NHTSA has 225 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner[1]. The largest group names the structure component[2].
Most reported problems
Owners filed complaints across several parts of the truck, and these are the groups from biggest to smallest.
- Structure. 88 complaints[2]. Owners describe heavy rust on the underbody and on the frame, with some saying the frame was rotting through or had a hole. Some also describe bumpers that hang low at the front and rear.
- Suspension. 49 complaints[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe shaking and shuddering in the front end and the steering wheel at highway speed, loud noises over bumps, and a front end that felt out of control.
- Power Train. 33 complaints[6]. Owners describe a truck that rolls backward on a hill while in drive, leaking axle seals, a transmission that owners were told needed replacing, and a rusted rear differential housing.
- Unknown Or Other. 30 complaints[7]. These reports do not point to one clear part.
- Brakes. 21 complaints[8]. Owners describe brakes that failed while driving, rotors that kept warping and needed repeat replacement, and an ABS light with wheels that locked up.
- Engine. 17 complaints[9]. Two of them mention a fire[9].
- Steering. 12 complaints[10]. One of these reports mentions a crash[10].
- Speed Control. 11 complaints[11]. These reports involve the truck's speed control system.
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2002 4Runner is necessarily included.
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint (05V225), May 2005. About 768,379 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, loss of steering, steering problems, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[12]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR None[14] | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 | n/a |
How 2002 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 172 | 1 |
| 1996 | 161 | 2 |
| 1997 | 261 | 1 |
| 1998 | 250 | 1 |
| 1999 | 330 | 0 |
| 2000 | 483 | 0 |
| 2001 | 185 | 1 |
| 2002 | 225 | 1 |
| 2003 | 696 | 3 |
| 2004 | 678 | 2 |
| 2005 | 425 | 5 |
| 2006 | 381 | 5 |
| 2007 | 154 | 5 |
| 2008 | 96 | 5 |
| 2009 | 22 | 6 |
| 2010 | 147 | 12 |
| 2011 | 163 | 10 |
| 2012 | 96 | 8 |
| 2013 | 36 | 6 |
| 2014 | 77 | 7 |
| 2015 | 87 | 9 |
| 2016 | 80 | 8 |
| 2017 | 36 | 5 |
| 2018 | 59 | 5 |
| 2019 | 65 | 4 |
| 2020 | 33 | 1 |
| 2021 | 36 | 1 |
| 2022 | 39 | 3 |
| 2023 | 33 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 | 1 |
| 2025 | 62 | 1 |
| 2026 | 7 | 2 |
NHTSA's counts for the 4Runner show 225 complaints and 1 recalls for 2002[3]. Among the 32 model years listed, 23 have fewer complaints than 2002 and 8 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (7) and the most are for 2003 (696)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2002 4Runner?
The complaints on file lean toward rust and body problems, since the structure group is the biggest at 88 complaints[2]. Suspension reports follow with 49 complaints[5], and power train reports with 33[6]. Some reports involve crashes, and 19 complaints mention one[1]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold[1]. If you are shopping for one, look closely at the frame and underbody, and check the brakes and front end on a test drive.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota 4Runner?
- The biggest group of complaints names the structure component, with 88 complaints[2]. Suspension is next with 49 complaints[5], then the power train with 33[6].
- Does the 2002 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
- Yes, the by-year data shows a recall on file for this model year[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists it.
- How many complaints mention a crash or a fire?
- 19 complaints mention a crash and 3 mention a fire[1]. These are unverified owner reports.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner?
- See the fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.
- Is the 2002 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
- The complaint count is 225[1]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so see the by-year comparison section on this page and read the problem groups above.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Toyota 4Runner
Compare all model years of the Toyota 4Runner
Other Toyota models from 2002
Similar cars from 2002: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 225 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner (19 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 20 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 88 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 140,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota 4Runner model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 4Runner 2WD, 3.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 49 complaints name the suspension component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 132,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 130,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 30 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 144,029). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 122,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 158,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 113,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 05V225, filed May 17, 2005: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 4Runner 4WD, 3.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 2 stars. NHTSA vehicle records