2002 Toyota Tundra recalls and problems

The 2002 Toyota Tundra has 3 safety recalls and 482 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
482
Crashes / fires
30 / 1
Injuries / deaths
20 / 3

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Toyota Tundra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Toyota Tundra recalls

Recall 09V-444: Structure

Reported Nov 18, 2009 · 110,000 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Recall 05V-225: Suspension

Reported May 17, 2005 · 768,379 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.

Risk: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 02V-129: Wheels

Reported May 1, 2002 · 3,041 vehicles affected · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS

Problem: On certain 4x2 vehicles equipped with an alloy wheel tire upgrade (Options wm4, wm8, zl1-zl4, dh4, or dh5) installed by the processing centers in jacksonville, florida or commerce, georgia, a label identifying the spare tire as a temporary use spare tire was not installed. The upgrade includes 4 larger size tires with alloy wheels. The original spare tire/steel wheel is not part of the upgrade and was not changed.

Risk: Different operating characteristics can be experienced when the spare tire is installed on the vehicle.

Fix: Owners will be provided with a caution label and an insert for their owner's manual. Owner notification began july 15, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

2002 Toyota Tundra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure162
Service Brakes, Hydraulic118
Suspension96
Power Train53
Steering38
Unknown or Other30
Air Bags21
Fuel System, Gasoline16
Vehicle Speed Control14
Tires13
Service Brakes13
Wheels11

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 76
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 45
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 32
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 27
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 19
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 11
  • Suspension › Front — 11
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 7

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 91,200 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Toyota Tundra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Jul 12, 2026
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.
Unknown or Other · reported Apr 7, 2026
Frame and crossmember is rusting. Has one hole on each side of the frame where the cross member is attached inside the frame.
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 31, 2026
Frame failed inspection for holes in frame. Had part of frame welded and got inspected.11/01/2022. Had been turned down by Toyota dealer previously. Now with less than 10,000 miles added, has another location where frame has rusted thru , making inspection passing impossible. And driving dangerous. Needs a new frame nd Toyota said no, according to the dealer. New Country Toyota, Saratoga NY. Can I sue Toyota? Is there statute of limitations on frame defects? What are my options. Thank you for your time and consideration. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…
Seat Belts · reported May 10, 2025
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
Exterior Lighting · reported Mar 23, 2025
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…

Other Toyota Tundra years

Compare all Toyota Tundra years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Tundra: 09V-444 (structure), 05V-225 (suspension), 02V-129 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Toyota Tundra?

Owners report structure problems most often (162 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (118). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 91,200 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.