2002 Toyota Tacoma Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 333 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 143,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, 3% of the 333 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 143,250 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.
“I recently took my 2002 Toyota Tacoma into the local dealer, dch in wappingers falls ny, because of leak in the rack and pinion steering. Upon looking at the vehicle,they observed a cracked and rusted frame. We took the car down and I went to my local repair shop for a second opinion. That repair shop had said there was a frame recall for that year. I called Toyota in california and they confirmed there was a recall for that year and that they sent out a notice, but it had to be brought by the end of 2012. I told them I never received the notice. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598479, filed 2014-06, 157,500 miles“After having my 2002 Toyota Tacoma off the road and garaged for the past 3 years, I was getting the truck ready to be driven on the road again. I am the original owner. I took the truck off the road because my job was eliminated in october 2010. After changing the oil last weekend in my garage I noticed an abnormal amount of rust on the frame. In fact, so much rust that the rubber body mount block on top of the rear leaf spring snapped off in my hand. The leaf springs, brake lines, and front suspension and frame are all in question regarding vehicle safety. …”
NHTSA complaint #10544893, filed 2013-09, 244,000 miles“Noticed abnormal tire wear on front tire. Took vehicle in for wheel alignment and was informed the bushing, integral to rack and pinion has failed. As a consequence the whole rack and pinion steering system needs replacing. Mechanic informed me this is a common problem for Toyota Tacoma. He also informed me he has had tacomas with as little as 9000 miles having this problem. My Tacoma has 19000 miles on it, I guess we are lucky. He also stated he did not understand why there has not been a recall. Apparently it is a common defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10158237, filed 2006-05, 19,714 miles“Rackandpinon replacement was also the upper and lower ball joints my steering is still giving me problems and I feel like it’s asafty concern because if I’m going down the highway I could loose control I have some receipts for what my mechanic replaced I called Toyota and they told me that it was to late to fix anything and that I would have to deal with it I never received a notice in the mail or anywhere else I feel like Toyota owes me Also what has happened is my spare tire feel off from the hanger going up my driveway I got to looking and the cable rusted away along with my rear parking…”
NHTSA complaint #11661021, filed 2025-05“2002 toyotoa truck, lost control and hit my ford s/w, truck was on recall for ball/joints , both me and wife was hurt by this un insured driver, driver was cited for wrong turn into my lane, I lost both my car and my health, what can I do to recover damages from a uninsured truck and driver?”
NHTSA complaint #10452199, filed 2012-03Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 9 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 9% |
| 2013 | 14 | 11% |
| 2012 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 19 | 6% |
| 2009 | 39 | 8% |
| 2008 | 41 | 9% |
| 2007 | 54 | 10% |
| 2006 | 40 | 5% |
| 2005 | 61 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 12 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3% |
| 2001 | 20 | 5% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
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 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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