2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Toyota 4runner. This model year has 251 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2002 Toyota 4runner Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Suspension Failures
Transmission / Drivetrain
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 Toyota 4runner. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 89 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 52 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 26 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 18 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 15 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 8 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota 4runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 251 most recent complaints
THIS IS FOR TIRE SIZE P265 75 16. To start, I've seen multiple other complaints describing the same scenario and type of incident. Driving along the highway at appropriate speeds, I hear a whoosh/deep pitch rumble, then my vehicle began to vibrate violently. I was luckily able to…
Frame rot
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while inspecting underneath the vehicle, he noticed that there was a hole in the subframe and that the subframe and sway bar were corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or deal…
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling the door handle to unlock the doors, the auto unlock function failed to unlock the doors. The contact had to press the unlock button to unlock the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed…
Frame is excessively rusted. The recall that already exists for this issue only covers certain frames from Japan made with this steel. However, the same frames were imported to America and a large percentage of 4Runners were made with the same steel and didn’t receive a recall. M…
frame rust saftey hazardous? midas mechanic pointed out to me while work being done on exhaust march 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH through a slight right curve, the vehicle independently shifted from side to side without warning nearly causing the vehicle to flip. The contact had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle a…
Frame rusted through from the inside out. There isnt even any surface rust where the hole started. Its just a hole in the middle of clean metal. The rest of the frame rail is solid. Rear suspension arm mount is also rusted out and starting to come off. The entire structural integ…
Premature rusted frame throughout, vehicle is garaged and well maintained 117,000 miles on my 2002 Toyota 4Runner. Auto body specialist estimates $3k-$4k to restore, at least.
Frame and rear passenger control arm bracket, rotted out .only there, 2 nd time this has happened, same spot but on my previous 2001 4runner
Had vehicle inspected on Oct. 1 ,2021 for road trip to North Carolina from Washington, DC. Was informed that my vehicle is unsafe by the automotive shop (name withheld) due to [rusting] frame front suspension components' threads rusted off on bolts that hold suspension, control …
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while receiving routine maintenance repair on the vehicle, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the subframe was rusted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was …
After having my 4 runner in for routine maintenance, my mechanic informed me that my frame was in bad condition and rusting through. Doubtful it has a year left and he advised me to junk it as fast as I can. 180;000 miles - so much for Toyota’s lasting a long time.
FRAME IS SHOWING EXCESSIVE RUST ALL OVER, A KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH 4RUNNERS AND TOYOTA TRUCKS. AUTO REPAIR SHOP SAYS VEHICLE PROBABLY HAS ONLY 1 YEAR OF LIFE LEFT BEFORE UNSAFE AND UNDRIVABLE. CAR HAS ONLY 100000 MILES ON IT, 1998 4RUNNER WE HAD MADE IT TO 250000 MILES- UNACCEPTABL…
I RECENTLY HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND TO GET NEW TIRES. WHILE ON THE LIFT, THE MECHANIC POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE IS BEGINNING TO RUST THROUGH. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AND AS I HAVE RESEARCHED POSSIBLE REPAIRS, IT APPEARS …
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNT TO THE POINT OF NOT PASSING INSPECTION.
THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND IS MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS FRAME, IT'S ALREADY BEEN RECALLED ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA AND IT'S THE SAME IDENTICAL FRAME. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. JUST MAKING A NORMAL TURN ON A BEND IN T…
EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. HAVE HEARD OF OTHER TOYOTAS FROM THE SAME TIME THAT WERE RECALLED BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER EVEN THOUGH IT SUFFERS THE SAME ISSUES.
HAD THE 4RUNNER WV STATE INSPECTED. NEEDED TO REPLACE THE MUFFLER. NOTICED THE FRAME CRACKED ON FRAME RAIL NEAR MUFFLER LOCATION.
FRAME IS RUSTED. DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Toyota 4runner.
Recalls for 2002 Toyota 4runner
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Toyota 4runner. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2002 Toyota 4runner — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2002 Toyota 4runner reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2002 Toyota 4runner has 251 NHTSA owner complaints, 22 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Structural Problems (89 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota 4runner?▾
#1: Structural Problems (89 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (52 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (36 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Toyota 4runner?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2002 Toyota 4runner has 22 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 251 total NHTSA complaints. 22 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Toyota 4runner have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Toyota 4runner. The largest issue: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 Toyota 4runner?▾
The 2002 Toyota 4runner has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Structural Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota 4runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2002 Toyota 4runner
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.