Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered severe rusting and corrosion on the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the severe rusting of the subframe. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, stated that the fuel tank had detached. The contact stated that the subframe was extremely rusted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to be checked for corrosion to the subframe, the contact was advised that there was significant corrosion on the subframe and the supports underneath the truck bed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with any type of load in the truck bed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
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 contact owns 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change and tire rotation, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded, and the vehicle was unsafe to be driven. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the frame and the front bumper were severely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
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.
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 contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that there was severe corrosion on the entire under carriage and subframe and struts. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Related recalls
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
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…
Remedy: Toyota is asking owners of the affected vehicles to remove the spare tire from under the vehicle until a remedy can be obtained.
Body complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 154 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Toyota Tundra, 32% of the model year's 482 complaints. The component named most often is body (76 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Toyota Tundra body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-444 (underbody shields, Nov 18, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Tundra body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 121,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.