2002 Toyota Corolla
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.
- Complaints
- 117
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 117 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 26 |
| 1989 | 23 |
| 1990 | 27 |
| 1991 | 73 |
| 1992 | 65 |
| 1993 | 134 |
| 1994 | 184 |
| 1995 | 176 |
| 1996 | 129 |
| 1997 | 135 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 155 |
| 2000 | 145 |
| 2001 | 133 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 721 |
| 2004 | 477 |
| 2005 | 854 |
| 2006 | 840 |
| 2007 | 836 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 1,459 |
| 2010 | 1,244 |
| 2011 | 584 |
| 2012 | 446 |
| 2013 | 201 |
| 2014 | 270 |
| 2015 | 220 |
| 2016 | 215 |
| 2017 | 178 |
| 2018 | 136 |
| 2019 | 204 |
| 2020 | 310 |
| 2021 | 188 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 18 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
20% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the passenger side of his vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that the air bag warning lamp illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-17
Consumer stated while traveling at 25 MPH driver was involved in a rear end collision. Passenger's side seat belt did not hold, belt came out from out of the retractor. Also, none of the airbags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-11
On 2/11/2002; 2002 Toyota Corolla sport was involved in a head-on collision. Driver had minor injuries; driver and passenger airbags were not deployed. Total speed of both vehicles were appoximately 40-50 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-03
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing engine and emission control.
Vehicle speed control
10% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Visibility
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and exterior.
Service brakes
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-05-02Exterior lighting06E025000 Certain poli-auto combination headlamp assemblies, p/nos. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&c), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730…
Remedy: Poli-auto will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps at its original purchase price. The recall is expected to begin during April 2006. Owners may contact poli-auto at 305-477-1356.
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R
2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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R
2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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2010-03-15Suspension10E002000 Ride control is recalling certain front strut mounts branded as gabriel ride control or arvinmeritor, p/nos. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, sold as replacement equipment for the vehicles listed…
Remedy: Ride control will notify owners of record and replace the affected parts free of charge. The safety recall began on March 15, 2010. Owners may contact ride control at 1-248-458-1396.
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I
2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 12 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Toyota Corolla reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota Corolla is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Corolla?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Corolla have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.