2002 Toyota Tacoma Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 180about this part
- Share
- 54%of 333 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 180 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, 54% of the 333 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There was a recall on the frame in 2010 and they said undercoating would protect that however now the frame is rusted and not safe to drive if I get in an accident it will fail. It only has 90,000 miles on it and Toyota is refusing to do anything about it. I feel they should have a warranty on the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #11360865, filed 2020-09, 90,000 miles“Mechanic told me that my frame was rusted through. He could put his fist through a hole in the frame and recommended I call a dealer to see if this was on a recall list. When I called and gave them the VIN, they said no it is not a recall. What can I do? Especially if I cannot afford another vehicle!”
NHTSA complaint #11256194, filed 2019-09, 120,500 miles“I was driving on a highway at about 55 MPH. The right lower control ball joint broke so the entire wheel broke off the vehicle. The vehicle tried to run/jump over the wheel and caused the vehicle to slammed down on the asphalt. The truck dragged on the asphalt for about 100 to 150 yds until I managed to control and stop it.”
NHTSA complaint #10981109, filed 2017-04, 169,650 miles“Truck recalled for excessive corrosion to the spare tire carrier lift plate!! After repair , service tech told me my truck also had a small hole in the frame with excessive rust. To my surprise I was told that the recall for this problem had passed!! I received no recall paper work on this matter. Now no help is forth coming ! What to do??”
NHTSA complaint #10705236, filed 2015-04, 124,884 miles“The frame on this truck was recalled and now Toyota motor sales USA,inc. Is telling me it was an old recall and the owner that own it before me didn't get it fixed so they don't have to fix it because the time limit is over.im the second one to own this truck and didn't know they was a recall on the frame.”
NHTSA complaint #10822234, filed 2016-01, 169,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 15% |
| 2025 | 44 | 39% |
| 2024 | 9 | 6% |
| 2022 | 8 | 14% |
| 2021 | 6 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 12 | 5% |
| 2018 | 16 | 8% |
| 2017 | 27 | 11% |
| 2016 | 22 | 7% |
| 2015 | 15 | 15% |
| 2014 | 20 | 22% |
| 2013 | 11 | 9% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 21 | 11% |
| 2010 | 30 | 10% |
| 2009 | 54 | 10% |
| 2008 | 79 | 18% |
| 2007 | 109 | 20% |
| 2006 | 242 | 31% |
| 2005 | 260 | 37% |
| 2004 | 203 | 49% |
| 2003 | 181 | 50% |
| 2002 | 180 | 54% |
| 2001 | 228 | 58% |
| 2000 | 78 | 37% |
| 1999 | 102 | 41% |
| 1998 | 98 | 33% |
| 1997 | 46 | 35% |
| 1996 | 64 | 25% |
| 1995 | 29 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma
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 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 29, 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