2002 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 360 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 30 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireNov 23, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 12V542000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower ball jointMay 17, 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. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 05V225000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.
THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 03V189000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
360 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Oct 21, 2010
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS . THIS IS A 2002 TACOMA EXTENDED CAB PICK-UP TRUCK WITH 56K MILES. DEALER SAYS $200.00 TO DIAGNOSE. COSTS TO REMEDY AIRBAG PROBLEM COULD BE AS MUCH AS $500.00 TO $600.00, PERHAPS MORE. DEALER STATES AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY BUT IS NOT SURE OF WHAT IS REALLY THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE DIAGNOSIS IS COMPLETED. MY QUESTION IS; WHY THIS PROBLEM WITH A TRUCK WITH LOW MILEAGE AND TAKEN TO DEALER SINCE NEW FOR ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. HE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 178,000.
Tires, Sep 2, 2010
TL. THE CONTACT OWNS A KUHMO MOHAVE A/T TIRES ON A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE SIDE WALL OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. THE CONTACT CHANGE THE TIRE AND TOOK THE TIRE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER EXAMINE TO THE TIRE AND STATED THE TIRE FAILED WITH NO OTHER DEFECTS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE UNDER THE TIRE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED HE DOES NOT FEELS SAFE WITH THE CURRENT TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. JO
Suspension, Sep 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING OUT OF A CURVE IN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY DISENGAGED AND ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE CAUSED OTHER DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 156,0000.
Structure, Aug 5, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO EXTREME BUMPER AND FRAME RUST. THE DEALER PERFORMED A SAFETY INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE YET IT DID NOT PASS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THE CONTACT HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,360.
Structure, Jun 11, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) FOR FRAME RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE FAILED THE MANUFACTURERS INSPECTION AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME AT NO COST TO THE CONTACT. THE FRAME WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH TO OBTAIN THE FRAME AND THAT HE COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THAT TIME. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE IT WAS SAFE TO CONTINUE OPERATING A RECALLED VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Structure, Tires, Apr 16, 2010
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO THE NEW TOYOTA RECALL ON THE SIENNA MINI-VANS SPARE TIRE. I OWN A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA, IN WHICH THE FRAME WAS RECENTLY REPLACED DUE TO RUST PERFORATION IN CERTAIN STATES. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND BACK IN 8/2007 I HAD A FLAT TIRE AND HAD TO CHANGE IT. THE SPARE TIRE RESIDES UNDER THE VEHICLE AND IS SECURED BY A CABLE. WHEN I WENT TO ACCESS THE SPARE, I NOTICED THE WHOLE CABLE AND THE SURROUNDING PIECES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEPARATE THE TIRE FROM THE CABLE. AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE SIENNA FOR THE SPARE TIRE GETTING RUSTY, AND POSSIBLY FALLING LOOSE WHILE DRIVING, I REALIZED THAT MY TACOMA, AND POSSIBLY OTHER VEHICLES THAT USE THIS METHOD, AND ARE EXPOSED TO EXTREME CLIMATE CONDITIONS, COULD TRIGGER A SIMILAR EVENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 15, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH ON A WET SURFACE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE RONT END. MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED DURING THE ACCELERATION THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO FAILURES COULD BE FOUND. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Power train, Feb 15, 2010
MY EXPERIENCE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON MY CURRENT AND PREVIOUS TOYOTA PICK-UP TRUCKS WAS NOT VERY GOOD. FIRST MY PREVIOUS, EARLIER MODEL 98 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES JUST PRIOR TO THE 60,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY LIMIT. THE FAILURE HAPPENED AT THE SYNCHRONIZER FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR WHEN SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL ACCORDING TO TOYOTA TECHNICIAN AT THE TIME. THE SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS IS THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ONE NEEDS TO SHIFT TO 5TH GEAR FROM NEUTRAL, ONE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY SHIFTING AND THE TRANSMISSION COULD HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND AT SUCH FREEWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE COULD SUDDENLY STALL, STOP AND MAY GO IN A TAILSPIN. PREVIOUS DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION PER THE WARRANTY. NOW I HAVE ANOTHER TOYOTA TACOMA PICK-UP 4X4 HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE A TOYOTA DEALER PREVIOUSLY SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR POWERTRAIN AND AROUND 55,000 MILES BUT DEALER REFUSED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY HAVE FIXED IT. BUT THIS TIME AROUND THEY REFUSED. I HAVE ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES FROM SEP 2006 UNTIL JAN 2007 AND EVEN CALLED TOYOTA USA REPS ON THE ISSUE. I STILL OWN THE TRUCK AND TO GET AROUND THE SYNCHRONIZER PROBLEM, I HAVE TO DOWNSHIFT BACK TO 3RD, 4TH BEFORE I CAN GO BACK TO 5TH GEAR. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOT OF DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND TO CON UNWITTING DRIVER UNAWARE OF WHAT TO DO SUDDENLY SHIFTS TO 5TH FROM NEUTRAL THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SQUEAKS/RATTLES LIKE THE SOUND OF GEARS HAVING PROBLEM MESHING OR BREAKING - THUS IN A WORST CASE SCENARIO ONE MAY LOOSE DRIVEABILITY AND CAPABILITY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DRIVE COULD GET LOST AND MAY RESULT IN A FAILURE. I KIND A GIVE UP ON IT SINCE THE DEALERS AND TOYOTA USA BEFORE DON'T WANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO ME. I KNOW THIS CURRENT TOYOTA RECALL MAY RESULT IN THEM LOOKING INTO THIS - SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Parking brake, Jan 5, 2010
EMERGENCY CABLE IS BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Parking brake, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Structure, Dec 28, 2009
GAS TANK SHIELD SEVERELY RUSTED. UNDER SIDE OF GASTANK IS PROTECTED BY A SHIELD/SKID PLATE. IT IS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT WHEN HIT WITH A HAMMER THE HAMMER GOES RIGHT THROUGH. PRESUMABLY THIS SHIELD IS TO PROTECT THE GAS TANK FROM DEBRIS AND STONES ESPECIALLY IF THE TRUCK IS USED OFF ROAD. I DISCOVERED THIS AS I WAS INSPECTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK BEFORE DROPPING THE TRUCK OFF AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED. IN ADDITION TO THIS, IT IS APPARENT THAT THE DRIVE AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING ALSO HAVE SEVERE RUST. IF TAPPED WITH A HAMMER THE RUST COMES OF IN SHEETS. THE PARKING BRAKES ACTUATING LEVERS HAVE RUSTED IN PLACE AND CAN NO LONGER BE USED. THERE APPEARS TO BE MORE TO THIS RUST THAN SIMPLE FRAME RUST. THE RUST IS PERVASIVE THROUGH OUT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK. *TR
Structure, Nov 18, 2009
I TOOK MY TACOMA FOR ITS 95000 MILE SERVICE, AND THEY DISCOVER MY SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY TRUCK HAS GONE FOR SERVICE EVERY 5000 MILES FOR 7 YEARS AND NO ONE EVER NOTICED THE RUST. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT COVER THE SUBFRAME IN THEIR FRAME RUST PROBLEM. THE DEALER TRIED FOR 2 DAYS TO GET THEM TO INCLUDE THIS IN THEIR 2001-2004 RUST FRAME REPAIR OR BUY BACK PROGRAM. THEY REFUSE. WHY ISN'T THE SUB FRAME PART OF THE WHOLE FRAME. I BELIEVE THE SUB FRAMES SHOULD BE LOOKED AT. *TR
Structure, Oct 7, 2009
REAR BUMPER DECAY/STRUCTURE BREAKDOWN ON 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. UNSAFE IN CASE OF FROM THE REAR COLLISION. NOTICED START OF RUST/LOSS OF STRUCTURE IN 2/2006. *TR
Air bags, Sep 24, 2009, crash
MY MOTHER WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN A CAR WRECK WHERE SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE WRECK. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS. *TR
Suspension, Sep 9, 2009
MY WIFE & I WERE TRAVELING INTO BAKERSFIELD, (WE'RE FROM ARVIN, CA) ALONG BEAR MT. BLVD. ON SAT. SEPT. 5, 2009 AROUND 4:00 P.M. AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT FOR ME TO STEER. INSTEAD OF GOING ON THE FREEWAY, I DECIDED TO TAKE AN ALTERNATE RT. I CAME TO A STOP AND BEGAN TURNING LEFT AT APPROX. 5- 10 MPH & THE R FRONT TIRE FOLDED OUT & THE LOWER BALL JOINT SNAPPED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED HOME. I ORDERED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON LINE SO I COULD REPLACE THEM. THIS IS BECAUSE WHEN I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS NOT ONE ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I AM FURIOUS. I BELIEVE TOYOTA IS LIABLE FOR MY DAMAGES. BEFORE THIS OCCURRED, I HEARD A FEW CLICKING & GRINDING SOUNDS & THOUGHT MAYBE MY POWER STEERING WAS GOING OUT. I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS BALL JOINT FAILURE, OR I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT. I HAVE MY OLD DEFECTIVE PARTS. I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER WITNESS TO THIS INCIDENCE BESIDES MY WIFE. HE LIVES ACROSS THE STREET FROM WHERE THIS OCCURRED & HEARD THE LOUD BOOM WHEN THE TRUCK HIT THE GROUND. I HOPE YOU LOOK INTO THIS MATTER, AS I WOULD HATE FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO EXPERIENCE WHAT WE DID. *TR
Structure, Jun 5, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME AND MEMBERS HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. THE DEALER REPLACED THE O2 VALVE, BUT IT DID NOT REMEDY THE STRUCTURAL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Structure, Mar 26, 2009
I RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA ABOUT A FRAME RUSTING PROBLEM THEY ARE HAVING ON TACOMA TRUCKS BUILT BETWEEN 2001-2004. THE FRONT BUMPER ASSEMBLY ON MY TRUCK WAS REPLACED SOON AFTER I PURCHASED IT BECAUSE IS WAS RUSTING FROM THE UNDERSIDE. NOW THE REAR BUMPER IS RUSTING THROUGH FROM THE UNDERSIDE AS WELL. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA ABOUT THEIR RECENT RECALL THEY SAID ONLY THE FRAME WAS INCLUDED IN THE PROBLEM, NOT THE BUMPERS. IT IS OBVIOUS TO ME THEY HAVE A RUST PROBLEM EVERYWHERE UNDER THE VEHICLE SINCE MY FRONT BUMPER RUSTED SO QUICKLY AND NOW THE REAR BUMPER IS ALSO RUSTING THROUGH FROM THE UNDERSIDE. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS JUST FOR RUSTING FRAMES. AS I STATED ABOVE, IT CERTAINLY APPEARS AS THOUGH THE RUST PROBLEM INVOLVES EVERYTHING UNDER THE VEHICLE. MY TRUCK IS A 2002 TACOMA AND IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. LIVING IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND (21122), WE HAVE HAD VERY FEW INSTANCES OF SNOW/SALT IN OUR AREA SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK AND I KEEP MY VEHICLE CLEAN AND ALWAYS USE THE UNDERCARRIAGE WASH WHEN GOING THROUGH THE CAR WASH. I BELIEVE TOYOTA DEFINITELY HAS A RUSTING PROBLEM AND SHOULD REPLACE MY REAR BUMPER AS THEY DID WITH THE RUSTING FRONT BUMPER ASSEMBLY. YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED. *TR
Structure, Jan 24, 2009
EXCESSIVE TRUCK FRAME RUST, 02 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK, TOYOTA HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH 95-04 TACOMA'S WITH THE FRAMES RUSTING, SOME GETTING BAD ENOUGH TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN, WITH FRAME PERFORATION. MY TRUCK IS SHOWING THE EARLY SIGNS OF FRAME RUST, AND WILL EVENTUALLY GET TO THE POINT WHERE IT COULD BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE. I WANTED TO HAVE NHTSA COMPLAINT ON FILE IN CASE THE FRAME RUST PERFORATES THE FRAME. *TR
Air bags, Jan 10, 2009, crash
I LOST CONTROL OF MY TRUCK WHEN THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE DEFLATED. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS TAKING AN OFF RAMP ON TO ANOTHER FREEWAY. THIS CAUSED ME TO BOUNCE OFF THE HOLLOW TUBES IN FRONT OF THE CONCERT DIVIDER. MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA WILL REQUIRE OVER $8K TO REPAIR. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED IN MY SINGLE CAB TRUCK. THE DAMAGE TAKEN WAS ON THE FRONT DRIVER FENDER/BUMPER (I HAVE PICTURES) CLEARLY THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT FAILED. THIS CAUSED ME TO SLAM INTO THE STEERING WHEEL UPON IMPACT. *TR
Structure, Jan 8, 2009
2002 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME ROT TRUCK FRAME HAS ROTTED PREMATURELY AND TOYOTA IS BEING VERY DIFFICULT IN GETTING INFORMATION IN THE MATTER. HAVE REFUSED PROVIDE A LIST OF PARTS TO BE REPLACED ETC. *TR
Structure, Jan 8, 2009
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA, WHICH I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THAT THERE IS A REPURCHASE PROGRAM AVAILABLE. PROBLEM IS, I HAD MY TRUCK AT THE SHOP ON NOV 11, 2008, NOBODY HAS GOT IN TOUCH WITH ME, I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA I WOULD HEAR SOMETHING IN 45 DAYS. FINALLY GOT THROUGH TO TOYOTA, NOW, THE REPURCHASE PROGRAM IS NOT AVAILABLE AS OF DECEMBER 2008. THEY ARE WANTING TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE FRAME. I HAVE ALOT OF SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS BEING DONE, I FEEL THIS IS ENTIRELY UNACCEPTABLE. SO, FOR THE TIME BEING, I AM DRIVING WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. OH, ONE PERSON SAYS IT IS SAFE, THE OTHER SAYS, IT IS DRIVABLE. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP POSSIBLE WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH TOYOTA, THEY NEED TO MAKE IT RIGHT BY THE CONSUMER. *TR
Structure, Nov 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE MAINFRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER. A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED HIM TO HAVE THE METAL PLATES WELDED ON THE FRAME, INCLUDING THE SPRING HANGERS. THE SPRING HANGERS WERE UNSAFE BECAUSE THEY WERE ALSO RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF ANYTHING IS WELDED ON RUST, IT WILL NOT WORK. THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT NOTHING ELSE COULD BE DONE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Structure, Oct 28, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH A RUSTED FRAME WHICH FAILED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WROTE "OK TO DRIVE" ON MY SLIP. I ORIGINALLY BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION AT A PRIVATE AUTO SHOP ON 8/12/08 AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY TO GET MY FRAME INSPECTED. I WENT AND THE DEALERSHIP TURNED ME AWAY, I ASKED WHY AND THEY INDICATED THAT I DID NOT HAVE A CASE NUMBER. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND CLOSED THE CASE THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE 95-00 RECALL YRS. I INSISTED THAT THEY HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED BY TOYOTA AND ON 9/12/08 THE BOSTON REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FAILED MY FRAME. PRIOR TO THAT IRWIN MOTORS IN LACONIA NH ALSO INSPECTED IT AND TOLD ME TO KEEP BUGGING TOYOTA BECAUSE THEY WILL DRAG THEIR FEET. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INDICATED TO ME THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR 01THROUGH THE 2004 YEAR FRAMES. TOYOTA INDICATES THAT THEY WILL NEGOTIATE A BUY BACK WITH ME BUT WILL NOT SEND ANY THING IN WRITING, THEY WILL NOT GIVE ANY TIME FRAME FOR RESOLVING OR EVEN NEGOTIATING THE BUY-BACK. I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE MECHANICS WHO INDICATE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL FROM 2001 TO 2004 AS WELL SINCE THE SAME FRAMES ARE BEING PRODUCED AND USED FOR THESE VEHICLE AS USED FOR THE 1995-2000 VEHICLES. I HAVE A NEWER TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY WILL REPURCHASE MY VEHICLE AND BASED IT ON 100% KELLY BLUE BOOK ONLY. I BELIEVE THAT IF OTHERS HAVE RECEIVED A 150% BUY-BACK THAT THEY SHOULD EXTEND THAT OFFER TO ME AS I HAVE OWNED EIGHT TOYOTAS IN THE PAST TEN YEARS. I AM DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA. THE LONGER PERIOD OF TIME GOES BY, THE LESS MY VEHICLE WILL BE WORTH IF THEY ARE BUYING BACK AT BLUE BOOK PRICES. WE HAVE DROVE BY MANY DEALERSHIPS IN OUR AREA, THERE ARE MANY 01-04S WHICH HAVE BEEN BOUGHT BACK, BUT WHEN TALKING TO MY CASE MANAGER, SHE INDICATED THAT THE THERE WERE ONLY A FEW OUTSIDE THE RECALL YEARS, I HAVE TO DISAGREE AS THE DEALERSHIP LOTS INDICATE OTHERWISE. CAN YOU HELP US OWNERS OUT? THANK YOU *TR
Electrical system, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 11, 2008, fire
I OWN AN "02" TOYOTA TACOMA THAT WAS BUILT AND SENT TO ME IN THAT SAME YEAR. THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED IS THAT THE A/C WENT OUT. I RARELY USE THE A/C IN THE SUMMER TIME, BUT I DO GET A LOT OF USE OUT OF THE HEATER IN THE WINTER. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT NOTICEABLE UNTIL I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS. I BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL. ONCE SMOKE ACTUALLY CAME OUT OF THE VENTS. EVENTUALLY THE FUSE BURNT. I REPLACED IT AND THE A/C WORKED FOR A SHORT WHILE THEN THE FUSE BURNED AGAIN. I BEGAN USING THE A/C TO ATTEMPT TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM WITH THE A/C. IT RECENTLY STOPPED COMPLETELY AND I CAN HEAR THE FAN TICKING AS IT ROTATES. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND I DID NOTHING TO AGGRAVATE THIS SITUATION. I HAVE AND CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS' SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS. I CAN'T MOVE FREELY ONCE IT'S LOCKED IN. IT CATCHES AND KEEPS ME FROM MOVING FREELY. I JUST LOCKS ME DOWN AND I CAN'T REACH FOR ANY CONTROLS UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY RELEASES ME SO I CAN MOVE. IT SEEMS THAT ALL OF THIS OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS. I NEVER EXPECTED SUCH POOR QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP FROM SUCH A TRUSTED AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER. HAD I KNOWN OR HAD ANY IDEA THAT THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN NO A/C, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT IN DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. NOW I HAVE NO A/C AND AM NOT FINANCIALLY PREPARED TO PAY THE COST INVOLVED IN REPAIRING IT. I WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE I EVEN CONSIDER PURCHASING ANOTHER TOYOTA PRODUCT. I ALSO HAD ONE OF MY TAILGATE WIRE ROPE SUPPORTS JUST CORRODE AND BREAK. HOW THIS HAPPENED I DON'T KNOW. IT IS INSULATED WITH A THICK PLASTIC, THE ENTIRE LENGTH. THIS IS PENDING AS IS THE A/C. I WENT TO THE TOYOTA PRODUCT FOR THE QUALITY AND ENDED UP REGRETTING THAT I THOUGHT THAT TOYOTA WAS A MARQUE FOR QUALITY. *TR
Structure, Sep 10, 2008
RUSTED FRAME ON 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. TOOK IT TO HALTERMAN'S TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 2006. DEALERSHIP SAID IT DOES NOT WARRANT RUST ON FRAME. WAS TOLD TO UNDERCOAT THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS UNDERCOATED AUGUST 2006. UNDERCOATING STARTED TO PEEL AWAY JANUARY 2007. NOW THE FRAME LOOKS AS IF IT'S STARTING TO RUST THROUGH. THIS IS A CONCERN TO ME BECAUSE I HAD A 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA THAT HAD TOTAL RUST PERFORATION IN FRAME JANUARY 2006. I SOLD IT FOR A THIRD OF IT'S KELLY BLUE BOOK RETAIL VALUE IN MARCH 2006 BEFORE TOYOTA IMPLEMENTED THEIR BUYBACK PROGRAM IN MARCH 2008 FOR 1995-2000 TACOMAS DISPLAYING RUST PERFORATION. I NOW SEE THE SAME SITUATION HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN AND TOYOTA WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM BEGINNING TO BECOME AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE IN FEAR OF THE FRAME BREAKING FROM UNDERNEATH ME. *TR