Underbody Shield problems of the 2002 Toyota Tundra

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was inspected by an independent mechanic who discovered that the sub frame had extensive rusting and corrosion. The contact was informed that the section connecting the cabin to the bed of the truck was severely damaged by the corrosion. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and the local dealer first team Toyota (3400 western branch blvd, chesapeake, va) were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage 195,000.

Had frame replaced per recall, 5/2012. Had been smelling gas after fill ups so had airport Toyota, vandalia, ohio - repair while they had truck torn apart- told me the gas tank port was corroded so they put new gasket on. Now I am smelling gas on passenger side. I am taking truck back to Toyota. I am concerned about the corroded gas tank because I had it repaired once before. I believe this problem is just as important as the corroded tank straps that were replaced in 2010. It's not something that is seen easily.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. While parked, the contact noticed corroded holes throughout the frame. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) however, the manufacturer advised that the vehicle did not qualify for repairs under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a repair associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). While the technician performed the repair, he noticed both stabilizer links and the parking brake rear wheel mechanism were fractured as a result of excessive rust corrosion. In addition, the rack and pinion was corroded. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000. Updated 4/3/12 the consumer stated the front stabilizer links broke off, due to them being rusted. The driver side emergency brake seized. The steering shaft u-joint was badly rusted. Updated 05/17/12.

Steering rack rotted out and all the power steering fluid drained out almost instantly. Thankfully I was pulling out of a parking space and not on the highway. I currently have excessive frame rust, a hole in the gas tank from rust, the rear differential is almost rotted threw, the gas tank straps have already been replaced. I am not sure if this vehicle is even safe to drive anymore. The dealer inspects it regularly for the frame rust but they have never provided a fix.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the front area of the frame was rusted significantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer previously for a repair under NHTSA campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields), the technician inspected the vehicle and advised that the recall repair was not necessary. He also noticed that the fuel tank straps exhibited rust corrosion and they were replaced. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired for the most recent frame defect. The failure mileage was 39,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tundra. The contact referenced recall 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: under body shields) for which he received a recall notice. He took the vehicle to an authorized dealership where the vehicle was inspected and he was informed that the vehicle was fine. The contact stated that the vehicle was rusting and flaking in the rear cross member but the dealer did nothing. While driving at approximately 50-60 mph, the vehicle made a clunking noise and shook from the front end. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer for the failure at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The current mileage was approximately 89,000.

I have had the Tundra and 5th wheel trailer combination since they were both new in 2002 and towing has been excellent. This trip however, I hit a 'bump' on rt. 93 southbound (heavy traffic) in medford, MA and the spare tire broke off of the holder. It proceeded to bounce up into the front compartment of the trailer and then dropped down and lodged between the trailer's axles. At least no one was injured, but the vehicles were damaged. I had about $5,000 in repair bills relating to the 'accident'. My concern is that the spare tire/wheel had never been off of the Tundra and they were 'new' except for their age. It appears that the amount of rust on the tire hanger bracket was a major cause of the wheel dropping. I have pictures and the replaced parts for your inspection if desired; you can see rust-out holes right through the bracket! I am concerned that this could be happening to many other Tundra's of a similar age. I would like to at least offer some form of warning to other owners. After Toyota's email response, basically saying this was never heard of before and calling the holder bracket a 'cover', I sent a second email: my concern now is that you have referred to the rusted-out bracket that holds the tire under the truck's bed (part # 51900-0c010 on my repair invoice. ) as a 'cover, I'm hoping that we are speaking of the same piece of equipment. My suggestion involves safety more than warranty or money. If other Tundra's have the same rotting out of that bracket, other tires will fall off of those trucks. By the way, my Tundra looks like new and is in excellent condition; so I'm presuming that others may be even worse and that my vehicle is likely in average or better condition. If this truly is a potential issue for others, at least warning them to evaluate it would be appropriate; I surely would have appreciated it! updated 03/25/10 pictures received. Updated 10/05/10.

2002 Toyota Tundra. Consumer requests reimbursement the consumer stated Toyota did send him a check for $ 61. 63. But, they didn't reimburse for his time for installing the fuel support strap that had completely rusted. When he contacted Toyota, he was informed it was their policy to only pay for installation when a business performed the installation not individuals. The consumer stated the dealer was busy and couldn't install the strap, so he and a friend performed the installation.