2002 Toyota 4 Runner Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2002 Toyota 4 Runner recalls

Most common 2002 Toyota 4 Runner problems

Problem areas named in the 225 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Structure	90
Suspension	51
Power Train	33
Unknown Or Other	30
Engine And Engine Cooling	12
Steering	12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	12
Vehicle Speed Control	11
Service Brakes	10
Air Bags	9

What owners report

2026-10-08, Power Train
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 light flashing on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer and the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

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 rumbling and vibration got too severe since it happened so quickly. Witnessed my driver side rear tire completely shredded, no damage along tread material, only on sidewall with multiple tears/punctures. This was a center lane on the highway with no debris. I'm now noticing other similar "tear/wear" signs on my other 3 tires on the vehicle. All spe

2023-07-13, Structure
Frame rot

2023-05-19, Structure
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 mileage was approximately 160,000.

2023-03-09, Latches/Locks/Linkages
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 not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.

2002 Toyota 4 Runner questions

Does the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner: Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner?

Based on 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (90), Suspension (51), Power Train (33).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Toyota 4 Runner has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.