2002 Toyota Tacoma Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure18044.9%
- Suspension8220.4%
- Other / unspecified194.7%
- Airbags194.7%
- Brakes174.2%
- Tires & wheels153.7%
- Transmission133.2%
- Steering92.2%
- Driver assistance92.2%
- Powertrain (other)82.0%
- Engine71.7%
- Electrical71.7%
- Fuel system61.5%
- Visibility41.0%
- Seat belts41.0%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
- Interior & seats10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Found hole in frame (chassis)
The contact's daughter owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that several independent mechanics and an auto body repair shop had informed her that there was a hole in the subframe, and the subframe was significantly corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rackandpinon replacement was also the upper and lower ball joints my steering is still giving me problems and I feel like it’s asafty concern because if I’m going down the highway I could loose control I have some receipts for what my mechanic replaced I called Toyota and they told me that it was to late to fix anything and that I would have to deal with it I never received a notice in the mail or anywhere else I feel like Toyota owes me Also what has happened is my spare tire feel off from the hanger going up my driveway I got to looking and the cable rusted away along with my rear parking brake cable up under the truck thanks for your time
Found hole in frame (chassis)
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING IN A HIGHWAY STATE 81 TOWARDS HARRISONBURG VIRGINIA WHEN MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA , PARTS OR EQUIPMENT UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK COLLAPSE CAUSE OF OUT OF CONTROL OF THE TRUCK , THE WHOLE SHOCK AND THE BALL JOINT IN THE FRONT ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK, THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE FALL TO THE GROUND, WHILE DRIVING DID NOT HIT ANY ONE BUT IT WILL CAUSE MY LIFE AT RISK . I DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPEND IF I CAN CALL SOME AS A RECALL , SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2002 WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW AT STEVEN TOYOTA HARRISONBURG , VIRGINIA , NOT EVEN A YEAR YET NOTICE THAT UNDERNEATH FROM PIPE TO THE SHKICJ THE WHOLE UNDERRNEATH START TO RUSTY BAD BUT NO ONE EVER TOLD ME HOW BAD IT IS. I LOVE MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA .I KEPT THE TRUCK FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS NOW I BELIEVE IM ONLY THE ONE IN PAGE COUNTY TOWN OF STANLEY VIRGINIA DRIVING A TOYOTA TACOMA . I TOOK CARE OF MY TRUCK NOTHING BUT ONLY 135,000 MILES ON IT., MOSTY EVERYDAY I HAVE BEEN ASK OR MANY PEOPLE LIKE TO BUY MY TRUCK . IM NOT VERY RICH PERSON IM NOT RETIRED YET BUT I GOT DISABLE FOR A YEAR AND MY INCOME NOT ENOUGH BUT WITH THE HELP OF SOME FAMILY I MANAGE TO PAY THE TOWING CAMPONY . NOW THE TRUCK SET IN TO MY MECHANIC TOLD THEM TO FIX AND WHAT EVER IT TASKES OF COURSE WILL COST ME MORE MONEY. I WILL LOST MY TRUCK IF I DONT HAVE MONEY TO FIX IT AND MY INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY ANYTHING . THIS THE FIRST THING IM GOING TP WORK ON IT AFTER ALL HOLIDAYS . LOTS IOFTHEY TOWED IT , CHARGE ME THEN PAY SHOP N MECHANIC TOW IT ,WILL START ON IT ,COST LOTS OF MONEY TO FIX IT TOLD THEM TO FIX IT , HOLIDAYS HAVE NOT START YET , I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PAY .! I NEED MY TYRUCK OR SUE/ SO PROUD ON IT .WHY HAPPENED WHY FELL OFF . LEFT THE TRUCK AT THE HIGHWA POLICE SPOTED SAY I ABANDON THE TRUCK , BUT NO CHARGES , NO , JUST DONE STATE INSPECTION , NO WARNING SIGN, BY NOW ILL BE DEAD AT RISK , DEALER IGNORANT, RUDE TOYOTA DEALER. WHERE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW , SO IGNORANT CARRYING TOYOTAS NAME , SHOULD NOT WORK AT TOYOTA THA
WAS DRIVING DOWN 85 S C FROM GREENVILLE- ANDERSON IN PASSING LANE .HEARD SLIGHT NOISE LIKE IN LEFT REAR TIRE AT FIRST.SOUND INCREASED FAST TO EXTREME THUMPING.HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY INTO BREAKDOWN LANE.LOOKED AT TIRE-----OUTSIDE WALL WAS COMPLETELY RIPPED OPEN SHOWING TOTAL RIM.IF THIS HAD BEEN EITHER FRONT TIRE I WOULD DEAD NOW.TIRE WAS BOUGHT ABOUT 2 1/2 YRS AGO,TWAS OVER 50%,MILAGE WAS UNDER 20,000 MILES
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My air conditioning is not working right blowing hot air. Had it charged and no change, I believe that I have the same issue as others, My air bags light keeps going off and on when driving. I see where there was a recall on other Toyota vehicles that had the same problem as me.
TL* 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 PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED ALL THE BULBS. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED HE SAW A GLOWING LIGHT AS A FIRE WAS IGNITED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE FUMES AND FIRE EXERTED FROM THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS THAT BURNT HIS NOSTRILS AND FOREHEAD. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* 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 PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED ALL THE BULBS. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED HE SAW A GLOWING LIGHT AS A FIRE WAS IGNITED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE FUMES AND FIRE EXERTED FROM THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS THAT BURNT HIS NOSTRILS AND FOREHEAD. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
THE RUST ON THE REAR END ASSEMBLY IS SO SEVERE THAT THE BRAKES ARE COMPROMISED, AND THE BACK UP EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM HAS FAILED. THE RUST ON THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SO SEVERE THAT THE FLUID HAS LEAKED OUT AND THE GEARS ARE AT RISK FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE SPRING MOUNTS TO THE AXLES ARE ALSO RUSTING SEVERELY, CREATING A RISK OF LOST CONTROL SHOULD EITHER SIDE BREAK AWAY. IT TAKES GREAT EFFORT WHEN BRAKING, AND THE VEHICLE PULLS SEVERELY DUE TO RUST CAUSING THE LOSS OF INTEGRITY OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKES, ONCE APPLIED, DO NOT RELEASE EVENLY, CREATING UNEVEN BRAKE WEAR, SHUDDERING AND SHAKING, RESULTING IN POOR CONTROL, EXCESSIVE AND UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, I.E., TIRES LOCKED AND DRAGGING, SCALLOPING. ON WET, AND I FEAR, ICEY, SURFACES, THE TRUCK HAS SLID SIDEWAYS DUE TO ONE OR MORE WHEELS NOT RELEASING.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
RUSTED OUT REAR DIFFERENTIAL - 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. *TR
MY EXPERIENCE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON MY CURRENT AND PREVIOUS TOYOTA PICK-UP TRUCKS WAS NOT VERY GOOD. FIRST MY PREVIOUS, EARLIER MODEL 98 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES JUST PRIOR TO THE 60,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY LIMIT. THE FAILURE HAPPENED AT THE SYNCHRONIZER FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR WHEN SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL ACCORDING TO TOYOTA TECHNICIAN AT THE TIME. THE SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS IS THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ONE NEEDS TO SHIFT TO 5TH GEAR FROM NEUTRAL, ONE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY SHIFTING AND THE TRANSMISSION COULD HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND AT SUCH FREEWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE COULD SUDDENLY STALL, STOP AND MAY GO IN A TAILSPIN. PREVIOUS DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION PER THE WARRANTY. NOW I HAVE ANOTHER TOYOTA TACOMA PICK-UP 4X4 HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE A TOYOTA DEALER PREVIOUSLY SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR POWERTRAIN AND AROUND 55,000 MILES BUT DEALER REFUSED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY HAVE FIXED IT. BUT THIS TIME AROUND THEY REFUSED. I HAVE ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES FROM SEP 2006 UNTIL JAN 2007 AND EVEN CALLED TOYOTA USA REPS ON THE ISSUE. I STILL OWN THE TRUCK AND TO GET AROUND THE SYNCHRONIZER PROBLEM, I HAVE TO DOWNSHIFT BACK TO 3RD, 4TH BEFORE I CAN GO BACK TO 5TH GEAR. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOT OF DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND TO CON UNWITTING DRIVER UNAWARE OF WHAT TO DO SUDDENLY SHIFTS TO 5TH FROM NEUTRAL THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SQUEAKS/RATTLES LIKE THE SOUND OF GEARS HAVING PROBLEM MESHING OR BREAKING - THUS IN A WORST CASE SCENARIO ONE MAY LOOSE DRIVEABILITY AND CAPABILITY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DRIVE COULD GET LOST AND MAY RESULT IN A FAILURE. I KIND A GIVE UP ON IT SINCE THE DEALERS AND TOYOTA USA BEFORE DON'T WANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO ME. I KNOW THIS CURRENT TOYOTA RECALL MAY RESULT IN THEM LOOKING INTO THIS - SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rackandpinon replacement was also the upper and lower ball joints my steering is still giving me problems and I feel like it’s asafty concern because if I’m going down the highway I could loose control I have some receipts for what my mechanic replaced I called Toyota and they told me that it was to late to fix anything and that I would have to deal with it I never received a notice in the mail or anywhere else I feel like Toyota owes me Also what has happened is my spare tire feel off from the hanger going up my driveway I got to looking and the cable rusted away along with my rear parking brake cable up under the truck thanks for your time
The steering is all loose and the alignment is repeatedly moving out of line on its own. The lower ball joints are wearing wrong and may fail at any point.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rackandpinon replacement was also the upper and lower ball joints my steering is still giving me problems and I feel like it’s asafty concern because if I’m going down the highway I could loose control I have some receipts for what my mechanic replaced I called Toyota and they told me that it was to late to fix anything and that I would have to deal with it I never received a notice in the mail or anywhere else I feel like Toyota owes me Also what has happened is my spare tire feel off from the hanger going up my driveway I got to looking and the cable rusted away along with my rear parking brake cable up under the truck thanks for your time
TL* 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 PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED ALL THE BULBS. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED HE SAW A GLOWING LIGHT AS A FIRE WAS IGNITED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE FUMES AND FIRE EXERTED FROM THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS THAT BURNT HIS NOSTRILS AND FOREHEAD. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BALL JOINT FRACTURED AND CAME APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS LATER TOWED TO MIKE ERDMAN TOYOTA (1545 E MERRITT ISLAND CAUSEWAY, MERRITT ISLAND, FL 32952) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED AND DAMAGED THE AXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 334,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
THE RUST ON THE REAR END ASSEMBLY IS SO SEVERE THAT THE BRAKES ARE COMPROMISED, AND THE BACK UP EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM HAS FAILED. THE RUST ON THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SO SEVERE THAT THE FLUID HAS LEAKED OUT AND THE GEARS ARE AT RISK FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE SPRING MOUNTS TO THE AXLES ARE ALSO RUSTING SEVERELY, CREATING A RISK OF LOST CONTROL SHOULD EITHER SIDE BREAK AWAY. IT TAKES GREAT EFFORT WHEN BRAKING, AND THE VEHICLE PULLS SEVERELY DUE TO RUST CAUSING THE LOSS OF INTEGRITY OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKES, ONCE APPLIED, DO NOT RELEASE EVENLY, CREATING UNEVEN BRAKE WEAR, SHUDDERING AND SHAKING, RESULTING IN POOR CONTROL, EXCESSIVE AND UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, I.E., TIRES LOCKED AND DRAGGING, SCALLOPING. ON WET, AND I FEAR, ICEY, SURFACES, THE TRUCK HAS SLID SIDEWAYS DUE TO ONE OR MORE WHEELS NOT RELEASING.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRAME FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION: TOYOTA HAD PLACED A "WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT" TO REPLACE THE FRAMES BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T TREATED FOR CORROSION BUT WITH AN ENHANCEMENT, IT EXPIRES AND DID SO IN 2017. I JUST BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND LEARNED THEY HAVE A SAFETY RECALL FOR CORROSION OF THE SPARE WHEEL COMPARTMENT. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE. WHY IS THE FRAME NOT A SAFETY RECALL?? I HAVE HUGE HOLES AND LARGE CRACKS ALONG MUCH OF THE FRAME AND MY MECHANIC TELLS ME IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY FINGERS GO THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE FRAME! MY MECHANIC TELLS ME BASED ON THE LOCATION OF THE CORROSION IN THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK, THE ENTIRE ENGINE IS IN DANGER OF FALLING OUT!! LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR TOYOTA TRUCKS FOR 2002 AND BEYOND. FOR MANY YEARS THIS HASN'T BEEN ADDRESSED. THE GOV NEEDS TO DEMAND A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS TRUCK AND ALL THE OTHERS AFFECTED.
TL* 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 SECOND INCIDENT THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT 2 PISTONS HAD COME THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING IN A HIGHWAY STATE 81 TOWARDS HARRISONBURG VIRGINIA WHEN MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA , PARTS OR EQUIPMENT UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK COLLAPSE CAUSE OF OUT OF CONTROL OF THE TRUCK , THE WHOLE SHOCK AND THE BALL JOINT IN THE FRONT ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK, THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE FALL TO THE GROUND, WHILE DRIVING DID NOT HIT ANY ONE BUT IT WILL CAUSE MY LIFE AT RISK . I DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPEND IF I CAN CALL SOME AS A RECALL , SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2002 WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW AT STEVEN TOYOTA HARRISONBURG , VIRGINIA , NOT EVEN A YEAR YET NOTICE THAT UNDERNEATH FROM PIPE TO THE SHKICJ THE WHOLE UNDERRNEATH START TO RUSTY BAD BUT NO ONE EVER TOLD ME HOW BAD IT IS. I LOVE MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA .I KEPT THE TRUCK FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS NOW I BELIEVE IM ONLY THE ONE IN PAGE COUNTY TOWN OF STANLEY VIRGINIA DRIVING A TOYOTA TACOMA . I TOOK CARE OF MY TRUCK NOTHING BUT ONLY 135,000 MILES ON IT., MOSTY EVERYDAY I HAVE BEEN ASK OR MANY PEOPLE LIKE TO BUY MY TRUCK . IM NOT VERY RICH PERSON IM NOT RETIRED YET BUT I GOT DISABLE FOR A YEAR AND MY INCOME NOT ENOUGH BUT WITH THE HELP OF SOME FAMILY I MANAGE TO PAY THE TOWING CAMPONY . NOW THE TRUCK SET IN TO MY MECHANIC TOLD THEM TO FIX AND WHAT EVER IT TASKES OF COURSE WILL COST ME MORE MONEY. I WILL LOST MY TRUCK IF I DONT HAVE MONEY TO FIX IT AND MY INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY ANYTHING . THIS THE FIRST THING IM GOING TP WORK ON IT AFTER ALL HOLIDAYS . LOTS IOFTHEY TOWED IT , CHARGE ME THEN PAY SHOP N MECHANIC TOW IT ,WILL START ON IT ,COST LOTS OF MONEY TO FIX IT TOLD THEM TO FIX IT , HOLIDAYS HAVE NOT START YET , I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PAY .! I NEED MY TYRUCK OR SUE/ SO PROUD ON IT .WHY HAPPENED WHY FELL OFF . LEFT THE TRUCK AT THE HIGHWA POLICE SPOTED SAY I ABANDON THE TRUCK , BUT NO CHARGES , NO , JUST DONE STATE INSPECTION , NO WARNING SIGN, BY NOW ILL BE DEAD AT RISK , DEALER IGNORANT, RUDE TOYOTA DEALER. WHERE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW , SO IGNORANT CARRYING TOYOTAS NAME , SHOULD NOT WORK AT TOYOTA THA
TL* 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 PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED ALL THE BULBS. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED HE SAW A GLOWING LIGHT AS A FIRE WAS IGNITED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE FUMES AND FIRE EXERTED FROM THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS THAT BURNT HIS NOSTRILS AND FOREHEAD. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
I COULD HEAR A RATTLING NOISE. UPON INSPECTION I SAW THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD DROPPED ALMOST TO THE GROUND. THE REAR STRAP , THAT HOLDS THE FUEL TANK TO THE BODY HAD BROKEN FROM CORROSION(RUST) . THIS RUST HAD ALSO DESTROYED THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD THAT WAS MOUNTED OVER THE FUEL TANK STRAP ,TO PROTECT IT FROM CORROSION AND PHYSICAL DAMAGE. A GAS TANK FALLING TO THE ROAD IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS EITHER COOL OR COLD, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT ACTIVATE. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A PROBLEM.
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HOOD FLEW OPEN AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. DUE TO NO VISIBILITY THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. VEHICLE HIT THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED ON 7/10/2003. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AFTER RELEASE. CONCERNED THE SEAT BELT MAY BE DEFECTIVE DURING AN ACCIDENT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT INTERMITTENTLY AND THE THREAD UNRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 227,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE BULBS HAD TO CONSTANTLY BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION) AND 06E026000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN AN "02" TOYOTA TACOMA THAT WAS BUILT AND SENT TO ME IN THAT SAME YEAR. THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED IS THAT THE A/C WENT OUT. I RARELY USE THE A/C IN THE SUMMER TIME, BUT I DO GET A LOT OF USE OUT OF THE HEATER IN THE WINTER. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT NOTICEABLE UNTIL I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS. I BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL. ONCE SMOKE ACTUALLY CAME OUT OF THE VENTS. EVENTUALLY THE FUSE BURNT. I REPLACED IT AND THE A/C WORKED FOR A SHORT WHILE THEN THE FUSE BURNED AGAIN. I BEGAN USING THE A/C TO ATTEMPT TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM WITH THE A/C. IT RECENTLY STOPPED COMPLETELY AND I CAN HEAR THE FAN TICKING AS IT ROTATES. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND I DID NOTHING TO AGGRAVATE THIS SITUATION. I HAVE AND CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS' SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS. I CAN'T MOVE FREELY ONCE IT'S LOCKED IN. IT CATCHES AND KEEPS ME FROM MOVING FREELY. I JUST LOCKS ME DOWN AND I CAN'T REACH FOR ANY CONTROLS UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY RELEASES ME SO I CAN MOVE. IT SEEMS THAT ALL OF THIS OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS. I NEVER EXPECTED SUCH POOR QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP FROM SUCH A TRUSTED AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER. HAD I KNOWN OR HAD ANY IDEA THAT THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN NO A/C, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT IN DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. NOW I HAVE NO A/C AND AM NOT FINANCIALLY PREPARED TO PAY THE COST INVOLVED IN REPAIRING IT. I WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE I EVEN CONSIDER PURCHASING ANOTHER TOYOTA PRODUCT. I ALSO HAD ONE OF MY TAILGATE WIRE ROPE SUPPORTS JUST CORRODE AND BREAK. HOW THIS HAPPENED I DON'T KNOW. IT IS INSULATED WITH A THICK PLASTIC, THE ENTIRE LENGTH. THIS IS PENDING AS IS THE A/C. I WENT TO THE TOYOTA PRODUCT FOR THE QUALITY AND ENDED UP REGRETTING THAT I THOUGHT THAT TOYOTA WAS A MARQUE FOR QUALITY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .