2002 Toyota 4 Runner problems & reliability
32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
4 complaints report injuries (7 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2002 Toyota 4 Runner vehicles were involved in 38 fatal crashes with 30 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6 | 19% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 16% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 13% |
| Tires | 4 | 13% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 9% |
| Fuel System, Other | 3 | 9% |
| Power Train | 3 | 9% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% |
| Steering | 2 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Dt*: the contact stated having other problems after recall #05v225000 regarding suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint was performed in 07/06. During the month of 08/06, there was a beeping sound and an unknown light on the dashboard illuminated intermittently, when the vehicle made left turns, or switched…”
Suspension · filed Oct 2, 2006
“Driving car and heard loud bang noise car immediately starts slowing down and oil light comes on after car stops oil is pouring out from underneath the motor. We send car to the dealership they say the engine has thrown a rod. Motor needs to be replaced the car has 72,000 miles on it . A person in the service dept…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Aug 25, 2006
“2002 toyota 4runner front end makes loud noises, when going over high bumps and some stiffness in steering. *ts the battery needed to be replace due to little or no fluids, noises were coming from the front end, the shock were leaking, and transmission fluid was leaking. The consumer requested a replacement of the…”
Electrical System · filed Nov 4, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
8 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner.
Suspension and axle - front lower ball joint. Repair manual correction. 00400-rm887-u2. *tt
5206B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 2, 2005
Special service campaign 50j - phase I - front suspension lower ball joint may experience excessive wear and looseness causing increased steering, effort, reduced vehicle self-centering, and noise in the front…
05015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 27, 2005
Countermeasures to the air conditioner (a/c) magnetic clutch relay for a/c light flashing (inoperative a/c) issues on some vehicles equipped with a magnetic clutch compressor. *tt
01105 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2005
The accessory fog lights for 1999-2002 model year 4runner vehicles may become corroded and not function. The lights should be replaced as a pair. *nm
01004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 23, 2004
Spare tire carrier operation. Various modlels including the 2004 landcruiser and 4 runner. *tt
PG00503 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 19, 2003
Door weatherstrip loose. *tt
00103 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 15, 2003
DOOR WEATHERSTRIP. *TT
00103 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 15, 2003
Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p0770 stored. *tt
02502 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 24, 2002
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Toyota 4 Runner?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.