VehicleVerdict

2000 Toyota Tundra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,334 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median Tundra year — the 2000 model ranks #1 of 28 Tundra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 55 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: body & structure issues account for 42% of all reports (557 of 1,334), far ahead of brakes at 338.

1,334

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

61

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

55

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Tundra years?

See all Tundra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Toyota Tundra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure55742%
Brakes33825%
Suspension1078%
Engine524%
Transmission524%
Steering433%
Other332%
Tires & Wheels282%
Fuel System222%
Airbags201%
Speed Control201%
Seat Belts181%
Electrical System161%
Lighting121%
Trailer Hitch50%
Visibility & Wipers50%
Latches & Locks40%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%

Does the 2000 Toyota Tundra have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V444000Body & StructureNovember 18, 2009 · 110,000 units

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.

Consequence

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.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

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.

Consequence

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.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

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.

Consequence

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

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.

Consequence

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.

02V129000Tires & WheelsMay 1, 2002 · 3,041 units

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.

Consequence

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.

01E041000Trailer HitchAugust 1, 2001 · 70,717 units

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.

Consequence

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.

99V347003LightingJanuary 18, 2000 · 16,472 units

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE HAS CORRODED. THE CORROSION CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUS. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA, HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 27, 2007 · crash

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL THE NEXT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 7, 2004 · crash

(1)LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE AT FRONT LEFT. BALL JOINT ANALYSIS INDICATES METALLURGICAL INCOMPATABILITY OF BALL AND CUP. NO WARNING PRIOR TO FAILURE RESULTING TO ON ROAD ACCIDENT. FRONT TYRE AND BRAKING SYSTEM DAMAGED. STRUT DAMAGED, CHASIS CROOKED, FRONT AXLE DAMAGED. (2) FREQUENT FRONT BRAKE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 17, 2004 · crash

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA THAT WAS BOUGHT NEW HAD A TIRE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WERE FIVE PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE AND ALL OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 26, 2003 · crash · fire

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE 2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA THAT WAS BOUGHT NEW HAD A TIRE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCKED, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WERE FIVE PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE AND ALL OCCUPANTS WERE INJURED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 26, 2003 · crash · fire

2000 Toyota Tundra — common questions

Is the 2000 Toyota Tundra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,334 complaints put the 2000 model at #1 of 28 Tundra years. It is one of the Tundra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Tundra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (557 complaints), brakes (338 complaints), suspension (107 complaints).

Does the 2000 Toyota Tundra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Toyota Tundra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Toyota Tundra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Tundra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tundra years to avoid are 2000, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2022, 2023, 2001, 2007, 2003, 2005, 2024, 2008. The cleanest record among Tundra years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.