I have a 2002 toyota tundra that I bought from del toyota in thorndale pa. I bought this truck new from this dealer. Toyota sent me a letter for the recall of the frame. I took my truck to del toyota to have the frame looked at in 2012 and they said the frame just needed sprayed. I was fine with that. The problem is now my frame has 4 inch holes in it up by the engine on both sides. There is not whey my frame would have rusted out that fast since the dealer looked at it in 2012. So I took my tundra back to the dealer to have them inspect the holes and they told me they would call toyota to get a new frame on it because I had the truck in during the recall period the first time. Little did I know toyota said they will not replace my frame because the recall period is over. Then del toyota told me to call toyota corp and talk to a case manager. So I called toyota corp and talked to [xxx] (the case manager) and she told me toyota would not replace the frame because the recall period is over. I told her my truck was in for the recall and they sprayed it when the frame should have been replaced. She told me again toyota will not replace my frame. So now I am stuck with a unsafe vehicle that I feel unsafe driving and will not pass inspection anymore. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2002 Toyota Tundra brakes complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 117, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. The contact stated that while parked, the contact discovered that the brake line was leaking. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the rear framing member had rotted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 101,300.
While coming to a complete stop at or below 10 MPH, the anti skid system begins to pulse the brakes which is felt at the brake pedal. No warning lights or system errors noted by toyota of rockwall, texas. Service manager advised the owner/operator of the 2002 tundra to "drive it until a warning light illuminates on the dash".
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brakes, the brakes exhibited an abnormal increase in stopping time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised that the cable for the emergency brake was severely rusted, causing the rear brakes to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 135,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The 2002 toyota tundra has known issues with the front rotors and pads and service bulletin about the problem for corrections to be made. I complained to the dealer about the problem in 2003 with maybe 20,000 miles if that. The problem was corrected under warranty, that is, the rotors and pads were replaced, so I was told, but with the same problematic parts that were issued with the truck. The calipers, which have been reported as undersized for the vehicle, were not touched. Eventually the shimmy becomes bad enough it negatively affects the brake system. Toyota knew of the issue but did not follow through in truly correcting the problem.
Fortunately I was off the interstate when making a right hand turn into a convenience store...........the steering suddenly became almost impossible to turn, actually causing me to turn into the outgoing lane at the store entrance. There was no advanced warning....just no steering on turns and no brake fluid in the resevoir. The toyota deal says the steering rack needs replacement.($1600)......and could not explain exactly where the fluid went. This was suppose to be a 300,000 mile vehicle, now stands at 116,457. Had to replace a stabilizer as well due to corrosion. I just sold my 1997 grand am with 224,000. And my 1988 dodge caravan had 244,000 before the transmition went. Toyota and reliability????????
Rear brake line had severe corrosion where it attached to the proportional valve. Corrosion caused brake fluid to leak and brake failure.
Any speed above 40mph produces a violent shake/wobble from the front end. Going down a slope and /or applying the brakes makes the problem worse. This is the second time in 2 years that I have had to replace the rotors, calipers and pads at a considerable cost to myself. Both times the symptoms were the same and the cause was the same. The plungers on the right front caliper sticks and causes the pad to maintain contact with the rotor and overheating it causing the rotor to warp. The warp in the rotor produces the shaking which is extremely unsafe. I don't tow or haul heavy loads, I don't drive excessively fast nor do I use excessive braking, still the problem recurs.
Took my 2002 tundra to a local toyota dealer for a second time to inspect frame after being told by an independent licensed mechanic that my frame was perforated/rotted, the rear end housing was leaking, the spare tire hanger was broken,(tire missing), all heat shields were either broken,loose or missing and front brakes were in need of being replaced again. Front brake rotors, pads and calipers were replaced 11/09/07. All of this had occurred since 05/06/2010 when the truck was last on his lift. Harr toyota performed a frame inspection and verified all of the above failures. They also did the frame crossmember inspection in 01/10 and the truck passed. They specified that the frame failure was @lt rail/trans mt. They also said the rt ft sway bar link was broken, and noticed an exhaust leak. They declared that in spite of the frame failure it was safe to drive just don't do any offroading! So I guess that hitting a pothole would not be advised.! They told me that the brakes were unsafe, and not covered under any recall. I am very upset at the condition/value of my truck. I am also very upset that the federal safety agency is letting toyota get away with the "warranty enhancement" of replacing the frame only of these trucks. Toyota and its dealers denied the rust problem for years. My problem started when the vehicle was still under warranty, and I was blamed for the failure. In the years that toyota has denied a problem with the tundra, the frame rust has infected, most if not all, of the truck. Both bumpers are rotting off. The gas tank had to be patched (05/2010) because it was leaking fuel from a rust spot under one of the support straps. Toyota will replace other compromised parts at the owners full expense. In my opinion they are using the frame replacement to generate part sales and repair business to help defer costs. The federal safety agency- please force a more comprehensive recall! !
Brake problem. My vehicle shakes to the point the vehicle nearly loses control when slowing toyota is aware of problem but refuses to do anything about it. Extremely dangerous at highway speeds when brakes are applied. Have called but they refuse to do anything about it.
Poor braking and shimmy from toyota tundra.
We bought a used 2002 toyota tundra on 6-16-2005 that had 45,134 miles on it. It now has 109,000 miles on it . When we first bought the truck from the dealership, the brakes were replaced before we took it home because we noticed a vibration. Since then, we have replaced the brakes, pads, etc. Twice. We now have to have the vehicle service again because while driving the truck shakes violently at around 40 MPH and braking literally shakes the entire truck. It seems highly unreasonable to have to replace the braking system 4 times in three years of ownership. I believe that there is a serious defect in the braking system in the 2002 toyota tundra that could lead to accidents causing injury or death. When will toyota recall these vehicles due to manufacturing defects in their braking system? I am starting the incident date as of the date of purchase since that is when we first had the brakes replaced. I now have to pay more money to have the entire truck braking system corrected again so that we do not end up in harms way. Toyota needs to step up and review all the complaints that have been filed about this complain. Something is wrong with the braking system in this vehicle.
I have experienced excessive front suspension shaking when the brakes are applied to my 2002 toyota tundra. I have just a little over 100k miles but the shaking is getting worse. I have had my brakes pads changed in accordance with standards, I have rotated my tires as well.
The brakes have a serious brake vibration when applied. It originally only happened when going down long grades but now it happens all of the time. The brakes and rotors have been replaced but that only fixes the issue for about 5k miles.
2002 toyota tundra-brake line locked up due to rust. Toyota quoted approximately 1300.00 to repair.
Do your job the federal safety agency. The 2000-05 tundras have a brake problem. How many complaints do you need to recall an obvious safety problem that toyota has ignored? They are on the ropes now for some of the other problems that they have been ignoring for years. You can act tough and strike now, while they are unable to strike back.
Approx every 3000 miles the rotors warp and have to be replace. It is a dangerous situation if traveling or pulling trailers. I do not do either and very careful with truck. Still happens. Dealer didn't do the tsb before I bought it with 16,000 miles on it. I don't put many miles on it so it was out of warranty when first had the problem. Didn't realize it was a recurring problem until the second time I had to have it fixed. Lots of forums on the same problem. No coop from toyota or dealers.
2002 and 2003 toyota tundra brakes warp every 10,000 miles. I have owned a 2002 toyota tundra since it was new. At 35,000 miles, I began to experience a brake problem with violent shaking of the front end. My normal mechanic told me that it was warped front break rotors and they would have to be ground down flat. I did this and then experienced the same problem at approximately 45,000, 55,000 and 65,000 miles. I am now nearing 75,000 miles and the vibration is starting. I only drive about 10,000 miles a year and have had heavy loads on the truck about 5 times in the last 8 years. My mechanic showed me a set of instructions that mechanics had for upgrading toyota tundra breaks because of a design problem with undersized front disc brakes and drum brakes in the back after my last brake job. I contacted my toyota dealer and was told that brakes are generally covered and are considered routine maintenance. However, they were aware that the brakes on the 2002 -2003 tundras had a design problem and did not hold up properly. They continued that the brakes had been upgraded with a labor only charge for anyone who contacted them within the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. They also stated that this brake upgrade kit was no longer available as a kit and I would have to purchase the parts separately if I wanted to fix the problem. The cost of the parts is over $2000 without labor. The toyota 800 number told me I had no options because brakes are routine maintenance, period. Currently, my only plan is to continue to have my rotors turned every 10,000 miles until I need new ones. Hopefully other tundra owners will do the same or their safety will be greatly compromised. My front end suspension is also showing wear.
Steering vibrates excessively every time when braking the vehicle at speed greater than 40 miles per hour.
2002 toyotas tundra sr5 extended cab: on sunday 8/15/09 brakes failed and I evacuated vehicle because of smoke coming out of engine compartment. Vehicle towed to repair shop, mechanic discovered that rack and pinion had rusted through and brake fluid caused the smoke as it burned on the engine block. The break lines did not fail it was a hole in the assembly through which the brake fluid escaped. Very serious incident that could have resulted in an accident has it occurred while driving at speed, incident occurred while I was leaving my driveway. I called toyota on 8/21/09 to report failure and find out if there was recall, number called, 800‑331‑4331 ext 5, ref number for call 0908132654. Toyota informed me that there was no recall. I am reporting this incident now, 11/25/09, in light of the recent recall for rusting frame member. My loss a brakes resulted from the corrosion of a component that my mechanic was surprised to see fail. This was a first during his 15 years working as a mechanic.
Frame rust concern and rear brakes / parking brakes needing to be repaired due to rust... My concern is the ongoing investigation into severe rust problems. I bought the truck used (2 yrs. Old). The truck was not previously undercoated. The truck in service date is oct 01. I bought it used in 02. I then had it undercoated and have done so every fall since then. My concern is what may be going on underneath the undercoating that I can't see. Also, I had to have the rear brakes tore apart and rebuilt due to rusting components.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I got under my 2002 toyota tundra trd sr5 extra cab to assess the rust this past weekend. I was dumbfounded! Control arms, front wishbone, suspension brackets, and rear differential look like a shipwreck that's been under the sea for 100 years. The rear differential housing has rusted completely through and is leaking through the side of the housing! The spare tire holder is so rusted the wheel is about to fall off. All shields and safety guards have fallen off or will soon. I bought the truck new in nov of '01. It now has 84,000 miles. I've had all recommended services performed at the dealer.they never mentioned the rust although they do a "safety inspection" at every service. I've always washed off the salt in the winter. The body panels show no rust at all and the outside of the truck looks like new. I have taken excellent care of this vehicle. I had a chevy truck kept under the same conditions that after 15 years and 250,000 miles looked nothing like this. I cannot drive this truck in this condition.
Upper ball joints, rear springs, brakes front & back, and manual transmission, and o2 sensors too! This is what I have been repairing and was not aware of all of the recalls on my truck! So far I have just repairing it until today, after hearing about the newest recall! I will be calling my dealer monday....
Front drivers side sway bar link is corroded through. No accident or injury but only because I knew what was going on after I saw the broken link and drove accordingly. After further investigation we find that the brake calipers are corroded beyond salvage and the frame has heavy rust in a number of areas. It is clear that this truck will be worthless in a few years due to the heavy corrosion and we will all be lucky if someone is not killed due to corrosion damage causing something to fall off and cause a wreck.
I have had nothing but problems with my 02 tundra. .the truck shakes violently while braking I have had brakes and rotors replaced 3 times within 4 months I learned about this service bulletin through another website while learning that hundreds if not thousands of people are having the same problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. The vehicle was purchased in july of 2008. Approximately six months later, the contact noticed that the brakes would pulsate when pressure was applied to the brake pedal. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and they stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under recall. The mechanic also stated that the ball joints and rotors needed to be replaced. In addition, the ball joints were repaired due to a safety recall, but not the rotors. After the repairs were made, the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop where the rotors and brake pads were repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under recall for the rotors; therefore, they were not liable for the repairs. The federal safety agency campaign id number was unknown. The current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 86,000.
2002 toyota tundra front brake severe front end shimmy when braking,caused me to run off road into guard rail. Toyota refused to admit to front brake problem when in warranty and now out. Well documented problems with these calipers not enough deaths obviously to warrant recall.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. While driving approximately 35 MPH or greater, the vehicle and steering wheel vibrated excessively when the brake pedal was depressed. Suddenly, the front end began to shimmy without warning. The failure occurred while traveling at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they adjusted the rotors. The failure occurred seven more times without any resolution. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 110,000.
My 2002 toyota tundra limited extended cab 4x4, v-8, has a pulsating brake pedal since I took delivery of it on 2/1/02. Every year when the truck was taken to the dealership for the pa.state safety inspection & emission inspection, I complained of this problem and on several of my dealer invoices this complaint is noted. At one point I took a tsb,(technical service bulletin) into the service manager and showed him that toyota had a problem with the front brake pads,calipers, and rotors on the tundra trucks,(2000 thru 2005).the original front brake pads,calipers and rotors were too small for this size truck causing the brakes to heat up and warp the rotors. Toyota was trying to correct the problem by offering an updated front brake kit, which consisted of larger pads and calipers. I was told by the service manager that my truck already had this updated brake kit installed. This was absolute lie on his part because after reviewing the tsb and looking at the pictures of the old style pads and calipers verses the updated pads and calipers, it was obvious that my tundra had the old style and tsb was dated 9/12/02 and my truck was taken delivery of on 2/01/02. On 7/7/08, I took my tundra to the dealer for inspection and was told by the service manager that my truck needed brake pads and new rotors because of the pulsation caused by rotors. He told me that toyota had a problem with these brakes because they were to small for this size truck. My total bill for the pad,rotor,and inspections came to $498.84. When I told the dealership about the brake tsb on my truck they said it did not qualify for the tsb and there was nothing they could do.. Have documented proof that indeed my truck did qualify for the tsb. I called toyota customer assistance and all I got from them was a lot negative attitude and they told me it was a dealer problem. Basically, they told me to"go scratch". This brake problem is going to lead to heated brakes that will not stop the truck.
Front brake rotors continually warp on 2002 toyota tundra. Have had rotors surfaced two times and replaced pads three times. Brought this up to dealer during warranty period and was informed that this was not a warranty issue.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2002 Toyota Tundra?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history