2002 Toyota Tundra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Toyota Tundra: 3 recalls, 482 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Wheels Vehicle recall #02V129000 · 2002 · 3,041 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain 4x2 vehicles equipped with an alloy wheel tire upgrade (options wm4, wm8, zl1-zl4, dh4, or dh5) installed by the processing centers in jacksonville, florida or commerce, georgia, a label identifying the spare tire as a temporary use spare tire was not installed. The upgrade includes 4 larger size tires with alloy wheels. The original spare tire/steel wheel is not part of the upgrade and was not changed.
Why it matters: Different operating characteristics can be experienced when the spare tire is installed on the vehicle.
The fix: Owners will be provided with a caution label and an insert for their owner's manual. Owner notification began July 15, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Suspension Vehicle recall #05V225000 · 2005 · 768,379 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint May have been scratched. The ball joint May eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
Why it matters: The lower ball joint May separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2005.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #09V444000 · 2009 · 110,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Excessive corrosion of the rear cross member May cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed which would present a road hazard that could cause a crash. Also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve resulting in diminished braking capability.
Why it matters: Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota is asking owners of the affected vehicles to remove the spare tire from under the vehicle until a remedy can be obtained. Dealers will inspect the rear cross member and related components, including the brake lines, and replace them if necessary. If the cross member does not need to be…
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: Dope, Inc. is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (154): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (143), leaks (13).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (97): the most common themes are noise or vibration (43), brake failure / soft pedal (10).
- Suspension (81): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (23), noise or vibration (11).
- Transmission & drivetrain (51): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (17), leaks (12).
The 2002 Toyota Tundra has 482 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 28 Tundra model years for complaints (1.9× the average Tundra year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (51 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 91,100 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (415 complaints, 2 recalls), 2003 (399 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 16 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 16 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Toyota Tundra.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Toyota Tundra, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota Tundra problems?
Owners have filed 482 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (154), brakes (hydraulic) (97), suspension (81).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Toyota Tundra get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Toyota Tundra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.