Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
150–25K
2125–50K
3250–75K
3175–100K
65100–150K
81150K+
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
What owners actually said
333 reports
167,152 miles · Aug 15, 2014
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION PERFORMED, THE INSPECTOR NOTIFIED HIM THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME, REAR BUMPER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WERE EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION PERFORMED, THE INSPECTOR NOTIFIED HIM THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME, REAR BUMPER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WERE EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,152.
NHTSA ODI #10622561
300,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Structure
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. I BROUGHT IT INTO A TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION FOR RUST TO THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION BECAUSE THEY SAID THE FRAME WAS TOO RUSTY FOR THEM TO SAFELY PERFORM THE INSPECTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10617916
120,000 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Structure
FRAME RUSTED AND CRACKED. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10617311
65,000 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Power Train
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 INSPECTION. …
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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 INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP THEN TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE ONLY COVERING THE RUSTED SPARE WHEEL CASING IN THE RECALL, NOT THE ENTIRE FRAME, AND ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT UP WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE. THE MODEL BEFORE THE '02 WAS RECALLED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE FRAME (IN COLD WEATHER STATES) HOWEVER THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO PERSIST IN LATER MODELS. HAS ANYONE HAD LUCK CALLING TOYOTA ABOUT THIS? I'M IN A TOUGH SPOT AS I PURCHASED THE TRUCK RECENTLY (ALTHOUGH THE RUST DAMAGE DID NOT APPEAR AS BAD THEN AND I'M WONDERING IF SOME COATING WAS APPLIED AT THE DEALER) AND WOULD HAVE MISSED ANY RECALL ON THE FRAME IF THERE HAD BEEN ONE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10617130
80,000 miles · Jul 28, 2014
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE INSPECTED BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE PER THE RECALL AND RELEASED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE INSPECTED BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE PER THE RECALL AND RELEASED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10616916
254,609 miles · Jul 25, 2014
StructureSuspension
THE SWAY BAR ARM BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE PULLED OUT OF THE FRAME DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE CORROSION PERFORATIONS IN MULTIPLE AREAS OF THE FRAME. FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND I HAVE BEEN ADVISED VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE. MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10616231
120,000 miles · Jul 24, 2014
Structure
FRAME CRACKED AT RIGHT REAR BOX RAIL... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10616083
66,000 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineStructureTires
MY FUEL TANK IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH TO THE POINT OF LEAKING GAS. I KNOW TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THE FRAME (REPLACED) AND THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER (NOT YET REPLACED) DUE TO RUST. SEEMS LIKE THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE IS RUSTING OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10609269
157,500 miles · Jun 16, 2014
SteeringStructureSuspension
I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA INTO THE LOCAL DEALER, DCH IN WAPPINGERS FALLS NY, BECAUSE OF LEAK IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. UPON LOOKING AT THE VEHICLE,THEY OBSERVED A CRACKED AND RUSTED FRAME. WE TOOK THE CAR DOWN AND I WENT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION. THAT REPAIR SHOP HAD SAID THERE WAS A FRAME …
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I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA INTO THE LOCAL DEALER, DCH IN WAPPINGERS FALLS NY, BECAUSE OF LEAK IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. UPON LOOKING AT THE VEHICLE,THEY OBSERVED A CRACKED AND RUSTED FRAME. WE TOOK THE CAR DOWN AND I WENT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION. THAT REPAIR SHOP HAD SAID THERE WAS A FRAME RECALL FOR THAT YEAR. I CALLED TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA AND THEY CONFIRMED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT YEAR AND THAT THEY SENT OUT A NOTICE, BUT IT HAD TO BE BROUGHT BY THE END OF 2012. I TOLD THEM I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. THERE HAVE BEEN 2 OTHER RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE WHICH I DID RECEIVE NOTICES. THEY CHECKED WITH THEIR COMPLIANCE OFFICE AND SAID THEY DID SEND IT TO ME. I ASKED HOW MANY NOTICES WENT OUT AND THEY SAID ONE AND THEY DO NOT SEND THEM CERTIFIED MAIL. WHEN I STATED THAT I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE, THEY TOLD THERE WAS A DEPARTMENT THAT MAY STILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST ME. AFTER OPENING UP A CASE WITH TOYOTA, THEY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE I FAILED TO BRING THE CAR IN BY THEIR DEADLINE. I TOLD THEM AGAIN THAT I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE AND THAT I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH A RUSTED AND CRACKED FRAME. THIS SEEMS TO BE PROBLEM WITH A GOOD DEAL OF TOYOTAS. I WAS HOPING FOR SOME KIND OF HELP, SINCE THEY'VE ADMITTED THE PROBLEM AND I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE AND WE, AT THIS POINT HAVE ONLY THEIR WORD THAT THEY SENT ME A NOTICE. THANK YOU. TOYOTA CASE# 1405131065. UPDATED 07/03/14
NHTSA ODI #10598479
75,000 miles · Jun 14, 2014
StructureUnknown Or Other
I CALLED TOYOTA IN 2012 TO ASK ABOUT FRAME. WAS TOLD I DIDN'T QUALIFY. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE EVERYTHING ATTACHED TO FRAME IN A 2 YEAR PERIOD. LAST FALL THE GAS TANK FELL OFF. FRAME SO RUSTED IT WOULDN'T HOLD IT. CALLED TOYOTA AGAIN, AS RECOMMENDED BY MECHANIC, WAS TOLD I DIDN'T QUALIFY. WENT TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR ON SPARE TI…
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I CALLED TOYOTA IN 2012 TO ASK ABOUT FRAME. WAS TOLD I DIDN'T QUALIFY. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE EVERYTHING ATTACHED TO FRAME IN A 2 YEAR PERIOD. LAST FALL THE GAS TANK FELL OFF. FRAME SO RUSTED IT WOULDN'T HOLD IT. CALLED TOYOTA AGAIN, AS RECOMMENDED BY MECHANIC, WAS TOLD I DIDN'T QUALIFY. WENT TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIR ON SPARE TIRE HOLDER, THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. TOO RUSTED. TOLD ME IT S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOLD ME TO CALL TOYOTA. I DID. TOLD ME I DIDN'T QUALIFY BECAUSE RECALL EXPIRED. EXPIRED?! I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE!! I HAVE LIVED AT THE SAME ADDRESS FOR 32 YEARS. THEY FOUND ME THIS TIME, THEY SHOULD HAVE FOUND ME FOR THAT ONE. NOW WHAT? I AM OUT WELL OVER $3500 DOLLARS I'VE PAID OUT THE LAST 3 YRS AND ITS NOT SAFE! NEED HELP HERE. *JS
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.
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.
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.
2002 Toyota Tacoma Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year