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Problems with 2002 Toyota Tundra STRUCTURE

On average, the 2002 Toyota Tundra starts to “feel” problems with the STRUCTURE and its various aspects after 118 080 miles.

Components Affected by STRUCTURE Issues

We have classified the 16 complaints from 2002 Toyota Tundra about STRUCTURE into the following categories.

BODY 69 FRAME AND MEMBERS 42

Recently reported STRUCTURE problems on 2002 Toyota Tundra

Frame is severely rusted and called about a previous recall to replace the frame but they told me that i had just missed it and the recall had ended? i told them that i had the truck at the time of the recall but was never notified of the recall. i had received other promotions about new vehicle discounts for toyota owners, but never about any recall on the truck at all? now the frame is rusted even worse but i have to continue to drive the truck because i cannot afford another vehicle at this time! the other day i pulled into my driveway and noticed the vehicle making a noise and when i looked under the vehicle, the fuel tank strap had rusted and fell apart and the fuel tank was hanging down. i had to take a ratchet strap and strap the fuel tank back up to the frame because i have to have the truck to drive to work. i look now and there is a recall about the corrosion on the fuel tank straps and on the spare tire carrier and such and yet again i was not notified about the recall. had the fuel tank not fell out on me and then me look on your site to find out about it, i would again not have known there even was a recall until it was too late to do anything about it ! i need to know what can be done about getting toyota to honor the frame replacement recall on my truck that i was never notified about even though i know that they knew i owned it because of the other mail they had sent me about new vehicle offers for current toyota owners? any and all help appreciated as i cannot afford to buy another truck having so much money in this one that is eventually going to break in half as i drive it down the road which is not safe for me or anyone else on the road around me. i live in kentucky where is one of the primary areas for salt. thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear cross members on both sides and the frame were severely corroded and needed replacement. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Frame is rusted and won't pass inspection. have already replaced fender and box

Toyota recalls chasis/frame - i had every recall or service bulletin completed by toyota sales/service in our area. toyota's fix for the frame rust did not work. i was informed this week that there are now holes in the frame. the tailgate is rusting along with the bed of the truck as i was able to see the underneath of the bed when the toyota dealership put it up on the hosit yesterday. this truck has been maintained properly, has approximately 135,000 miles on it, and the body is still in good condition. although i was notified this week about the frame, it's has been on going for some time and i do not understand why no one in the last 2 years informed us of the frame rust damage. even the toyota service department that had serviced the vehicle earlier this year did not inform me of the extent of frame rust damage.

2002 toyota tundra sr5 frame was sprayed with undercoating per recall when it should have been replaced. now frame has holes 1" wide 4" long behind front tires on both sides. body still looks new. i see trucks for sale that are rusted out beyond repair but have new frames.

I purchased this truck used in 2015 and was unaware of any recalls due to frame rust. i have replaced tailpipe, muffler, many brake components due to rust problems. the frame now rusted more and i am being told that it may be unsafe to drive. a mechanic told me about this frame rust recall and i took it to fred anderson toyota in raleigh,nc. the found that all recall items had been completed by the dealer in boone,nc. i find this hard to believe since the rusting issue is much more severe. i just want a fair evaluation of what can or should be done. fred anderson toyota in raleigh did have the truck but not sure how far they took the investigation of rust.

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. ..

Frame of truck was totally rusted out and vehicle was considered "non-drivable", by toyota dealership. toyota dealership "checked" the frame in 2011 and said it was "fine" and we have only driven the truck 40,000 miles since. they said to salvage the truck but it only has 127,000 miles on it!!!! case #[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tt

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was inspected by an independent mechanic who discovered that the sub frame had extensive rusting and corrosion. the contact was informed that the section connecting the cabin to the bed of the truck was severely damaged by the corrosion. the cause of the failure was not determined. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer and the local dealer first team toyota (3400 western branch blvd, chesapeake, va) were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. the failure mileage 195,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance at harr toyota (100 gold star blvd, worcester, ma 01606, (508) 471-2530) it was discovered that the entire frame was corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was unable to assist. the failure mileage was 157,000. *bf consumer stated brakes and rotors replaced.*jb

During an oil change the mechanic noticed the frame just in front of the leaf spring bracket was severely rusted through making it dangerous to drive. we did have toyota supposedly address a potential rust situation in 2012. however, this damage should not have occurred if this was supposedly addressed. we have contacted toyota and they have told us that there is no assistance that they can provide at this time. we are concerned that there are potentially many other vehicles with the same issue and are totally unaware of their dangerous situation.

The frame is so rusted there are areas i can put my fist through, the rear shock rusted off the frame while i was driving the truck

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rotted out and the mid section of the vehicle had the most rust. the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who sprayed the center and mid frames with rust inhibitor; however, the repair failed. the manufacturer was notified and did not assist. the failure mileage was 195,000.

The rust corrosion is so bad that the spare tire fell off hitting the leaf spring support bracket and completely caused the bumper to fall off the truck. the spare tire rolled into oncoming traffic and almost caused an accident. the corrosion is evident all over the chassis and other parts. this happened while i was driving and pulling a landscape trailer on route 173 in new jersey. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer concerning an engine light diagnostic test and was informed that the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 121,000. *tt there was a recall for this issue, they said it expired. consumer stated a rusting frame because of low grade steel, is a safety issue. *jb

Frame crossmember rusted. toyota siad it was replaced in 2012 but was never changed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 1811260984. the approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that there was excessive corrosion of the rear cross member. the contact was concerned that the failure could cause the spare tire to detach, which was stowed underneath the truck bed. the vehicle was taken to aubrey alexander toyota (1324 n susquehanna trail, selinsgrove, pa 17870) where it was determined that the frame needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was also made aware of the failure. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 131,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while driving approximately 10 mph, a noise was heard under the vehicle. upon inspection, the contact noticed that the spare tire had detached from the vehicle. the contact stated that the spare tire holder was severely corroded with a hole and the tire brackets were also corroded. the contact also found that the vehicle's underbody frame was corroded. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. the manufacturer was notified. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 126,000.

2002 toyota tundra. consumer writes in regards to frame rust on vehicle. *ld *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that while operating the vehicle a clunking noise was present coming from under the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer sansone toyota (90 us-1, avenal, nj) who examined the vehicle and discovered that the subframe was severely damaged due to rust and corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 240,000. *tt *tr consumer stated recall expired and was not properly notified of the recall. *jb

The remedy applied to my 2002 toyota tundra for safety recall 09v444000 has proven to be ineffective. i purchased the truck used from the toyota dealership where the safety recall remedy had been performed. the frame cross-member which supports the fuel tank - a component called out in toyota documents related to 09v444000 - has separated from the frame on both sides. (see attached photos) this condition was discovered during my recent state inspection. i was told that it is dangerous to operate the vehicle in this condition until the cross-member which supports the fuel tank can be repaired or replaced. since recall 09v444000 was originally initiated to fix this very problem, i believe my vehicle should still qualify for this repair because the fix applied was a band-aid repair that did not address the original fault. your database currently shows there are no longer any open recalls on my vin, but the original flaw has progressed to the point where the vehicle (which is otherwise in excellent condition) is unsafe to operate on public roadway. is toyota obligated to address this issue, or was their temporary fix (the application of rust-proofing) enough to absolve them of any responsibility from that date onward?

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion pertaining to the frame. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 09v444000 (structure) and 05v225000 (suspension). the contact was uncertain if the failures were related to the recall campaigns. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failures and indicated that the buy back option and frame replacement extended campaign ended in 2012 and there was no remedy. the failure mileage was not available.

2002 toyota tundra 4wd limited access cab. in dec 2012 brought truck to burnsville toyota for recall. they only sprayed rusted inhibitor paint on frame. brake warning light came on. brought truck into local independent shop. they said brake line to rear drum brakes shook lose, due to frame rusting/corrosion away from shock absorber mount. they also stated truck is unsafe to drive because frame and crossmember supports are corroded and rusted beyond repair. called burnsville toyota and they said, that the recall 3 year warranty had expired and they will do nothing to help. the engine, transmission, and body are still in good shape. disappointed that toyota would not offer to help with there designed error in frame.

In 2012, my frame was recalled for rust. toyota applied a corrosion resistant spray compound. it did not work. now i have rust holes coming from the inside out.

Purchased the vehicle in february 2017 and was informed by the mechanic that the rear end differential was beginning to leak due to excessive rust. further inspection of undercarriage do to a noise under vehicle found that the frame and body mount had deteriorated due to rust causing a hole in the body mount causing the cab to flex and bounce on the frame. vehicle treated by toyota for earlier recall due to rust of the frame and given a 5yr extended warranty. body of vehicle is free of rust, frame and differential have excessive rust making the vehicle unsafe to operate.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed that the main frame of the vehicle was severely rusted with holes. while changing the brakes, a large piece of the frame fell onto the ground. a dealer was not contacted about the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the frame replacement warranty expired on june 1, 2017. in addition, the manufacturer provided the contact with case number: 1708210712. the failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic (martinez body shop in belton, missouri) for headlight repairs and the mechanic noticed severe rust on the entire frame. the contact received an unknown recall notification in 2014. the vehicle was taken to milley toyota in canton, missouri for an evaluation and was advised that the vehicle was perfectly fine and there was no rust. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the driver side frame was rusted. the contact notified the local dealer (savannah toyota located at 11101 aberco, st savannah, ga 31419 912-927-1234), but was not repaired per the recall remedy due to main frame modifications completed on vehicle. the manufacturer was called and informed the contact that the vehicle was not able to be serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure) due to the vehicle modifications, and provided case number: 1706013050. the contact had not experienced a failure. the failure mileage was 136,000.

My 02 toyota tundra was included in a recall for its frame and crossmembers rusting out and causing an unsafe vehicle. i brought my truck in a couple years ago for the recall. the truck had very low miles for the year under 60k and was taken good care of. the dealer deemed the frame was not rusted through enough to warrant a complete new frame. instead they sprayed my frame with some rust proof paint. well that band aide has almost all fallen off and the frame is worse than ever with cross members rusted all the way through. i contacted toyota hqts and after being bounced around for over an hour was told by a supervisor that i am out of luck because they placed a year warranty on the paint job. any problems over a year past the warranty work is the consumers problem. well the paint held for a bit but ultimately did not resolve the underlying rust problem. i was told to follow up with the dealer that had done the warranty work. they inspected the frame and took pictures to send to toyota, but ultimately said the vehicle was unsafe at this time. i have not gotten any resolution with the issue. my main issue is that they think spraying an undercoat on a rusted frame is going to resolve the rust issue when in fact it was a band aide that has hidden what was manifesting underneath and ultimately destroying a very great vehicle. toyota has not held up their end in standing behind what it sells and behind resolving major safety problems for its constomers.

Truck inspected by toyota for corrosion and treated with chemical as part of the recall notice.at this time i had no concerns with condition of the frame for safety concerns.my truck was treated 10/24/16 by toyota and during a routine exhaust fix mechanic showed me areas of concern on rear of the frame.the dealership that performed the treatment looked at the frame again and stated they diidnt want to touch or check the areas of concern a incase they made holes in the frame.i opened a case with toyota and indeed got a second opinion from another toyota dealership whom deemed my vehicle unsafe to drive due to frame corrosion in the areas that were treated , now this was only 3 months after toyota treated the frame. i was given a case manager at toyota for special circumstances as he quoted, and 2 days later was told nothing could be done. i also have a gas leak which has materialized around the rotted crossmember . overall in 3 months i now have perorations and delamination of the rear frame and a junk truck.

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.

Frame is rusting badly even after toyota sprayed crc to try to prevent rust.

The front frame on the passenger side has a large rust hole completely through it, by the sway arm bracket, and that bracket itself is loose and hanging. the vehicle has 139,000 miles on it.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the vehicle could not pass inspection due to a rotted frame. the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure) four years ago; however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 204,000.

The frame on my 2002 toyota tundra is rusting and has holes completely thru the frame. the truck has always been registered and licensed since new and my problem is never receiving a recall notice. when i learned from a friend that tundra frame had been replaced, i called toyota for my frame replacement. toyota said the recall expired and refused to make the repair. other that the frame, the truck is in excellent condition because it has been well maintained. it is sad to have an excellent truck setting on a frame that is rusting away. how can toyota sell a defective truck and identify it as unsafe, fail to contact the owner and then refuse to repair the truck saying the owner missed the deadline. toyota could have contacted me but i never received any notification. i asked if toyota could offer any credit on a replacement, even some consideration on a new tundra and toyota refused to make any effort to assist me. i currently own four toyotas. buyers beware! *tr

Had to replace all 4 oxygen sensors. the front two were faulty before 50000 miles and less than 7 years old. the rear differential cover is rotting and leaking fluid. the only way to repair it is to weld over the hole.

There is excessive rust across the entire rear end of the truck. the rear axle casing has started to deteriorate to the point that differential fluid is leaking from the casing. i have already had to have the frame, spare tire and fuel tank replaced due to excessive rust.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact noticed severe rust on the front cross members and the frame. the dealer informed the contact that the recall expired and the repair cost would not be covered by the manufacturer. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. whle the vehicle was being inspected, it was discovered that the tire bracket and the spare tire separated from the vehicle due to excessive corrosion. the contact indicated that the vehicle was previously inspected per nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure); however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 231,000.

Notified of safety recall on vehicle for rust on frame that will cause structural failure that can lead to loss of control of the vehicle. took vehicle to toyota dealer to be repaired. was told the repair was made. informed by inspection service center the repair was not effective 8/10/2012, notified toyota customer care 8/11/2016 of the problem they opened case #1608102651. i contacted them again 8/12/2016 and was informed by the case manager toyota would not inspect or repair the vehicle. she indicated the recall was listed as limited service and not a safety recall. she indicated this was an on-going issue and several recalls had lapsed for this same problem. because the recall had expired toyota was no longer responsible for the defect. they only rust on the vehicle is on the defective frame. a recall repair that does not fix the problem is useless.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was at a dealer for service, the technician diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer per nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair stating that the repair compound was not being sent by the manufacturer. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and refused to perform the recall repair, stating that they were no performing the recall repair. the failure. the vin was invalid. the failure mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while having body work done on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, it was brought to the contact's attention that the rear frame of the vehicle was corroded. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the contact stated that the vehicle exhibited signs of corrosion after the recall remedy was applied. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 330,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact had the vehicle inspected by the dealer and was informed that there was severe frame rust. the vehicle received an undercoating; however, it failed to eliminate further frame rust. the contact was concerned that the vehicle could fracture while driving and caused severe injuries. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the manufacturer was notified and did not assist. the approximate failure mileage was 74,298.

We have a serious rust issue with our 2002 toyota tundra. toyota replaced a frame but reattached all the already rusted pieces back onto the new frame. the break line has rusted through on several occasions. we have gone through a red light & stop sign. no was hurt, we were lucky but this truck is a death trap. we have hit the side of the garage trying to get it out of gear because everything is so rusted. we have contacted toyota & have been told it's a maintenance issue not a defect. this truck 100% a defect! it is a pile of metal sitting in our driveway because i refuse to put my family in it. it us irresponsible to drive this vehicles, so in our & the publics best interest it sits in our driveway.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the front end of the frame of the vehicle was rusted and contained a hole. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 163,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a state inspection and it was discovered that the frame was severely corroded. the contact mentioned that a notice from the manufacturer was received to repair the corrosion for free. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear brake lines and the frame were severely corroded. the contact mentioned that a corrosion protection compound was used by the dealer, but the failure recurred. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 65,000. ..updated 02/01/16 *bf ......updated 04/01/16 *bf *tr

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. while driving at various speeds, a loud abnormal rattling noise emitted from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the frame had cracked due to corrosion and needed to be replaced. the contact mentioned that the vehicle had been previously repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 120,000.

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

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