- The problem
- Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 251 complaints about the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (93) and the suspension (52). Those complaints describe 22 crashes, 3 fires and 22 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2006 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2001 has 190 and the 2003 has 708.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 4RUNNER year, for its age
#49 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 251
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 22
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 22
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER problems
Share of all 251 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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251 complaints about the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure initially occurred without warning; however, the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) message was displayed with an audible beeping sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, there was a red warning light flashing on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer and the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
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 pull over but had to swerve to regain control of my vehicle once the rumbling and vibration got too severe since it happened so quickly. Witnessed my driver side rear tire completely shredded, no damage along tread material, only on...
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sidewall with multiple tears/punctures. This was a center lane on the highway with no debris. I'm now noticing other similar "tear/wear" signs on my other 3 tires on the vehicle. All specifically on the sidewall along the aggressive tread that the AT3W tires were known to have for extra grip. It just seems to be separating over time.
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 dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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 and the dealer stated that a failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.
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. Mine is one of them.
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 and the mechanic discovered severe corrosion throughout the entire subframe of the vehicle. The mechanic informed him that the entire subframe needed to be replaced to ensure safe driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
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 integrity of the frame is in question, even though externally, theres only slight surface rust. The frame should not be rusting this way.
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 arms, and shocks on both front and rear areas + body of vehicle located where shocks bolt to the body. I also had two other shops (names withheld) assess the state of the frame and suspension + and was told that the vehicle has maybe 1...
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year or so until the frame falls apart. Given I am the original owner, have gargage-kept my vehicle, have very low-mileage - 74,000 miles, and have maintained the vehicle immaculately and am aware of rusting problems with other Toyota [truck] frames, etc. this seems to be a defect in the manufacturing process. I know there have been recalls on Toyota's other trucks due to Toyota's failure to add [enough?] rust inhibitor/preventative to the molten steel when forming the frame for many models of their trucks.
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 not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
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- unacceptable.
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 that this is a very common problem for this year and model. This should be recalled.
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 the road makes it difficult to keep the vehicle under control.
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
2002 Toyota 4runner, original owner with only 110,900 original miles on it! Vehicle has severe rust/rot damage to passenger and driver side frame. Extends from middle cross member to rear cross member. The rest of the car is in excellent condition and well maintained. Safety issue for my family. Repair will be necessary soon, as I'm starting to not feel safe driving long distances or at highway speeds (70+ mph). Thank you!
The vehicle is in impeccable condition. The frame is rusted through in the area of the passenger side above the trailing arms and the middle section of the rail. I bought the vehicle in 2006 and have babied the vehicle.
I found frame rust with perforation on my 02 toyota 4runner
Frame was rusted through and truck was not safe to drive
Toyota 4RUNNER: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 381 | 5 | F |
| 2005 | 425 | 5 | F |
| 2004 | 678 | 2 | F |
| 2003 | 708 | 3 | F |
| 2002 | 251 | 3 | F |
| 2001 | 190 | 3 | D |
| 2000 | 493 | 2 | F |
| 1999 | 332 | 2 | F |
| 1998 | 264 | 4 | F |
2002 Toyota 4RUNNER vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER | 251 | 3 | F | |
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 3,613 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1,476 | 16 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Durango | 434 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Toyota Highlander | 327 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Chevrolet Blazer | 259 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Nissan Pathfinder | 171 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Hyundai Santa FE | 171 | 4 | B | Compare |
| 2002 Subaru Outback | 147 | 5 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER
Does the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER: exterior lighting (May 2006); exterior lighting (March 2006); lower ball joint (May 2005). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (93), suspension (52), transmission & drivetrain (37).
How many complaints has the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER had?
251 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 12, 2002 and the latest on October 8, 2026. Of these, 22 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 22 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 21 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Toyota 4RUNNER year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Toyota 4RUNNER years have the most complaints?
2003 (708), 2004 (678), 2000 (493). See every Toyota 4RUNNER year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data