MYRModel Year Report

2002 Toyota 4 Runner

▲ Better than typical
2002 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:36:43.855Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota 4 Runner Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005
2002: 32 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199452
1995125
199689
1997122
1998120
1999110
2000104
200131
200232
2003168
200466
200515

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SUSPENSION 22%

22% of complaints: suspension — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 16%

16% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 16%

16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WOULD SMOKE WHEN STARTING. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020822

TIRES 13%

13% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems.

CRASH INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%

9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 1994 ▲ 2004

WORST YEARS

◆ 2003 ◆ 1995 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota 4 Runner have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.