had his vehicle for two months. When he finally went to pick up the vehicle, the dealer handed him an invoice for work that was performed. The consumer stated he only went in for a recall repair.

Tl- the contact submitted an email and requested that the official ivoq be written verbatim to the email: I am the owner of a 2000 Toyota Tundra with severe frame rot. I can not get Toyota to replace my frame because the vehicle was a rebuilt vehicle. The only thing they could do was replace the rear cross member. The problem I have with this is that my truck is excellent condition with the exception of the frame. I bought it with 50,000 miles on it and it now has 189,000 miles on it. A local man had his replaced and the truck will pass an inspection. It is frustrating I sent a letter to Toyota a year ago and to no response. So I guess my question is are they pulling the wool over my eyes and to doing the replacement or am I just screwed. Assignees and notifications* updated 05/02/12 updated 05/04/12.

I received a recall for frame rust. Upon taking my truck to a dealer I was told there was no perforation and that I would be notified of when a rust inhibitor was available. Truck has an extraordinary amount of rust on the frame from being in a northern state for the first seven years on the road. Toyota now says they will not apply rust inhibitor because truck is registered in a southern state. All trucks in northern states are being coated regardless of point of origin. Where a truck is registered is immaterial if the truck displays extra ordinary amounts of rust. This rust is causing brake and fuel lines to prematurely rust and will surely cause early failure.

2000 Toyota Tundra. Consumer states that the brackets and frame have been corroding. Consumer states that this issue has nothing to do with the recall for the spare tire bracket. The consumer stated it appeared the metal was breaking off in layers and would cause a failure on the part it was connected too.

This is a follow up to previous e-mail sent 12/6/2010 odi #10375754 Toyota has addressed the frame and crossmember but not the brackets holding everything to frame. The pictures I sent show significant rust and now two years later Toyota has not responded to the problem. The rust on the leaf spring bracket is dangerously close to failing. Is there any course of action to get Toyota to address the problem. Thanks for any help.

2000 Toyota Tundra. Consumer writes regarding vehicle rust the consumer stated his vehicle passed the inspection rust recall. However, one of the straps that held the gas tank rusted through and failed after the inspection. Also, the consumer had to pat $800 for a new steering rack.

I have a Tundra 2000. Most of the frame are corroded due to rust. While driving, hit a pot hole and the gas tank straps let go due to corrosion. Gas tank drop to the ground, luckily I pull to the side and no accident happen. Thanks god.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA recall campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) and took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repairs. The dealer advised the vehicle did not exhibit enough rust for them to make any repairs to the vehicle. The dealer advised that once the vehicle had rusted more extensively, they would then make repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 104,000.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated after receiving notification of NHTSA recall campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) he made an appointment for recall repairs accordingly. The dealer inspected the vehicle and advised the contact that rust and corrosion vehicle was beyond repair. The manufacturer confirmed the dealers advised and would not provide any assistance. The contact believed the manufacturer was careless in handling the recall and that he should be reimbursed for the defect that existed in the vehicle and could potentially cause a crash. The failure and current mileages were 107,000. Updated 08/24/10. Updated 08/26/jb.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated he received notification of NHTSA recall campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) and took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. Toyota refused to authorize the repairs to the vehicle stating the odometer was branded. The contact advised the odometer was not branded and he had documentation that stated otherwise. The failure mileage was 44,853 and the current mileage was 44,873. Updated 08/24/10. Updated 08/25/jb.

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealer to inspect the structure body. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number 09v444000 (structure; frame and members: underbody shields). The technician was unable to find a defect within the rear cross member associated with the recall ; however, a hole was detected in the left front frame rail. The hole was contributed to an excessive amount of rust. The manufacturer notified the contact regarding the rust on the frame and stated that the contact would be responsible for the repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe and failed to comply with the standards to pass the state safety inspection. The failure mileage was 105,524. Updated 11/11/10 the consumer stated Toyota has since authorized and completed the replacement of the frame at no cost to him. Updated 11/18/jb updated 12/02/10 the consumer stated Toyota authorized the replacement of the frame at no charge to him. Updated 12/07/jb.

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.

Toyota refusing to repair my 2000 trundra pickup after defects have been detected. The dealer discovered frame rust at the rear axle connection. The consumer stated a recall had been issued for the 2000-2003 models. Updated 03/09/10.

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.

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?.

2000 Toyota Tundra. Consumer writes to express discontent about treatment at a Toyota dealer in regards to repairs 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.

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 the dealer informed the consumer, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Updated 02/16/17. 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.

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. */10/09 update cw ** updated 01/06/10 the consumer sent in pictures of the vehicle. Updated 01/06/10.

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. Updated 02/01/10.

Abnormal frame rust on 2000 Toyota Tundra. Upon having a sprayed in bedliner installed to further enhance/preserve our vehicle the installation company advised us they noted a severe amount of frame rust, that was not consistent with the condition of the rest of vehicle. They were under the vehicle for a fire watch during the installation of two welded patches to the truck bed to eliminate rust in the bed before it spread. Upon further investigation the frame is indeed inconsistently rusted in comparison to the remainder of the vehicle. This includes substantial rusting of the support for the fuel tank which is a safety concern. The local dealer suggested that based on the year of the vehicle the frame may have been coated in ohio where there was a problem with the proper amount coating being applied, but that they were not doing anything at this time for customers. (similar to the tacomas that have been recalled). Updated 03/29/10 pictures received 10/07/10.

This is a follow up consumer sent additional information 10/19/09. According to the technician's work order, the rear perches and rear tire carrier were rotted and it was recommended that the vehicle not be driven. Updated voq 10/20/09 consumer wants to know about recall for spare tire on the Tundra. 12/15/09 the consumer stated the frame on the vehicle has severe rust. Updated 12/18/09 the consumer stated he still has not heard from Toyota. The consumer stated he had the vehicle inspected by an authorized Toyota dealer as requested. Updated 03/29/10.

Same problem as current action #pe09049. Frame member holding spare tire in 2000 Toyota Tundra rotted away. Spare tire appeared to be hanging low while truck was parked in the driveway. I went to investigate and when I shook tire to attempt to determine cause the spare tire came crashing to the ground, still attached to part of the frame. Brought truck to Toyota dealer the next day to further investigate and they notified me that the whole frame was rusted and in need of replacement, and unsafe to drive until that is done. Contacted Toyota's national office, and they advised me that at this time there is no action to be taken on the Tundra, but advised me that they had received many complaints on the same issue, and further explained that the same issue existed in earlier model year tacomas. They explained that is currently under executive review and if any further action was taken in the future I would be notified. Truck is in otherwise very good shape, but is now unusable. Updated 03/25/10 updated ivoq 09/02/jb.

I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra and it is rusted to the point where I cannot get a new inspection sticker. This past weekend I was driving and the spare tire was so badly rusted it broke loose from the mount and nearly caused me to crash as it jammed beneath my vehicle. It then bounced back and almost hit the car behind me. This was a very near miss! I have been fighting with Toyota to have them help me with this problem but they are doing nothing. I am hoping that they will do for us what they did for tacoma owners. Updated 03/25/10 received pictures. Updated 09/15/10.