Body problems of the 2001 Toyota Tundra - part 1

I brought my 2001 Toyota Tundra into my dealer today, and he advised me that the frame of the Toyota is very rusted and cracking and close to completely breaking. He said Toyota issued a recall on this, but it is no longer in effect. I have learned this is a common issue with the 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras. Please advise!.

Heavy rust on frame as well as rusting out under support. Causing the bed of the truck to rub on the cab. Causing the frame to start to bend, I use his vehicle. To transport my special needs child. I’m wondering why, my vehicle? isn’t covered under the recall ???.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that she noticed an unknown part hanging from the vehicle. The contact's son noticed that the cross member had fractured causing the fuel tank to detach. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 227,780.

Chassis rust and holes in the frame. Obviously large rust holes in the direction of the frame behind the front driver side wheel. Frame holes cause great concern for the overall operational safety of the vehicle. I consider this degree of rust degradation excessive and a craftsmanship defect. Heavy steel vehicle frames shuld not exhibit rust holes to this degree. Upon recall notice and inspection by Toyota, the vehicle received a cnc undercoat to much of the chassis/frame as a measure to prevent further/future rust formation. Obviously, the undercoat was insufficient at preventing further rust formation on this part of the frame. I do not know exactly when the rust holes appeared. I entered today's date when answering the question of "when did this happen", but it is reasonable to assume the rust formation has been in existance for many months to years.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA recall number: 09v444000 (structure). However, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dunning Toyota dealer (877-356-9318, located at 3745 jackson rd, ann arbor, mi 48103) where it was stated that the vehicle was too dangerous to be repaired, due to excessive corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the dealer would not be forced to do the work, if the vehicle was found to unsafe to be repaired or driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000. F.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the sub frame of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Vehicle frame has sufficient rust including holes in the frame. There were two recalls dealing with this rust issue, neither fixed the problem. This has been an on going issue for Toyota including class action lawsuits - but those didn't include 2001 Tundra. I have contacted the dealership where purchased new, the dealership that undercoated over top of the rust (second recall - had there been holes in the frame 10mm or large, they said they would have replaced the frame at that time. But they were not allowed to bead blast or wire brush which most likely were have products several hole greater then 10mm), and Toyota headquarters. Because the recalls were closed, they all said there is nothing they are willing to do. The vehicle is not safe to drive and frame replacement is estimated to be $15,000 which is more then the vehicle is worth. I also don't want to sell a vehicle that isn't safe to drive.

I have only owned this vehicle for 6 months. On 8/18/18 the control arm on the passenger side fell off, I had the truck towed by aaa to a local repair shop. After examining the vehicle, the mechanic stated that the driver side control arm was also ready to fall off but the bigger problem is that the frame is rotted, holes everywhere and the vehicle is not safe to drive. I inquired at lynch Toyota about a remedy through the frame recall and they informed me that there was a prevention spray done in 2014 at westbrook Toyota - which makes this worse, because there shouldn't be any rot/corrosion if the spray was effective. I called Toyota corporate to ask about a remedy and they refused, stating that a guarantee of the spray was only for 12 months after the (ineffective) spray was applied and after that the customer is on their own. I did not own the vehicle at the time so I don't know if problems were noticed within 12 months after the spray, but clearly the spray didn't work since 4 years later the frame is rotted to the point of being unsafe.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. While checking underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed severe rust where the leaf spring shackles were located near the fuel tank. The contact drove the vehicle to tansky motors Toyota in logan, ohio and was advised not to haul anything on the vehicle because the frame could fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer sent a notification to have the vehicle evaluated at don woods Toyota in athens, ohio. The don woods dealer determined that the frame was ok. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.

Lower drivers side ball joint popped out going down hyway. Tire ended up collapsing in on drivers fender door and broke cv shaft and twisted a arms. Very dangerous. No prior sign of clunking or popping.

I was driving in a Toyota Tundra 2001 with my pregnant wife and two goats in the bed, when I drove over a small bump by a little bridge when I heard a noise and lost control off the truck almost hitting a tree. I was within a half mile from my home so when I got home I inspected the truck to find out the lower control arm broke off . If you drive the truck now it will pull the truck hard to the left and it feels like it's about to fall apart. Toyota also had a so called recall on the frames but, even still the frame is in terrible condition and they refuse to help . I'm most pissed because this happened while my wife was in the truck and we already lost one child together.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. While having the vehicle inspected for a mandatory annual state inspection, the vehicle failed due to corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the corrosion would have to be welded. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was previously serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 09v444000 (structure), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the corrosion protection compound was not an adequate preventive measure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

I contacted Toyota about rusting of my 2001 Tundra with 137000 miles on it. There are holes that you can put your thumb through in the frame. Toyota said there was a limited recall and it has expired. Why is this not a safety recall? is there any recourse here?.

Summary: purchased 2001 Toyota Tundra in April 2015 from faulkner Buick GMC of west chester PA. April 2015 the dealer passed inspection while active recalls on frame corrosion were not complete,corroded frame present. Per current inspection fail-3-2016-this should never have been passed in 2015 by dealer. Faulkner Buick GMC of west chester PA, 705 autopark blvd,west chester, PA 19382 1. The prior used car dealer passed inspection 2015,should have failed for rotted frame (legal issue);2. Prior owner,used car dealer-ignored all past/current frame recalls;3. Purchased truck 4-2015;4. Fail inspection-rotted frame 3-2016;5. Tricounty Toyota,limerick, PA,3/15/16 - they told my son its not rotted enough, drive a few months and see if its worse (even though there is an active recall now. ;6. Went to conicelli Toyota - conshohocken,PA march17, 2016 - very helpful in testing the corrosion, they agree its rotted thru, no way to fix other than complete replacement of frame, several tests and pics given to Toyota "field rep. " one month later determines that Toyota will not fix entire frame, only the small portion currently under the active recall (however, the dealer says they cant fix nor pass inspection because the rest of frame is still rotted - catch 22). Toyota now refuses to fix the entire frame - even though through prior recalls they should have done anyway. They cannot fix the portion of frame under current recall due to remaining corrosion. I have passes onto corporate Toyota case#1604132198, however attempts to discuss were dismissed. Desired outcome:1. Since Toyota should be obligated to fix current frame part, I demand that they should have to fix the remaining frame as they originally claimed the entire frame to be defective. 2. Used car dealer faulkner of west chester PA should be held accountable for passing state inspection w/ recalls outstanding,unsafe sold to my son.

In 2010 Toyota had a recall on the frame and spare tire holder resulting in the spare tire coming off and causing accidents. I was notified by mail to get the frame/cross member checked by the closest dealer possible. So I set up an appointment with johnson city Toyota in tennessee and when the part would arrive they would call me. I never got the phone call so after two months of waiting I called the dealership and they had told me the recall has expired and I'm out of luck. I had bought the 2001 Tundra in July 11, 2011 so I really didn't have much time from the get go and wasn't told about the recall when I bought the truck from an individual seller,"might fault" for not going over the whole thing anyway, but my problem is that the frame and the spare tire holder is an accident waiting to happen. So I had called corporate in 2012, and today with a very disappointing answer twice that the recall is no longer available and that they can not help me. My case number with Toyota corporate is 1601253399 from today but I do not have the case number from the 2012 call. Also I have a friend that has a 2002 tacoma that was also recalled for the same reason and his frame had gotten replaced in July 2013 at jim barkley Toyota in asheville,north carolina which goes completely against what I'm being told. I hope that this is the info that you need but please contact me if pictures are needed or with any details. I hope your the right people that can help me, if not can you send me to the right direction. I have no where to turn and my hand are tied, but thank you very much for your time.

Tl - the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal banging noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear cross member was completely corroded and the rear shock had fractured. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously service under an unknown manufacturer customer satisfaction campaign in which the vehicle was treated for rust. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 164,000. Pm.

Addendum to reference number 10785255 on 1/7/16, chris adamos [operations manager] called from Toyota headquarters due to my ongoing concerns oft rust perforation compromising my frame, making it unsafe. I explained that I am concerned that 1) the crc intervention [proposed by Toyota] did not remedy a problem [that had been identified by Toyota], 2) thus the problem remains unresolved, and 3) safety issues continue to exist and that the frame is actually worse than it had been when inspected in 2012. Chris stated, ¿the crc was not meant to remedy the problem, it was meant to mitigate the problem. ¿ he explained that, when the 2012 recall inspections occurred, ¿if a frame was perforated, it was replaced. If there was no perforation, the crc would be applied and that may help for 6 months, a year, or 3 years in your case, but it was applied with the thought that it would eventually fail. ¿ I explained that was not my understanding of the crc¿s role when the dealer discussed the plan in 2012. I had been made to believe that the crc was to prevent any further corrosion which would compromise the frame¿s integrity. I explained that had I known the crc was only ¿band-aiding¿ the problem, I would have sold the truck in 2012. Now, the vehicle cannot pass an inspection which is needed to be sold, nor would I want to sell the vehicle to others because it is unsafe. Chris acknowledged that owners who received frame replacements had the problem resolved. He also acknowledged Toyota was aware that the crc intervention would be ineffective for the frames that passed the initial 2012 inspection. They knew those frames would fail, thus those owners safety issues were not resolved, but simply postponed until the campaign expired, leaving these customers with no alternatives.

Purchased 2001 Toyota Tundra in April 2015 from faulkner Buick GMC of west chester PA. April 2015 the dealer passed inspection while active recalls on frame corrosion were not complete,corroded frame present. Per current inspection fail-3-2016-this should never have been passed in 2015 by dealer. Faulkner Buick GMC of west chester PA, 705 autopark blvd,west chester, PA 19382 1. The prior used car dealer passed inspection 2015,should have failed for rotted frame (legal issue);2. Prior owner,used car dealer-ignored all past/current frame recalls;3. Purchased truck 4-2015;4. Fail inspection-rotted frame 3-2016;5. Tricounty Toyota,limerick, PA,3/15/16 - they told my son its not rotted enough, drive a few months and see if its worse (even though there is an active recall now. ;6. Went to conicelli Toyota - conshohocken,PA march17, 2016 - very helpful in testing the corrosion, they agree its rotted thru, no way to fix other than complete replacement of frame, several tests and pics given to Toyota "field rep. " one month later determines that Toyota will not fix entire frame, only the small portion currently under the active recall (however, the dealer says they cant fix nor pass inspection because the rest of frame is still rotted - catch 22). Toyota now refuses to fix the entire frame - even though through prior recalls they should have done anyway. They cannot fix the portion of frame under current recall due to remaining corrosion. I have passes onto corporate Toyota case#1604132198, however attempts to discuss were dismissed. Desired outcome:1. Since Toyota should be obligated to fix current frame part, I demand that they should have to fix the remaining frame as they originally claimed the entire frame to be defective. 2. Used car dealer faulkner of west chester PA should be held accountable for passing state inspection w/ recalls outstanding,unsafe sold to my son.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the rear driver side subframe perforated due to excessive corrosion. In 2012, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 09v444000 (suspension); however, the failure recurred. The remedy consisted of spraying a corrosion protector onto the entire frame, which failed to prevent the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 370,000.

I purchased the vehicle in October 2014 and was informed about a frame corrosion issue causing failures and failure to pass vt state inspections by a family friend in January. I contacted Toyota and provided michael, the customer service representative with all VIN information. He looked up service records and informed me that the vehicle had a corrosion application applied in 2010 under the previous owner and there was nothing further required. Under the recall action that was all required based I my VIN number. I did ask if it had issues discovered what was I to do, michael told me to contact Toyota again if that occurred. I took the vehicle to be inspected on 27 March, 2015 at groton garage, in groton vt and the owner mr. Tim spooner contacted me to inform me that it could not be inspected due to multiple frame corrosion issues that are failures. He also knew of the recall issue for frame corrosion and failure and told me to contact Toyota again. On 30 March I spoke with zachary who took the information update the data under case # 1503303884 and told me a specialist dealing with this high profile issue would contact me within 1 business day. I was contacted the next day by thorn who pulled up my information and informed me that Toyota had completed the frame application in 2010 and that is all that is required by Toyota to be completed by recall action b0d. I informed him that the vehicle could not be inspected after just purchasing due to the frame being corroded and he stated Toyota recall action was not responsible for this issue with my vehicle. I disagree and currently own a 2013 rav and would never had purchased a Tundra if I would have known about this frame issue. As a recent retired active duty member, I feel that customer service and taking care of known issue is the responsibility of toyot not those who purchased the vehicles unknowingly.

Spare tire holder rusted & spare tire flew off into traffic. This is a safety issue.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 09v444000 (structure) and the dealer sprayed the cross member with a corrosion protection compound. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph, the spare tire detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they refused to repair the vehicle under the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was repaired. The details of the repairs were unavailable. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he received recall and had vehicle remedied; however the vehicle began to exhibit same failures that were remedied. Rust had corroded on the vehicles frame and caused the protective coating to chip off. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 122000. Mc.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that in January 2012 the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected for frame corrosion. After inspecting the vehicle the mechanic determined that the frame did not need to be repaired or replaced and sprayed the frame with a anti corrosion substance crc. In October 2014 the vehicle failed an inspection due to a perforated sub frame caused by corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN number was not available. The failure mileage was 187,000. Jft.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact was having her vehicle serviced at a independent repair facility. The mechanic informed the contact the entire frame was severally corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and decline to provide an alternative remedy to repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000. Az.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact observed that the front passenger side frame was deteriorated and rusted out a two inch circumference hole. The vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 12v345000 (structure:body), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. Instead of the frame being replaced, the contact stated that it was sprayed previously with a compound. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. While the vehicle was stationary, it became rusted and severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to tnc Toyota of marietta, ohio where it was treated for rust and corrosion with a spray coating per a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

On 11//18/0/01irc'd a recall for excessive corrosion of the rear cross member. In 10/2012,I was informed that the truck frame passed inspection and was good. They did replace two gas tank straps and told me the undercoating that should be sprayed on it as part of the recall was not available. I never received any addition correspondence regarding the undercoating. On 12/23,14 I took my truck to tj Toyota for a trailer light whip repair. At that time, the mechanic had me look at the frame rail. It is rusted so bad I could see right through the rail. The connection of this rail to the frame has excessive scaling. The truck was due for an inspection at the end of the month, and I was told they would not do an inspection. The mechanic continued to tell me he felt the truck was ¿junk� unsuitable for towing anything. I called 1-800-331-4331 at Toyota and spoke with terence, nicole and john. Nicole processed a conference call with herself, roger at tj Toyota and me. Nicole told me to take the truck back to tj Toyota to redo the frame inspection and if it failed, Toyota would replace the frame. However, roger, from tj Toyota stated it is not corroded on the frame but it is on the rail connecting to the frame. I asked what they would for me and he stated, spray it with undercoating. I asked what that would do for the truck and roger stated ¿nothing�. Nnyroads are salted heavily. If this vehicle was never undercoated or protected for rust, the fact that the rails are rusted is due to not being prepared for driving in nnywinter. I find it difficult to believe that in 2012 my truck frame and under carriage was in as good a condition as the inspection dictated. If in two years a Toyota truck frame goes from good to junk, there is a problem some place. I believe not undercoating the vehicle led to the rust problems and the result of the inspection in 2012 was incorrect.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: under body shields). The contact was advised that the vehicle would have a compound placed on the vehicle instead of replacing the frame. The dealer stated that the frame should be replaced but the manufacturer determined that the frame would only be replaced if there were holes in the frame, regardless of whether or not there was visible structural damage. The contact stated that the dealer removed the cab and sprayed a compound solution on the points of the frame that they could reach. The contact stated that the compound was washed away once it rained. The failure and the current mileages were 57,000. Kmj.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 09v444000 (structure) and took the vehicle to the dealer for recall service. Months later, the vehicle began to exhibit signs of rusting. The contact had not encountered any issues prior to having the recall service performed. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 180,968.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure) however, since the repair the contact had noticed parts of the frame laying in his driveway. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, who advised that there was an issue with rust and the recall repair had not been performed correctly. The vehicle was not further repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,470.

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 not safe to drive and diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. However, they refused to provide any assistance nor approve the frame replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000. Pm.

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. Rvk.

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.

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.