In June 2010 my Tundra was repaired after being recalled for a severely rusted frame and spare tire housing. What signaled the problem was when my spare tire dropped from the mount and was dangling above the ground causing me to almost loose control on an off ramp. The first dealer inspected the vehicle and told me "the frame is so rusted I can put a screwdriver thru it". he then allowed me to drive home. On a second opinion, the truck was pulled off the road. When I picked up the truck following the repairs the spare was in truckbed and I had to ask for it to be installed. ( had they even looked at it?) )N 1/25/13 while pumping gas, I look behind the vehicle and see the spare tire on the ground! the plate that holds the tire was worn away. I contacted Toyota who told me that these things can happen in colder climates but when pressed she said that I could get it inspected and also have the fuel tank straps inspected as there had be rust issues with these on the 2000 Tundra. When I asked if there would be a recall or notification, I was told no. This is appalling. The tire easily could have fallen off while being driven and now a fuel tank holder may be rusted. Shouldn't there be a recall? I had talked to a ntsb member but wanted to update since I talked to Toyota.

- Haverhill, MA, USA

A co-worker sent me a rear photo of my 2000 Toyota Tundra in the parking lot showing the spare on the ground. After removing the spare I notice that the cross member which supports the spare was broken in half. Where the cross member attaches to the frame has rotted away. The driver side shock is broken and detached. The exhaust is also questionable as it is attached to the broken cross member. Rear brake line and proportioning valve are also in question as they also are partially supported by the cross member and rotting frame. As of T his writing I have a case number assigned with Toyota but like many others we are getting nothing but lip service. My local dealer has determined that my truck is unsafe to drive and has yet to do anything to remedy the situation. I can provide further details and photos upon request.

- Wantage, NJ, USA

I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra. I was recently stopped by another motorist who stated that my spare tire was hanging down under the truck. I looked under the truck to find this was true. I jiggled the tire and it fell completely out from under the truck. The winch assembly was still attached to the wheel, but I can see that the crossmember that the winch would be attached to is completely rotted away. My truck is maintained at a Toyota dealer and is current on its annual state inspection. I had never used the spare tire before, so I had never had a chance to see what the crossmember looked like behind the tire. I have closely checked the rest of the frame on the truck and it is in good condition. The rim on the spare tire is painted steel and was in contact with the crossmember since the truck was manufactured, yet the rim is in new condition with no rust. I have looked on line and it seems that many people are having similar problems with the crossmembers on these truck frames. I believe this is a potentialy very dangerous condition for other motorists and Tundra truck owners who are unaware of the rust hidden behind their spare tire. If they have never used their spare tire, then they will not be able to see this condition developing. Just prior to being stopped by the motorist who alerted me to the problem, I had been on the highway traveling at 65 mph! imagine if the spare tire had fallen out at that speed and was tumbling or bouncing into the path of other motorists! someone could have been seriously injured or killed. I did go to the Toyota website and try to make contact. The person who called me back was polite, but seemed to miss the point I was trying to make about this being a possibly serious safety issue. They only stated that Toyota accepts no responsibility, that this is probably due to living in the northeast and that repairs are at my own expense. Please investigate. I think there may be more Tundra like mine. I can supply photos.

- Littleton, MA, USA

Spare tire released while vehicle was in motion at approximately 55 mph and towing 5th wheel, causing damage to rv truck. Complete assembly that holds spare tire has also fallen out, the only part left was crank. Therefore dealer could not determine cause.

- Royal Grande, CA, USA