MYRModel Year Report

2002 Toyota 4 Runner

▲ Better than typical
2002 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:17.367Z

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
32
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Suspension

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 32 2003: 168 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints
1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1995 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1997 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 1999 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 32 2003: 168 complaints 2003 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005
1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1995 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1997 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 1999 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 32 2003: 168 complaints 2003 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% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing front and lower ball joint.

CRASHINJURY

Service brakes

16% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 5 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-22

Tires

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.