2000 Toyota Tundra Owner Complaints

FAILED DEALERSHIP SAFETY INSPECTION.FRAME RECALL BXD.

NHTSA ID

11738514

Incident

May 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with upper and lower ball joints failure. The contact was informed that the upper and lower ball joints and the axle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ID

11726483

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

51,000 mi

On February 19, 2026, I contacted Hendrick Toyota Apex (1210 Laura Village Rd, Apex, NC 27523) to schedule repair for two open safety recalls on my 2000 Toyota Tundra (VIN: [XXX] ) under NHTSA Campaign #09V444, Toyota Campaigns BXD and BZD. The dealership incorrectly refused to perform either recall, stating that neither could be done in North Carolina because they only apply to cold climate states. This is incorrect — Campaign BZD was specifically created as a supplemental campaign to allow Toyota dealers outside the 20 cold climate states to inspect and repair covered vehicles. I was turned away on my first call. Only after calling back a second time to lodge a complaint did a different representative look up the recalls and confirm that Campaign BZD can in fact be performed at their location. Had I accepted the initial refusal, I would have been denied a free safety recall repair on a vehicle with 255,656 miles and visible frame corrosion. The dealership's staff appear to be untrained on recall Campaign BZD and are likely turning away other affected Tundra owners. I have call recordings documenting the incorrect refusal. I am requesting NHTSA review this dealership's handling of recall #09V444 to ensure other consumers are not wrongly denied safety recall service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11719090

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

2000 toyota tundra SR5 4door 4.7 liter V8. Sunroof glass blew off on freeway at 65mph almost hit car behind me. No police report, no person injured. November 3, 2025.

NHTSA ID

11698337

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

Excessive frame rust that is quickly progressing despite efforts to remedy. There was a recall due to this issue but I was told a few years ago by Toyota that my VIN was not covered. All the 2000 Tundra's have this issue with the frame rust but I was told I am not in the north east and would not be covered.

NHTSA ID

11693674

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

The brackets supporting the right rear brake line were severely rusted and failed. The brake line cracked at the juncture of the wheel cylinder attachment nut. Subsequently,there was a total loss of braking action on all wheels. The dual cylinder master cylinder failed to actuate the front brakes.THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION. The emergency brake had to be deployed in order to stop the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11691770

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and hauling a boat, the subframe nearby the transmission cross member detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to inspect the vehicle and became aware of severe rust on the subframe with several areas where the subframe had rusted through and had holes. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

NHTSA ID

11672777

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

Mileage

230,000 mi

This complaint is to document severe frame damage due to corrosion my 2000 Toyota Tundra. The rusted frames of the 2000-2003 Tundra’s are a well-documented problem that the Toyota Corporation has tried, unsuccessfully, to remedy in the past but continues to be a safety hazard to passengers and other innocent people when the frame finally fails. Some owners have been fortunate enough to have their frame replaced while others, like myself, have been told there is nothing available to remedy the problem. As seen in the attached pictures, I have significant corrosion along the frame walls where two pieces of steel were sandwiched together to reinforce the frame from where the gas tank is located to the rise where the bed attaches. These areas are crucial as the cross members of the frame attach to one another to form a solid body. Failure of this area would cause the truck cab to separate from the bed in the event of a crash, or even a deep pothole. It would also likely drop the gas tank out of the frame and impact the pavement with disastrous consequences for anyone around. I have reached out to my local Toyota dealer who stated “your vehicle is part of a class-action lawsuit and we cannot do anything without the Toyota Corporation’s approval.” They gave me the phone number of Toyota Customer Relations who kept repeating to me that “the truck is out of warranty and are no recalls available for my VIN number”. I have researched my VIN [XXX] ) and it does indeed appear to be included in a frame replacement program. When pressed about the inclusion of my truck in the program, they once again reference the warranty expiration and VIN exclusion. There were an estimated 110,000 trucks impacted by the faulty metallurgy process of the frames and Toyota was awarded a settlement from the Dana Corporation that manufactured the frames but not all owners have been recipients of the award. Please advise. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11639698

Incident

Jan 1, 2010

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rear cross member was rusted. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed at their location. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and contacted the dealer; however, the dealer advised that the recall repair could not be performed at the dealer location. The failure mileage was approximately 327,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11607058

Incident

Aug 7, 2023

Mileage

327,000 mi

Frame of truck rusting apart Rust problem identified by independent dealer. I was told by repair shop that the frame could twist apart at any moment.

NHTSA ID

11594840

Incident

Mar 25, 2024

Frame of the vehicle is starting to rust, clear coat paint is wearing off and is starting to chip with small spots of rust on the roof and hood, lower ball joint failure due to corrosion and degraded components. Unknown why the lower ball joint failed. Vehicle is not in the rust belt but definitely experiences corrosion and suspension issues.

NHTSA ID

11592546

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

When I drive my vehicle it is difficult to apply the brakes on it and I feel like if I press too hard (which might be necessary if I need to suddenly stop) that the brakes might break or fail somehow. I have also noticed that underneath my truck, the frame is rotting out in certain areas and the leafs (steel long plates near the rear of the vehicle) is bending out of shape. There is a clanking noise near the front of the vehicle that concerns me as well when I pass through a small bump.

NHTSA ID

11550723

Incident

Oct 18, 2023

Lower ball joints must be replaced under a recall. Toyota has told me to contact you to look into it for me and to ask them to recall the part in question for my vehicle. My vehicle is a 2000 Tundra. Models from 2001-06 had a recall for lower ball joints. My truck has the exact same faulty part numbers as the later models. Part numbers are: 43340, 43330 for left and right. This part failing leads to catastrophic failures that causes the entire front end to fall to the ground and the wheels to smash into the fender wells. My truck has very low mileage and is starting to show signs of this failure. My biggest concern is safety especially with an older vehicle. A quick search on the internet will show you this happening to countless other 2000 tundras. This vehicle has been well cared for but this doesn’t fall under routine maintenance when the part has these known issues. My case number with Toyota is under my name [XXX] and the file number is [XXXXXXXX]. Thank you and feel free to reach out to me with more questions if you need to via email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11547005

Incident

Sep 21, 2023

Badly rusted frame. Possibly eligible for recall (Toyota BXD, NHTSA #09V444). Mechanic noticed it and deemed it unsafe to drive. He contacted local dealer who declined to fix it. I contacted Toyota support and was told recall was expired. Need to know if I have any recourse.

NHTSA ID

11539920

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon investigation, he became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the frame to be replaced due to corrosion. The dealer informed the contact several unknown components needed to be repaired before the recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

NHTSA ID

11524666

Incident

May 23, 2023

Mileage

190,000 mi

My husband and I were waking up to his alarm that went off at 5 am and he hit the snooze, during the snooze time we heard what sounded like a handgun go off so we both jumped up and opened the door leading to the outside of the house and immediately seen my truck engulfed in flames, the headlights were on and my grandson and husband both got Water hose's and proceeded to put the fire out but it was so hot and we were afraid that the truck would explode if we got any closer. My next door neighbor called 911 and firetruck arrived to finish putting out the fire but the entire truck was completely melted, at least the cab. The firefighter helped get the hood open so that my husband could disconnect the battery because the headlights were still on and the battery was throwing sparks.

NHTSA ID

11509036

Incident

Feb 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to engage. As a result, the contact crashed into a small tree that caused a dent in the front bumper. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the two lines in the master cylinder was missing the divider. The contact stated that he replaced the brake line, but the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that on two separate occasions while making a left turn, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the ball joints had snapped and failed. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.

NHTSA ID

11485233

Incident

Sep 12, 2022

Mileage

270,000 mi

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 01E041000 (Trailer Hitches) and 09V444000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart. The dealer was made aware of the failure but declined to perform the recall repairs due to extensive corrosion to the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 298,845.

NHTSA ID

11481255

Incident

Aug 25, 2022

Mileage

298,845 mi

2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CORROSION ON THE FRAME.

NHTSA ID

11462437

Incident

Apr 27, 2022

I pulled out of my bank's parking lot driveway making a right turn and the lower left ball joint failed and broke off causing the left front wheel assembly to collapse. The truck slid to a stop and blocked both the driveway and roadway. Police arrived shortly afterwards and made a report. Truck was not able to move on it's own and had to be towed to a repair shop. Broken ball joint inspected and then replaced by my mechanic. Further damage occurred to the left front fender and drivers door from the wheel assembly slamming into the fender. Front fender damage caused the drivers door to jamb shut. The damaged fender had to be pried back to release the door so it could open. (fender and door not repaired) Fortunately I was alone and not injured if I had been driving at highway speeds I would have received serious injuries/death and possibly loosing control of vehicle causing possible injuries/death to others. No warning lights/messages were visible before or during the incident and the only symptom I observed was a slight creaking noise right before it happened.

NHTSA ID

11458008

Incident

Mar 21, 2022

Hit a power pole going 55mp,broke the pole in half.Airbags did not deploy,seat belt did not engage.I hit my face on the glass and the steering wheel,nearly broke my face.My dog was in the back thankfully.My hips took the brunt of the impact, they still hurt. A Idaho state trooper investigated with video showing our totaled truck around a broken pole, no air bag or seat belt employed,My smashed face covered in blood. Did a little research and found that our 2000 tundra isnt in a recall???What does it take to set off a tundra airbag?? Also found out that I should be thankful it didnt go off or I may have been injured by a discharge of schrapnel??Found several victims of that. My wife takes a blood thinner and often goes with me to town,but now shes not going to be able to safely ride in her own vehicle anymore?? This reminds me of how CPS drops the ball and just lets kids die before they ever do anything. I will be doing alot more with my pen as my sword my video as my witness,I loved my tundra but this is more way more dangerous than my 1990 truck with basic mechanics.If you have a tundra or other vehicle that is dangerous ,speak out about it,get an attorney,Save SOMEONES LIFE.These are dangerous airbags,no doubt in my mind. Ps Our truck is 100% unmodified other than tire changes.Now a death trap, until this is resolved

NHTSA ID

11457132

Incident

Jan 16, 2022

Discovered that Toyota tundra and other models possible use of defective product of airbag srs system, basis of preceding years and following years of producing models and other plants supply house. I am seeking replacement parts for airbags components and sensors and clockspring and repairs. Only had two warrant issues up to this date. Trailer towing package and high altitude air flow/ throttle position sensor. Resolve by manufacturer and dealership. Current affairs of airbag recall list and the accident reports of12/10/2009-2010 show no airbag deployment and were a serious relationship with the owners and the people affected. Research shows takata reviews for further information and details of the products and services for repairs. I have a 2000-2001 tundra and are looking at the possibility of "dummy airbags components" been installed and not working. Further, timing going out on double coil type ignition (original). jumpers to the next firing order coil. I have had to interim operation a single coil, primary, with jumper wire. Thank you very much. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11451332

Incident

Feb 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he noticed that the front wheels would frequently turn to the opposite direction of what was intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the upper ball joints had failed and needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic replaced the upper ball joints with the same model; however, the failure reoccurred after the vehicle had been driven for less than 20,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the upper ball joints with the same model part; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would only replace the ball joints with the original OEM ball joints. The vehicle was taken to an auto builder who assisted the contact in replacing the control arms, upper and lower ball joints, and retro shocks with a different model. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E002000 (Suspension) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11449272

Incident

Jan 28, 2018

Mileage

200,000 mi

2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER STATED THAT DURING AN AUTO ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE CRASH, HE HAD TO HAVE EXTENSIVE DECOMPRESSION SURGERY. THE CONSUMER STATED HE BROKE HIS BACK AND BADLY DAMAGED HIS NECK. THE CONSUMER WAS PERMANENTLY DISABLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ID

11436805

Incident

May 15, 2000

Frame rust really bad

NHTSA ID

11436366

Incident

Oct 12, 2021