2000 Toyota Tundra suspension problems

“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.”

“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…”

“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…”

“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.”

“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.”

“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]”