Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure:body — runs 9.1× the fleet median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
333Complaints
5Recalls
26Crashes
3Fires
21Injured
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 (31.5% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Structure:body complaints here are 9.1× the median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Structure:body
105 · 31.5%
not available
—
Suspension
60 · 18%
Recalled
Recall 05V225000
Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
30 · 9%
not available
—
Structure:frame And Members
29 · 8.7%
not available
—
Structure
14 · 4.2%
not available
—
Wheels
14 · 4.2%
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.
Percentages are the share of the 333 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.
Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. 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
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
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE. 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
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS WAS PREMATURELY RUSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHICH CONFIRMED…”NHTSA complaint 10474502 — filed 09/10/2012 · STRUCTURE:BODY
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10451134 — filed 03/12/2012 · 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 Tacoma?
Structure:body issues are the most-reported category, cited in 105 of 333 NHTSA complaints (31.5%), followed by suspension (60), structure:frame and members:underbody shields (30), structure:frame and members (29). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2002 Toyota Tacoma have?
333 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 26 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 21 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2002 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 12V542000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma'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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