Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
I was driving on a highway at about 55 MPH. The right lower control ball joint broke so the entire wheel broke off the vehicle. The vehicle tried to run/jump over the wheel and caused the vehicle to slammed down on the asphalt. The truck dragged on the asphalt for about 100 to 150 yds until I managed to control and stop it.
The left rear tire (dunlop grandtrek p265) of 2002 Toyota Tacoma blew out on ca 215 freeway (with speed of 60-70 MPH). I lost control of the vehicle, it spun and collided with another vehicle which resulted to minor physical injury to the other vehicle's driver. Original tires came from the dealership, carson Toyota (california). Contacted Toyota and the dealership--they gave us the run-around. The dealership was very unresponsive stating that they are not at fault, did not know that the tire would blow up on the vehicle that during the sale--nevertheless, to cut cost on a $2ok value truck, put substandard, defective tires, least expensive in the market. I will end up putting up the costs for replacing all tires with more reliable tires (Michelin). I hope that there would be better law/legislation protecting consumers and no one would experience the same incident that occured to me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V542000 (tires) and indicated that the dealer in new york was not able to do the undercoating process due to state regulations. In approximately mid August 2012, the dealer indicated that the remedy for this defect was not available at the time the contact tried to schedule the recall repair. The contact waited for years to determine when the manufacturer would finalize the remedy plan to repair the vehicle. The rust became extensive to the point that the underbody, the chassis, the leaf spring, and the rear wheel wells all had corrosion to the point that the components could fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified for years of the failure and was unable to provide a permanent remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
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 when the vehicle was taken to the dealer (gerard Toyota located on 543 colman st, new london, ct 06320) for service, the technician noticed corrosion on the rear passenger side frame and a crack in the rear passenger wheel. The shocks could be seen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 193,672.
Was driving down 85 s c from greenville- anderson in passing lane .heard slight noise like in left rear tire at first.sound increased fast to extreme thumping.had to pull over immediately into breakdown lane.looked at tire-----outside wall was completely ripped open showing total rim.if this had been either front tire I would dead now.tire was bought about 2 1/2 yrs ago,twas over 50%,milage was under 20,000 miles
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at 3 MPH, the front driver side wheel disconnected from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a claim was opened. The failure mileage was 124,250.
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. …
The whole spare tire assembly fell off the Tacoma truck. There is a safety recall for this. The problem is this Tacoma truck also has totally rotted frame rails (an older, expired safety recall). The big issue is Toyota can only offer a date when the actual recall notice left their print facility. I do not recall receiving this notice since it did not come registered mail. Toyota will not honor the old, expired frame rail recall and thus cannot fulfill this active, spare tire recall. Both recalls are for the same symptom (excessive road salt corroding parts). Why did the frame rail recall expire when the most-recent spar tire recall is the same symptom?? I do not know if anyone has died because my spare tire fell off...that scares me very much.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was severely rusted and the frame area near the tires exhibited corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12V542000 (tires) and stated that the local dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the recall was no longer active. The vehicle was to be inspected and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 01/12/16, updated 02/23/16 updated 8/22/2017
Related recalls
Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, 8% of the model year's 333 complaints. The component named most often is temporary/emergency spare tire (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Toyota Tacoma wheel & tire problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-542 (temporary/emergency spare tire, Nov 23, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Tacoma wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.