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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
114,869 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Toyota Tacoma body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2002 Toyota Tacoma Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #104

Aug 032023

Tacoma

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I went to get my 02 tacoma tires balanced and was called and told that where the frame was cracked. Upon inspecting it myself the crack is where the manufacturer welded the frame together. I'm the 3rd owner of this vehicle and there original owner didn't get frame warranty recall done. Which led to it running out. Now Toyota corporate has a frame case number ([XXX]) and was told that there's nothing that could be done until enough complaints about this case number reaches a certain number then they'll look into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Sanford, ME, USA

problem #103

Feb 122023

Tacoma

  • miles
The frame has prematurely rusted out causing a driving hazard.

- Festus , MO, USA

problem #102

Sep 032021

Tacoma

  • miles
The truck frame has completely rusted out and has snapped in half. Leaving my truck undriveable. Toyota had an extended warranty but only if you followed exact criteria. This is a big safter issue that should be recalled

- Queen Creek, AZ, USA

problem #101

Jan 012021

Tacoma

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Truck frame is rusted to the point the the vehicle is not usable. The problem has been confirmed by a local independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. The first symptom was that the right rear shock became detached from the frame. When I brought the vehicle in to have the shock repaired they stated that there was not enough frame left in that area to re-attach the shock.

- Goshen, IN, USA

problem #100

Jun 052021

Tacoma

  • miles
Truck was taken to dealer about 5 years ago or less for underbody spray and frame inspection "recall". Truck was cleared as safe. Today, Tire shop informs me frame is unsafe to lift the car by, and proceeded to put his hand through the frame to show the severity of the issue. So I take the truck to my local dealer and ask them what can be done about it. They inform me that, this "program" ended in 2016. I read that 10mm holes in frame would issue a frame/car recall. There is no way there wasn't an issue less than 5 years ago. I believe this is negligence of the dealer in keeping people safe in this vehicle and on the highway.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

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problem #99

May 242021

Tacoma

  • miles
The chassis of the vehicle is corroded, metal is exposed. Shocks bracket seems like it might break off. Concerned that vehicle will fail on the road.

- Mineola, NY, USA

problem #98

Jan 152020

Tacoma

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Frame rusting

- Shermans Dale, PA, USA

problem #97

Dec 012020

Tacoma

  • miles
My frame in my 2002 Tacoma is almost fully rusted. I contacted Toyota and they are not willing to help even though they know that their trucks are rusting and that there was a previous recall set to replace the frame. Since I just got this truck form someone, I had no idea of the recall and of the rust. The car is no longer safe to drive at this point since it is about to break in half.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #96

Sep 222020

Tacoma

  • 90,000 miles
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.

- Windsor Locks, CT, USA

problem #95

Apr 232020

Tacoma

  • 190,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while having a routine check on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, the technician became aware that the rear subframe was severely rusted. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

- Frankfort, KY, USA

problem #94

Nov 132019

Tacoma

  • 215,325 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2002 Tacoma that was part of the frame perforation recall. However, I did not get a frame replacement. The "fix" was to apply a gel over the rust on the frame, which, subsequently, all fell off the frame onto my driveway. Recently, I took my truck into the dealership for a 4WD repair and was told that my "frame was shot" and the truck was "unsafe to drive", due to that. And if they lifted my truck to do the repair, it might "crush my frame". I expressed my displeasure for the recall fix and had them do an estimate on the 4WD repair. They came back with an outrageous number, as if they did not want to do the work. I have since contacted independent repair shops and no one will touch it., I have a truck no one will repair, I can't sell it, I can't trade it in...and I can't drive it. It has no worth.one of my leaf springs has rusted and broken, too. The truck has 215K and is in good condition other than rust. The engine will go 500K. I see recalls on the frame and leaf spring for other model years, but the 2002 seems to not fall into any of them. I don't expect a new frame, but assistance in obtaining a similar truck at a reasonable price or other fair solution may be a consideration.

- Janesville, WI, USA

problem #93

Sep 192019

Tacoma

  • 155,000 miles
Frame failure due to corrosion: Toyota had placed a "warranty enhancement" to replace the frames because they weren't treated for corrosion but with an enhancement, it expires and did so in 2017. I just bought the truck and learned they have a safety recall for corrosion of the spare wheel compartment. This is the same issue. Why is the frame not a safety recall?? I have huge holes and large cracks along much of the frame and my mechanic tells me it's unsafe to drive. My fingers go through the side of the frame! my mechanic tells me based on the location of the corrosion in the front of the truck, the entire engine is in danger of falling out!! looking on the internet, this is a huge safety issue for Toyota trucks for 2002 and beyond. For many years this hasn't been addressed. The gov needs to demand a safety recall for this truck and all the others affected.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #92

Sep 172019

Tacoma

  • 120,500 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!

- Hackettstown, NJ, USA

problem #91

Jul 152019

Tacoma

  • 305,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side was lower than the other side. The contact managed to drive the vehicle to jeff wyler Toyota of clarksville (808 E lewis and clark pkwy, clarksville, in 47129, (812) 284-2277) where it was diagnosed that the rear frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 305,000.

- Georgetown, IN, USA

problem #90

Jul 092019

Tacoma

  • 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alternator and battery change, the technician stated that the frame was completely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact also stated that the fuel tank cover often popped open without warning. The contact stated that he received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 12V542000 (tires). The vehicle was taken to bill walsh Toyota (815-768-1962, located at 4000 N columbus street, ottawa, il 61350) where the frame was coated. The dealer stated that the warranty was expired. The contact stated that there was no reminder about the warranty expiration. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall repair was performed and that the warranty expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

- Ottawa, IL, USA

problem #89

Jun 052019

Tacoma

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion on the chassis and the frame had cracks on the passenger side from the front to the rear. Elmhurst Toyota (440 w lake St, elmhurst, il 60126, (630) 279-2160) indicated that the vehicle was not safe to drive and that the entire frame and chassis needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that there was no recall campaign to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was not available.

- Northlake, IL, USA

problem #88

Jun 172010

Tacoma

  • 232,000 miles
Frame rust recall, not taken care of in 2010 when I took into heiser Toyota in milwaukee wi. Now we need it taken care of, this is a safety issue and both Toyota and heiser refuse to take care of.

- Brown Deer, WI, USA

problem #87

Aug 102016

Tacoma

  • miles
The frame was coated with an anti rust coating during the manufacturer recall that lasted until 2017 now the the metal is becoming porous and upon slightly tapping the frame one can poke holes in the frame with a pencil. The truck has become unsafe to drive. Upon taking it my local Toyota dealer willis Toyota of twin falls Idaho in 2016 and 2017 they performed a poorly executed inspection just to avoid repairing the issue. They told me both times the frame was fine when it clearly was not. This truck has only 110K miles on it but is slowly becoming a pile of rust. How can a vehicle that is just 16 years old be so rusted. Toyota is of no help after repeated calls

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

problem #86

Mar 142019

Tacoma

  • miles
I recently took my car to my mechanic and he informed me of a recall for my car made due to the rotting of the frame. I've had my daughter call Toyota, who's informed her that mails were sent to my home about the recall, which I have never received. I feel the condition of the frame in my car is a very dangerous hazard and I am not able to use this vehicle afraid of what might happen.

- Spring Valley, NY, USA

problem #85

Mar 012018

Tacoma

  • 99,000 miles
Frame is rusting real bad and falling apart.called Toyota and dealer and they said there is nothing they can do. There is a substantial cracking and breaking apart on the frame I read online this is a known issue and there is problems with a lot of Tacoma's and like trucks. But no one wants to take ownership of the problem. Everywhere else on the frame is little rusty given the age of the truck but in one spot it is absolutely horrible and scary. I don't know what else to do or where else to turn.

- Burbank, IL, USA

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