2002 Toyota Tacoma Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 333 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, 1% of the 333 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles.
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 engine (cold) first started, there is engine (piston slap/rattle) noise. Such continues for approx. One full minute and then sounds normal. Such noise is very expensive to repair, complete engine overhaul and should certainly not be occurring in vehicle with only 50,000 miles. Truck was very carefully broken in when new and all appropriate oil changes at Toyota recommended times...or even sooner.”
NHTSA complaint #10504513, filed 2013-03, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to become uncontrollable. The contact discovered that during the incident the steering rack had fractured. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. In a second incident the contact indicated that while driving the engine suddenly malfunctioned and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that 2 pistons had come through the engine block. The vehicle was repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574591, filed 2014-03, 129,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10149217Sep 14, 2016TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are…
- 10134128Jan 15, 2015TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 10096036Jan 15, 2015"tsb: flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ecus are released as field-fix…
- 10132812May 1, 2014Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 23% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 6 | 4% |
| 2023 | 8 | 15% |
| 2022 | 7 | 12% |
| 2021 | 12 | 15% |
| 2020 | 14 | 16% |
| 2019 | 29 | 13% |
| 2018 | 26 | 12% |
| 2017 | 36 | 15% |
| 2016 | 47 | 15% |
| 2015 | 12 | 12% |
| 2014 | 6 | 6% |
| 2013 | 7 | 6% |
| 2012 | 122 | 41% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 8 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 2% |
| 2007 | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 | 18 | 2% |
| 2005 | 18 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma
180 complaintsSuspension
82 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsWheels
18 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsTires
14 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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