2002 Toyota Prerunner Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 62,430miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Toyota Prerunner (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2002 Toyota Prerunner. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints (50% of the total), followed by seat belts (2) and body and structure (2). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,430 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 9 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts2 33%
- Body and structure2 33%
- Air bags1 17%
- Suspension1 17%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle surges as if auto transmission is down shifting abruptly when coasting to a stop at an intersection and while creeping in traffic (after removing foot from brake pedal allowing vehicle to roll after coming to complete stop). Problem also occurs intermittently when proceeding from a stop at intersections. Problem occurs w/in the 1 to 5 MPH range. Transmission shifts smoothly up through all gears as vehicle accelerates when driving on the highway. Multiple dealerships stated that they are unable to duplicate the problem and that no trouble was found. …”
NHTSA complaint #10023680, filed 2003-06, 3,000 milesSeat belts: “I received notice from Toyota of possible excessive frame rust years ago . (about 2007) I did the inspection myself and thought frame was good. Did not take to dealer for inspection . In september of 2013 I find out that Toyota is not responsible and I missed the deadline. I think I understand that since it was not a NHTSA issued recall, they have the right to put a expiration date on the recall . The bottom line is I goofed up . But there still existed thousands of tacomas and tundras on the roads today that are a hazard to the driver and all others around them . …”
NHTSA complaint #10543571, filed 2013-09, 104,000 milesAir bags: “Consumer lost control of vehicle and hit a tree head on. Upon impact, neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed. Also driver's side seat belt didn't retract. As a result, consumer's head hit the windshield. Consumer received 17 stitches.”
NHTSA complaint #10051895, filed 2003-12, 43,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 43,000 and 81,859 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Toyota Prerunner in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 9 on record; the latest 9 are shown.
- 10253223Mar 4, 2024Engine cooling. This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete…
- 10207946Jan 12, 2022Equipment, Tires, Wheels. POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of…
- 10190460Mar 17, 2021Air bags. Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10145776Jul 21, 2016Equipment. Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
- 10062051Aug 1, 2013Equipment. Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10051865Jan 3, 2013Seat belts, Air bags. Toyota: in a collision, to help reduce injuries, with seat belt pre=tensioners and supplemental restraint systems (srs), its possible that the devices may or may not perform as expected with…
- 10015504Jun 27, 2005Suspension. Special service campaign 50j - phase I - front suspension lower ball joint may experience excessive wear and looseness causing increased steering, effort, reduced vehicle self-centering, and noise…
- 10197476May 4, 2001Equipment. Replacement vin plates.
- 10197473Jan 18, 1991Equipment. Product general information.
Other model years of the Toyota Prerunner
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6 | 62,430 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 7 | 149,882 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 7 | 79,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Toyota Prerunner model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Toyota Prerunner have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2002 Toyota Prerunner as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Toyota Prerunner is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 3 complaints (50% of the total), followed by seat belts with 2.
Has the 2002 Toyota Prerunner been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Toyota Prerunner reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,430 miles and the middle half falls between 43,000 and 81,859 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.