2002 Toyota Corolla Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Toyota Corolla, 5% of the 117 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There appear to be a distracting stray of light when I have my headlights on at night. It is even worse when you have the high beams on. Is there anyway Toyota dealership can take care of this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10016942, filed 2003-05“Headlights on the 2002 Corolla have been redesigned. They reflect a direct beam straight up. This is very distracting because the beams cross over the wind shield as they point up. This happens when the lights are on high beam. Have no idea how this appears to distant drivers. The engineers need to redo this design.”
NHTSA complaint #752271, filed 2001-09“Left headlight demonstrates a distinct ray of light emanating up and out approx. 70-80 degrees perpendicular to the front of the vehicle on both high and low beam operation. Dealer attempts to adjust headlights have not rectified problem. The problem is distracting for the driver and may affect oncoming traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #754012, filed 2001-11“A beam of light comes from the headlights and shoot upwards, like a spot light . This causes a visibility distraction to the driver, especially when driving in fog or under over head trees. Also, reduces the headlights illumination on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10092030, filed 2004-09“Both headlights have stray beams on high beam that project upward at a 45 degree angle. Very distracting when driving in light mist conditions. Dealer has attempted to adjust headlights with no effect on condition.”
NHTSA complaint #755860, filed 2001-12Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 4 | 6% |
| 2023 | 11 | 15% |
| 2022 | 9 | 9% |
| 2021 | 8 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 6 | 3% |
| 2016 | 10 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 6% |
| 2014 | 9 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 0% |
| 2009 | 6 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% |
| 2001 | 9 | 7% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 5% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 12 | 9% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Corolla
23 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Corolla
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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