The Lemon Index2002 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2002 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 30 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 16 mpg combined. The best Toyota 4Runner year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 225 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota 4Runner year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 75K to 163K miles on the car (165 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 113K–180K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 65K–185K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 88K–154K miles
Recalls 3
- lights 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- lights 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- suspension 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 107 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Suspension and axle - front lower ball joint
- SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos
- Excessive wear
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFrame corrosion2018–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★☆☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.4L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
2002 Toyota 4runner front end makes loud noises, when going over high bumps and some stiffness in steering.
2002 Toyota 4Runner owner · NHTSA complaint 10142135
More owner reports
Front end failed vehicle got out of control and hit the wall Toyota 4 runner yr 2002
NHTSA complaint 10121339
While driving brakes failed without warning, resulting in a crash. Dealer notified.
NHTSA complaint 10024915
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota 4Runner year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota 4Runner problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (20%), brakes (17%) and tires (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota 4Runner have?
3 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Toyota 4Runner get?
16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota 4Runner problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 75,500 and 163,500 miles. The middle report was at 120,000 miles, from 165 complaints.
Does the 2002 Toyota 4Runner have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2002 Toyota 4Runner cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Toyota 4Runner have?
3.4L 6-cyl.
What Toyota 4Runner year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2017 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works