2002 Toyota 4Runner Power Train Problems
- 25
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
What owners report
- rear differential · 15 records
- rear axle · 6 records
- rusted through · 4 records
- differential housing · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 11 |
| 150–400k mi | 5 |
| 60–100k mi | 2 |
| 30–60k mi | 2 |
| 1–30k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Power Train · Service Brakes
When the check engine light is illuminated, the traction control and anti lock brake features are automatically disabled.
ODI 11229403
Body · Power Train
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…
ODI 11217310
Body · Power Train
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…
ODI 11035790
Power Train
REAR DIFFERENTIAL RUSTED THROUGH
ODI 10852495
Power Train
REAR DIFFERENTIAL COVERED RUSTING THROUGH.
ODI 10956666
Power Train · Suspension
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…
ODI 10826027
Power Train
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.
ODI 10777896
Power Train · Suspension · Underbody Shields
The frame is rusting almost in two. Looks like it could break any time. Rear axel is also very rusted with pieces falling off. *tr
ODI 10701395
Power Train · Structure
FRAME AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL RUSTING OUT. *TR
ODI 10666960
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that fluid was leaking under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rear differential housing was rusted, leaked fluid intermittently and there were multiple holes to the point that the component may fracture. The rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
ODI 10661047
Power Train
Rear differential has rusted through, the whole thing has to be replaced because there is no separate cover the repair cost may be high. *tr
ODI 10653785
Engine · Power Train
[redacted] would not work. Vcs lites and check engine lites on. Car engine filled with black smoke and was towed to repair shop. Details: drove on freeway and lost traction and than on shoulder with above problem. Differential repaired. Two days later lites on again and oil leak. *tr
ODI 10629903
Engine And Engine Cooling · Power Train · Underbody Shields
I filed a nhtsa complaint (odi number 10569206 was assigned) on 13 march 2014 about this vehicle. On 14 march 2014, i took my 4runner to my local toyota dealership after contacting toyota customer service and logging a complaint ( case number [xxx] ) with them on the 14th of march 2014 at their office in california and the customer service rep telling me documentation of the issue at my dealership would help me.…
ODI 10572597
Power Train
Rear axle assembly rot! Now leaking on rear non replaceable yoke cover. 1800-2000 dollar fix. To make things worse axle assembly has no tags!!!! Told by dealer door tags are often wrong so ordering recycled (if you can find one in better shape) is a gamble!!!! Has been a dependable truck other wise but now it seems as though they are profiting from there design flaws. *tr
ODI 10556662
Body · Power Train · Underbody Shields
(there was no category offered for frame). During a recent automotive service for brakes on 9-26-13 for my 2002 toyota 4runner, i was notified of a rust perforation in the frame body near a rear support mount for the axle making it unsafe for operation. This is a situation where rust forms in the interior of the frame and works its way out destroying the structural integrity of the vehicle. It seems the service…
ODI 10546324
Power Train · Suspension
Recently purchased this vehicle and started cleaning it, after i drove it home and pressure washed undercarriage, pieces of the rear differential started flying off and gear oil started running out of holes. I have a 1971 dodge challenger with original rear end that has never been in garage and have never seen a rearend rust like this. I'm really worried about how strong the axle housing structure is and if it could…
ODI 10513553
Power Train
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…
ODI 10515964
Accelerator Pedal · Power Train
2002 toyota 4 runner. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle gas pedal malfunction. *smd the consumer stated after stopping at a stop sign, he attempted to move forward, but the vehicle would not move. After several trips to the dealer, the problem was fixed. However, the consumer did state what the problem was.
ODI 10537659
Power Train
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…
ODI 10481316
Power Train
After noticing a strong gear oil odor and seeing the actual gear oil on the back the of the vehicle i was alarmed to find out that the rear axle housing had rust perforating the rear of the housing. Once the housing was checked by a certified mechanic and turned away due to fear of destroying the housing, i removed the vehicle from the road. *tr
ODI 10474018
Power Train
REAR DIFFERENTIAL RUST THROUGH. *TR
ODI 10454833
Power Train
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…
ODI 10411676
Body · Power Train · Service Brakes
Vehicle frame, front & rear bumpers and undercarriage have excessive / unsafe rust corrosion. *tr
ODI 10559158
Power Train
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…
ODI 10304936
12v/24v/48v Battery · Power Train · Suspension
2002 toyota 4runner front end makes loud noises, when going over high bumps and some stiffness in steering. *ts the battery needed to be replace due to little or no fluids, noises were coming from the front end, the shock were leaking, and transmission fluid was leaking. The consumer requested a replacement of the front suspension/lower ball joints and the leaking shocks at no cost. *sc
ODI 10142135