2002 Toyota Echo Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 9%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,188miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Echo, 9% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,188 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“When the consumer became to move from a stopped position the steering wheel began to oscillate from left to right which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle and hit a curb. Once the vehicle hit the curb it tipped over onto it's side. None of the occupants were injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10027190, filed 2003-07, 8,100 miles“Car was being driven on a straight, dry road at 35 MPH. The steering wheel started oscillating from left to right on its own out of control of the driver. The car hit the curb and tipped over on its side.”
NHTSA complaint #10069354, filed 2004-01, 8,188 miles“1. No problems whatsoever until event. We are original owners and the car only had 17,000+ miles on it. 2. Driving along at normal rate of speed, suddenly metallic, grinding sounds from under hood (not like a blow out or tire tread coming off), slowed down to pull over when car pulled hard to the right and locked. Husband pulled hard on the steering wheel to the left. The steering wheel turned but the wheels didn't. No control of car whatsoever. Car hit guardrail. Airbags deployed. Husband was taken by ambulance with head, chest, and back injuries. 3. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086611, filed 2004-08, 17,296 milesSteering: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Echo
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Echo
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