2002 Toyota Tundra
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1011 |
| 2001 | 414 |
| 2002 | 481 |
| 2003 | 399 |
| 2004 | 465 |
| 2005 | 374 |
| 2006 | 545 |
| 2007 | 389 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 38 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 134 |
| 2012 | 154 |
| 2013 | 84 |
| 2014 | 92 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 118 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 99 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 45 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 413 |
| 2023 | 369 |
| 2024 | 304 |
| 2025 | 126 |
| 2026 | 18 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: structure — 76 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: structure — 45 distinct reports on file.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
CAB SEPARATED FROM CHASSIS. CAB IS ATTACHED TO CHASSIS AT 4 FLANGES WELDED TO FRAME. 2 EACH 10 MM BOLTS CONNECT CAB TO EACH FLANGE. A 71 MM HOLE EXISTS IN FLANGE BETWEEN THE 2 EACH 13 MM HOLES FOR THE 10 MM BOLTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030110
9% of complaints: suspension — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250301
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DROPPED TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140425
7% of complaints: steering — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A "VERY" STEEP GRADED AND WINDING GRAVEL ROAD THAT REQUIRED CONSISTENT BRAKING AND AS I WAS MAKING A TURN TO NEGOTIATE A RIGHT TURN ON A CURVE, MY STEERING ALL OF A SUDDEN FAILED TO EXIST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130626
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ID
Remedy: 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 SHO
Campaign 02V129000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT BREAKAGE
BALL JOINT SEPARATION
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
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 05V225000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
FRAME CORROSION
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, MASSAC
Remedy: 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, INC
Campaign 09V444000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Toyota Tundra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (76 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V129000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V225000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V444000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota Tundra is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Tundra?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Tundra have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.