The Lemon Index2002 Toyota Corolla.
The 2002 Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 50 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 19, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 27 to 31 mpg combined. It's the best Toyota Corolla year we track.
One of the most reliable. 5.3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2009
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 117 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota Corolla 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 37K to 85K miles on the car (61 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- suspension 2010
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 ABOVE.
- lights 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- lights 2009
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- 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 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, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPL…
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 96 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and…
- Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedAir bag inflator rupture2014–2015
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 $2050–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving, the engine light illuminated on the dashboard.
2002 Toyota Corolla owner · NHTSA complaint 10038613
More owner reports
While driving 55 mph vehicle hit a ditch then a tree, and airbags did not deploy. Contacted dealer.
NHTSA complaint 8002159
Consumer wants permission to deactivate driver's air bag on 2002 Toyota Corolla. **
NHTSA complaint 10142096
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 19; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Corolla year by this measure since 2010 is 2012.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota Corolla problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (24%), engine (14%) and lights (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Corolla have?
5 safety recalls (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Toyota Corolla get?
27 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Corolla problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 37,000 and 85,000 miles. The middle report was at 62,000 miles, from 61 complaints.
Does the 2002 Toyota Corolla have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2002 Toyota Corolla cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Toyota Corolla have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Toyota Corolla year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2013 and 2022.
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