The 2002 Toyota 4Runner has 251 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and suspension. Owners most often flag excessive frame rust: boxed frame design can trap moisture and salt, leading to severe corrosion from the inside out, potentially causing structural failure. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Toyota 4Runner vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 6 4Runner model years we track, complaint volume runs from 8 (2024) to 424 (2005). With 251 complaints, the 2002 4Runner sits about the same asthe model's median of 251.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Campaign 05V225000ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENT…
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E049000CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBE…
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL T…
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding legendary long-term reliability, durability, and off-road capability, particularly for the 5th generation and older models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 4Runner. See the full 4Runner owner picture and every model year.
Used 4Runner listings typically run $22,199–$45,334 across 2008 to 2026 model years.
Compare every 4Runner year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.