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2002 Toyota Tacoma

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 228.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

245 reports with mileage · 88 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 180 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

26 crash reports3 fire reports16 injury reports

Structure complaints

180 reports
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162,000 miles · Feb 26, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND AS A RESULT, THE REAR AXLE AND SPRING HANGER BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MIL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND AS A RESULT, THE REAR AXLE AND SPRING HANGER BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN DUE TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

NHTSA ODI #10566078

59,800 miles · Feb 24, 2014
Structure

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR PREMATURE FRAME RUSTING. I TOOK IT IN FOR THE INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD IT WAS OK. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE LAST SERVICE, IT WAS POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THERE ARE TWO HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA. THE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE BODY OF TH…

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THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR PREMATURE FRAME RUSTING. I TOOK IT IN FOR THE INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD IT WAS OK. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE LAST SERVICE, IT WAS POINTED OUT TO ME THAT THERE ARE TWO HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AREA. THE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE BODY OF THE TRUCK HAS NO RUST. WITH THE LOW MILEAGE I HAD HOPED TO DRIVE THE TRUCK FOR MANY MORE YEARS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND DID NOT EVEN GET A RESPONSE. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565687

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2014
Power TrainStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME STARTED TO DETERIORATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN APPLIED AN UNDER COATING TO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COATING EVENTUALLY WORE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME STARTED TO DETERIORATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN APPLIED AN UNDER COATING TO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COATING EVENTUALLY WORE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 04/21/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE CORROSION FRAME RECALL. BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT, HE NOTICED A LOT OF OIL DROPLETS ON THE TAIL GATE OF THE TRUCK, AS HE DROVE OFF, HE NOTICED A PUDDLE OF OIL. AN INSPECTION REVEALED, THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE WAS LEAKING AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS EXTREMELY RUSTY. ALSO, THE FRAME WAS RUSTED, AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 04/24/14

NHTSA ODI #10564944

150,000 miles · Feb 14, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RUSTING AND CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED ON THE FRAME. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LEAF SPRING SHACKLE HAD SUNK INTO THE UNDER FRAME DUE TO THE RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE D…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RUSTING AND CORROSION WAS DISCOVERED ON THE FRAME. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE LEAF SPRING SHACKLE HAD SUNK INTO THE UNDER FRAME DUE TO THE RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564382

100,000 miles · Feb 12, 2014
Structure

I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK WITH 100,000 MILES IN A PRIVATE SALE IN 2010. I DROVE IT FOR A FEW YEARS AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR INSPECTION THEY FAILED IT FOR A RUSTED OUT FRAME. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULDN'T DRIVE IT AND THAT IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME OUT. T…

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I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK WITH 100,000 MILES IN A PRIVATE SALE IN 2010. I DROVE IT FOR A FEW YEARS AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR INSPECTION THEY FAILED IT FOR A RUSTED OUT FRAME. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULDN'T DRIVE IT AND THAT IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME OUT. THEY SAID SINCE THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT GET IT SPRAYED THE WARRANTY WAS NULL AND VOID. SO MY TRUCK THAT HAS 100,000 MILES AND WAS KBB AT $8-$9K IS WORTH NOTHING. I AM NOT A PERSON THAT IS WELL OFF AND THAT WAS A BIG HIT FOR ME. I LIVE PAY CHECK TO PAY CHECK AND I WONDER HOW MANY OTHERS WERE EFFECTED BY AN OBVIOUSLY CHEAP FRAME. 100,000 MILES AND THE FRAME RUSTS, THAT JUST SEEMS WRONG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564003

130,000 miles · Feb 12, 2014
Structure

TL* 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 THE P…

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TL* 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 THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10563962

80,000 miles · Jan 28, 2014
StructureTires

SOMETIME IN 2012, MY SPARE TIRE AND RIM WERE LOST ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO A FAILED SPARE TIRE CARRIER. THE LIFT PLATE ON THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER, FAILED DUE TO CORROSION AND RELEASED THE SPARE TIRE (AND RIM) ON THE HIGHWAY. NO CRASH OF INCIDENT OCCURRED BECAUSE NO ONE WAS FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561883

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2014
Structure

INFORMED BY DEALER THAT FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. BUT MY TRUCK IS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR REPAIR UNDER THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE RECALL (OF WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED), AS IT HAD EXPIRED. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. THEY R…

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INFORMED BY DEALER THAT FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. BUT MY TRUCK IS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR REPAIR UNDER THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE RECALL (OF WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED), AS IT HAD EXPIRED. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. THEY RECOGNIZED THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT; HOWEVER MY TRUCK IS INELIGIBLE FOR REPAIR BECAUSE THEY GET TO LIMIT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THEIR REMEDY IS NOT TECHNICALLY A "RECALL". I, AND I'M SURE MANY OTHERS, ARE BY NECESSITY, DRIVING UNSAFE VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561372

110,000 miles · Dec 11, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR UNRELATED REPAIRS WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR UNRELATED REPAIRS WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10555743

95,000 miles · Dec 3, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SERVICE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NEVER ADVISED OF CORROSION WHEN THE VEHICL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SERVICE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NEVER ADVISED OF CORROSION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN 2010 FOR A MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10554600

Official recalls

3

12V542000 · Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

Nov 23, 2012

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 road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

05V225000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

May 17, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: 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.

03V189000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

May 19, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.