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2002 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems

82 complaints (25% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 128,500. 9 crashes reported.

owner complaints
82
of this car's complaints
25%
typical mileage
128,500
crashes
9
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Front: control arm: lower ball joint
    10
  • Front
    5
  • Front: shock absorber
    4
  • Rear: springs: leaf spring assembly
    2
  • Rear: shock absorber
    2
  • Rear
    2
  • Rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf
    1
  • Rear: springs
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota Tacoma suspension problems in other years

1995200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 27

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported May 17, 2005 · 768,379 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 05V225000 · Recall details

What 2002 Toyota Tacoma owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Driver assistance, Steering · GA · crash

Rackandpinon replacement was also the upper and lower ball joints my steering is still giving me problems and I feel like it’s asafty concern because if I’m going down the highway I could loose control I have some receipts for what my mechanic replaced I called Toyota and they told me that it was to late to fix anything and that I would have to deal with it I never received a notice in the mail or anywhere else I feel like Toyota owes me Also what has happened is my spare tire feel off from the hanger going up my driveway I got to looking and the cable rusted away along with my rear parking brake cable up under the truck thanks for your time

Filed Oct 19, 2024 · Body, Suspension · NY

Found hole in frame (chassis)

Filed Sep 26, 2024 · Suspension · CA

I recently lost both front wheels in two different incidents within a month. Early August drivers side ball joint failed on me. And on September 25th the passenger side failed on me on the freeway almost causing a collision with a mercedes and a semi truck.

Filed Jul 25, 2024 · Suspension · CA

As I was pulling out from being parked the truck just dropped to the floor on the drivers side. When I got out to see what happened? My wheel broke off at the lower ball joint yesterday evening. I had to wait 2 hours for a tow. I had no warning or symptoms prior.

Filed Jul 2, 2024 · Suspension · 443,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the front passenger’s side wheel separated from the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control of the steering and drove into the opposite lane. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front suspension ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the front shocks, front tires, and front brakes were also damaged during the failure, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 443,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Suspension · MO

The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle, the contact was informed that the rear sub frame was severely rusted at the spring shackle on the driver's side. The vehicle was then taken to an auto body shop, where it was determined that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Body, Suspension · ME

I went to get my 02 tacoma tires balanced and was called and told that where the frame was cracked. Upon inspecting it myself the crack is where the manufacturer welded the frame together. I'm the 3rd owner of this vehicle and there original owner didn't get frame warranty recall done. Which led to it running out. Now Toyota corporate has a frame case number ([XXX]) and was told that there's nothing that could be done until enough complaints about this case number reaches a certain number then they'll look into it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 29, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · WA

The steering is all loose and the alignment is repeatedly moving out of line on its own. The lower ball joints are wearing wrong and may fail at any point.

Filed Dec 27, 2021 · Electrical, Suspension · VA

Driving in a highway state 81 towards harrisonburg virginia when my 2002 toyota tacoma , parts or equipment underneath the truck collapse cause of out of control of the truck , the whole shock and the ball joint in the front all the way to the back, the passenger side and driver side fall to the ground, while driving did not hit any one but it will cause my life at risk . I dont know what happend if I can call some as a recall , since the beginning of 2002 when I bought the truck brand new at steven toyota harrisonburg , virginia , not even a year yet notice that underneath from pipe to the shkicj the whole underrneath start to rusty bad but no one ever told me how bad it is. I love my 2002 toyota tacoma .I kept the truck for almost 20 years now I believe im only the one in page county town of stanley virginia driving a toyota tacoma . I took care of my truck nothing but only 135,000 miles on it., mosty everyday I have been ask or many people like to buy my truck . Im not very rich person im not retired yet but I got disable for a year and my income not enough but with the help of some family I manage to pay the towing campony . Now the truck set in to my mechanic told them to fix and what ever it taskes of course will cost me more money. I will lost my truck if I dont have money to fix it and my insurance will not pay anything . This the first thing im going tp work on it after all holidays . Lots iofthey towed it , charge me then pay shop n mechanic tow it ,will start on it ,cost lots of money to fix it told them to fix it , holidays have not start yet , I might not be able to pay .! I need my tyruck or sue/ so proud on it .why happened why fell off . Left the truck at the highwa police spoted say I abandon the truck , but no charges , no , just done state inspection , no warning sign, by now ill be dead at risk , dealer ignorant, rude toyota dealer. Where I bought the truck brand new , so ignorant carrying toyotas name , should not work at toyota tha

Filed Jul 30, 2021 · Body, Suspension · IN

Truck frame is rusted to the point the the vehicle is not usable. The problem has been confirmed by a local independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. The first symptom was that the right rear shock became detached from the frame. When I brought the vehicle in to have the shock repaired they stated that there was not enough frame left in that area to re-attach the shock.

Questions about the 2002 Toyota Tacoma suspension

Does the 2002 Toyota Tacoma have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 82 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, 25% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 128,500 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V225000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Tacoma have bad suspension?

The Toyota Tacoma model years with the most suspension complaints are 2006 (154 complaints), 2005 (137 complaints) and 2008 (125 complaints).

Other 2002 Toyota Tacoma problems

Body 180Transmission 21Airbags 19Wheels 18Brakes 17Tires 14Steering 9Acceleration 8Electrical 7Engine 7Fuel system 6Seat belts 4Visibility 4Driver assistance 1Lights 1Locks 1

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