Two problems related to engine burning oil have been reported for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2002 4Runner.
Burning too much oil.
I have 2002 Toyota 4-runner with 55,000 miles. After seeing black, dark smoke from the exaust system, I thought it needed tune-up. I took to johnstons Toyota dealer for tune-up (over $500. 00), and came back the car was getting worst. Took the car back to the dealer to look at it why? I was told that I needed to flush my engine (another $100. 00), and once again the car got even worst. Took back for the third time, I was told that server sludge and it needed to tear down engine to clean/repair (they asked me to pay $6,100. 00 which I refused). I asked dealer to contact Toyota for power train warrantee but they declined because they blamed for lack of lubrication. If one followed the owner's manual and engine indicated that lack of lubrication, one should conclude that it is defective engine (or some other related parts) that cause to burn oil more than it needed. However, Toyota refuse to review or take a close look at the problem. I think this is ridiculous that toyata does not back up its warrantee and accept the responsibility for defective parts of its vehicle.