2002 Toyota Tundra from North America - Comments

At around 700 miles a knocking/rattling sound could be heard coming from the engine. This occurred about 3 weeks after purchase. I took the truck to the nearest dealer, which wasn't the dealer I purchased it from. The engine was defective. One of the piston rod ties was too long or loose and was banging. After the dealer service rep spoke to the Toyota Motor Sales USA technical rep, a new engine (short block) was ordered to replace my engine. Thirty-one days later, sixty something days after the purchase date, I got my truck back.

I'm very disappointed. The truck wasn't even in my possession for 30 days when I had to have the engine replaced. Very, very, very disappointing and disheartening.

To get Toyota to take this vehicle back, I have to go through the Lemon Law process and arbitration. Then, if I'm not satisfied, I'll have to bring suit against them.

Toyota should be ashamed.

They fixed it didn't they?

Yet another example of Toyota "quality."

My 2002 Tundra has 230,000 km (143,000 miles). Still not 1 problem ever, except the lock mechanism on the gas cap ($75). It has never been to a shop, other than oil change and tires. A colleague sold his (for $8000!) at 470,000km (~300,000 miles). I asked him what should I be prepared for in the future for repairs on mine - he said NOTHING EVER. He quickly corrected himself and said "oh yeah, I had to get a new battery".

We buy GM and fords at work, only because we need 3/4 tons and 1tons for towing etc - constantly needing fixing.

A trouble-free rig after 300K miles is a example of good maintenance and care, nothing more. Even the lowest rated car can achieved such numbers. Especially with good road conditions and climate, like in the southern states.

Toyota's reputation in Canada is different: They will never reach high mileage because of their poor structural integrity. Degraded pavement and potholes will cause body stress they can't suffer. When I bought my 4Runner, I was convinced I had the best. A rugged look, big tires and high ground clearance. A Cherokee was a grocery getter to my eyes. Time to go off-road! I got stuck in a off-camber position, came back 2 days later, start the engine and blew one engine head. Oil starvation they said! Over a high incline in low gear, the rear axle exploded. Dealer diagnosis: Abuse.

700 miles with an engine knock, I will never buy one.