CarRecallDB

2002 Toyota Tundra recalls and problems

3 recalls and 482 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Tundra.

3
recalls
482
owner complaints
30
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Toyota Tundra recalls

Structure: frame and members, underbody shields

NHTSA campaign 09V444000 · reported November 18, 2009 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 110,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Suspension: front, control arm, lower ball joint

NHTSA campaign 05V225000 · reported May 17, 2005 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 768,379 vehicles potentially affected

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

Wheels

NHTSA campaign 02V129000 · reported May 1, 2002 · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS · 3,041 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Different operating characteristics can be experienced when the spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 12, 2026 · Service brakes

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…

Apr 7, 2026 · Unknown or other

Frame and crossmember is rusting. Has one hole on each side of the frame where the cross member is attached inside the frame.

Mar 31, 2026 · Unknown or other

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…

Dec 29, 2025 · Unknown or other

Toyota won’t cover the safety recalls on my truck

Dec 16, 2025 · Structure

Excessive frame corrosion and corrosion holes involving even rear subframe

Tundra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 31,011435
2001 2415272
2002 3482301
2003 7399263
2004 8466251
2005 12377333

Across all years, the 2000 Tundra has the most complaints (1,011). All Toyota Tundra years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Tundra, the most recent reported on November 18, 2009 (Structure: frame and members, underbody shields). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Tundra?
Owners have filed 482 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (154 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (97).
How many 2002 Toyota Tundra complaints mention a crash or fire?
30 of 482 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 12, 2026.