2002 Toyota Tacoma

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What changed

Transmissions: 5-speed manual^4,3, 4-speed automatic^5,3
Drivetrains: 2WD^2,3, 4WD^2,3
Trims: Base^4,5, SR5^2,5,6, Limited^5,6, PreRunner (1998–2004)^5,3, S-Runner (2001–2004)^6,3
Packages: TRD Off-Road Package^5,3,7, TRD supercharger⁶

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Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Worn lower ball joints All years

What to check: Check the front lower ball joints for play, look for uneven tire wear, and ask whether they were replaced. On a 2001–2004 truck, ask a dealer whether recall 05V225000 was done.

FLEX says lower ball joint failures are especially common on 1st gen trucks. Two TacomaWorld members call them a weak point of every 1st gen year, and one says theirs failed about 20,000 miles after he bought the truck. Two Edmunds owners of a 1997 and a 1999 say they replaced ball joints.

Sources ^9,10,11,8
3.4L V6 timing belt All years

What to check: Ask for proof of when the timing belt and water pump were last changed.

A TacomaWorld member says in two threads that the 3.4's timing belt has to be changed every 90,000 miles. Three others in a thread on 2003–2004 trucks say to confirm the belt was done once past 100,000 miles, or at about 150,000.

Sources ^12,13,10

03V189000 2001–2003
In a side crash, the body can cut the fuel filler hose. A guard is fitted.^14,15,16
05V225000 2001–2004
Front lower ball joints may wear loose and separate.^14,15,16,17
12V542000 2001–2004
The spare tire carrier's lift plate can rust and break, so the spare can drop.^14,15,16,17

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.