2002 Toyota Tundra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 8%of 482 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,728miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Tundra, 8% of the 482 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,728 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle made whining noise after going from park to drive. Moved a few feet and steering became very difficult. Leaking trail of fluid underneath. Private mechanic confirmed today that the power steering rack is completely rusted through and was the source of the leak. Vehicle has approximately 137k miles. Had I been on the highway, this would have been disastrous. I had just been on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10915530, filed 2016-10, 137,000 miles“Frist time comeing down my road going 30 miles per hr l right upper and lower ball joint broke tire went under the truck. Second time the left upper and lower ball joint broke turning a corner. Third time it happen I just got off of the hwy and the lower ball joint broke. I am afied to drive it .”
NHTSA complaint #10929389, filed 2016-12, 149,000 miles“I had my lower ball joint separate from the knuckle. Luckily I was in a parking lot. I see that there was a recall on the lower ball joint for 02 Tundra. So I do I go about getting a refund for what I had to spend.”
NHTSA complaint #11320738, filed 2020-04, 229,675 miles“I was driving down interstate 5 on my way to work at 70mph and as I was on the causeway the lower ball joint came off causing my front tire to come off and it resulted in a crash that totalled my truck and damage to me as well .”
NHTSA complaint #11006273, filed 2017-07, 220,000 miles“Vehicle was parked with parking brake on. I started the vehicle and attempted to put the truck in drive. The shift lever went limp and no longer changed the drive selector. I managed to get it into drive and got it home and parked it. I have not called the dealer yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10461229, filed 2012-06, 92,853 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 8% |
| 2025 | 8 | 6% |
| 2024 | 8 | 2% |
| 2023 | 12 | 3% |
| 2022 | 9 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 8% |
| 2020 | 5 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 4% |
| 2018 | 5 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 7 | 6% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 6 | 6% |
| 2013 | 10 | 12% |
| 2012 | 12 | 8% |
| 2011 | 19 | 14% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 11 | 3% |
| 2007 | 11 | 3% |
| 2006 | 25 | 5% |
| 2005 | 21 | 6% |
| 2004 | 26 | 6% |
| 2003 | 22 | 6% |
| 2002 | 38 | 8% |
| 2001 | 23 | 6% |
| 2000 | 43 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Tundra
154 complaintsBrakes
117 complaintsSuspension
81 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsTires
13 complaintsWheels
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Tundra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology