Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure initially occurred without warning; however, the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) message was displayed with an audible beeping sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, there was a red warning light flashing on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer and the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change recently and the technician said that I have some major rust issues on my rear axle and drivetrain. He should me when it was on the lift. He explained to me that the bolt and clip than holds the brake line down on the rear differential had rusted and broken off of the differential cover. The rear differential is now leaking gear oil. The technician advised me that it is too risky to attempt to repair as it May cause the entire differential to be damaged and the whole rear axle would need to be replaced. The technician also said that it is a risk to drive the vehicle and is possibly unsafe to keep driving. He stated that it is unknown how much longer I would be able to drive it until the rear axle ceases.
I purchased the 2002 4runner in 2014. At that time, the 4runner only had 79,000 miles and had been cared for meticulously. I have taken the car in for routine service over the past 5 years. Upon taking the 4runner in due to a vibration and check of the differential, the mechanic called me in to look at the frame while it was up on the lift. Below in the attached photos, there is extensive rusting of the rear differential, axle and frame. The vehicle was stationary and the issue was found during routine maintenance. The rusted frame and differential have rendered this vehicle practically valueless and unsafe.
"Takata recall" frame rusted out from the inside out. Looking at on frame it was at least 1.5 inches of dirt and small rock from maine roads and than when rained it was just mud the bad spot is on the passenger side d by torsion bar no way to drain. Also rear end differential gear cover rusted out on other vehicles you replaced just the cover on the 4runner I was told to replace the rear end price just for the rear end was $2500 than labor.
My frame is rotting out. I just had to replace my rear axle because it had almost rotted through. It was actually weaping gear oil out of small holes through the rot. Some of the frame had to be welded to pass inspection.
I am the original owner of a 2002 Toyota 4runner-sr5, sport edition with 74,600K miles. In November 2009, I experienced the same problem that's being reported by other Toyota owners whose vehicles are being recalled. The accelerator pedal stuck in a partially depressed position on its own and quite suddenly. This occurrence only happened once. The engine was racing at a very high RPM and my rear tires were squealing loud enough to draw attention from passersby. Luckily for me I was slowly pulling into a parking slot. My reaction to this situation was to put the gear in neutral and applied the brakes. My main concern is if the ongoing investigation by the NHTSA and Toyota will include a look-back at earlier models for these known problems? And, if so, what is the manufacturer's recommendation to owners' with earlier models?
2002 4runner sr5 4wd, 141K miles, completely rusted through rear differential, both rear axle seals busted out, differential housing has several pin hole leaks and is thinned out, the only fix is a completely new rear end, which is very costly, I am the 2nd owner, I've owned a 99 4runner that had these same rear differential rust issues, the rust is ridiculous and has deteriorated the whole undercarriage and my 4runner is garage kept and I wash it all the time. I can't believe Toyota has not been held accountable for the rusting out of rear differentials and rear axle issues.
The differential housing is rusting out and is seeping fluid. In addition, the frame is dangerously rusted, especially from the rear axle back. I have been told by a very reputable body shop in the area, that the frame needs to be replaced, but due to the severity of the rust, this is not practical. Toyota is replacing frames on their tundra pickups due to rust, but refuses to cover 4runners, though they share the same frame. If I did not have the vehicle serviced by the dealer regularly, I would be unaware of the dangerous condition of the frame.
My 4runner has 72000 miles on it, and I just realized the rear differential housing has rusted through. The metal is so thin that the fluid is leaking out through the pours of the metal. I took it to the dealer and they said it would cost 3000$+ to replace the entire rear end. There is no other rust under the vehicle except for the pumpkin housing. After looking around on the internet I found this is a common problem, of the housing not only being too thin of metal for the application, but low quality steel that's prone to corrosion.
I have a 2002 Toyota 4 runner with rust out of the rear differential housing. I took the vehicle in for repairs only to discover that metal was quite rusted at the rear housing and instead of a simple part replacement, the whole assembly has to be replaced, a costly repair. I found other owners with similar stories online. Is this a defective part? I had temporary repair with grinding, welding and epoxy which for the time being has corrected the leak but eventually it will reappear.
Transmission complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner, 15% of the model year's 225 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 132,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.