2002 Toyota Tundra: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 12, 2016 · Steering · 137,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Aug 7, 2015 · Steering · 219,000 miles · OH

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

Filed Nov 19, 2013 · Steering · 64,238 miles · ME

I was pulling out of my driveway and experienced a sudden and complete loss of power steering and was unable to complete the turn, stopping in the middle of the road. One of the connections on the power steering rack had completely separated due to rust and the power steering fluid was pouring out. If I had been going at higher speeds (such as driving on a highway or taking an off ramp) it would have been extremely dangerous as it would have been hard to impossible to maintain control. The rust is clearly excessive and hard to believe it is not related to the recall that covered the frame and brake lines (which I had replaced under the recall a few years back after some trouble with the dealership claiming it did not qualify). A local garage replaced the steering rack at a cost of over $900. I took photos of the failed rack. I called the national toyota number and had a case manager assigned to my complaint. The best that toyota offered was to have me tow it at my expense to the dealership 40 miles away to have them inspect it while the dealer was telling me they have seen a number of these fail and toyota has not been admitting that the problem with them is their fault. I have a 1998 corolla that has no rust issues at after the same conditions for more years.

Filed Oct 3, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 250,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tundra. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the front passenger's side tire became detached unexpectedly from the vehicle. There was a loss of steering control and the vehicle began to skid 35-40 feet before proceeding to stop. The vehicle then collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and an authorized dealer, in which both informed the contact that the brake lines and the frame was corroded. In addition, the front passenger's side ball joint was defective. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 09v444000 (structure) and 05v225000 (suspension) however, the vehicle was not included in either. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed May 15, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · 116,457 miles · ME

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????????

Filed Apr 15, 2010 · Body, Steering · 69,980 miles · ME

The steering rack on my 2002 toyota tundra rusted out, burst and caused a power steering failure while driving. This is a permanent failure and the toyota dealership advised not to drive the vehicle. Nothing was offered to fix it without a $1400 repair bill.

Filed Jan 9, 2008 · Suspension · 137,000 miles · OR · crash

Front suspension lower ball joint failure on 2002 toyota tundra. I have not had any problems with the ball joints leading up to this event. They have been checked off in routine maintanence of the vehicle every 3000-4000 miles as being in good condition! For this reason and for the recall (special service campaign 50j lower ball joint) that was issued on the same exact part that failed on my vehicle. After reading the recall I would like to know why this same part on my truck was not covered when it appeared in good condition to the service technicians, but then failed while driving under normal road conditions? " in extreme cases, the front suspension lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of steering control, thus increasing a possibility of a crash." quoted from (special service campaign 50j) this is exactly what failed on my truck and I was lucky that I was going slow when it happened because the entire passenger side front end slammed down to the tire hitting the pavement locking up the tire pulling the axle shaft out of the axle and pushing the fender into the passenger side door! There is no doubt, if this would have happened at a higher rate of speed, the vehicle would have rolled causing serious injuries! This vehicle has never been driven hard or has it gone off road into a hole, or that anything, that would cause that type of wear. For these reasons I believe that this is a manufacturer defect of some kind whether it was the scratched surface of the ball prior to assembly as in the recall or some other type I don't know! I would appreciate an investigation into the parts! Thank you