I bought a used 2002 tacoma from a good friend. He took very good care of the truck, it was mint. After I bought the truck I asked about the frame recall, but he said when he took it in that they couldn't do it and he had forgotten to take it back. No negligence, just didn't see rust and didn't take it in for the under coating. I tried to get it done but toyota would not stand behind the warranty. Two years later and I have a some pretty bad frame rust. This is a safety issue and I really cannot afford another payment. There needs to be a recall for this problem.
2002 Toyota Tacoma suspension complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 82, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Frame is rusted through in multiple locations and has been treated with corrosion resistant coatings. The coatings are obviously visible but did not prevent the frame from rusting to an unsafe condition. The previous owner brought the truck in for other recalls that are recorded in its history. This one for the frame is not recorded however you can see the coating has been applied. The warranty extension is listed for 15 years. The truck is 13 years old but, a person representing toyota says it's expired with no explanation of how that is. So far she put me on hold for 20 minutes without being able to find the information to explain to me.
I purchased a tacoma truck december 2014 with an undercoated frame, and was unaware the frames in these trucks rot out, it is now april I look under the truck and see the frame is completely rotten out to the point where there is holes every where and you can poke your fingers holes will develop, I contacted toyota they don't want to even touch the truck, I feel very unsafe driving the truck.
Purchased this truck 4 months ago for $10,900. Found no evidence of recalls on this truck on carfax and toyotas recall website. It is a great truck in pristine condition. However, after talking to a friend who has a 2004 tacoma he informed me that there was a recall and that his frame was sprayed to prevent corrosion. I called up toyota to see if it had been done on mine and they said no. I asked why they were spraying them and they said it was because the frame will corrode. I asked if it could be done to mine and they said that they stopped doing it at the end of 2011. I had joseph toyota inspect it yesterday and they informed me that the frame has a hole in it and would only have 2 years left. I asked toyota if they would repair the frame or buy the truck back as I have heard they do and they said no. So now I can either pass the problem onto someone else or wait until the frame fails.
Vehicle has low miles yet the frame has rust holes in it. Toyota won't do anything about it even though it has frame inspections in it's recent service history. The first inspection occurred in 2010, less than 7k miles ago. They indicated to me on the phone that due to an agreement with the federal safety agency that they could not do anything to help me. They would not take ownership for not inspecting the frame properly. This is a major problem with tacoma's, tundra's, sequoia's and 4runner's of this vintage in cold climate states. Toyota acknowledged the frames were of poor manufacturing even suing the frame manufacturer, yet some get new frames, others like myself with a low mile truck are told they could do absolutely nothing even though the vehicle was traded in less than 1600 miles ago at a toyota dealership in pa. Toyota needs to own up to this major safety issue and address it instead of skirting the issue without a proper recall. I have seen videos of tacoma's which have literally broken in half due to this problem. Never did I think toyota wouldn't stand behind this potentially fatal flaw in frame manufacturing and corrosion resistance. My frame has a large 1"x6.5" hole above the right front leaf spring mount - a key attachment point for the rear suspension.
Part of the frame suddenly broke from the frame rail under the driver's side of the vehicle, resulting in a significant portion of material loosing all structural integrity. This was due, it seems, to a manufacturing defect in the frame quality leading to excessive rot and rust. The vehicle is now structurally unsound and thus unable to be driven safely.
The sway bar arm bracket on the passenger side of the vehicle pulled out of the frame due to corrosion. The vehicle was found to have corrosion perforations in multiple areas of the frame. Frame has excessive corrosion and I have been advised vehicle is not safe to operate. Manufacturer refuses to do anything.
I recently took my 2002 toyota tacoma into the local dealer, dch in wappingers falls ny, because of leak in the rack and pinion steering. Upon looking at the vehicle,they observed a cracked and rusted frame. We took the car down and I went to my local repair shop for a second opinion. That repair shop had said there was a frame recall for that year. I called toyota in california and they confirmed there was a recall for that year and that they sent out a notice, but it had to be brought by the end of 2012. I told them I never received the notice. There have been 2 other recalls for the vehicle which I did receive notices. They checked with their compliance office and said they did send it to me. I asked how many notices went out and they said one and they do not send them certified mail. When I stated that I never received the notice, they told there was a department that may still be able to assist me. After opening up a case with toyota, they came to the conclusion, there was nothing they can do about it because I failed to bring the car in by their deadline. I told them again that I never received the notice and that I don't feel safe driving the vehicle with a rusted and cracked frame. This seems to be problem with a good deal of toyotas. I was hoping for some kind of help, since they've admitted the problem and I never received the notice and we, at this point have only their word that they sent me a notice. Thank you. Toyota case# 1405131065. Updated 07/03/14
While driving home from picking up my daughter from school. I hit a pot hole my truck became very loose and hard to handle. I got home and inspected the truck. I found that the rear leaf spring mounts on both sides pulled/ ripped the frame! My back axel also slid back about 2"! I'm glad we didn't get hurt, but I can't believe that this is acceptable. I only wonder what would have happened if the axel would have came totally disconnected from the truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, he heard a knocking noise in the rear or the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic for inspection where they stated that the rear shock was corroded needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
After having my 2002 toyota tacoma off the road and garaged for the past 3 years, I was getting the truck ready to be driven on the road again. I am the original owner. I took the truck off the road because my job was eliminated in october 2010. After changing the oil last weekend in my garage I noticed an abnormal amount of rust on the frame. In fact, so much rust that the rubber body mount block on top of the rear leaf spring snapped off in my hand. The leaf springs, brake lines, and front suspension and frame are all in question regarding vehicle safety. I immediately did research online to check out what I thought was abnormal amounts of rust on the frame and to see if anyone else had experienced this too. I was shocked at what I found. A huge safety issue with toyota tacoma rusted frames. I come to find out online that toyota has a history of rusted frames, breaking frames, unsafe frames, and a recall currently for a rear spare tire mount issue due to rust. I also found out toyota was replacing frames on my model. I called my dealership to set up an appointment to have this truck inspected for pennsylvania state requirements and to have the rust checked. They told me my vehicle was not valid for the rust inspection and the frame replacement because the program expired, I was told to call toyota. I was never notified by toyota or my dealer there was an issue, not by mail, phone calls or certified mail. I had the truck parked in my garage for three years so it wasn't even on the road during this time. Several phone calls later to toyota and they refuse to replace my frame under the customer care program citing I did not have the undercoating applied by december of 2012. Toyota customer service said I could weld reinforcement plates to my frame myself or find a junkyard frame. Really toyota?
I am a canadian citizen, currently the second owner of a 2002 toyota tacoma and have accessed this site to inform other owners but had to register this complaint under the previous owners name. This vehicle was purchased in new hampshire and returned to canada. In late 2011 I was advised that my vehicle frame was starting to show severe rust corrosion. I took steps, as advised, to have it undercoated but when taking it in for inspection this year, I was told it would not pass inspection. I was fortunate to be able to do a temporary fix by having the frame welded but that would only be in the short term. In pursuing this with toyota USA I've told that there was an extended warranty put on these vehicles which expired in 2011 and since they didn't have it registered in the united states there was nothing they could do. It seems like they do everything to avoid responsibility for this problem but I am aware they have replaced many frames for similar vehicles at their cost or paid out the customers by buying back the vehicles. So many customers are frustrated with toyota, me included and they've advised me since it isn't registered in the us currently they cannot do anything. On the other hand, checking with toyota canada then they say I have to resolve the matter with toyota USA. Talk about passing the buck back and forth. The vehicle has been registered in north america since 2002 and was built in california. Why should this matter? It's still a toyota. Poor customer relations for people with similar problems.
My tacoma was recalled 2 years ago for frame rust. They told me it was ok + undercoated it to prevent future rusting. All that undercoating is falling off. That can only be due to improper application or faulty product. The dealer that applied the product (ferris toyota) says the product is faulty + they've seen it many times. They've also confirmed the same with other dealerships. Toyota, otoh, says there's nothing wrong. If the frame doesn't need undercoating, then why'd they do it? Are they suggesting it works when 50% has fallen off? This is the same vehicle which is now being recalled for spare tires falling off on the highway + my emergency brakes have been seized with corrosion since I've owned the truck. I've contacted toyota many times + they refuse to put their correspondence in writing, but the representative, tiffany bishop, says she types a transcript of our conversations, just won't give me copies. She also calls from a phone with a blocked number. What kind of bull is this? These vehicles are obvious hazards on the road + toyota is playing games instead of making serious efforts to make the vehicles safe. Please bring this to the attention of someone at toyota other than [xxx], I am finished corresponding with her! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The lower ball joint fell off the truck...this is the 3rd time this has happened in 11 months...once on the right side and twice on the left...there was a recall on this vehicle for the very issue that has happened...and I bought it under warranty september 2005 from toyota, evans toyota fort wayne indiana...I have submitted a claim for repairs and damages to toyota but they refused to honor it...the truck was under recall when I bought it and they never told me...I have all my claim and repair documentation...it is a wonder no one was killed the wheel just comes off while driving...I am afraid that this is going to happen and I or someone else will be killed...the wheels are not suppose to come off this truck....
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while traveling 25 MPH, the front passenger side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the ball joint had failed, similar tothe defect listed in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the mechanic advised that the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for further inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised that the VIN qualified for repairs under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall was expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 88,500 and the current mileage was 89,000.
2002 toyotoa truck, lost control and hit my ford s/w, truck was on recall for ball/joints , both me and wife was hurt by this un insured driver, driver was cited for wrong turn into my lane, I lost both my car and my health, what can I do to recover damages from a uninsured truck and driver?
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an inspection. The dealer determined that there was rust on the leaf springs and stated that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 128,500.
While driving away from my house at 5mph, at night in the rain, approximately 200 feet from my driveway and just after a speed bump, I heard and felt a loud noise, like driving over a concrete block. I stopped the truck and using a flashlight saw that the wheel was bent at an angle and the lower ball joint was completely sheared off. Had to call a tow truck to get it out of the road and back to our driveway.
2002 toyota tacoma. Consumer states in 2010 while backing out of the backyard, the left wheel axle broke *tgw the consumer stated the exact same thing happened on july 1, 2011, only it happened on the opposite side. The consumer stated the tire twisted and the truck skidded into oncoming traffic.
2002 toyota tacoma. Consumer states as he attempted to make a right turn, the front end of the vehicle fell apart while driving. Axle dug into the street causing the ball joints to separate from their knuckle sleeves. Suspension fell apart damaging the vehicle. *kb the consumer stated the only thing holding the tire to the vehicle was the brake line. The consumer was advised his vehicle identification was not a part of the recall.
The ball joints and suspension on my 2002 toy tacoma fell apart while making a routine turn onto my street! The balljoints separated and the front axle dug into the street, the only thing holding the wheel to the vehicle was the brake line! Had this happened 5 minutes earlier it would have been on the freeway doing 65 MPH instead of in a residential tract doing 20 MPH!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact was driving approximately 20 MPH and attempting a right turn when the frame fractured from the vehicle, leaving the wheel connected by the brake line only. The vehicle was towed to the contacts place of residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they confirmed that there was a recall for that year, make and model (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v225000-suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but the recall did not include his VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, he heard a loud pop while turning right and lost control of the vehicle. The contact pulled over. He noticed that the front passenger side tire disconnected from the lower control arm and folded beneath the passenger side fender. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The contact was informed that recall 05v225000 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint) did not include his vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
Tl*the contact owns 2002 toyota tacoma. While driving 5 MPH, the passenger right front tire ball joint broke in half. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that his vehicle identification number wasn't included in recall 05v225000. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they advised him that he would receive a call back. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.
I was not notified of several recalls on my 2002 toyota tacoma truck.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact received a recall notice regarding the front suspension lower ball joints. He took the vehicle to the dealer and had it repaired at approximately 100,000 miles. Six months later, while driving approximately 20 MPH, he suddenly lost control of the steering. He was able to decelerate and pull to the side of the road. He then noticed that the wheel was detached from the steering assembly. Currently, the vehicle remains at the failure location. The VIN, engine size, number of cylinders, and recall number were unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 104,000.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2002 Toyota Tacoma?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history