2002 Toyota Tundra Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 154about this part
- Share
- 32%of 482 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 154 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Toyota Tundra, 32% of the 482 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. ..”
NHTSA complaint #11221293, filed 2019-06, 174,000 miles“Rear frame crossmember rusted through and holes in front frame. In 2011 there was a safety recall on this. Feb,15, 2011 I brought the truck to the Toyota dealer where I bought it. They inspected the frame and sprayed undercoating on it. It was not a sufficient fix. Toyota refuses to fix this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10954109, filed 2017-02, 106,800 miles“Severely rusted frame. May impact structural integrity. Just learned that a neighbor had their frame replaced recently, and discovered my frame is severely rusted too. Today Toyota dealer said there was a recall (but it ended last year). I never got a notification (letter) of the recall. Dealer could not make the repairs for me.”
NHTSA complaint #10536188, filed 2013-08, 117,879 miles“I found portions of the frame rusted thru and could not mount step bars. I mentioned this earlier in a report. I also just found my spare tire missing and found the bracket holding it had rusted and the tire was lost while driving. When and where is unknown. Toyota examined the truck 2 years ago for a recall for rust issues and said everything was ok.the tire loss is irritating and dangerous to other drivers.”
NHTSA complaint #10778677, filed 2015-09, 99,600 miles“Last year my spare tire and holding bracket tore loose from the frame and onto the highway. I went to a local garage to find the cause of the problem and was told that the frame is so corroded it is not safe to drive. Latter we learned that there had been two major safety recalls on the 2002 Tundra.many were notified of these recalls and had new frames installed by Toyota at no cost to the owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #10564492, filed 2014-02, 99,880 milesRelated recalls
- 09V444000Nov 18, 2009Toyota is recalling model year 2000-2003 tundra vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois…Covers: Toyota Tundra 2000–2003
Related service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 6% |
| 2025 | 7 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 2% |
| 2023 | 9 | 2% |
| 2022 | 17 | 4% |
| 2021 | 2 | 8% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 4 | 5% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 3% |
| 2016 | 21 | 18% |
| 2015 | 3 | 6% |
| 2014 | 14 | 15% |
| 2013 | 7 | 8% |
| 2012 | 11 | 7% |
| 2011 | 11 | 8% |
| 2010 | 25 | 15% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 56 | 17% |
| 2007 | 61 | 16% |
| 2006 | 169 | 31% |
| 2005 | 91 | 24% |
| 2004 | 200 | 43% |
| 2003 | 150 | 38% |
| 2002 | 154 | 32% |
| 2001 | 171 | 41% |
| 2000 | 529 | 52% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Tundra
117 complaintsSuspension
81 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsSteering
38 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 29, 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