Took the vehicle to a local dealer for a front end inspection due to a steering problem. The vehicle was very stiff during turning and would not return to center. Asked for a thorough front end inspection of power steering system and associated steering linkages, etc. Dealer advised that all was ok but that front end would need to be aligned. Paid for the diagnosis and a front end alignment. The problem was still there upon receipt of the vehicle. Drove another 600 + miles and while driving to a local business at approximately 10 MPH, the right front tire separated from the frame and wedged under the right front wheel housing. It turns out that the right front lower ball joint assembly had failed and the wheel was completely disconnected from the frame. Had the vehicle towed to a local shop for repair. Am reporting this problem to toyota corporate as a complaint that the dealer did not discover the problem when it was in their care for a steering/front end discrepancy. Upon further research today, discovered that this is a known engineering defect and problem with the 2000 - 2004 tundra front end.
2001 Toyota Tundra steering complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 23 of 23, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The 1st generation toyota tundra's are rust buckets. I own a 2001 toyota tundra w/ approx 101,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the local authorized dealer for repairs under recall: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The vehicle is being repaired (frame is being replaced). But the dealer also informed me that the steering rack and hose connections are rotted out and in need of replacement -> $1300. Additionally, the dealer informed me that the rear e-brake pivots are rusted/frozen and will also need replacing ->> $450. In a nutshell, the frame, the steering and the brakes are all rusted out - it appears that safety was an afterthought. I feel that toyota corporation is negligent and that consumers are left holding the bag for poorly engineered products that are prone to early rust-out. On-line forums are filled with threads from other owners experiencing similar issues.
Due to premature corrosion (vehicle 4 years old) parking brake failed to function, failed nys inspection, was repaired (03/14/2005). Due to premature corrosion, spring broke, was repaired (01/02/2008). Power steering rack rotted, had to be replaced. Approx mileage 150,000. Front suspension links rotted out. Called toyota (04/15/2009) voiced our concern for rotting frame, no recall at that time. They issued a complaint #.took vehicle to dealer for inspection for three recalls, a0f, b0d, 90m on 05/02/2012. Inspection not properly done, chunks of rust still can be flaked off, possible holes behind, but they sprayed crc over top of the loose scaling, covering over the problems. We had no choice in what they were doing with our property. We took it in for an inspection. After said inspection, if it would not get a new frame, we would have opted to take it home, removed all loose scaling prior to the crc being applied. We were not given any options, our vehicle was already on the way to their collision shop for the work. This would have accomplished two things; the dealership would know without a doubt that there were no holes and the crc would stick directly to the frame minimizing future corrosion (that is the objective of the recall afterall) I called toyota corporate and voiced my concern with a spray covering over the problem, and the truck not being safe. My case is still pending, but based on the initial call back from the case manager, it is not looking like there will be a resolution in our favor, we will see. My concern is, how many of these toyota dealers are not thoroughly inspecting these trucks, spraying over the problems and putting these vehicles back on the roads. How safe is that?
Vehicle was being driven approx. 35 MPH when ball joint failure occurred. Lower passenger side ball joint was at fault. Ball under socket separated allowing tire to swing 90 degrees and jam under frame. Cv axle was torn from front differential housing upon failure. Differential oil loss occurred. Tie rod, upper ball joint and brake line remained intact. Body damage resulted on front passenger fender.
Noticed oil in drive way looked under truck and notice my steering rack was leaking and stabilizer links were rusted off. Took to mechanic for repairs and he informed me my whole exhaust was rusted as well as the body. Took to a toyota dealership back in 2009 for body rust recall and was told it was ok. I now no that was not true.
Toyota's tundra corrosion recall focuses on the frame, fuel tank mounting, and spare tire mounting hardware. If the frame has no perforations and the fuel tank suspension and spare tire mounting are sound, the truck is determined to be safe. My tundra has been so inspected by a dealer, passed their test, and found to be "safe.". My complaint is that the vehicle's undercarriage shows extensive corrosion of frame, steering, and suspension components beyond the scope of toyota's recall. The extent of the corrosion is so great that it calls into question the potential for a suspension or steering component to fail during operation, leading to a loss of control and injury to passengers and others on the highway. I have digital photographs of several corrosion sites on the undercarriage of my truck that illustrate my concern. I have taken my truck to a body shop for evaluation and was told it is not safe. Toyota's recall does not address the full range of safety issues brought on by their corrosion problem. Toyota should be required to inspect all of the critical components subject to the excessive corrosion and either determine they are safe or repair them. If my digital photos would assist you in understanding my concern, I would be happy to forward them to you. Thank you!
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. The vehicle was taken to the local authorized dealer for repairs under recall: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). The vehicle was repaired but the dealer informed the contact that the steering rack was rusted and they would not repair it under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The VIN was unavailable . The current and failure mileages were approximately 160,000.
I own a 2001 toyota tundra which had the frame replaced for a rust recall. The dealer said the vehicle was ready to be picked up, except the steering rack which is completely rusted is leaking fluid from the rust and can't be driven unless I replace it for approx $1,300 dollars... Toyota should be responsible for all the rusted components and not send unsafe vehicles back on the road.
My 2001 toyota tundra was just taken to be inspected. I was told by my local toyota of newport dealer that the frame was rusted out and would not pass inspection. Also, tire cross members exhaust system crossover pipes and power steering frame rusted out and is leaking. I called toyota hot line and am waiting for a response.
There was no incident here, let me clarify that first of all. I am beginning to read quite a bit about the 2000-2001 toyota tundra vehicles in cold weather states, experiencing an unusual amount of frame rust. I live in maryland and currently own a 2001 toyota tundra sr5 4wd. My vehicle has 36,000 miles on it and has always been garage kept. After the first year the rust started, I have used at least a case of rust-oleum to counter the effects of the rust. My biggest concern right now is the appearance of my steering column (located under the hood) this metal shaft is engrossed in rust. I own a 1987 buick with 117,000 miles on it that does look no where near this bad. There is no doubt in my mind that this could at some point pose a safety risk. Just today I called the toyota's customer experience center at 800‑331‑4331 and notified them of the problem. They acknowledged the frame rust, but said that I was on my own with any other rust. They told me to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Upon contacting the dealership, they only acknowledged rust problems with toyota tacomas. I just wanted the federal safety agency to be aware of this . Thanks
Excessive rust and metal corrosion on frame, wheels, brakes, and steering components.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the shock absorbers were not functioning correctly. The steering would also pull the vehicle to the side while driving over a bump on the highway. Moreover, the power steering was leaking oil. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the frame was unsafe. The manufacturer has been notified. The current and failure mileages were 173,744. Updated 08/19/09 *bf the rear cross members were rusted through on both ends. The front stabilizer bar was rusted through and broke off on the drivers side. The rear differential rusted out and leaked oil. Updated 08/20/09.
Steering/stability. While driving at 55 MPH lost control of truck and resulted in accident. Truck went into flat spin then rolled
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