2002 Toyota Tundra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Toyota Tundra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure15427.0%
- Brakes11820.7%
- Suspension8114.2%
- Steering386.7%
- Powertrain (other)346.0%
- Fuel system223.9%
- Airbags213.7%
- Transmission183.2%
- Driver assistance152.6%
- Other / unspecified142.5%
- Tires & wheels132.3%
- Engine111.9%
- Electrical101.8%
- Seat belts71.2%
- Exterior lighting61.1%
- Interior & seats50.9%
- Visibility40.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Excessive frame corrosion and corrosion holes involving even rear subframe
Frame needs replacement
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The dealership and Toyota Engagement Center refused to service the 2 recalls that was critical for the truck since October 2025. It was supposed to be including frame replacement and other parts but Toyota Engagement decided to active buy back option and took advantage of low offer to solve the matter which I don't accept.
Sudden maximum acceleration accompanied by brake failure, without warnings, occurred on my 2002 Toyota Tundra 4.7L V8 causing loss of control of the vehicle, which ended in a rollover crash, resulting in total loss of the vehicle and injury to me. While departing a 25 mph zone (sign read "END 25 SPEED LIMIT") on a relatively straight section of the road, I very gently accelerated from 20 mph to 30 mph. As soon as the vehicle reached 30 mph, sudden maximum acceleration occurred. Taking my foot off of the gas pedal, first I verified that the gas pedal was not stuck or blocked, but the gas pedal was in the fully up position. I then pressed the brake pedal very hard, but it was locked in the fully up position and the brakes would not engage. I then verified that nothing was blocking the brake pedal underneath it. At that point, around 3 to 4 seconds after the sudden acceleration began, I had entered the first turn of a 30 mph "S" turn at a high rate of speed, while acceleration continued at the vehicle's maximum acceleration rate beyond my control with the brakes not engaging. In order to avoid collision with a camper motor home and a small car following it, I went into the oncoming traffic lane at the second turn of the "S" turn. My truck fish tailed and struck a reflector marker on the left side of the road. To avoid going down a 50+ foot, nearly straight down drop on the left side of the road, I turned right. To avoid striking the motor home, I turned left, then right again to try to gain control. My truck rolled on its left side and landed upright on the right side of the road. It had been accelerating at its maximum acceleration rate with the brakes failing to engage and fish tailing the entire time. The problem appeared to be a catastrophic failure of the electronic throttle control and/or related electronic systems.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The dealership and Toyota Engagement Center refused to service the 2 recalls that was critical for the truck since October 2025. It was supposed to be including frame replacement and other parts but Toyota Engagement decided to active buy back option and took advantage of low offer to solve the matter which I don't accept.
Was told about the recall awhile ago and they said that my frame was ok. But now I have a perfectly good truck in good condition other than a rusted frame. Had some work done and mechanic said it is unsafe to drive due to rusted frame. They know of the defect and only replace a few and it looks like others are dealing with what I am.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact called on behalf of a friend who owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated in 2012 there was an unknown under coding and a plug was repaired on the vehicle. The driver experienced shaking and vibration from the rack and pinion steering while driving at approximately 35 MPH. The driver found power steering fluid leakage and there was a crack in the front passenger side of the engine frame. The contact was unaware of any failure warning lights. The contact stated the transmission functionality was great. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000
on June 9th at about 2pm while driving through my neighborhood, my upper an lower ball joints on my 2002 Toyota Tundra separated from my vehicle causing a catastrophic loss of control of truck and tore my hub with tire from vehicle ripping the brake fuel line and shoving entire components up under my Tundra while losing control with no brakes or steering capability. It also destroyed the drivers side front tire. Needless to say if I was say...going 55 to 60 miles per hour on highway...I would not be writing this. Had truck towed to Checkered Flag Toyota and they quoted me a price of over1300$ in repairs... they are fighting me on fixing my truck damages even though said damages were caused by the ball joint recall on the 2002 tundra...recall I D#05v
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My original owner 2002 Toyota Tundra Truck was being backed up in reverse with a utility trailer attached up a very, very moderate incline on a driveway pushing the trailer onto a gravel pad ALONGSIDE (parallel) the driveway. As it started to spin gravel the truck was put into a 4 wheel Drive LOW RANGE. This is in keeping with the TOYOTA owners manual publication 0M34417U Part Number 01999-34417 Print date 02-0109-01. We followed the manual instruction on 4 WD operation. Within a few feet the truck stopped as if the wheels had hit a curb and there was no further movement no matter the accelerator pedal position and the engine speed was unchanged as if it was in a stall. All of a sudden there was a loud bang underneath the truck and the truck raced rearward 8-10 feet jackknifing the trailer into a tree and upending the truck and trailer. We contacted Toyota on the incident and they had a third party look at the truck for brake condition, floor mat placement and throttle freedom at the body shop & Toyota closed the complaint file. Toyota IGNORED the circumstances and description of the incident in closing the complaint. We have been a very long time TOYOTA truck family and have owned SIX Toyota 4 wheel drives plus a Lexus all-wheel drive. In doing our own evaluation and investigation we have found that the truck went into a 4-wheel drive "wind-up" or "bind" and found information related on it from ASE Certification sites. NO MENTION of this potential issue is provided in the owners manual! We found that the torque from this can be over 4,000 ft/lb. and possible magnified even more by low range. When this bind suddenly is released the movement can be violent as happened here. Why is this not talked about in the owner manual? Why does Toyota ignore this reality? Indeed, the Toyota Rep. Mr. Ronald Inton said "he never heard of anyone backing up in 4 Wheel Drive"! WHAT?? We have the vehicle, photos, Toyota denial all available for review,.
REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS LEAKING OIL DUE TO FAULTY METAL USED IN MANUFACTURING. DIFF. IS LEAKING THRU RUST HOLES IN HOUSING METAL AND NOT THRU SEALS.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The dealership and Toyota Engagement Center refused to service the 2 recalls that was critical for the truck since October 2025. It was supposed to be including frame replacement and other parts but Toyota Engagement decided to active buy back option and took advantage of low offer to solve the matter which I don't accept.
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: 09V444000 (Structure). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Toyota Tundra 2002 truck did NOT deploy driver's side and passenger's side airbags in a collision consisting of frontal and left-sided collision with immobile objects, with frontal/top profound impact from standing tree. The car was up to date on its inspections and maintenance. The breaks, though appropriately checked and tested, would take longer than normal to break the vehicle. The seatbelt, if pulled hard enough, would easily dislodge from buckle, coming undone. The driver of this vehicle collided as described above and due to the failure(s) of the safety mechanisms in place, resulted in the death of the driver. The driver was restrained with seatbelt, however dislodged from buckle upon impact and NO airbags deployed. The issue(s) have been confirmed by the police report, the county police documented. The vehicle has been inspected by police officers, and possibly others, including the employees of the towing company. There was NO indication thats the airbag deployment was either "off" if possible, and or indications of airbag defect. No messages or lights were indicated for the failure of the deployment of the airbags. No messages or lights were indicated for the defect and or failure of the seatbelt not remaining intact with force. The person in reference PASSED AWAY on impact at scene. The failures of the safety mechanisms put into place for this vehicle are absolutely unacceptable and beyond subpar.
I've owned this vehicle for 18 yrs. During that time Air Bags have been replaced on models above and below my year model. Every two or three years, I inquired at Dealerships when this series will be replaced. Always with the same answer, not required because not enough accident reports to warrant replacement. During that time I've only had one small finder bender not affecting the Air Bags to deploy. Curious why this year and model was never required to replace Air Bags?
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK ON A ROADSIDE, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER SNAPPED AND STOPPED WORKING, MAKING IT UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS INCLUDING PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. UPON REMOVING THE COVER OVER THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HAD INDEED BROKEN COMPLETELY LOOSE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER BROKE LOOSE FROM THE COLUMN INTERNALLY AND BROKE INTO SEVERAL PIECES.. THE LEVER WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO GEAR AND THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE STEERING METAL HOUSING WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,800. UPDATED 10/5/11 *CN UPDATED 10/24/11
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sudden maximum acceleration accompanied by brake failure, without warnings, occurred on my 2002 Toyota Tundra 4.7L V8 causing loss of control of the vehicle, which ended in a rollover crash, resulting in total loss of the vehicle and injury to me. While departing a 25 mph zone (sign read "END 25 SPEED LIMIT") on a relatively straight section of the road, I very gently accelerated from 20 mph to 30 mph. As soon as the vehicle reached 30 mph, sudden maximum acceleration occurred. Taking my foot off of the gas pedal, first I verified that the gas pedal was not stuck or blocked, but the gas pedal was in the fully up position. I then pressed the brake pedal very hard, but it was locked in the fully up position and the brakes would not engage. I then verified that nothing was blocking the brake pedal underneath it. At that point, around 3 to 4 seconds after the sudden acceleration began, I had entered the first turn of a 30 mph "S" turn at a high rate of speed, while acceleration continued at the vehicle's maximum acceleration rate beyond my control with the brakes not engaging. In order to avoid collision with a camper motor home and a small car following it, I went into the oncoming traffic lane at the second turn of the "S" turn. My truck fish tailed and struck a reflector marker on the left side of the road. To avoid going down a 50+ foot, nearly straight down drop on the left side of the road, I turned right. To avoid striking the motor home, I turned left, then right again to try to gain control. My truck rolled on its left side and landed upright on the right side of the road. It had been accelerating at its maximum acceleration rate with the brakes failing to engage and fish tailing the entire time. The problem appeared to be a catastrophic failure of the electronic throttle control and/or related electronic systems.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE SPEEDED UP OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A SHED IN HIS YARD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THAT COLLISION LOOSENED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE REMAINS UNREPAIRED IN THE PARKED CONTACT'S YARD. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. *BF*JB*JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
on June 9th at about 2pm while driving through my neighborhood, my upper an lower ball joints on my 2002 Toyota Tundra separated from my vehicle causing a catastrophic loss of control of truck and tore my hub with tire from vehicle ripping the brake fuel line and shoving entire components up under my Tundra while losing control with no brakes or steering capability. It also destroyed the drivers side front tire. Needless to say if I was say...going 55 to 60 miles per hour on highway...I would not be writing this. Had truck towed to Checkered Flag Toyota and they quoted me a price of over1300$ in repairs... they are fighting me on fixing my truck damages even though said damages were caused by the ball joint recall on the 2002 tundra...recall I D#05v
WHILE DRIVING, I HAD MY SPARE TIRE FAIL OFF THE CAR DUE TO TUNDRA SPARE TIRE LIFT PLATE ROT. I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS CONDITION AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased 4 new Michelin P245/70 R16 from Costco 12/5/2011with 31250 miles. I am a career auto mechanic for 39 years at an independent auto shop (retired, due to disability, 9/2011). I noticed sidewall cracking within about 2 years, but dismissed it because I have never heard/seen an air pressure loss due to sidewall cracking. The cracking worsened over the years, but the air pressure was even for all 4. Fast forward to 2020, I noticed my RF tire very low, looked for punctures, none found while submerged in water. November 2022 the RF tire was totally flat (parked). I found the sidewall had failed. This was a first for me in my experience. I certainly do not trust the remaining tires. I found a recall on the same brand/model but not my size. I have only 13350 miles on these tires. Tread is very good. I don't drive this truck often, but I maintain my vehicles well. Air pressure has been maintained at 40PSI, 4PSI under the max. pressure. In my opinion this is an obvious case of a defect in materials. I have not contacted Michelin yet.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF. IT ACTUALLY CAUSED THE TRUCK TO BOUNCE UP SLIGHTLY. LUCKILY THE TIRE DID NOT CONTACT ANY OTHER VEHICLES. THING TO NOTE: MY TRUCK WAS PART OF THE FRAME CORROSION RECALL ISSUED BY TOYOTA. AT THE TIME, THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE FRAME BUT ONLY COVERED THE RUST WITH SOME COATING. THAT DID NOT STOP NOR SLOW THE RUST. THE "BAND AID" THEY USED WAS INSUFFICIENT AT SOLVING THE PROBLEM, IT ONLY COVERED IT TEMPORARILY. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My original owner 2002 Toyota Tundra Truck was being backed up in reverse with a utility trailer attached up a very, very moderate incline on a driveway pushing the trailer onto a gravel pad ALONGSIDE (parallel) the driveway. As it started to spin gravel the truck was put into a 4 wheel Drive LOW RANGE. This is in keeping with the TOYOTA owners manual publication 0M34417U Part Number 01999-34417 Print date 02-0109-01. We followed the manual instruction on 4 WD operation. Within a few feet the truck stopped as if the wheels had hit a curb and there was no further movement no matter the accelerator pedal position and the engine speed was unchanged as if it was in a stall. All of a sudden there was a loud bang underneath the truck and the truck raced rearward 8-10 feet jackknifing the trailer into a tree and upending the truck and trailer. We contacted Toyota on the incident and they had a third party look at the truck for brake condition, floor mat placement and throttle freedom at the body shop & Toyota closed the complaint file. Toyota IGNORED the circumstances and description of the incident in closing the complaint. We have been a very long time TOYOTA truck family and have owned SIX Toyota 4 wheel drives plus a Lexus all-wheel drive. In doing our own evaluation and investigation we have found that the truck went into a 4-wheel drive "wind-up" or "bind" and found information related on it from ASE Certification sites. NO MENTION of this potential issue is provided in the owners manual! We found that the torque from this can be over 4,000 ft/lb. and possible magnified even more by low range. When this bind suddenly is released the movement can be violent as happened here. Why is this not talked about in the owner manual? Why does Toyota ignore this reality? Indeed, the Toyota Rep. Mr. Ronald Inton said "he never heard of anyone backing up in 4 Wheel Drive"! WHAT?? We have the vehicle, photos, Toyota denial all available for review,.
DIFFICULT TO START AND ENGINE DIES WHEN DRIVING
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sudden maximum acceleration accompanied by brake failure, without warnings, occurred on my 2002 Toyota Tundra 4.7L V8 causing loss of control of the vehicle, which ended in a rollover crash, resulting in total loss of the vehicle and injury to me. While departing a 25 mph zone (sign read "END 25 SPEED LIMIT") on a relatively straight section of the road, I very gently accelerated from 20 mph to 30 mph. As soon as the vehicle reached 30 mph, sudden maximum acceleration occurred. Taking my foot off of the gas pedal, first I verified that the gas pedal was not stuck or blocked, but the gas pedal was in the fully up position. I then pressed the brake pedal very hard, but it was locked in the fully up position and the brakes would not engage. I then verified that nothing was blocking the brake pedal underneath it. At that point, around 3 to 4 seconds after the sudden acceleration began, I had entered the first turn of a 30 mph "S" turn at a high rate of speed, while acceleration continued at the vehicle's maximum acceleration rate beyond my control with the brakes not engaging. In order to avoid collision with a camper motor home and a small car following it, I went into the oncoming traffic lane at the second turn of the "S" turn. My truck fish tailed and struck a reflector marker on the left side of the road. To avoid going down a 50+ foot, nearly straight down drop on the left side of the road, I turned right. To avoid striking the motor home, I turned left, then right again to try to gain control. My truck rolled on its left side and landed upright on the right side of the road. It had been accelerating at its maximum acceleration rate with the brakes failing to engage and fish tailing the entire time. The problem appeared to be a catastrophic failure of the electronic throttle control and/or related electronic systems.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA. ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS DETECTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HUBERT VESTER TOYOTA (3712 RALEIGH RD PKWY W, WILSON, NC 27896, (252) 291-5300). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT PROVIDING A DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM WAS INTERFERING WITH THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The date it started happening was probably late March now into April to present day as the receptacle on the driver side doesn’t click always and comes undone while on the road and can not get the seatbelt to go back in and has not been assessed or replaced by my local Toyota Dealer and the issue is getting worse these are Stock parts
There are several issues with these seatbelts. They either lock before we can get them buckled or once we unbuckle them, they do not retract and hang out the door, thus draining the battery. They get twisted and stuck in the plastic guide toward the top of the door. The last time this happened, I could not get the seatbelt unstuck despite working on it for almost an hour. I ended up cutting the seatbelt to get it unstuck. Now it is EXTREMELY difficult to use. I need to get it replaced ASAP at my own expense. Very unsafe not to mention frustrating. Also, worth noting is this has been an ongoing problem for years.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The headlights and high beams are dim . When the high beams are on other cars oncoming are not affected as they never flash their lights because my high beams seem as though they are just headlights. Also the fact that the high beams shine like headlights, there is no option for brighter lighting which makes it hard to see far ahead. I live in a rural location off of a narrow highway with down slopes with water at the bottom on both sides of the highway where large wildlife such as deer are plentiful . Insufficient high beam lighting imposes unsafe travel conditions since the headlights are dim and the high beams are how the headlights should be leaving no option for brighter visibility. I noticed the lighting being dim years ago but I thought it was just something to do with my trucks lighting until I began searching online again for a remedy and found many other owners of the same year make and model with exactly the same issue. Therefore in conclusion perhaps is a manufacturer defect. My truck is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, it still runs great, I keep it well maintained and I intend to keep using it for as long as we both shall live. I am [XXX] and obviously my truck is over 20 years old and runs great, it would be terribly upsetting if an accident were to occur due to insufficient exterior lighting. I cannot remember exactly what it was I had previously contacted NHTSA regarding my truck , though the exterior lighting is of greater concern now. I noticed the dimness of the exterior lighting since I have been living in this location a lot because there are no street lights along the freeway nor highway as opposed to where I lived prior. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to express my concerns as I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
LOUD KNOCK TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, RACK AND PINION LEAKAGE, INNER OUTER TIE RODS CAN SNAP CAUSE AN INJURY OR DEATH. HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM EVEN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ARE DIM. AN ONCOMING CAR IS NOT EVEN PHASED WHEN I HAVE MY BRIGHT LIGHTS ON. IT'S DIFFICULT TO SEE VERY WELL WITH THOSE [XXX] LIGHTS THEY'RE ALMOST IN AMBER COLOR TRIED TO USE LENS RENEW DID NOT WORK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADREST ON THE FRONT SEATS ARE TOO SHORT. I AM 6'6" TALL. AT TALLEST EXTENSION, THE HEAD REST PRESSES AGAINST THE TOP OF MY SPINE, BELOW MY HEAD. I FEAR A BROKEN NECK AND HEAD INJURIES IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. I PRESENTED THIS QUESTION TO TOYOTA ENGINEERS SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND THEY WERE INDIFFERENT.
WE BOUGHT A USED 2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA ON 6-16-2005 THAT HAD 45,134 MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 109,000 MILES ON IT . WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED BEFORE WE TOOK IT HOME BECAUSE WE NOTICED A VIBRATION. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES, PADS, ETC. TWICE. WE NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICE AGAIN BECAUSE WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT AROUND 40 MPH AND BRAKING LITERALLY SHAKES THE ENTIRE TRUCK. IT SEEMS HIGHLY UNREASONABLE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKING SYSTEM 4 TIMES IN THREE YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE 2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA THAT COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH. WHEN WILL TOYOTA RECALL THESE VEHICLES DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECTS IN THEIR BRAKING SYSTEM? I AM STARTING THE INCIDENT DATE AS OF THE DATE OF PURCHASE SINCE THAT IS WHEN WE FIRST HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED. I NOW HAVE TO PAY MORE MONEY TO HAVE THE ENTIRE TRUCK BRAKING SYSTEM CORRECTED AGAIN SO THAT WE DO NOT END UP IN HARMS WAY. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND REVIEW ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED ABOUT THIS COMPLAIN. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEATER/AC FAN MAKES LOUD CLICKING NOISE AT ALL SPEEDS. *TR
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH MY 2002 TUNDRA TRD 4WD. I HAVE HAD IT IN MORE THAN 4 TIMES FOR THE BRAKES VIBRATING/PULSATING AND LOOKS LIKE I WILL BE TAKING IT IN AGAIN AS THEY ARE STARTING TO VIBRATE AGAIN!! RENO TOYOTA HAS ALWAYS DONE ALL THE MAINTENANCE ON IT AND KEEP TRYING TO SAY IT IS MY FAULT THE BRAKES ARE BAD AND THE ROTORS ARE WARPING. THEY REPLACED THE REAR AXLES A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO BUT I HAD TO PAY THE $50 DEDUCTIBLE. THEY ALSO HAD TO INSTALL A GASKET ON THE CROSSOVER FOR THE ENGINE COOLANT AS THE FACTORY NEVER INSTALLED IT. THE AC DOESN'T GET COOL ENOUGH TO COOL THE INTERIOR. WHISTLING NOISE BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE IT IS COMING FROM...SOUNDS LIKE COMING FROM SIDE MIRRORS??? I REPLACE THE WHEELS RECENTLY BECAUSE OF VIBRATION BECAUSE THE WHEELS WERE WARPED. ALWAYS HAVE EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST ON FRONT WHEELS. TRANSMISSION FEELS AND SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING ALL THE TIME. ROUGH IDLE AFTER WARM UP. I BOUGHT IT NEW IN JULY 2002 AND NOW HAVE 69400 MILES ON IT. MOST OF WHICH ARE HIGHWAY MILES WITH NO TOWING EVER...NO HEAVY HAULING EVER. AM TOO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT OFF-ROAD BECAUSE OF ALL THE BRAKE PROBLEMS...NEVADA=MOUNTAINS=CLIFFS=DEATH...I AM NOT READY TO RISK MY LIFE OR MY GRANDCHILDREN SO WILL NOT EVEN LET ME RIDE WITH ME ANYWHERE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .