2000 Toyota Tundra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,011 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › frame and members. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
99,665 milesMedian miles at failure

689 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Frame and Members322
403
Structure › Body80
100
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields58
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor54
010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic54
200
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc41
000
Structure34
001
Suspension30
300
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip23
301
Power Train › Automatic Transmission19
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields09V444000
Filed Nov 18, 2009110,000 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2000-2003 TUNDRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE REAR CROSS MEMBER MAY CAUSE THE SEPARATION OF THE SPARE TIRE STOWED UNDER THE TRUCK BED WHICH WOULD PRESENT A ROAD HAZARD THAT COULD CAUSE A CRASH. ALSO, CORROSION OF THE REAR CROSS MEMBER COULD AFFECT THE REAR BRAKE LINES AND THE PROPORTIONING VALVE RESULTING IN DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPABILITY.

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE SPARE TIRE AND DIMINISHED BRAKE CAPACITY COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. TOYOTA IS ASKING OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE UNTIL A REMEDY CAN BE OBTAINED. 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, HOWEVER MULTIPLE VISITS TO THE DEALER MAY BE REQUIRED. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 30, 2010. OWNER MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Wheels02V129000
Filed May 1, 20023,041 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors

Defect. ON CERTAIN 4X2 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ALLOY WHEEL TIRE UPGRADE (OPTIONS WM4, WM8, ZL1-ZL4, DH4, OR DH5) INSTALLED BY THE PROCESSING CENTERS IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA OR COMMERCE, GEORGIA, A LABEL IDENTIFYING THE SPARE TIRE AS A TEMPORARY USE SPARE TIRE WAS NOT INSTALLED. THE UPGRADE INCLUDES 4 LARGER SIZE TIRES WITH ALLOY WHEELS. THE ORIGINAL SPARE TIRE/STEEL WHEEL IS NOT PART OF THE UPGRADE AND WAS NOT CHANGED.

Risk. DIFFERENT OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CAN BE EXPERIENCED WHEN THE SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A CAUTION LABEL AND AN INSERT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Trailer Hitches01E041000
Filed Aug 1, 200170,717 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: THIS RECALL IS FOR TRAILER TOWING WIRE HARNESS CONVERTERS INSTALLED BY DEALERS OR FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA AND TACOMA VEHICLES. THE CONNECTORS INTEGRATE THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WITH THOSE EQUIPPED ON THE TRAILER, ARE DEFECTIVE. AFFECTED PART NUMBERS ARE: PT207-34000, PT207-34002, PT207-04981, AND PT214-04985. IN THE TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE CIRCUITRY UTILIZED IN THE CONVERTER WAS INADEQUATE TO PROPERLY MANAGE VEHICLE AND/OR TRAILER-SIDE VOLTAGE SPIKES. IF THE CONVERTER IS EXPOSED TO A VOLTAGE SPIKE, IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT WITHIN THE CONVERTER. IN THE TACOMA VEHICLES, DUE TO DEFICIENT WATERPROOFING AND IMPROPER INSTALLATION LOCATION OF THE CONVERTER, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE LOWER PORTION OF THE TAILGATE CAVITY OF THE VEHICLE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT WILL OCCUR IF WATER ENTERS THE CONVERTER HOUSING.

Risk. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE A FAULT IN THE CONVERTER AND A NON-OPERATIONAL CONDITION OF THE TRAILER LIGHTS. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN WITHOUT TRAILER LIGHTS, IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO SEE THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS AND INSTALL A REDESIGNED TRAILER TOWING WIRE HARNESS CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights99V347003
Filed Jan 18, 200016,472 vehiclesToyota Motor Co., Ltd.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MOLDED, RESULTING IN THE LOCKING TAB HAVING INSUFFICIENT FORCE TO RETAIN THE BULB.

Risk. IF THE BULB FALLS OUT OF THE SOCKET, THE BRAKE OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION CANNOT OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed May 18, 2026MI

FAILED DEALERSHIP SAFETY INSPECTION.FRAME RECALL BXD.

Suspension
Filed Mar 23, 202651,000 milesCA

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.

Suspension
Filed Feb 19, 2026NC

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)

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 8, 2025UT

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 15, 2025FL

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 7, 2025MA

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.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 11, 2025230,000 milesFL

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 30, 2025MO

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 inclu

Structure
Filed Aug 7, 2024327,000 milesSD

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 17, 2024MN

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.

Suspension
Filed Jun 5, 2024CA

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 18, 2023NY

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.

Suspension
Filed Sep 27, 2023CA

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)

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 2023KY

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.

Structure
Filed May 31, 2023190,000 milesCA

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 25, 2023MS

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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Sep 19, 2022270,000 milesOH

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.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 25, 2022298,845 milesNM

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.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 27, 2022KS

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

Suspension
Filed Mar 23, 2022AZ

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.

20 of 1,011 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202630100Routine
2025130500Routine
20243341030Above average
20234001350Above average
20224281300Above average
202124310Routine
202045510Routine
2019721020Routine
201899930Routine
201778600Routine
2016119600Routine
201548510Routine
201493510Routine
201385630Routine
2012155420Routine
20111341100Routine
20101631600Routine
2009381310Routine
20083271320Above average
20073901453Fatalities reported
20065451300Above average
20053741430Above average
20044661311Fatalities reported
20033991030Above average
2002482613Fatalities reported
2001415521Fatalities reported
2000 — this page1,011751Fatalities reported
19991100Routine

Compare every Tundra year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 18, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.