Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving in mild winter condition (light wet slush) on a maintained highway my 4runner began to fish tale. When an attempt was made to correct the fish tale no control input from the drive would correct the sliding motion. This caused the vehicle to slide toward the shoulder of the road. On the shoulder of the road the vehicle began to slow to almost a stop, however, the rear end was far enough off the shoulder that it began to be pulled by gravity down hill. While it slid down hill the rear wheel hit a rock causing the axle to snap near the contact point of the wheel. This caused the vehicle to roll one and a half times endangering four lives. The air bags failed to deploy however none were injured. The car was destroyed and not able to be driven.
The rear axle housing has rusted through such that differential fluid was leaking through a hole in the metal and dripping onto the roadway. The metal was so thin, like paper. This is a safety issue since all of the rear axle fluid could leak out, allowing the rear differential to freeze or seize up, causing a loss of control of the vehicle and creating a possible accident. It could also cause other vehicles to lose traction on road due to gear oil leaking onto roadway. We had no choice but to have the car repaired by an independent repair shop who had to replace the entire axle housing. Research on the internet supports this is an ongoing problem with this vehicle. I think the NHTSA needs to step in and make Toyota issue a recall for these faulty differentials. It is obvious that Toyota used inferior metal to manufacturer these parts.
Vehicle began to sway violently while driving on the interstate. The weld joint which joins the rear drivers side lower control arm attachment point to the frame had separated allowing to control arm to move forward an back. This in turn allowed the rear axle to turn from side to side. On inspection the frame is heavily rusted in this area and the weld has given way and is tearing apart from front to back. The joint on the passenger side is also rusted, but the joint has not yet separated.
My 2000 4runner is rusting out next to the rear passenger wheel well. It's always been parked in the garage. I take it for regular washes--and this still happened. I purchased my 2000 4runner brand new with an additional undercoating protection--but you would not know it by looking at the rust damage. This is the telltale spot, it seems, for 4runners rusting out. This is unacceptable Toyota!!
Severe corrosion of the frame and suspension components of my vehicle. Rust has completely perforated and separated structural suspension components (rear passenger side front control arm mount). Vehicle is unsafe to drive until major repairs or complete frame replacement is performed.
The frame is rusted thru in many places that hold the rearend in the frame and along the side rails of this 4 Runner Toyota 2000, the suspionsion arm rusted and broke free from the frame.
The hole underneath frame is rusted into and there is a bunch of wielding done to it and it's very unsafe to drive and the car lot guy keeps saying he wants it back on the road
Rear differential cover is rusted and fluid leaches right through the metal spraying fluid on to spare wheel and rear bumper and anything in tow. Cover is evidentially cheap metal and is poorly designed as the cover is welded on and cannot be replaced without replacing the entire rear axle. There is no other significant rust on this vehicle and the remainder of the axle is in very good condition therefore I believe that this is a manufacturer defect which should be addressed by Toyota. I have been quoted $1500-$2000 for a replacement axle which is 1/4 of the vehicle's value. Toyota chose a poor design and material for this part and should be held accountable for this issue as it is the only weak link on the entire vehicle, unfortunately the rear axle is not an optional part for its operation. …
I had a complete failure of my automatic transmission in my 2000 4runner sr5. I was traveling at about 65 MPH when I completely lost power. There were no indications of a problem with the vehicle prior to this. The motor was racing but no power was getting to the wheels. It was a sudden and total loss of power transmission. I had to coast across three lanes of traffic to get to the right and was fortunate to be able to exit the freeway. I then tried all gears including reverse but none worked the transmission had to be replaced. A used transmission was used (rebuilt was also available for considerably more money). No real diagnosis was made of the cause of failure. The vehicle and transmission had about 82000 miles usage at the time. …
2000 sport edition 4 runner, all working components and frame are badly rusted. Nothing can be worked on without breakage of parts and bolts. There has been a recall on tacomas and tundras from the east coast where salt is used on the roads. Customers have been given replacement frames or their vehicles have been purchased back from Toyota. Our car is from vermont and new york where I am sure they used road salt and this is why the untreated frames of these vehicles corroded so badly like our 4 runner. I believe Toyota should give the same offer for the 2000 4 runner. My son worked for two years and at 18 years old purchased this vehicle for $9000.00. We were crushed when we realized the extent of rust damage on the underside of this vehicle. Nothing can be repaired without huge expense, and every thing on the underside of this car needs replaced. …
Transmission complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner, 9% of the model year's 483 complaints. The component named most often is driveline (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Toyota 4Runner. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.