Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 called on behalf of a friend who owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated in 2012 there was an unknown under coding and a plug was repaired on the vehicle. The driver experienced shaking and vibration from the rack and pinion steering while driving at approximately 35 MPH. The driver found power steering fluid leakage and there was a crack in the front passenger side of the engine frame. The contact was unaware of any failure warning lights. The contact stated the transmission functionality was great. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000
on June 9th at about 2pm while driving through my neighborhood, my upper an lower ball joints on my 2002 Toyota Tundra separated from my vehicle causing a catastrophic loss of control of truck and tore my hub with tire from vehicle ripping the brake fuel line and shoving entire components up under my Tundra while losing control with no brakes or steering capability. It also destroyed the drivers side front tire. Needless to say if I was say...going 55 to 60 miles per hour on highway...I would not be writing this. Had truck towed to Checkered Flag Toyota and they quoted me a price of over1300$ in repairs... they are fighting me on fixing my truck damages even though said damages were caused by the ball joint recall on the 2002 tundra...recall I D#05v
I was driving down interstate 5 on my way to work at 70mph and as I was on the causeway the lower ball joint came off causing my front tire to come off and it resulted in a crash that totalled my truck and damage to me as well .
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. The steering wheel seriously resisted my turning it. I was forced to apply the brakes quickly to attempt going over the side of the road and down a deeply sloped ravine of about 20 feet or so. The truck stopped with the front wheels "just over" the edge but did stop before going "over". Luckily I had a "come-along" with me and was able to crank the truck backwards enough to get the front wheels back on to the road surface. I haven't carried that with me in years ! I had to baby the truck about a mile at very low speed to get back in to town. The steering wheel was/is very difficult to turn. …
Dt: the owner was driving at 50 MPH while towing, and could not control the vehicle and crashed. The vehicle was bouncing from guard rail to guard rail. When the owners came to a stop the vehicle was still right side up. The vehicle was totaled. Both occupants sustained injuries. The passenger was hospitalized for a week with broken ribs and other internal injuries while the driver suffered from shock and a concussion. However, the driver sustained some injuries from the airbag. Both are in physical therapy and the other therapy treatments. The driver is still suffering from headaches. There were no problems before the wreck. No noticeable problems to the vehicle with handling. There was no wobbling or any indication that this was going to happen.
Loud knock turning the wheel to the left, rack and pinion leakage, inner outer tie rods can snap cause an injury or death. Headlights are very dim even the bright lights are dim. An oncoming car is not even phased when I have my bright lights on. It's difficult to see very well with those [redacted] lights they're almost in amber color tried to use lens renew did not work.
Vehicle frame has rusted through in places and has deteriorated by flaking in other locations on the frame. Also power steering rack has rusted through. The truck has less than 61000 miles on the odometer. I filed a complaint with Toyota in late October, 2016. After speaking with a Toyota representative, they said that they would not do anything to remedy the problem as their recall on the frame was good only until 12-31-2012.
When started truck, heard unusual whining noise. Started driving and steering became difficult. Stopped in parking lot and found power steering fluid leaking out on ground. Entire rack and pinion showing excessive corrosion and leaking fluid. Was able to drive to Toyota dealer. They estimate $1200 for after market repair, and $1600 for repair with Toyota parts. Truck not safe to drive until repaired. 2002 Tundra sr5
Vehicle made whining noise after going from park to drive. Moved a few feet and steering became very difficult. Leaking trail of fluid underneath. Private mechanic confirmed today that the power steering rack is completely rusted through and was the source of the leak. Vehicle has approximately 137K miles. Had I been on the highway, this would have been disastrous. I had just been on the highway.
Frist time comeing down my road going 30 miles per hr l right upper and lower ball joint broke tire went under the truck. Second time the left upper and lower ball joint broke turning a corner. Third time it happen I just got off of the hwy and the lower ball joint broke. I am afied to drive it .
Steering complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Tundra, 8% of the model year's 482 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Toyota Tundra steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 Toyota Tundra, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Tundra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 116,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to steering 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.