general problems of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma

Nine problems related to structure have been reported for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma based on all problems reported for the 2002 Tacoma.

1 Structure problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2014

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while having the annual state inspection performed, the inspector notified him that the entire sub frame, rear bumper and front passenger side wheel well were excessively corroded. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 167,152.

2 Structure problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2012

Sometime in 2012, my spare tire and rim were lost on the highway due to a failed spare tire carrier. The lift plate on the spare tire carrier, failed due to corrosion and released the spare tire (and rim) on the highway. No crash of incident occurred because no one was following the vehicle at the time.

3 Structure problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2007

This is in response to the new Toyota recall on the sienna Mini-vans spare tire. I own a 2002 Toyota Tacoma, in which the frame was recently replaced due to rust perforation in certain states. I am the original owner and back in 8/2007 I had a flat tire and had to change it. The spare tire resides under the vehicle and is secured by a cable. When I went to access the spare, I noticed the whole cable and the surrounding pieces were severely rusted and was very difficult to separate the tire from the cable. After hearing about the recall on the sienna for the spare tire getting rusty, and possibly falling loose while driving, I realized that my Tacoma, and possibly other vehicles that use this method, and are exposed to extreme climate conditions, could trigger a similar event.

4 Structure problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2006

Motor mount bracket broke on 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 extra cab. Purchased vehicle used from royal Toyota in bloomington, indiana on Jan. 25, 2006, along with an extended warranty (36,000/36 month). Have driven it less than 3,000 miles - mostly highway. Discovered oil leak under the front. Fortunately, took it to a performance Toyota in fairfield, ohio before the motor fell out. The bracket is not covered by the warranty. This vehicle was purchased as a certified inspected used Toyota vehicle. The bracket broke for no apparent reason.

5 Structure problem

Failure Date: 02/14/2006

Rear bumper decay/structure breakdown on 2002 Toyota Tacoma. Unsafe in case of from the rear collision. Noticed start of rust/loss of structure in 2/2006.

6 Structure problem

Failure Date: 12/11/2005

Purchased this vehicle as certified pre-owned vehicle. Massive leaks rendered back of drivers side crew cab flooded. Reversed drain plug previously installed up side down, then siliconed oem roof rack and leak slowed. Toyota is replacing rear door seal. Was not notified oem roof rack negated warranty. Cpv shouldn't leak.

7 Structure problem

Failure Date: 08/23/2003

Truck dash has rattled since shortly after we bought the truck. Never has been fixed correctly. Also, the cruise control doesn't keep you at consistent speed at all on mountains/hills. If you want to go 55, it will put you up over 60 very quickly and then gradually drop you down to around 55.

8 Structure problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2003

Water is entering the vehicle around the support handle on the driver side of the vehicle. Vehicle was purchased one year ago. Problem became evident this past fall and when brought to the dealership this February they refused to repair under the corrosion warranty. Vehicle is over the standard warranty mileage.

9 Structure problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2002

For the last year I have brought truck back to sf Toyota dealership for transmission problems , suspension problems rattling dash board, squeaking sounds from seat and front bushings. All these problems still have not been fixed. After 15 visits to dealership, sf Toyota left scratches on body and lost mud flap. Body now tilted after service.


Other Structure related problems of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma


Safety Ratings of Tacoma Cars
Fuel Economy of Tacoma Vehicles
Tacoma Service Bulletins
Tacoma Safety Recalls
Tacoma Defect Investigations