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 Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
Dt*: the contact stated the column gear shift was placed into park atop a hill with the emergency brake engaged and the engine running, the vehicle rolled forward and crashed into a tree. After initial parking of the vehicle, the contact exited the vehicle. While attempting to reenter the vehicle and stop the forward motion injuries were sustained. The vehicle rolled downhill 60-70 yards and totaled due to the extensive damage. After the crash, the contact inspected the vehicle and the column gear shift was in park and the emergency brake was still engaged. The vehicle was not seen by an authorized dealer or repair shop. Updated 03/28/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate before an unknown light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be cleaned out. The repairs were made, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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 vehicle, and determined the failure was due to a lack of oil in the vehicle.
I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra and it has a problem that when the car gets hot the engine will stall out and die without warning. It creates no omd ii errors and the check engine light never appears. The ECM fuse blows on occasion but replacing it does not lead to a running vehicle. It fails to start until the engine compartment cools down. There is fire from the spark plugs and there is fuel pressure in the fuel rail. We have replaced all the relays and fuses in the ECM and efi circuits and all fingers are now pointing to the ECM controller itself. We just changed out the fuel pump and are looking at replacement of all the ignition coils (8) and all the fuel injectors (8). But since all of these components seam to be working that would make little since. …
Truck failed annual inspection due to extreme rust of frame and cross members to the point of frame perforation and imminent failure. Frame directly under driver's seat rusted through where it joins the cross member under the transmission. Frame in front of passenger rear tire extremely rusted where it joins the cross member. The inspector stated this was a more imminent concern than the rusted through portion under the driver because it had a good chance of breaking with the next pothole. Leaf springs for drivers rear tire also extremely rusted. Rear differential housing rusted through on the top with oil leaking out. Exhaust heat shields and hangers rusted away completely. There was no mention of the rear cross member over the spare tire or the gas tank straps being an issue. They could be but were not the imminent concern at this point. …
Nov 2, 2011 I took my 2000 Tundra to larry h miller peoria for a " adf inspection frame Tundra" they said the rust has not perforated any metal yet , the inspection paper did not get to Toyota headquarters stating the truck has rust but just not enough yet. I called customer service. The lady I spoke to said the recall was good for 15 years from the time of first use.(jan 2001) now they are telling me that my truck is not part of that recall and it ended in April 2012. I was given 2 case numbers from Toyota. All the service reps said yes my truck is eligible for the replacement frame. I was given a special case manager..he also assured me my truck is good for replacement.. I received a call today from him with all the information , he told me my truck was part of the buy back program at 1.5% of kelley blue book. I told him I did not want a buyback for my Tundra I wanted it repaired. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tundra. While driving approximately 45-50 MPH he heard a loud noise and the left rear spring broke which caused the vehicle to stop immediately. He engaged the accelerator pedal and heard another loud noise and coasted the vehicle into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The dealer advised him that it would be 3 months before they could repair his vehicle because of the back log of recalls. The dealer performed the recall work on his vehicle on August 23, 2010; recall 09V444000, structure: frame and members:underbody shields. As he was driving from the dealership he engaged the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor; he informed the service manager of the failure. The service manager advised the technicians to clean, adjust the rear brakes and relieve some tension on the parking brake cable. …
I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra which has had numerous problems with the front and rear brakes. The front brakes were "repaired" within the first 4,000 miles of driving but the front disc rotors continue to warp within 10-15,000 miles of additional "repairs". The rear brakes are frequently bathed in oil from leaking rear-ed seals caused, I'm told, by plugged rear-end vents. The vent has been cleaned or replaced and the rear seals replaced five times in the history of the car (now 109,000 miles). The bias between the brakes is extremely favoring the front brakes and the ABS has not worked for some time. Panic braking, especially in rain-soaked or snow-covered surfaces entirely is entirely insufficient and dangerous. I have been very disappointed by Toyota's responsiveness to these problems and seeming inability to fix these problems. …
Transmission complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Toyota Tundra, 5% of the model year's 1,011 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota Tundra transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 6 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.