Frame Rust problems of the 2001 Toyota Tundra - part 1

My vehicle was supposed to have been repaired under a previous recall for frame rust, with a coating, but it is apparent that Toyota did not repair all area's as today driving down the highway my shockmount completely rusted away, causing me to almost hit several cars, and pieces of the mount flew behind me into traffic. From the outside this truck looks to be in excellent shape, however the tow driver looked underneath and said he could not believe the rust damage. My vehicle has now been deemed unsafe and not roadworthy. My fear is how many unsuspecting owners are there that thought the recall repairs were done correctly, and could have an accident that could lead to serious injury or death if these go untreated, repaired or replaced. I was driving on the main outerbelt freeway in columbus, I-270 at 60-65 mph when the part came off.

Hi, I have a 2001 Tundra that the frame is shot on. I have fixed it a few times to try to keep it on the road but it just keeps getting worse and worse. Its to the point where I feel its not safe to drive anymore but Toyota refuses to fix it. They say it doesn't qualify for their frame recall. I find this hard to believe beings they have replaced thousands of frames for corrosion so clearly they know its an issue but yet mine doesn't qualify. The frame rusted completely in half behind the cab and I welded in a steel plate so I could drive it again. It also has large holes in various other locations of the frame as well. This is a bit ridiculous as the truck only has 135k miles on it.

Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while the vehicle was being services for regular maintenance at independent mechanic, when he was informed the body frame was rusted. The contact stated previously the brakes and power steering rack were rusted and was repaired. The contact called local dealer lia Toyota of northampton located at 280 king st, northampton, MA 01060, (413) 341-5299, where made aware of the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer has been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 135,000. Dp.

Bought truck new in 8/2001. Brought truck to dealer when it was recalled for rust in 2012 and was told rust wasn't bad enough to do anything. Brought truck back to dealer multiple times after 2012 (last in 11/18) and was told everything was fine on each occasion. In 8/2019 I heard a squeak from undercarriage and when I looked, the spare tire crossmember was hanging down and the right side upper shock mount was completely rusted through and the top of the shock was rubbing against the bottom of the truck bed (top shock mount was completely rusted away). Local service center told me to remove the shock and spare tire for safety. This rust is limited to the upper shock mount and the crossmember holding the spare tire. Other crossmembers and frame rails are all stable with only the amount of surface rust expected on a 18 year old vehicle. I do not believe that the dealer did a thorough exam of the truck in 2012, 2018 or other visits I made when I prompted them to check the rust as it related to the recall. I was told that since the campaign for rust was over they couldn't do anything. Based on the fact of only 2-3 areas of catastrophic rust on the frame and components while the rest of the frame and chassis is wearing appropriately I believe that this is a safety issue that should be re-instated - obvious factory defect - no corrosion inhibited applied. The vehicle is still mechanically perfect but the falling spare tire and broken suspension can cause an accident or injury that could be prevented with a recall. I believe that the Toyota dealer did not do a thorough inspection. I also question why I have seen multiple instances of individuals with similar problems who were given anti-corrosion treatment or other efforts made to stop the rust from getting worse - but nothing was done by Toyota to mitigate this problem before it got to this catastrophic level.

There was a safety recall issued for corrosion/rusted frames on 2000-2001 Toyota Tundras in what Toyota defined as severe cold weather states. Iowa was not included. Why? we have a 2001 Toyota Tundra with only 120,000+miles on it that now has a rusted out whole the size of my fist in its frame. I do not have a photo to attach, but can get one if need be. We've talked to the dealer and Toyota customer service, they won't do anything about it. Toyota customer service looked up the VIN and said it wasn't part of the recall. Why? iowa is a cold weather state! this truck came thru princeton in. . Read more...

Tl the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the subframe sustained severe rusting and corrosion. The vehicle was taken to curry Toyota (832 straits turnpike, watertown, CT) who confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). Due to the severe rusting of the subframe, the recall remedy could not be performed. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 102,000.

My 2001 Toyota tundda was part of the frame service campaign. Upon receiving notice I immediately scheduled an inspection and my frame was coated in the protective coating supplied by Toyota at the Toyota dealer I purchased the truck from. In the years to come that coating would fall off and my truck frame would continue to rust. In August of 2018 I took it to my local Toyota dealer for inspection who said a hole has rusted in the frame near the gas tank. They also informed me that Toyota will not do anything to correct her problem since the program had expired. I received this same information from the dealer I bought it from and Toyota corporate. In addition to the hole in the frame both power steering lines rusted through and so did the power steering rack. Toyota's attempt at fixing the problem failed and now I'm stuck with a truck that has a compromised frame. I do not feel safe putting myself or my family in this vehicle as it won't be as strong in the event of a crash and keeping the vehicle will only result in further deterioration of the frame. Toyota needs to make this right and either buy the truck back or fix the frame and they need to do this for al affected vehicles.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the frame was rusted out without warning. The dealer repaired the vehicle four years ago and stated that nothing could be done for the recent failure. The manufacturer stated that the frame was already sprayed, so nothing could be done. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.

There was a recall on 2000- 2003 Tundra frames & brake lines I contacted Toyota that frame was rusted & unsafe . Toyota first asked if I wanted a buy back or a replacement on frame of truck . I asked for further details on both , they take all my information & opened a case with # 1512180581 they informed me a case manager would be in contact with me . Within 72 hours I was contacted by case manager christina captain who informed me that the frame was treated with corrosion resistant compound & there was nothing else Toyota would do for me . I don't understand how they can say they treated the frame & its rotted out ! there is no rust on any of the body parts of this truck . Now I have a truck with a good body , motor , & trans that is not safe to drive cause the frame is rotted out . I did forget to ask Toyota if they would reimburse me for the brake lines I paid to have replaced even though they were on recall also . I hope with the help of NHTSA that Toyota will have to honor the recall on my truck . Thank you for your help in this matter . Sincerly leigh pagano 4 polkville rd. Columbia NJ 07832 email leighpags@msn. Com ph # 908 910 3628.

Truck has rusted holes in frame. Reported to Toyota, was told it was looked previously, no longer under recall. Found out later was denied frame replacement to previous owner while still under recall.

The frame on my 2001 Toyota Tundra was coated with a corrosive resistant compound [crc] per bill kidd Toyota dealer in 2012 due to "safety recall bod & 90m & service campaign aof. " in 2015, priority Toyota [va] stated my frame had rust perforations & needed a full frame replacement. Priority told me to contact Toyota headquarters ASAP to explain the dangerousness of the vehicle's compromised structure. My case manager at headquarters, autumn, & another representative [erica] informed me that Toyota won't offer an out of warranty assistance nor a "good will gesture. " both explained that headquarters has approved frame replacements after the service campaign's expiration based on the following: repair costs [I was told repairs on my Tundra were considered 'extensive,'] age/mileage, customer loyalty and service records. I was denied a full frame replacement; however, I'm in contact with another toy consumer who experienced a similar issue with a 2001 Tundra with approx the same mileage who had the frame replaced this year. When I shared these concerns with headquarter¿s supervisor, jessie haywood, he stated: "the crc has not been effective and something should be done about it" as he is aware of hundreds of Tundra, sequoia, and tacoma customers who have experienced rust perforation on the frames despite the crc application. Mr. Haywood recommended that I contact the NHTSA re my safety concerns as well as my report that Toyota has offered "secret warranties" to some consumers but not others. He reported "this is illegal" & "Toyota would be fined millions of dollars if this is the case. " there are hundreds of Toyota owners driving vehicles with unsafe frames due to "severe corrosion" as described by Toyota itself. During inspections, these vehicles have snapped on the lift. The consumers need your assistance as do the innocent bystanders who share the same roadways.

You might be curious to know that the frame recall that Toyota had and that ended in 2012 is reoccurring on the Toyotas again. I had mine checked in 2012 and was told it was fine but they were going to under coat it in order to prevent it from happening in the future. I went to have it inspected last week for them to tell me that the frame is soft and rusted through with a hole, in the exact spot the recall was referring to. I brought it to the Toyota dealership who did the under coating to begin with just for them to confirm that the hole was there, the rust was occurring but the recall had ended in 2012 and they can no longer help us. In turn they told us to contact Toyota corporation, which we did, and they told us they can not help us either because the recall had ended. The representative on the phone agreed with us but said the corporation wouldn't allow him to do anything. So, end result is we are stuck with a truck that had a frame "fixed" but is now doing the same thing it did before but the Toyota dealership won't honor it, nor will the corporation. I should add when I contacted the dealership in regards to this one of the first things the technician said to me was that I wasn't the first one to come back with a rusted frame. Very shady and unreliable. I would hope that Toyota would honor their recalls that were previously fixed but apparently that's not the case.

I purchased a 2001 Toyota Tundra extended cab pick up truck new in Feb. 2001. The vehicle was serviced at a Toyota dealership for years. On Dec. 11, 2011 I received a recall notice from Toyota (ssc 90m) regarding severe corrosion of the rear cross-member. On Feb. 18, 2012 the truck was serviced at koons Toyota in westminster, MD. At that time an inspection was completed and the paper work I was given indicated the following; "inspect, remove rust & clean frame, no rust ex spec, apply crc. The truck was back at the same dealership in 2013 for a routine oil change and no mention of rust was made by the service department. In oct. 2014 the vehicle was serviced at a certified automobile repair station. At this time I was informed the mechanic that my frame was badly rusted. I have contacted Toyota and they will only say the "campaign" on my vehicle is over. Although I realize recall ssc 90m ended in 2012 I believe that my frame was rusted in Feb. 2012 when the vehicle was at a Toyota dealership and should have been fixed at that time. I base this on the opinion of 2 certified auto mechanics and 1 certified auto body repairman. All 3 inspected my vehicle and our of the opinion that the amount of rust on the frame could not have occurred from 2012 to 2014. They advise the frame would have had to have been rusting in Feb. 2012, before the recall ended.

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.

Rusty frame on a 2001 Toyota Tundra.

- 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, it would be my expense. I objected. Was told frame will not be replaced. Took truck in for brakes on Friday. Shop was not able to remove caliper pins, rusted in solid. I cant get brakes replaced. Shocks are rusted, leaking, and shot, cannot replace, nothing to attach them to the frame. This is my only transportation. I must continue driving like this, no brakes, no suspension, completely rusted frame, as there is no solution. There is not a speck of rust on the body, 2001 Tundra sr-5 access cab with 81,000 miles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Excessive frame rust on 2001 Toyota Tundra.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frame rusting on 2000,2001 Tundra,s is there going to be a recall on these trucks reason is I have one.

I have a 2001 Toyota Tundra with a very bad frame rust problem. It's almost as bad as my tacoma was when it got recalled. I've put in a formal complaint with the Toyota customer experience, and nothing has been done. They haven't even had me take it the dealer and have it looked at. The rust peels off in large sheets and it's as bad as many of the pictures I see on the web.