Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure:body — runs 6.2× the fleet median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
224Complaints
3Recalls
19Crashes
3Fires
20Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Structure:body (33% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Structure:body complaints here are 6.2× the median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Structure:body
74 · 33%
not available
—
Suspension
38 · 17%
Recalled
Recall 05V225000
Power Train
25 · 11.2%
not available
—
Service Brakes
10 · 4.5%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
9 · 4%
not available
—
Steering
9 · 4%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS8 · 3.6%
AIR BAGS7 · 3.1%
Percentages are the share of the 224 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“FAME DETERIORATING PREMATURELY,SKID PLATE THAT PROTECTS FUEL TANK SHOWED SIGNS OF RUST. AFTER INSPECTING FOUND ROTTING FROM INSIDE OUT.WHEN REPLACING IN MAY OF 2014,FOUND THAT…”NHTSA complaint 10840033 — filed 03/05/2016 · STRUCTURE:BODY
“THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IS ROTTING OUT WITH RUST. THE 4RUNNER HAS NEVER BEEN IN SNOW AND HAS BEEN TAKEN WELL CARE OF AND…”NHTSA complaint 10822880 — filed 01/28/2016 · STRUCTURE:BODY
“I VISITED A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (OIL CHANGE) AND INSPECTION OF 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RAISED ON THE LIFT…”NHTSA complaint 10819143 — filed 01/09/2016 · STRUCTURE:BODY
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Structure:body issues are the most-reported category, cited in 74 of 224 NHTSA complaints (33%), followed by suspension (38), unspecified/other issues (30), power train (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
224 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 19 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 20 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 05V225000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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