2002 Toyota Echo
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 50 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. IT CROSSED THE STREET AND RAN OVER A BRICK PLANTER BOX, KNOCKED DOWN A CRAPE MYRTLE TREE AND FINALLY HIT THE NEIGHBOR'S SUV.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140704
CONSUMER STATE THAT WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR, AND ALSO TO AVERTED A COLLISION THE CONSUMER THEN TURN INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN IN PARKING LOT CONSUMER STATE THAT HE HAD TO PUT CAR IN...
NHTSA ODI report, 20020813
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE TO 60MPH WITHOUT HITTING THE GAS PEDAL. HAVE TO PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO STOP IT. CONTACTED DEALER, CANNOT LOCATE CAUSE. *AK THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION INCIDENCE OCCURRED THREE TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020709
17% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NEW 2002 TOYOTA ECHO WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION GOING 40-45MPH AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NO ONE WAS INJURED DUE TO THE USE OF SEATBELTS. AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER CLAIMS FOR SAFETY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030107
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED AT 40MPH IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021002
AIR BAG FRONT PASSENGER LOOKS THAT IS NOT WORKING, ALARM IN RED SHOWS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG
NHTSA ODI report, 20180425
9% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN THE CONSUMER BECAME TO MOVE FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO OSCILLATE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CURB. ONCE THE VEHICLE HIT THE CURB IT TIPPED OVER ONTO IT'S SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030724
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNDER REPEATED START AND STOP OPERATION IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND IN DEEP SNOW, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT SNOW COULD ACCUMULATE IN LARGE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LINES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE
Campaign 02V268000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING C
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 06V266000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Toyota Echo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V268000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V266000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 Toyota Echo reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Echo?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Echo have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.