2002 Toyota Tundra Structure Problems
Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the 2002 Toyota Tundra, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 121,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “spare tire” (16% of reports).
- 154structure complaints
- 121,000median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Spare tire: mentioned in 24 of 154 complaints (16%)
- Frame rust: mentioned in 21 of 154 complaints (14%)
- Underbody shields: mentioned in 9 of 154 complaints (6%)
- Cross member: mentioned in 9 of 154 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 127 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 154 complaints, 1 mention a crash.
Toyota Tundra structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tundra | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2025 Tundra | 7 | 5% | 1,300 |
| 2024 Tundra | 6 | 2% | — |
| 2023 Tundra | 9 | 2% | 57,000 |
| 2022 Tundra | 17 | 4% | 28,321 |
| 2021 Tundra | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2020 Tundra | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2019 Tundra | 4 | 5% | 2,000 |
| 2018 Tundra | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2017 Tundra | 2 | 3% | 4,800 |
| 2016 Tundra | 21 | 18% | 16,000 |
| 2015 Tundra | 3 | 6% | 25,000 |
| 2014 Tundra | 14 | 15% | 9,400 |
| 2013 Tundra | 7 | 8% | 11,450 |
| 2012 Tundra | 11 | 7% | 42,600 |
| 2011 Tundra | 11 | 8% | 75,000 |
| 2010 Tundra | 25 | 15% | 74,300 |
| 2009 Tundra | 1 | 3% | 38,794 |
| 2008 Tundra | 56 | 17% | 76,000 |
| 2007 Tundra | 61 | 16% | 76,000 |
| 2006 Tundra | 169 | 31% | 120,000 |
| 2005 Tundra | 91 | 24% | 126,635 |
| 2004 Tundra | 200 | 43% | 110,280 |
| 2003 Tundra | 150 | 38% | 113,466 |
| 2002 Tundra | 154 | 32% | 121,000 |
| 2001 Tundra | 171 | 41% | 111,320 |
| 2000 Tundra | 529 | 52% | 110,368 |
| 1999 Tundra | 1 | 100% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Structure:frame and members:underbody shields
Problem: Toyota is recalling model year 2000-2003 tundra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia. Excessive corrosion of the rear cross member may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed which would present a road hazard that could cause a crash. Also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve resulting in diminished braking capability.
Risk: Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota is asking owners of the affected vehicles to remove the spare tire from under the vehicle until a remedy can be obtained. Dealers will inspect the rear cross member and related components, including the brake lines, and replace them if necessary. If the cross member does not need to be replaced, it will be sprayed with a corrosion protection compound. These services will be performed free of charge, however multiple visits to the dealer may be required. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about april 30, 2010. Owner may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Excessive frame corrosion and corrosion holes involving even rear subframe
Frame needs replacement
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, stated that the fuel tank had detached. The contact stated that the subframe was extremely rusted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2002 Toyota Tundras have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 154 owner complaints about structure for the 2002 Toyota Tundra (32% of the 482 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Toyota Tundra structure?
Yes: 1 safety recall list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do structure problems start?
The median reported mileage is 121,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about structure problems on the 2002 Toyota Tundra?
The most frequent phrase is “spare tire”, in 24 of 154 complaints, followed by “frame rust” (21).
Other 2002 Toyota Tundra problems
See all 2002 Toyota Tundra problems or structure problems across all Tundra years.