2002 Toyota Tacoma structure problems
180 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma — 54% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact's daughter owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that several independent mechanics and an auto body repair shop had informed her that there was a hole in the subframe, and the subframe was significantly corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that…”
filed Sep 5, 2023
“I went to get my 02 tacoma tires balanced and was called and told that where the frame was cracked. Upon inspecting it myself the crack is where the manufacturer welded the frame together. I'm the 3rd owner of this vehicle and there original owner didn't get frame warranty recall done. Which led to…”
filed Aug 7, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2024To 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…
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2024Acid 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…
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 6, 2024Toyota 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…
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 5, 2024Vehicles 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…
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 3, 2024
Structure problems in other Tacoma years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Tacoma | 22 | 28% |
| 2024 Tacoma | 6 | 4% |
| 2022 Tacoma | 7 | 12% |
| 2021 Tacoma | 5 | 6% |
| 2020 Tacoma | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 Tacoma | 11 | 5% |
| 2018 Tacoma | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 Tacoma | 26 | 11% |
| 2016 Tacoma | 22 | 7% |
| 2015 Tacoma | 14 | 14% |
| 2014 Tacoma | 20 | 22% |
| 2013 Tacoma | 11 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.