2002 Toyota 4runner problems
Owners have filed 261 complaints about the 2002 Toyota 4runner with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 34.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 16.9%.
Complaints261
Crashes15
Fires2
Injuries18
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Structure 34.5% · 90
Suspension 16.9% · 44
Unknown or other 11.5% · 30
Power train 11.1% · 29
Steering 3.8% · 10
Service brakes 3.8% · 10
Vehicle speed control 3.1% · 8
Service brakes, hydraulic 2.7% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 15 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 18 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota 4runner in this data, 2002 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 56 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 136,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Vehicle has 188,400 miles, runs flawlessly. Bought 2005, 45k miles,Toyota dealer certified used suv. Rotted thru rear transfer case 3 yrs ago, replaced from a wreck. Severe progressive entire frame rust/rot noted in yearly pa inspections, now cant pass inspection & pillars almost rotted thru..Unsafe to drive. Extremely disappointed cant pull trailer sailboat & m'cycles, now sits in driveway useless. Structure · reported at 184,000 miles
My 2002 Toyota 4 runner that is in excellent body and running condition was in for a routine service and the dealer told us the frame had a hole in it and it was unsafe to drive, it was inspected by two representatives of Toyota who said that it is not a warranty issue and there are no "programs' and they would do nothing about it even thou there is a history of frame failures with Toyota's. Structure · reported at 148,138 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine service at an independent mechanic shop, the technician noticed that the frame was corroded through and caused the tailpipe to detach. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000. ..*Bf Structure · reported at 168,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…