2002 Toyota 4RUNNER Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 39%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER, 39% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I recently had my vehicle in for service and to get new tires. While on the lift, the mechanic pointed out to me that the frame on the passenger's side is beginning to rust through. This is an obvious potential safety issue and as I have researched possible repairs, it appears that this is a very common problem for this year and model. This should be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #11405965, filed 2021-04, 278,000 miles“I was doing an oil change and noticed that the frame was rusted very badly . I think that there should be a recall on this model 3rd gen 4RUNNER (1999-2002)this is the same frame as the truck that was recalled ,so this should be included .if this frame breaks it will hurt or kill some one .”
NHTSA complaint #11187330, filed 2019-03, 199,432 miles“2002 Toyota 4RUNNER, original owner with only 110,900 original miles on it! Vehicle has severe rust/rot damage to passenger and driver side frame. Extends from middle cross member to rear cross member. The rest of the car is in excellent condition and well maintained. Safety issue for my family. Repair will be necessary soon, as I'm starting to not feel safe driving long distances or at highway speeds (70+ MPH). Thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #11361721, filed 2020-09, 110,000 miles“At a stop light, went to drive heard load pop clank. Vehicle started shaking and driving funny. Looked under car and my control arm ( that stabilizes my axel ) mount rusted off. My entire under carriage is rusted out. The control arm shifted”
NHTSA complaint #11180132, filed 2019-02, 120,000 miles“We purchased a 4RUNNER for our 18 year old daughter to drive thinking it would be safe, esp in mn. She was driving home from college (130 miles) and noticed it had a bad vibration, especially over 40 MPH. It was very difficult to drive. We were out of town and when we got back, brought it to the shop, only to be told the frame was responded beyond repair (see photos). Not only does that scare me for my daughter, but she has been driving it a few years and had friends and other family members in the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11196149, filed 2019-04, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The 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…
- 11012743Dec 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…
- 11012742Dec 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…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The 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…
- 11007444Jul 12, 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…
- 11007443Jul 12, 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…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024The 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…
- 11006150Jul 12, 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…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 30% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 10% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 8 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% |
| 2008 | 16 | 17% |
| 2007 | 40 | 26% |
| 2006 | 143 | 38% |
| 2005 | 185 | 44% |
| 2004 | 310 | 46% |
| 2003 | 284 | 41% |
| 2002 | 88 | 39% |
| 2001 | 81 | 44% |
| 2000 | 256 | 53% |
| 1999 | 112 | 34% |
| 1998 | 78 | 31% |
| 1997 | 76 | 29% |
| 1996 | 42 | 26% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 8 | 10% |
| 1989 | 1 | 17% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology