2002 TOYOTA TUNDRA Complaints

During inspection of my Tundra, I was told by the Toyota service technician that the frame integrity is compromised and could lead to a catastrophic incident. This is a common issue, Toyota settled a class action lawsuit in 2019, but it was restricted to just the 2007-8 model years of the Tundra. There was an earlier recall, but the resolution was not a fix, it was just a patch, leaving thousands of first generation Tundras on the road still with the potential to cause serious safety exposure. Toyota had a frame replacement program for a few years, so they are aware that it’s an issue, but have not resolved for many owners. They sued the frame manufacturer, Dana Corp I believe, further proof that they knew it’s a problem.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and repaired under the recall. Recently, the contact was informed by an independent mechanic that cracks had formed on the rear suspension due to severe corrosion. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer, Kelly Toyota of Hamburg (1 Industrial Dr, Hamburg, PA 19526), and was informed that the recall was a one-time free repair and the dealer offered no additional assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the recall was too old. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 81,324.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there were holes in the subframe of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the subframe was not treated with rust inhibitor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer was not able to spray the rust inhibitor on the vehicle due to Iowa not being a cold state. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

The frame on the truck is rusted out with holes through it and the metal is rusted out along the entire frame. The truck vibrates when driving and when inspected by the dealer, Kari Toyota, they advised it is unsafe to drive as the frame could break entirely and cause an accident. Report is attached. Toyota was contacted on several occasions by Kari Toyota and myself in May and June of 2021. I had the vehicle in for repair of the frame rust issue on June 15, 2012 but clearly the work was not done properly as the rust issue continued until the vehicle is now undriveable. The vehicle has only 106,681 miles which is low for a typical Toyota vehicle. Toyota refuses to repair the vehicle even though I had followed up on my end by bringing it in for the recall repair. I requested a letter from Toyota explaining why they won't cover the repairs and they refused to send one.

Extensive frame rust determined by local mechanic. Said the truck is unsafe to drive.

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?

I almost hit another vehicle while braking at a stop light. My front brakes gave out. Had new brakes and rotors installed 2 yrs ago and after this incident found that my brakes failed because Toyota refused to fix this problem they knew existed 1 gen Toyota tundra. They changed enlarged the front caliber and pads on 2 gen Toyota because they realized the brakes whe re w to small on the big v8 trucks. I drove aprox 25000 miles on brand new brakes. I should not have to pay for upgrading my front brakes due to a manufacturer defect, How can they get out of recalling these vehicles it is very dangerous and hope they accept responsibility for improper equipment installed on vehicles. I read that they did upgrade some vehicles that where still in warranty why not all?? Vehicles regardless of warranty.???

First the gas tank let loose and fell half way off. Result was a new gas tank installed. then part of the frame rusted from the cab. This resulted in having to have it welded. Have had several service repair lights come on that resulted in more fixes. Today just about does it. The spare tire fell to the road because rust ate through what was holding it up. I have all the papers that show the repairs and what it has cost me. I have not done anything yet about spare tire. I have had the truck since 2013 and it has less then 94k miles on it. It had 35 when I bought it and I knew nothing about the rust problem recall. I certainly believe I should have a new frame or some kind of compensation. Over the years I have talked to several dealers that got me no where. I guess this is my last shot.

The frame has rusted so badly that the spare tire fell off into the highway and nearly caused the vehicle behind to almost wreck.Upon arrival at home I looked at the frame and noticed that the u-bolts holding the rear differential are almost rusted off and will need to be replaced. The entire frame is rusted badly. I think something should be done!!! This vehicle has been taken care of and has seldom been off-road. I am a 72 year old man who does not abuse my vehicle. Thank you Jerry Wakeland