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1.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
114,055 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Toyota Tundra body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2002 Toyota Tundra Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #74

Apr 092024

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was doing maintenance on front and lifted splash guard for access to bolt. On top of the frame, near the firewall, was severe rust. It looks as if the frame could crack at any time. If this happened in highway speed or in traffic, severe risk of injuries. These are known to have issues in salt states (had recalls) and I thought I checked it pretty good before buying. I think this may be from the air conditioning drain system.

- Nevada, MO, USA

problem #73

May 102021

Tundra

  • miles
The frame on the truck is rusted out with holes through it and the metal is rusted out along the entire frame. The truck vibrates when driving and when inspected by the dealer, Kari Toyota, they advised it is unsafe to drive as the frame could break entirely and cause an accident. Report is attached. Toyota was contacted on several occasions by Kari Toyota and myself in May and June of 2021. I had the vehicle in for repair of the frame rust issue on June 15, 2012 but clearly the work was not done properly as the rust issue continued until the vehicle is now undriveable. The vehicle has only 106,681 miles which is low for a typical Toyota vehicle. Toyota refuses to repair the vehicle even though I had followed up on my end by bringing it in for the recall repair. I requested a letter from Toyota explaining why they won't cover the repairs and they refused to send one.

- Iron River, WI, USA

problem #72

Jun 292021

Tundra

  • miles
First the gas tank let loose and fell half way off. Result was a new gas tank installed. then part of the frame rusted from the cab. This resulted in having to have it welded. Have had several service repair lights come on that resulted in more fixes. Today just about does it. The spare tire fell to the road because rust ate through what was holding it up. I have all the papers that show the repairs and what it has cost me. I have not done anything yet about spare tire. I have had the truck since 2013 and it has less then 94k miles on it. It had 35 when I bought it and I knew nothing about the rust problem recall. I certainly believe I should have a new frame or some kind of compensation. Over the years I have talked to several dealers that got me no where. I guess this is my last shot.

- Webster , NY, USA

problem #71

Sep 092020

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rust problem in frame and rear crossmember

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #70

Sep 012020

Tundra

  • 220,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the frame was rusted and there was a hole behind the driver's side door. The contact called acton Toyota of littleton (221 great rd, littleton, MA 01460, (978) 263-1500) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated the failure was like NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 220,000.

- Baldwinville, MA, USA

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problem #69

Nov 272019

Tundra

  • 344,000 miles
Frame is severely rusted and called about a previous recall to replace the frame but they told me that I had just missed it and the recall had ended" I told them that I had the truck at the time of the recall but was never notified of the recall. I had received other promotions about new vehicle discounts for Toyota owners, but never about any recall on the truck at all? now the frame is rusted even worse but I have to continue to drive the truck because I cannot afford another vehicle at this time! the other day I pulled into my driveway and noticed the vehicle making a noise and when I looked under the vehicle, the fuel tank strap had rusted and fell apart and the fuel tank was hanging down. I had to take a ratchet strap and strap the fuel tank back up to the frame because I have to have the truck to drive to work. I look now and there is a recall about the corrosion on the fuel tank straps and on the spare tire carrier and such and yet again I was not notified about the recall. Had the fuel tank not fell out on me and then me look on your site to find out about it, I would again not have known there even was a recall until it was too late to do anything about it ! I need to know what can be done about getting Toyota to honor the frame replacement recall on my truck that I was never notified about even though I know that they knew I owned it because of the other mail they had sent me about new vehicle offers for current Toyota owners" any and all help appreciated as I cannot afford to buy another truck having so much money in this one that is eventually going to break in half as I drive it down the road which is not safe for me or anyone else on the road around me. I live in Kentucky where is one of the primary areas for salt. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Olive Hill, KY, USA

problem #68

Oct 242019

Tundra

  • 86,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear cross members on both sides and the frame were severely corroded and needed replacement. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

- Wheaton, MD, USA

problem #67

Oct 022019

Tundra

  • miles
Frame is rusted and won't pass inspection. Have already replaced fender and box

- Canton, PA, USA

problem #66

Sep 172019

Tundra

  • 135,000 miles
"Toyota recalls" chasis/frame - I had every recall or service bulletin completed by Toyota sales/service in our area. Toyota's fix for the frame rust did not work. I was informed this week that there are now holes in the frame. The tailgate is rusting along with the bed of the truck as I was able to see the underneath of the bed when the Toyota dealership put it up on the hosit yesterday. This truck has been maintained properly, has approximately 135,000 miles on it, and the body is still in good condition. Although I was notified this week about the frame, it's has been on going for some time and I do not understand why no one in the last 2 years informed us of the frame rust damage. Even the Toyota service department that had serviced the vehicle earlier this year did not inform me of the extent of frame rust damage.

- Baltimore, OH, USA

problem #65

Jul 252019

Tundra

  • 178,000 miles
2002 Toyota Tundra SR5 frame was sprayed with undercoating per recall when it should have been replaced. Now frame has holes 1" wide 4" long behind front tires on both sides. Body still looks new. I see trucks for sale that are rusted out beyond repair but have new frames.

- Circle Pines, MN, USA

problem #64

Feb 012018

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion pertaining to the frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 09V444000 (structure) and 05V225000 (suspension). The contact was uncertain if the failures were related to the recall campaigns. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and indicated that the buy back option and frame replacement extended campaign ended in 2012 and there was no remedy. The failure mileage was not available.

- Crawfordsville, IN, USA

problem #63

Jun 172019

Tundra

  • miles
I purchased this truck used in 2015 and was unaware of any recalls due to frame rust. I have replaced tailpipe, muffler, many brake components due to rust problems. The frame now rusted more and I am being told that it may be unsafe to drive. A mechanic told me about this frame rust recall and I took it to fred anderson Toyota in raleigh, nc. The found that all recall items had been completed by the dealer in boone, nc. I find this hard to believe since the rusting issue is much more severe. I just want a fair evaluation of what can or should be done. Fred anderson Toyota in raleigh did have the truck but not sure how far they took the investigation of rust.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #62

Jun 072019

Tundra

  • 174,000 miles
The chassis of the truck is very damaged by rust, in some parts it even has holes, so I do not know if it is very safe to handle it. I bought it at a car dealer a few weeks ago, I thought it was just a bit of rust... but when I checked it out better I now find that the rust really harms the structure, another problem... it gives off a strong smell of gasoline...

- Hamilton, OH, USA

problem #61

May 282019

Tundra

  • 127,000 miles
Frame of truck was totally rusted out and vehicle was considered "non-drivable", by Toyota dealership. Toyota dealership "checked" the frame in 2011 and said it was "fine" and we have only driven the truck 40,000 miles since. They said to salvage the truck but it only has 127,000 miles on it!!!! case #[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Laurel Springs, NC, USA

problem #60

Mar 182019

Tundra

  • 153,000 miles
The frame is so rusted there are areas I can put my fist through, the rear shock rusted off the frame while I was driving the truck

- Rutland, MA, USA

problem #59

May 012019

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 157,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance at harr Toyota (100 gold star blvd, worcester, MA 01606, (508) 471-2530) it was discovered that the entire frame was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 157,000. Consumer stated brakes and rotors replaced.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #58

Apr 242019

Tundra

  • 130,000 miles
During an oil change the mechanic noticed the frame just in front of the leaf spring bracket was severely rusted through making it dangerous to drive. We did have Toyota supposedly address a potential rust situation in 2012. However, this damage should not have occurred if this was supposedly addressed. We have contacted Toyota and they have told us that there is no assistance that they can provide at this time. We are concerned that there are potentially many other vehicles with the same issue and are totally unaware of their dangerous situation.

- Westville, NJ, USA

problem #57

Mar 102019

Tundra

  • 195,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rotted out and the mid section of the vehicle had the most rust. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who sprayed the center and mid frames with rust inhibitor; however, the repair failed. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 195,000.

- Hampstead, NH, USA

problem #56

Jan 012019

Tundra 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer concerning an engine light diagnostic test and was informed that the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000. There was a recall for this issue, they said it expired. Consumer stated a rusting frame because of low grade steel, is a safety issue.

- Pine Bush, NY, USA

problem #55

Feb 012019

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 235,730 miles
The rust corrosion is so bad that the spare tire fell off hitting the leaf spring support bracket and completely caused the bumper to fall off the truck. The spare tire rolled into oncoming traffic and almost caused an accident. The corrosion is evident all over the chassis and other parts. This happened while I was driving and pulling a landscape trailer on route 173 in New Jersey.

- Allentown, PA, USA

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