What year Tundras had the frame rust issues?

I'm sure this question has been asked and discussed at length but I can't seem to find specifics on it.

I have a newer Tundra but am considering adding another older one, for a second work truck. I'm considering a first generation which I know suffered from the problem but not sure which years. Is there a general consensus on which years are at risk and which year and forward is ok?

 

I know 2000-2003 had some major issues that were potentially subject to full frame replacement. Can’t remember hearing about other years beyond the typical corrosion that is exhibited on almost all manufacturers.

 

I think all years are at risk, more so for those that reside in Northern states that salt the roads or possibly coastal areas.

 

That's the impression I get just reading different threads throughout the years on this forum and others. If it's such a risk, why are they so popular to this day? And I honestly don't mean that question to be obtuse or critical... I really like the idea of a 1st generation Tundra because it's size and powertrain are perfect for the need I have. I'm just concerned that I'll drop $12k - $15k into a clean one but it'll still go to pot after a few winters... I do live in a state that get a lot of snow.

 

I believe they are popular for a variety of reasons, Reliability topping the list.
I don't know if any Tundra is more prone to rust than any other make truck out there of the same vintage.

I would say that in your search, if you find one in your area that has been driven in your area for numerous years and frame n good shape that it may not be a huge concern. Get underneath and inspect or have it inspected.
If buying from no-salt state, in great shape i would still expect several years before it would be a concern, like 5-10 years.
There are also oil base films/coatings that folks apply yearly to under side of truck to curb the effects of salt to consider. Not to be mistaken for permanent undercoating that is different and not always the best choice.

Good Luck!

 

Find a clean one, and spend a full day under it using whatever kind of rust proofing you want except for a rubberized coating.

Preferably a grease rub, fluid film, wool wax, and there are others that I'm forgetting off the top of my head.

That can be yearly maintenance to touch up areas in need of recoating, but the first time you do it will be the big time consumer.

I did a grease rub on my whole frame, and sprayed grease into the inside of the box frame as best I could.

No real reason to pull the bed, but I had plenty of time back then to work on my truck.

So I pulled it for an extreme detail job.

It went from this...


To this...


That "finished" picture is after a bout a week of grinding, sanding, wire wheeling, priming, painting, and clear coating.

Then the grease rub. This only went this far into detail because at the time I had the time to do it. If I didn't have the time I would have just done a grease rub, and been done with it.

 

Listen to Noah. He knows his schtuff.

 

All years of the 1st gen have rust problems. Find one that doesn't and then treat it with grease, fluid film, woolwax, PB blaster, lot's of car washes, etc... If you find one that's rust free, you can keep it that with a little extra love.

Snow's fine for these it's salt that kills them. UT, CO, MT and WY tundras don't have the rust issues of the northeast.

 

Yes, the Tundras absolutely had a severe frame rust issue 2000 - 2003. So much so, many frames were replaced by Toyota.

If your lucky you might find one that has been replaced, I know of one person that lucked out and bought one.

 

The problem was 2000 thru 2003 for Tundra & Tacoma. Not all Tundras & Tacomas.
Follow the link for details.

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks...a limited recall,some 2000-2003 Tundra owners.

 

yes