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1.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
111,333 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Toyota Tacoma Owner Comments

problem #3

Sep 192019

Tacoma

  • 155,000 miles

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

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 #2

Aug 012013

Tacoma

  • 129,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to become uncontrollable. The contact discovered that during the incident the steering rack had fractured. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. In a second incident the contact indicated that while driving the engine suddenly malfunctioned and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that 2 pistons had come through the engine block. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 129,000.

- Arlington Heights , IL, USA

problem #1

Jan 012013

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
When engine (cold) first started, there is engine (piston slap/rattle) noise. Such continues for approx. One full minute and then sounds normal. Such noise is very expensive to repair, complete engine overhaul and should certainly not be occurring in vehicle with only 50,000 miles. Truck was very carefully broken in when new and all appropriate oil changes at Toyota recommended times...or even sooner.

- Rock Island, IL, USA

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