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2000 Toyota Tundra Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2000 Toyota Tundra has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Spare tire and fuel strap separation from corrosion.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2000 Toyota Tundra.

Reported to NHTSA

Spare tire and fuel strap separation from corrosion

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2012-01 → 2016-04

“THE CONTACT OWN A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10854790
“WHILE DRIVING, THE SPARE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE HOLDER DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND THE SUBFRAME CORRODED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10788308
“IN JUNE 2010 MY TUNDRA WAS REPAIRED AFTER BEING RECALLED FOR A SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME AND SPARE TIRE HOUSING. WHAT SIGNALED THE PROBLEM WAS WHEN MY SPARE TIRE DROPPED FROM THE MOUNT AND WAS DANGLING ABOVE THE GROUND CAUSING ME TO ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL ON AN OFF RAMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10495141

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front suspension ball joint separation

SUSPENSION

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2026-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726483
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458008
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10679817

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake rotor vibration under braking

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-05 → 2014-07

“I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND MY 2000 TUNDRA HAS ALWAYS HAD EXTREME VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS SEVERAL TIMES AND THE VIBRATION RETURNS AGAIN AND AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10617877
“RAPID PULSATING OF BRAKES UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING AT ALMOST ANY SPEED. SUSPECT A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10583741
“THE FRONT BRAKES CAUSE THE WHOLE TRUCK TO SHAKE WHILE STOPPING. FIRST SET OF ROTORS WERE INSTALLED FEBRUARY 2010, WITHIN 6 MONTHS SAME PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10458155

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt tensioner retraction failure

SEAT BELTS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2019-04

“FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT TENSIONERS HAVE FAILED AND DO NOT RETRACT THE SEATBELTS. DEALER SAID IS NOT A RECALL ITEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203187
“TENSIONER EXTREMELY SLOW TO RETRACT ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA SR FIVE FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925342
“SEAT BELT TENSIONERS, ONGOING PROBLEM. ADDRESSED AS SERVICE COMPLAINTS AT 25, 797, 26,266, 40,366, 49,331MILES ON RESORD AND 65K, 80K, 100K AND 125K NOT RECORDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786208

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Accelerator pedal and throttle response loss

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-05 → 2020-12

“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 12/24 AND 12/27 IN MEDIUM TRAFFIC. LOST GAS PEDAL. ENGINE STILL IDLING BUT PEDAL WOULDN'T WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11385148
“DRIVING AT 50 MPH, ENGINE LOSSES POWER LIKE FUEL IS CUT OFF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, THROTTLE PEDAL HAS NO RESPONSE UNTIL 3/4 DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11047054
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCLERATED WHILE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10457157

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tail light bulb socket retention failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2017-12

“SINCE I'VE OWNED THIS TRUCK SINCE 2000, I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS SOCKET BULB COMING LOOSE AFTER AWHILE DRIVING. AND MY TRUCK IS NOT COVERD IN THE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11053659
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS FELL OUT OF THE SOCKET WITHOUT WARNING. THE BULBS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949918
“ALSO TAIL LIGHT BULB WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE KEEPS FALLING OUT SO YOU HAVE NO BACK UP LIGHT OR PARKING LIGHT WHEN FALLS OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10722866

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and subframe corrosion perforation

STRUCTURE

120 NHTSA complaints · 2012-04 → 2026-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693674
“MY 2000 TUNDRA FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT THAT IT DOES NOT PASS THE VA STATE INSPECTION. THERE IS A FRAME RECALL FOR TUNDRAS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL, HOWEVER MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR SOME REASON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11054226
“FRAME OF VEHICLE HAS RUST PERFORATION! VEHICLE HAS NO RUST ELSEWHERE, BUT THE FRAME ALONE IS ROTTING AWAY IN CERTAIN PLACES. TOYOTA'S RECALL ONLY COVER THE SPARE TIRE AREA OF THE FRAME, BUT FRAME FRACTURE WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND LACK OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10614673

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in frontal crash

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2021-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436805
“WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER AND THEN AN EMBANKMENT. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10839842
“TAKATA RECALL , AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AT HARD IMPACT AT 40 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838743

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

280 crashes 1990–2024

How the 280 occupant deaths break down

207

driver deaths

73

passenger deaths

280

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1999 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

45

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2000 Toyota Tundra reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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