2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA Steering Problems

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)

FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL OR LACK THEREOF. THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL FOR TOYOTA TUNDRAS YEAR 2002-2004 BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE 2000-2001 THAT HAVE LOWER BALL JOINTS OF THE SAME DESIGN. MINE FAILED AND SO HAVE SEVERAL OTHERS AROUND THE COUNTRY. MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THEIR RESPECTIVE DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER FAILED LOWER BALL JOINT. I HAVE ATTACHED A PHOTO OF THE RESULT OF WHAT A FAILED BALL JOINT LOOKS LIKE AND WHEN YOU COMBINE THAT IMAGE WITH THE HYPOTHETICAL OF TRAVELING 65-70 MPH THE DAMAGE CAN THEN ESCALATE TO CATASTROPHIC OR EVEN DEATH. NOT ONLY FOR PASSENGERS BUT FOR OTHERS TRAVELING THE SAME ROAD. WHEN THE BALL JOINT FAILED I WAS LUCKILY TRAVELING 25-30 MPH TO GET ON TO THE FREEWAY, BUT IT FAILED BEFORE I WAS AT FULL HIGHWAY SPEED. I SPOKE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HERE AND THEY CLAIM THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT INCLUDE 2000-2001 YEAR TUNDRA'S, WHICH IS CONCLUSIVE OF THE RESEARCH I DID PREVIOUSLY. I ALSO CHECKED ON THE DESIGN OF THE BALL JOINTS AND THE DESIGN IS IDENTICAL BETWEEN 2000-2002. YET THE DEALER REFUSES TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR TO THE DAMAGE THAT HAS BEEN CAUSED BY THE FAULTY LOWER BALL JOINT.

Mileage: 220,000

FRAME RECALL - THE FRAME ORIGINALLY RECEIVED THE CRC COATING FROM KERRY TOYOTA DURING THE FRAME RECALL (UNKNOWN RECALL NUMBER AND TIME OF APPLICATION). THE COATING HAS FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE STEERING RACK MOUNTS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO RUST. THE BOLT AND MOUNTING POINT ARE STILL TOGETHER, BUT BROKEN FROM THE CROSSMEMBER. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN CHANGE IN HOW THE STEERING WAS OPERATING. IT WAS CAUSING ME TO WONDER AROUND IN MY LINE. I FELT I HAD VERY LITTLE CONTROL ON THE STEERING. ONCE I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK, IT WAS APPARENT AS TO WHAT HAPPENED. THERE IS ALSO SIGNIFICANT RUST DAMAGE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT FRAME ASSEMBLY WHERE THE MAIN CROSS MEMBER IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THIS IS ALSO WHERE MAIN SUSPENSION COMPONENTS MOUNT TO THE FRAME. I BELIEVE THE CRC COATING HAS DONE NOTHING TO PREVENT THE RUST FROM DESTROYING THE FRAME AS IT WAS DESTROYED FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THERE ARE OTHER SUB CROSS MEMBERS SUFFERING THE SAME RUST DAMAGE ALONG THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. THERE ARE TWO MOUNTS WHERE THERE IS COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE FRAME AND CROSSMEMBER.

Mileage: 124,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED BUT THE WHEELS WOULD NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING HOUSING SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. UPDATED 7/14/15*CN UPDATED 10/16/217*CN

Mileage: 170,000

TRUCK IS VERY HARD TO STEER AT LOW SPEEDS AND DOESN'T CORRECT WHEN COMING OUT OF A TURN. STEERING WANTS TO FREEZE UP WHEN MAKING A U TURN. I'VE HEARD THAT THE BALL JOINTS CAN SNAP AND SEND THE TRUCK CAREENING OUT OF CONTROL. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK SPECIFICALLY TO HAVE SOMETHING SAFE FOR TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES AND CANNOT HAVE A MALFUNCTION LIKE THIS HAPPEN. *TR

Mileage: 118

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK 1-28-2015 MY 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA,WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SLAMMED TO THE GROUND SLIDING TO A DEAD STOP THE TIRE JAMMED UNDER THE BODY OF THE TRUCK,VERY FRIGHTENING TO THINK WHAT IF I WAS DRIVING FASTER OR IF ANOTHER CAR WAS COMING TOWARDS YOU OR FROM BEHIND,AFTER CALLING A TOW TRUCK AND GETTING THE VEHICLE OFF THE GROUND WE WERE ABLE TO SEE THE BALL JOINT FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 260,000

ON SATURDAY, 11/1, I STARTED MY TRUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY, DROVE FORWARD, AND TRIED TO TURN ONTO THE ROAD, BUT I COULDN'T TURN. I BACKED THE TRUCK INTO MY DRIVEWAY AGAIN. I LOOKED IN THE TRUCK'S MANUAL, BOUGHT THE DEXRON FLUID THAT IT RECOMMENDED, AND PUT IT IN THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR, BUT THE TRUCK GROANED WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT. THE NEXT DAY, I PUT MORE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR, BUT I COULD NOT TURN IT. WHEN I CALLED THE MECHANIC ON MONDAY, HE SAID TO HAVE IT TOWED IN. BEFORE IT WAS TOWED, I PUT MORE FLUID IN IT. IT LEAKED ALL OVER THE BED OF THE TRUCK THAT HAULED IT TO THE MECHANIC. AFTER IT WAS AT THE MECHANIC'S SHOP, HE SAID THAT BOTH POWER STEERING LINES WERE BROKEN. HE SAID IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TUNDRA. I WAS GRATEFUL THAT THEY DIDN'T BREAK WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A WRECK. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT KNOWN PROBLEMS OUGHT TO BE SUBJECT TO RECALL AND PAID FOR BY TOYOTA. THEY SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO THE OWNER TO FIND OUT BY ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 52,344

MY 2000 TUNDRA TRUCK IS DENIED A SAFETY INSPECTION FOR CORROSION OF THE VEHICLE FRAME. TOYOTA CORP LIMITED RECALL TIME PERIOD 4-2010 TO 2012 RESULTED IN A DELIBERATE FAILURE AND NULLIFY EFFECTIVE REPAIRS TO THE SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS USED ON THE STEERING, SUSPENSION AND VEHICLE FRAME INTEGRITY. I CONTACT TOYOTA CORP 1-800-331-4331, [XXX], SUPERVISOR CASE MANAGEMENT DEPT. FOR HELP TO ADDRESS THE N.H.T.S.A SAFETY CONCERNS AND COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT OF 2010 WITH TOYOTA CORP, 2000 TUNDRA RECALL. THIS LETTER IS AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT TO N.H.T.S.A REQUESTING A FOLLOW UP INVESTIGATION BASE ON TOYOTA CORP FAILURE TO COMPLY EARNESTLY AND AN INEFFECTIVE RECALL TIME PERIOD, TO ENSURE PUBLIC HIGHWAY SAFETY CONCERNS OF TOYOTA TUNDRA OWNERS WITH VEHICLE DEFECTS NEEDING A SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF POTENTIAL HAZARD OF FALLING SPARE TIRE, FUEL TANK, DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS, LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS. TOYOTA CORP "SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN" IS INEFFECTIVE AND DISINGENUOUS. THIS IS EVIDENCED BY THE NUMEROUS ONLINE TESTIMONY DATA AND COMPLAINTS TO THE N.H.T.S.A. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 200,000

PREVIOUS COMPLAINT NOT CORRECT. TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA NEWBURGH NY FOR SAFETY RECALL REPLACE FRAME WAS TOLD AT TIME HAD TO DO POWER STEERING AS LEAKING AND RUST AND ENTIRE COST I HAD TO PAY THOUGH COMPAIN STATES THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE OR THEY WOULDN'T PASS INSPECTION, I SHOWED THEM. NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO DO & HOPE TO RECOUPE LATER, YEAH RIGHT. TRUCK WENT IN COMPLETE FRAME WAS DONE REMARKABLE FAST, OBVIOUS WHY, AS I DROVE HOME THE TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN PUT BACK ON FRAME CORRECT THAT WAS CLEAR TO THE EYE BUT DRIVING IT THE CHALLENGE TO REMAIN ON ROAD SAFE.THE DEALER NYS CERTIFIED INSP. SITE ALSO PASSED THIS VEHICLE. THE TRUCK HAS SO MANY MORE SAFETY ISSUES AFTER COMPLETION ITS A JOKE THANKS NHTSA. NOT TO MENTION THE MALFUNCTION OF MANY COMPONENTS THAT WORKED PRIOR, CALLED DEALER AND COMPLAINED, THEY ALSO INFORMED ME AS REPLACE BEING DONE THAT THE EXHAUST HANGING BY THREAD DUE TO RUST BRACKETS ETC THE COST TO REPAIR $6000.00 IF I BRING IT BACK THEY WILL SURELY VIOLATE ME AGAIN, I CANT AFFORD $/AGGRAV. NHTSA HAS DONE NOTHING FOR ME BUT THEY CONTINUE TO COMPAIN ON THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE WE AS CONSUMERS ARE THESE TRUCKS NEED BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. TOYOTA CORP. N DEALER LAUGHED WHEN I STATED CALLING NHTSA GO AHEAD THEY WONT DO ANYTHING, FILLED W TOYOTA CUSTOMER HOTLINE ANYWAY KNOWING THEY ARE IN BED WITH NHTSA. MY ? WHO & WHERE ARE THESE FINES BILLLIONS OF $ GOING, SURELY NOT TO THE OWNERS OF VEHICLES. MR. STRICKLAND I DARE U TO DO YOUR TAXPAYING JOB & GET ME N OTHERS RESULTS TAKE THESE AND ANY OTHER VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD BEFORE MY OR HEY MAYBE YOUR FAMILY IS INVOLVED IN FATALITY. ARE ROADS ARE NOT SAFE, THIS AGENCY IS FAILING EVERYONE THAT TRAVELS OVER THE ROAD. ANY ATTORNEY WILLING TAKE PRIVATE CASE I GOT DOCUMENTS N SOME [XXX] NHTSA STINKS BIG IN THIS WHO DO U REPRESENT WHO RU ACCOUNTABLE TO I WANT ANSWERS MR.STRICKLAND CONTACT INFO NOWHERE WHY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 146,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE FRAME AND TIRES FELT AT IF THEY WERE NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION WAS CORRODED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

Mileage: 146,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDER BODY SHIELDS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DISASSEMBLED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND INSTALLED A NEW CHASSIS, PER THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE REPAIRS HE COULD NO LONGER TOW HIS TRAILER. IN ADDITION, THE EVAP SYSTEM AND THE RACK IN PINION WARNING CODES WERE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DID NOT CAUSE ANY OF THE NEW ISSUES WITH THE CODES ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THAT WHATEVER THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD STAND BY THEIR DECISION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. *TR

Mileage: 98,000

I HAD A RECALL LETTER FROM TOYOTA REGARDING FRAME RUST. IT WAS TO BE DONE AT NO CHARGE. WHEN THE DEALER INSPECTED THE FRAME, THEY SAID THE TRUCK QUALIFIED FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT AT NO CHARGE. WHEN THE WORK WAS BEGINNING, HOWEVER, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL STATING NUMEROUS PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE DESTROYED DURING THE FRAME REPLACEMENT PROCESS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT NEGOTIABLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM. THESE INCLUDED ALL SHOCKS, TIE RODS AND ENDS FOR $350. ALSO, THEY SUGGESTED REPLACING THE STEERING RACK AND RADIATOR CAP FOR AN ADDITIONAL $650. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATION TO TRY TO GET THE REAL STORY OF WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT MAY NOT BE COVERED. *TR

Mileage: 158,000

STEERING RACK RUSTED, NO POWER STEERING. *JS

Mileage: 70,000

BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT CONNECTING RODS WHICH CONNECT THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARMS TO THE FRONT TORSION BAR ON MY 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4X4 HAVE BROKEN OFF WHERE THE ROD EXTENDS THROUGH THE TORSION BAR. THIS VEHICLE IS USED PRIMARILY FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING AND HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED OR DRIVEN ABUSIVELY IN ROUGH TERRAIN. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING VEHICLE RUST *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS VEHICLE PASSED THE INSPECTION RUST RECALL. HOWEVER, ONE OF THE STRAPS THAT HELD THE GAS TANK RUSTED THROUGH AND FAILED AFTER THE INSPECTION. ALSO, THE CONSUMER HAD TO PAT $800 FOR A NEW STEERING RACK. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND DECELERATING THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.

Mileage: 68,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS EXTREMELY LOW AND REFILLED THE FLUID. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL AND BELIEVED THE RECALL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE HE HAD EXPERIENCED IN THE VEHICLE, STATING THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE POSSIBLY WAS AFFECTED BY A DEFECTIVE FRAME (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V444000: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS: UNDERBODY SHIELDS). THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY AT THE DEALER WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FRAME FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

Mileage: 140,000

2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT ABOUT TREATMENT AT A TOYOTA DEALER IN REGARDS TO REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LEFT REAR SHACKLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING LIFTED, THE FRAME BROKE BECAUSE IT WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONSUMER THEN LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR FRAME CORROSION. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE AND HER HUSBAND WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS, THE FRONT LOWER ARMS, REAR SHOCKS AND STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS RELATED TO THE BROKEN FRAME. BUT, TOYOTA REFUSED RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY OTHER REPAIRS. *JB

2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER STATES SUDDEN FAILURE IN STEERING DUE TO LINK FAILURE *TGW THE POWER STEERING UNIT LEAKED FLUID OUT OF A HOLE THAT RUSTED IN THE CASE.

I HAD A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA SHIPPED FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO WHERE I LIVE IN MONTANA. I BOUGHT IT FROM A AUTO SALES THERE WHEREBY ASKING THEM BEFORE I EVEN CONSIDERED BUYING IT IF IT HAD ANY RUST ISSUES. I WAS TOLD NO AND THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD THROUGHOUT THE DEALING PROCESS I WAS CONFIDENT THAT THEY WERE BEING UPFRONT WITH ME. I HAD IT SHIPPED TO MY SON IN DENVER AND HE SHUTTLED IT TO ME IN SHERIDAN, WYOMING, WHERE I PICKED IT UP AND DROVE IT HOME TO MONTANA. AFTER INSPECTING IT WHEN I GOT HOME I WAS STUNNED TO FIND THE EXTENT OF THE RUST ON THE FRAME AND VARIOUS PARTS. ONE OF THE BRACKETS THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE STEERING STABILIZER IS ALMOST GONE. AFTER TALKING TO A FRIEND OF MINE THAT OWNS A BODY SHOP HE INFORMED ME ABOUT FRAME RUST ISSUES ON EARLIER YEAR TUNDRA'S IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, MASSACHUSETTS BEING ONE OF THEM. HE ALSO INFORMED ME ABOUT RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM. AFTER GOING ONLINE AND READING ON THE TOYOTA WEBSITE WHAT THE RECALL INVOLVES I AM VERY SAD TO FIND IT ONLY TALKS ABOUT A REAR CROSSMEMBER THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE. THIS DOESN'T COME CLOSE TO THE EXTENT OF THE RUST ON THIS FRAME AND ASSOCIATED PARTS. THIS IS MY HARD EARNED MONEY AND MORE IMPORTANTLY THE FACT NOT BEING ABLE TO TRUST PEOPLE THAT YOU DEAL WITH HAS MADE THIS EVENT A NIGHTMARE. II HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE STEEL THAT TOYOTA USED IN THESE FRAMES FOR THE RUST TO BE THIS BAD. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

THE RUST ON MY 2000 TUNDRA EXTENDS TO MORE THAN JUST THE REAR CROSS MEMBER THAT MY LOCAL DEALER REPORTED AND TOYOTA IS WILLING TO REPLACE. I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK TODAY AND A LOT OF THE FRONT END IS RUSTED AWAY. THE STEERING RACK HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF HAVING A HOLE IN IT THAT PUMPS POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

EXCESSIVE RUST. SWAY BAR ENDS LINKS RUSTED OFF. POWER STEERING RACK RUSTED THRU AND LEAKED NEEDED REPLACEMENT. EXHAUST HEADER LEAK BECAUSE OF RUST. SEVERAL TECH'S HAVE CALLED IT A 'RUST BUCKET' UNDERNEATH. *TR

Mileage: 148,000

I HAD TO REPLACE MY POWER STEERING RACK DUE TO RUST. THIS WAS DONE IN JULY OF 2008. WHEN THE SERVICE TECH (ACTUALLY ALL IN SHOP) LOOKED AT IT, THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE PART WAS LITERALLY CRUMBLING IN THEIR HANDS. NOW IN NOV. OF 2009, I READ THAT TOYOTA IS SAYING THAT THIS TRUCK DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROPER RUST PROTECTION WHEN BUILT. I AM A LONG STANDING TOYOTA OWNER. THIS I HOPED TO HANDLED IN A WAY TO MAKE CUSTOMERS SATISFIED. TODAY I TOOK MY TUNDRA (LIMITED 4X4 ACCESS CAB) TO THE LOCAL DEALER (BYERS IN DELAWARE, OH) WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THEY INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND SIMPLY TOLD ME "IT PASSED THE PERFORATION INSPECTION". WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE DETAILS, THEY REPEATED "IT PASSED". AS I HAD READ WHERE OTHER OWNERS WERE LOSING THEIR SPARE TIRE, I ASKED IF THE SPARE WAS REMOVED FOR THE INSPECTION. THE SERVICE MANAGER HAD TO ASK THE TECH. THE REPLY WAS "I LOOKED AROUND AND THROUGH IT AND 'IT' PASSED". OVERALL, THE RUST INSPECTION WAS GRADED AGAINST A SIMPLE "MULTI-POINT INSPECTION REPORT". THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC MENTION OF THE FRAME, STEERING RACK, OR CROSS MEMBER. ONE LAST TIME I ASKED ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT AS I THOUGHT TOYOTA WAS OFFERING A CORROSION TREATMENT. ALL I WAS TOLD WAS "IT PASSED". I LEFT NOT FEELING HAPPY OR SAFE. TOYOTA AND THIS DEALERSHIP NEEDS TO FOCUS ON THEIR CUSTOMERS. I HAVE REVIEWED THE FRAME PROBLEM ON NHTSA, AND FOUND SEVERAL STEERING RACK COMPLAINTS FILED. I BELIEVE THAT THE FRAME IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF THE IS RUST PROBLEM, AND THAT THE STEERING RACK AND OTHER PARTS SHOULD BE REVIEWED. *TR

Mileage: 125,164

8/3/2009 - STEERING RACK LOST ALL FLUID WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, BROUGHT TO MECHANIC WHO REPLACED STEERING RACK. 09/08/2009 - FRONT BRAKE LINES CORRODED THRU AND LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID WHILE DRIVING,BROUGHT TO MECHANIC WHO REPLACED FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINES AS ALL REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. 09/11/2009 - SHIFT CABLE FAILED (CORROSION) - ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO MECHANIC. FRAME AND UNDERBODY OF THIS TRUCK HAVE EXCESSIVE CORROSION WHICH LED TO THESE FAILURES. THE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE IS QUESTIONABLE. *TR

Mileage: 71,200

I HAVE A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. IT SUFFERS FROM SEVERE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE RUST. THE RUST AND METAL IS LITERALLY FLAKING OFF IN LARGE SHEETS. MY STEERING FLUID LINES CORRODED AND BURST CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID AND POWER STEERING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LAST FALL. THIS SPRING MY RUSTED BRAKE LINE BURST AND CAUSED COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES. MY WIFE WAS COMING OUT OF A BUSINESS ONTO A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY. SHE HAD TO DRIVE IT INTO A DITCH TO AVERT A T-BONE COLLISION ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY. I CAN HEAR UNEXPLAINABLE SOUNDS FROM THE REAR FRAME AREA AND MY CURRENT MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE INSPECTED WHEN DUE. I UNDERSTAND OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND I WANT TO ASSURE YOU THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE OUT THERE JUST LIKE ME. THE VEHICLE HAS OTHERWISE BEEN MECHANICALLY SOUND. TOYOTA HAS NO RECALL NOTICE AND I HAVE GONE THROUGH THERE PROCESS BEFORE TO NO AVAIL. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL INSISTED UPON. *TR

Mileage: 165,000

WELL AT 48,000 MY MASTER CYLINDER STOPPED WORKING. SEPT OF 08 THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ROTTED AWAY AND I ALSO NOTICED MY FRAME ROTTING BACK IN 05.. AND NOW I CAN PEEL METAL OF MY FRAME. I JUST PUT 1800 DOLLARS INTO A DYEING HORSE... I BOUGHT TOYOTA FOR A REASON. THEY BUILT SOME TRUCKS ON FRAMES KNOWING THEY WERE NO GOOD IN NEW ENGLAND WEATHER.... PLEASE HELP ... *TR

Mileage: 100,000

I HAVE A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA THAT HAS A RUSTED OUT AND CRACKED REAR CROSS MEMBER IN THE FRAME. THE FRAME MEMBER HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE AND WHILE CHANGING REAR SHOCKS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER I NOTICED HOW RUSTED THE CROSS MEMBER AND THE REST OF THE FRAME IS, WHAT IS LEFT OF THE CROSS MEMBER IS CRACKING SO I NO LONGER HAVE THE TIRE UNDER THE TRUCK. A MECHANIC VERIFIED THIS WHILE HE WAS UNDER THE TRUCK REPLACING THE POWER STEERING RACK THAT ALSO RUSTED OUT .MY WIFE LOST THE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HAD NEVER SEEN THE POWER STEERING RACK RUST OUT OR THAT MUCH RUST ON THE FRAME OF A TRUCK WITH 88,000 ON IT AND THAT THE FRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE WELDED TO MAKE IT RIGHT. I HAVE FILED A CLAIM WITH TOYOTA ( CLAIM # 0910135009 ) AND WAS TOLD THEY ARE LOOKING IN TO IT. FROM WHAT I'VE HERD AND READ IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.I WOULD HATE TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF SOMEONE LOST THEIR SPARE TIRE WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE HEARD THAT 2000 AND 2001 TUNDRA FRAMES WERE MADE IN THE SAME PLACE THE TACOMAS WERE AND I DID RECEIVE A RECALL ON MY PREVIOUS TRUCK A 2000 TACOMA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

Mileage: 88,000

2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH 120K MILES IN CONCORD MA. RECENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A NOISE WHILE TURNING OR HITTING A BUMP. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE FRAME HAS CORRODED SO BADLY THE TORSION BAR IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE REAR END LEAF SPRING MOUNTS ARE ALSO CLOSE TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA AN RECEIVED A CASE NUMBER (CASE #09102651), WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED 3 DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. ALSO REPORTED THIS TO MY LOCAL DEALER, THEY SAID THEY SHOULD BE CONTACTED BY TOYOTA WITH MY CASE NUMBER, AS OF YET THEY HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED EITHER. THE ONLY REPAIR WILL BE A NEW UNDERCARRIAGE. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 123,000

I HAVE A 2000 TUNDRA ON WHICH THE FRAME IS ROTTING AWAY. CAN YOU HELP BY FORCING A RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH 95 -01 TACOMAS. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

I WAS TOLD BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN CHANGING MY OIL THAT I HAD SOME VERY SIGNIFICANT RUST ON THE FRAME OF MY 2000 TUNDRA. I HAVE BEEN FINDING RUST FLAKES ON MY GARAGE FLOOR AND AFTER READING ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING FRAME FAILURES I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER CENTER TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY TYPE OF RECALL. THEY TOOK MY INFORMATION AND SPECIFICALLY ASKED IF I HAD HOLES IN THE FRAME? TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE WAS MOST CORDIAL BUT EXPLAINED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT YET TAKEN ACTION TO ADDRESS HOW THEY MIGHT ASSIST TUNDRA OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN INSPECTION FOR MY TUNDRA'S FRAME WITH A TOYOTA DEALER FOR NEXT WEEK. THERE IS RUST ON ENTIRE FRAME AND IT IS VERY RUSTED ON THE SPRINGS AND HOLDERS. EVERY WELDED JOINT HAS FLAKING AND SHOWING SEPARATING LAYERS. I DON'T BELIEVE I WILL BE TOWING OR CARRYING HEAVY WEIGHT TILL I'M ASSURED THE RUST ED PARTS HAVE PROPER INTEGRITY TO SUPPORT WEIGHT AND SPEEDS. TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO WITH A 2000-2001 TUNDRA WITH RUST TO CALL TOYOTA!!!!!! AND FILE A COMPLAINT HERE. TOYOTA WANTS TO KNOW, AND WE NEED SOME ANSWERS AND ASSISTANCE IN MAKING SURE FRAMES ARE SAFE. *TR

Mileage: 68,021

MY 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO FRAME RUST. THE STEERING RACK RUSTED THROUGH AND IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. THE FRAME HAS MANY AREAS THAT ARE IN SIMILAR CONDITION. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

1) POWER STEERING RACK & PINION METAL HOUSING RUST THROUGH CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING FLUID AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE OCCURRED AUG 4 09. THE REPAIRS OF THE RACK PINION ARE $1000 2) DURING INSPECTION MECHANIC SAYS RUST OF FRAME ELEMENTS AND SUSPENSION INDICATES UNSAFE DRIVING EVEN AFTER REPAIRS OF STEERING GEAR. *TR

Mileage: 100,700

TOYOTA TUNDRA YEAR 2000 ORIGINAL OWNER 129,000 MILES FRAME UNDER MOTOR THAT STEERING RACK ATTACHES TO RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT WHERE TOYOTA SAYS ITS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SENT PICTURES TO TOYOTA TO OPEN A CASE. NO PROGRAM YET TO FIX OR COMPENSATE OWNERS AT THIS TIME. MAYBE IN THE FUTURE THERE WILL BE NOT NOW WHEN WHAT DO I DO? NEED YOUR HELP!

Mileage: 129,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS LOOSE AND LEAKING FLUID. HE CAN ONLY DRIVE BETWEEN 5-10 MILES BEFORE HAVING TO ADD MORE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE. THE LEAF SPRINGS THAT ARE CARRIED TO SUPPORT THE VEHICLE ARE FAILING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 88,650.

Mileage: 88,650

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP AT LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. HE MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AND WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FRAME SHOULD NOT BE RUSTED OUT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS ONLY EIGHT YEARS OLD. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. HE DID RESEARCH AND FOUND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSBS),TSBBR00402 AND TSBBR00403. THE PRO BRAKES WERE NOT HOLDING AND VIBRATING . THIS MADE THE STOPPING OF THE VEHICLE SEEM DANGEROUS. HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD HIM TO BRING VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, AND HAS CURRENTLY NOT DONE SO. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS A WEAR AND TEAR. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 29,000 MILES ON IT. THIS OCCURRED AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, AND AT HARD BRAKING. THE TSBS STATED THAT THE BRAKES MAY NOT GRAB , CAUSING THE FRONT ROTORS TO OVERHEAT AND WARP. THERE WAS A RECALL 05V225000 ON THE 2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA FOR A LOWER BALL JOINTS. ALSO, STEERING WAS HARD, AND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT MADE A POUNDING SOUND. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS, AND T FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEM FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS. *AK UPDATED 11/29/05. *JB

THE SHIFT LEVER BROKE OFF, DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AT ABOUT 21000 MILES. AFTER I PARKED THE TRUCK, I WAS NOT ABLE TO SHIFT IT TO REVERSE OR ANY OTHER GEAR. I HAD THE VEHICULE TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SHIFT LEVER, TUBE STEERING, SUPPORT TILT MECHANISM, AND SHAFT CONTROL. (COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) AT 44, 000 MILES. THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND TO A TOYOTA CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE, THEY STATED SINCE MY VEHICULE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. I FEEL TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR SINCE THIS IS A RECCURING PROBLEM THAT IS PART OF THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE SHIFT LEVER IS A PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIVE CYCLE OF THE VEHICULE. THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE DEFFECT ; THEY SHOULD BEAR THE COST. *AK

Mileage: 44,000

WHEN BRAKING IT CAUSED EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WITHIN THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS/ CALIPERS/ PADS, AND THE WHEEL BEARING OF LARGER SIZE EQUIPMENTS.*AK. ALSO, REPLACED HUB AND KNUCKLE.*AK

Mileage: 30,000

WHILE DRIVING, HEARD ROAD NOISE LIKE DOORS NOT CLOSING. ALSO, AIR CAME THROUGH THE DOORS. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK NEW SEALS WERE INSTALLED AROUND DOOR OPENINGS BY THE DEALER. DOOR AJAR LIGHT COMES ON AT TIMES AND ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS OPEN DUE TO LOCK ASSEMBLY FAILURE. KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF IGNITION. ALARM GOES OFF BY ITSELF DUE TO SHOCK SENSOR SHORTING OUT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START DUE TO BATTERY FAILURE. *YH

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: B7JC DC7X TIRESIZE: 265/70 R16)

STEERING WHEEL COCKED TO RIGHT, STEERING WHEEL NOT CENTERED. DEALER SAYS ALIGNMENT OK.

RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE, CAUSING FRONT TIRES TO WEAR EXCESSIVELY. FRONT BRAKES WOULD GRAB/VIBRATE WHEN VEHICLE GOT HOT, AND BRAKES WERE APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, AND IT INFORMED CONSUMER OF RACK AND PINION STEERING PROBLEM. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK