Two problems related to tailgate have been reported for the 2002 Toyota Tundra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Toyota Tundra based on all problems reported for the 2002 Tundra.
"Toyota recalls" chasis/frame - I had every recall or service bulletin completed by Toyota sales/service in our area. Toyota's fix for the frame rust did not work. I was informed this week that there are now holes in the frame. The tailgate is rusting along with the bed of the truck as I was able to see the underneath of the bed when the Toyota dealership put it up on the hosit yesterday. This truck has been maintained properly, has approximately 135,000 miles on it, and the body is still in good condition. Although I was notified this week about the frame, it's has been on going for some time and I do not understand why no one in the last 2 years informed us of the frame rust damage. Even the Toyota service department that had serviced the vehicle earlier this year did not inform me of the extent of frame rust damage.
I have a 2002 Toyota Tundra that has been rusting away since the day I bought it new off the lot. It started with the wheels rusting. I brought this up to the dealership many times and they said nothing could be done about it. Next was the tailgate and now the underside of my truck looks like a 20 year old vehicle that was sitting for years. I have heard and read that other Tundra owners are having the same problem and I agree that Toyota needs to do something about this. Toyota's are not cheap, I bought this vehicle because I thought the quality was suppose to be excellent. I also have a claim in with Toyota.