KnownCarProblems2002 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 333 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the body and structure (54% of complaints, typically around 122,500 miles). It is 9th of 27 Tacoma model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2002 Toyota Tacoma problems
Body and structure
180 complaints · 54%Half of these problems showed up before 122,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The second Toyota Tacoma I have owned in one year failed on 02/28/2011. Both frames failed due to rust. Both problems were discovered during a routine oil change. Toyota bought back the first truck last summer, so I decided to buy another later model Tacoma. The second Tacoma problem occurred on a lift at auto choice…
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the frame had started to deteriorate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician applied an undercoating to the frame. The contact stated that the coating eventually wore off. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of…
Suspension
82 complaints · 25%Half of these problems showed up before 130,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
Part of the frame suddenly broke from the frame rail under the driver's side of the vehicle, resulting in a significant portion of material loosing all structural integrity. This was due, it seems, to a manufacturing defect in the frame quality leading to excessive rot and rust. The vehicle is now structurally unsound…
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an inspection. The dealer determined that there was rust on the leaf springs and stated that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the…
Wheels and tires
27 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles. Parts named most often: temporary/emergency spare tire, rim, tread/belt, bead.
The whole spare tire assembly fell off the Tacoma truck. There is a safety recall for this. The problem is this Tacoma truck also has totally rotted frame rails (an older, expired safety recall). The big issue is Toyota can only offer a date when the actual recall notice left their print facility. I do not recall…
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was severely rusted and the frame area near the tires exhibited corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) and stated…
Other or unspecified
27 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 132,500 miles.
Frame rot from inside out. Suspension mounting to frame rotted out. Totoya refuses to deal with this and claims the safety recall is expired. How can a recall be expired. Case #[phone] . Toyota representative very rude and demeaning.
My trucks frame is corroded and falling apart. Toyota had a recall out for the frame. Due to previous owner not having chemical compound sprayed on the frame, I am told there is nothing I can do. I have never received anything regarding my trucks unsafe driving condition. I have been to it is not safe to drive this…
Transmission
21 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, manual transmission, axle assembly.
The Toyota Tacoma had a rear axle wrap up, this was where the two piece driveshaft becomes loose at the spleen and caused a clung or looseness in the drive line, which caused undue stress on the engine and the transmission, which could cause the driveshaft to break at the yoke and fall to ground, causing an accident.…
I took in my 2002 Tacoma for an oil change and was told that they could not put it up on the lift due to excessive corrosion on the frame. I only recently bought the truck in oct. 2013 with 65k miles on it. All else works fine. After explaining the issue to Toyota they advised me to take it to the dealership for…
Air bags
19 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 137,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Airbags failed to deploy during frontal impact with embankment at speed in access of 40 MPH. Vehicle left the roadway, traveling straight, under hard breaking conditions and struck an embankment. Upon hitting the embankment, the truck became airborne and made impact with a telephone pole, before landing on its wheels.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed the accelerated pedal became stuck, the brake pedal was applied but travelled to the floor, as the vehicle crashed into a metal mail box. Additionally, while applying the brake pedal the instrument panel went dim when the brake…
Brakes
17 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 38,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, disc, conventional.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 45 MPH, the front brakes detached from the pads and became jammed between the rotor and the caliper. A portion of the brakes struck the front fender like a bullet. The contact called Toyota, but they would not assist. He repaired the vehicle himself and stated that…
Gas tank shield severely rusted. Under side of gastank is protected by a shield/skid plate. It is rusted so badly that when hit with a hammer the hammer goes right through. Presumably this shield is to protect the gas tank from debris and stones especially if the truck is used off road. I discovered this as I was…
Steering
9 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist, column locking, rack and pinion.
Noticed abnormal tire wear on front tire. Took vehicle in for wheel alignment and was informed the bushing, integral to rack and pinion has failed. As a consequence the whole rack and pinion steering system needs replacing. Mechanic informed me this is a common problem for Toyota Tacoma. He also informed me he has had…
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to become uncontrollable. The contact discovered that during the incident the steering rack had fractured. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. In a…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Toyota Tacoma recalls
Wheels and tires: temporary/emergency spare tire
Risk: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in february 2013. Owners may contact their toyota dealer or the toyota customer experience center at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 tacoma light trucks manufactured from august 28, 2000, through august 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where r
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: This damage could result in fuel leakage, which could result in a fire if in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: Dealers will install a fuel hose protector on the body flange. Owner notification began june 3, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks, during side impact ncap test (I.e. Lincap test), a flange at the rear end of the double cab body deformed and interfered with the fuel inlet hose that connects the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank, resulting in damage to the fuel inlet hose.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2002 Toyota Tacoma
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Tacoma?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (180 complaints, typically around 122,500 miles); suspension (82 complaints, typically around 130,500 miles); wheels and tires (27 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Tacoma have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 23, 2012 (wheels and tires). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Toyota Tacoma?
- It is 9th of 27 Tacoma model years by number of complaints, with 333 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.