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 Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The rust on the rear end assembly is so severe that the brakes are compromised, and the back up emergency brake system has failed. The rust on the differential housing is so severe that the fluid has leaked out and the gears are at risk for catastrophic failure. The spring mounts to the axles are also rusting severely, creating a risk of lost control should either side break away. It takes great effort when braking, and the vehicle pulls severely due to rust causing the loss of integrity of the braking system. The brakes, once applied, do not release evenly, creating uneven brake wear, shuddering and shaking, resulting in poor control, excessive and uneven tire wear, I.e., tires locked and dragging, scalloping. On wet, and I fear, icey, surfaces, the truck has slid sideways due to one or more wheels not releasing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the ball joint fractured and came apart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to mike erdman Toyota (1545 e merritt island causeway, merritt island, fl 32952) where it was diagnosed that the ball joint separated and damaged the axle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 05V225000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 334,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
My 2002 Tacoma vibrates at high speeds and when stopping. I've had the brakes fixed 5 times now and it's still not right. My transmission clunks when I stop and start, shutters when coming to a stop, and shifts hard. Sometimes the transmission clunks after I've already started moving. The problems started about a year ago. I've recently been to two dealerships before the warranty expired and nothing was done. One Toyota technician said it was my brakes, yeah right, the other wouldn't even take it for a test drive. I think the problem is caused by my transmission sliding back and forth, which I don't think it's supposed to do. Whenever I stomp on the gas to pass someone it shifts into the wrong gear and the engine red lines. My dash squeaks, so I have to wedge my wallet in between the windshield and dash to stop it. My driver's side door doesn't shut flush with the body. …
I took in my 2002 Tacoma for an oil change and was told that they could not put it up on the lift due to excessive corrosion on the frame. I only recently bought the truck in oct. 2013 with 65K miles on it. All else works fine. After explaining the issue to Toyota they advised me to take it to the dealership for inspection. The dealership then told me that they were only covering the rusted spare wheel casing in the recall, not the entire frame, and advised me to take it up with Toyota corporate. The model before the '02 was recalled due to excessive corrosion on the frame (in cold weather states) however the problem seems to persist in later models. Has anyone had luck calling Toyota about this? …
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.
The Toyota Tacoma had a rear axle wrap up, this was where the two piece driveshaft becomes loose at the spleen and caused a clung or looseness in the drive line, which caused undue stress on the engine and the transmission, which could cause the driveshaft to break at the yoke and fall to ground, causing an accident. This was getting progressively worse on the truck. I have taken the car under warranty to the dealer. They dismissed it as normal. This was not normal. It was a flaw in the springs they used on the truck.
Brought truck to Toyota service for 5000 mile service reported auto trans jump in gear shift from 1st to second (mechanic said needed new transmission, after leaving service station noticed truck wasn't driving properly brought truck back mechanic said needs new front shock and rear shock. Now it did not need new transmission even though it still jumps from gear to gear.
For the last year I have brought truck back to sf Toyota dealership for transmission problems , suspension problems rattling dash board, squeaking sounds from seat and front bushings. All these problems still have not been fixed. After 15 visits to dealership, sf Toyota left scratches on body and lost mud flap. Body now tilted after service.
Transmission-power train.while driving in low speed situations the vehicle's transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd.....back and forth from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they advised that they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It has 76K miles on it. I was just wondering if anyone else was having this problem.
My Toyota Tacoma has what Toyota refers to as rear axle wrap up, where the two piece drive shaft becomes loose at the spline and causes a clunk or looseness in the driveline which cause undue stress on the engine and the transmission, which could cause the drive shaft to break at the yoke and fall to ground causing accident.
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, 6% of the model year's 333 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 3 recalls 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 Tacoma transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 31% 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.