2002 Toyota 4runner problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:body (54) · Suspension (26) · Power Train (13)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Toyota 4runner model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
146 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (107)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
to prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. the purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. if these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfa
Structure:body 2024-12-05 · T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
toyota vehicles are currently protected with rapgardtm protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. this material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. follow the removal procedure in this bulletin to remove the rapgardtm protective film wi
Structure:body 2024-12-03 · T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. this type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surfa
Structure:body 2024-07-12 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Showing the 6 most recent of 107 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-08 · Traction Control System · 200,000 mi“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 l…”
2024-06-17 · Tires“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 …”
2023-05-19 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields · 160,000 mi“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 mi…”
2023-03-09 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:latch · 150,000 mi“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 n…”
2022-09-01 · Structure:body“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. …”
2022-05-28 · Unknown Or Other“frame rust saftey hazardous? midas mechanic pointed out to me while work being done on exhaust march 2022…”
2022-04-18 · Suspension · 115,000 mi“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 subf…”
2022-02-22 · Unknown Or Other“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 …”
2022-02-09 · Structure:body“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.…”
2021-12-15 · Suspension“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.