2002 Toyota 4RUNNER problems
The 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER has 309 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (29%) concerns body & structure. Next are suspension (17%) and drivetrain & axles (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 309 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Body & structure 29% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 27 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 33 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 125,000 miles 229 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 20 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 5 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 11 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 21 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 13 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 33 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 33 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 29 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 17 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 21 |
| 200k+ miles | 26 |
What the data shows
Of the 229 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 125,000 miles. For body & structure specifically, the median reported mileage is about 140,000 miles (65 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 27 complaints mention a crash; 3 complaints mention a fire; 33 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2002 ranks 19th most-complained-about out of 35 model years of the Toyota 4RUNNER with enough data (59 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Takata recall. I have a rusty frame that needs to be addressed for safety reasons I was driving on the highway at 55 MPH frame cracked and I almost died because of it toyotas have poor frame that should be recalled
While driving on a 2 lane, smooth, dry, sunny road, front wheel assebly folded under the car , causing a collision with a retaining wall, after which the tire broke away from the vehicle which slid to a stop.
Recently purchased this vehicle and started cleaning it, after I drove it home and pressure washed undercarriage, pieces of the rear differential started flying off and gear oil started running out of holes. I have a 1971 dodge challenger with original rear end that has never been in garage and have never seen a rearend rust like this. I'm really worried about how strong the axle housing structure is and if it could possible break in half while driving vehicle.
Rust/rot damage to passenger side frame. Extends from middle cross member to rear cross member. Also significant rust damage to rear shock mounts. Failed inspection as a result. The rest of the car is in excellent condition and well maintained. Safety issue for my family.