Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to engage. As a result, the contact crashed into a small tree that caused a dent in the front bumper. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle he noticed that the two lines in the master cylinder was missing the divider. The contact stated that he replaced the brake line, but the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that on two separate occasions while making a left turn, the contact lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the ball joints had snapped and failed. No warning lights illuminated. …
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.
The brackets supporting the right rear brake line were severely rusted and failed. The brake line cracked at the juncture of the wheel cylinder attachment nut. Subsequently,there was a total loss of braking action on all wheels. The dual cylinder master cylinder failed to actuate the front brakes.THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION. The emergency brake had to be deployed in order to stop the vehicle.
Vehicle driven: 2000 Toyota Tundra: on July 11, 2015 I was traveling at about 70 MPH in the far left lane when the front driver side tire and wheel broke off the vehicle. The front side of the truck impacted the pavement, and the truck began swerving. I tried to stop the truck, but the brakes were not functioning. Consequently, I then had to use my strength to steer the truck to the shoulder and wait for the truck to lose momentum since the brakes were not functioning. I managed to steer the truck to the shoulder after about a mile of trying to control the vehicle and waiting for it to slow down. I suspect that the lower ball joint on this vehicle are defective and LED to the accident. Newer models of this vehicle have been investigated by NHTSA for issues regarding the lower ball joints.
Purchased 2000 Toyota Tundra in 2004 with ABS light on and rear end noise. Truck vibrates significantly when break is used down hill. Toyota agreed to inspect and repair if any problem existed. Toyota states that the noise was a parking brake cable and the breaks should be used "smoothly", taking care not to hit it too hard. The day after pick up from service department a major accident occured when at 45 MPH the brakes locked up causing vehicle to slide 75 feet impacting two other vehicles that were totaled out. The Tundra rear-ended a small car. Dammage was to the upper left side of the Tundra and all the way to the middle of the engine area, as the top of the Tundra was forced into a downward position by the left front tire locking up. No air bag deployed. Not the driver or passenger side. 3 minor injuries to 3 people inside Tundra. Neck injury to driver of first vehicle impacted. …
This vehicle was part of an earlier recall for corrosion of the frame and component parts. Toyota replaced the frame along with a corroded leaking gas tank. Approximately one week ago we noticed an oil leak from our rear differential. Upon inspection by our local mechanic he determined the rear differential housing is corroded this causing a leak. This vehicle is known for its severe corrosion of frame and component parts. We discussed out concernes over the wide spread corrosion with corporate Toyota when the frame was replaced. I contacted corporate Toyota yesterday to discuss the current issue and was told they would only consider our claim after the vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealer at our cost. I was also informed that it was very unlikely that Toyota would repair the vehicle because of the age. …
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. …
Rear brake line and proportioning valve failed causing the braking of the vehicle to be unsafe while driving on a local interstate roadway. The corrosion of the rear cross member is a known recall (see attached) NHTSA campaign id: 09V444000 recall date: 2009-11-18 which I just found today while searching for a proportional valve replacement part! Our VIN is showing 0 recalls, but this cannot be ignored due to a VIN! Due to the corrosion, special steps will need to be taken by the repair shop to even fix this problem. Living in pennsylvania, driving on winding, steep hills is even more of a reason that this recall should not be VIN specific. I am asking that the repairs needed to my vehicle (brake linings and proportional valve must be replaced!) be covered by the manufacturer recall that is still in place until 2019. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. While the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was placed into neutral in order to be stopped. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that the frame was rusted. The contact also mentioned that the shifter was not functioning properly. The contact mentioned that the gear selector would not move to the desired gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not safe to drive due to the rust, and that the brake line and shifter cable needed to be replaced. Graham Toyota (1515 w 4th st, mansfield, oh 44906, [phone]) was called and stated that the frame was previously repaired per an unknown recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. …
I recently purchased a 2000 Toyota Tundra and had no idea of the problems to come. I had an accident with the Tundra, who's brakes failed to stop the truck. I was able to quickly use the emergency brakes, but made no difference. I hit and damaged my garage door. I did some research and found out that many complaints have been filed because of brake problems on the Tundra. I also found out that I have to spent a lot of money to repair or replace the brake system. I am very disappointed with Toyota not being able to help resolve this important problem. I have two children and my wife who's life is at stake now. We have been using the truck quite extensively, but for now, the truck is in park until we decide what to do with it. I believed in Toyota living up to their name, but now. I lost confidence in their product. …
Brake complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 276 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Toyota Tundra, 27% of the model year's 1,011 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (70 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota Tundra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Toyota Tundra, though it has 3 recalls for other components. 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 Tundra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 1 fire and 10 injuries to brakes 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.