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1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
96,492 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 2)

problem #30

Sep 082020

Tacoma

  • 32,021 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that an independent mechanic inspected her vehicle and discovered severe corrosion throughout the entire undercarriage. The contact spoke with markquart Toyota (1844 commercial blvd, chippewa falls, wi 54729) who informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact then called the manufacturer who was notified of the failure and disregarded her concern with the corrosion. The manufacturer suggested the vehicle be sold and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 32,021.

- Trego, WI, USA

problem #29

Nov 012016

Tacoma

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed that the undercarriage frame was severely rusted and corroded. The contact stated that the undercarriage frame was filled with holes and was penetrable when touched, thus creating further damage. Le mieux Toyota (2550 South oneida street, green bay, Wisconsin 54304, (920) 496-2200) was made aware of the failure and stated that due to significant frame damage, NHTSA campaign number: 12V542000 (tires) could not be repaired on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Depere, WI, USA

problem #28

Feb 152018

Tacoma

  • 192,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was severely rusted and corroded. An independent mechanic assessed the vehicle and the frame fractured in half during the assessment. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the warranty coverage had expired. The failure mileage was 192,000.

- Salmon, ID, USA

problem #27

Nov 122016

Tacoma

  • 149,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact noticed that the frame underneath the vehicle was severely corroded. In addition, the headlights failed to illuminate and the bulbs had to constantly be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 05V225000 (suspension) and 06E026000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

- Rockford, MN, USA

problem #26

Sep 152016

Tacoma

  • miles
Cpsc: 2002 Toyota Tacoma: Consumer stated the vehicle has a rusted body frame, and it is unsafe to drive.

- Toms River, NJ, USA

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problem #25

Jun 082015

Tacoma

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion on the underbody and framing of the vehicle, which progressed without warning. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was to be taken to a dealer for inspection and diagnosis. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V542000 (tires) and was unable to determine when the recall would be completed because the part was not available for an extended period of time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The failure mileage was not available.

- Perryopolis, PA, USA

problem #24

Aug 202012

Tacoma

  • 150,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V542000 (tires) and indicated that the dealer in New York was not able to do the undercoating process due to state regulations. In approximately mid August 2012, the dealer indicated that the remedy for this defect was not available at the time the contact tried to schedule the recall repair. The contact waited for years to determine when the manufacturer would finalize the remedy plan to repair the vehicle. The rust became extensive to the point that the underbody, the chassis, the leaf spring, and the rear wheel wells all had corrosion to the point that the components could fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified for years of the failure and was unable to provide a permanent remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Port Washington, NY, USA

problem #23

Aug 012014

Tacoma 4WD 4-cyl

  • miles
2002 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle rust issues. The consumer was urged to call Toyota to see if a recall had been issued. The consumer was informed a recall was issued. However, she never received notification. The consumer was informed six notifications were mailed.

- Stockbridge, MI, USA

problem #22

Jan 182010

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • 61,507 miles
Had a recall on my Tacoma. I had bought from father, he bought new from spartan Toyota in lansing mi. It was for a possible frame rust recall. I have the records of taking it in for that purpose. It was cleared by service department. Apparently, they were supposed to spray a protective coat on the frame at no cost to me, which would include a 15 year warranty on frame. They did not do this. I sold truck to my son, approximately July 2014. He took it in for muffler work and they wouldn't put on hoist because frame is weak from rust. Everyone from the dealer and Toyota national has said it should have been sprayed, but because it wasn't they sorry but can't do anything. I feel that solution to the service departments mistake is not adequate. Do I have any other recourse to help my son? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Laingsburg, MI, USA

problem #21

Jan 162013

Tacoma 4WD 6-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
I bought a used 2002 Tacoma from a good friend. He took very good care of the truck, it was mint. After I bought the truck I asked about the frame recall, but he said when he took it in that they couldn't do it and he had forgotten to take it back. No negligence, just didn't see rust and didn't take it in for the under coating. I tried to get it done but Toyota would not stand behind the warranty. Two years later and I have a some pretty bad frame rust. This is a safety issue and I really cannot afford another payment. There needs to be a recall for this problem.

- Wytheville, VA, USA

problem #20

Jan 172015

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • 124,884 miles

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

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??

- Pisctaway, NJ, USA

problem #19

Apr 032015

Tacoma

  • 165,000 miles
Frame is rusted through in multiple locations and has been treated with corrosion resistant coatings. The coatings are obviously visible but did not prevent the frame from rusting to an unsafe condition. The previous owner brought the truck in for other recalls that are recorded in its history. This one for the frame is not recorded however you can see the coating has been applied. The warranty extension is listed for 15 years. The truck is 13 years old but, a person representing Toyota says it's expired with no explanation of how that is. So far she put me on hold for 20 minutes without being able to find the information to explain to me.

- Lansdale, PA, USA

problem #18

Feb 142015

Tacoma

  • 76,560 miles
Vehicle has low miles yet the frame has rust holes in it. Toyota won't do anything about it even though it has frame inspections in it's recent service history. The first inspection occurred in 2010, less than 7K miles ago. They indicated to me on the phone that due to an agreement with NHTSA that they could not do anything to help me. They would not take ownership for not inspecting the frame properly. This is a major problem with Tacoma's, Tundra's, sequoia's and 4runner's of this vintage in cold climate states. Toyota acknowledged the frames were of poor manufacturing even suing the frame manufacturer, yet some get new frames, others like myself with a low mile truck are told they could do absolutely nothing even though the vehicle was traded in less than 1600 miles ago at a Toyota dealership in pa. Toyota needs to own up to this major safety issue and address it instead of skirting the issue without a proper recall. I have seen videos of Tacoma's which have literally broken in half due to this problem. Never did I think Toyota wouldn't stand behind this potentially fatal flaw in frame manufacturing and corrosion resistance. My frame has a large 1"X6.5" hole above the right front leaf spring mount - a key attachment point for the rear suspension.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #17

Dec 222014

Tacoma

  • 183,000 miles
I took my truck T a Toyota any a dealer to fix some emission issues, they asked if I wanted the frame inspected, they informed me about the frame rust/perforation issues that have plagued Tacoma's for years from the mid 90's to 2010 Tacoma, S. the frames rust from the inside out creating holes that cause a framed to fall apart and render the vehicle worthless!! a some point on 2001-04 Tacoma's they sent out a tsb offering a voluntary customer inspection on the frames this program ended 6/11. Then some type of frame replacement program was offered to people that did the voluntary inspection until 7/14. So if you choose not to do or never received a notice your vehicle will fall apart and Toyota doesn't care. My truck run and on the surface looks new drives like new however I can't drive it because it is unsafe. It has been reduced to a lawn ornament. I bought the truck from the original owner an he has lived at the same address for over 40 years he never! received any notice..Toyota.replace my frame because you know it's a safety hazard.

- Mequon, WI, USA

problem #16

Jun 092014

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed, the technician notified him that the vehicle had extensive rust and corrosion on the frame causing it to warped and cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and indicated that the contact was not included in a the limited manufacturer service campaign. The dealer would not apply the corrosion treatment, because they claimed the vehicle had a salvaged title. The consumer disputed the dealers claim and provided proof. Updated 10/01/14.

- Madison, WI, USA

problem #15

Jul 212014

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • 254,609 miles
The sway bar arm bracket on the passenger side of the vehicle pulled out of the frame due to corrosion. The vehicle was found to have corrosion perforations in multiple areas of the frame. Frame has excessive corrosion and I have been advised vehicle is not safe to operate. Manufacturer refuses to do anything.

- Washington, PA, USA

problem #14

May 012014

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • 157,500 miles
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. There have been 2 other recalls for the vehicle which I did receive notices. They checked with their compliance office and said they did send it to me. I asked how many notices went out and they said one and they do not send them certified mail. When I stated that I never received the notice, they told there was a department that may still be able to assist me. After opening up a case with Toyota, they came to the conclusion, there was nothing they can do about it because I failed to bring the car in by their deadline. I told them again that I never received the notice and that I don't feel safe driving the vehicle with a rusted and cracked frame. This seems to be problem with a good deal of Toyota. I was hoping for some kind of help, since they've admitted the problem and I never received the notice and we, at this point have only their word that they sent me a notice. Thank you. Toyota case# 1405131065. Updated 07/03/14

- Wappingers Falls, NY, USA

problem #13

Dec 272013

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • 177,000 miles
I contacted Toyota in November of 2013 prior to purchasing a used 2002 double cab Tacoma. I was aware of the frame issue so I called to check to see if it had been serviced. I gave the VIN to the customer service associate and he was able to pull records on the vehicle. He told me that it had not had the corrosion treatment, however, the corrosion treatment failed and was in the process of being reformulated. He said that the program had been reopened due to the fact that the treatment failed. He said after purchasing the vehicle I should take it to be inspected and if any rust was found it would be covered under the frame program. I purchased the vehicle in November of 2013 and upon inspection we found that the frame was rusted. In January of 2014 my husband called a local Toyota dealer to set up an appointment for the frame inspection and they said that they had no idea about the frame program being reopened. My husband called Toyota and they pulled up the vehicle and said since the original treatment had not been applied they would not honor the frame program. We spoke to several Toyota associates and we were told that nothing could be done. We have contacted the Toyota legal department and the Virginia attorney general with no success.

- Pulaski, VA, USA

problem #12

May 012014

Tacoma 4WD 4-cyl

  • miles
Letter from congressman rahall on behalf of constituent re a recall from several years ago on his Toyota Tacoma sr 5 pick up truck. The consumer stated he saw on the news a recall had been issued, regarding defective frames, and he missed out on the recall, due to personal issues. He would like to get the vehicle fixed, because it can no longer be driven due to a cracked frame.

- Flat Top, WV, USA

problem #11

Apr 022014

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • 215,000 miles
Frame is rusted and broken and truck is unsafe to drive.

- Clifton, NJ, USA

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