4Runner (N180)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
3RZ-FE
2.7L 4-cyl / 150 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
5VZ-FE
3.4L 6-cyl / 183 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Toyota 4Runner Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2UZ-FE
4.7L 8-cyl / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Toyota 4Runner regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner problems?
The 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner has accumulated 898 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Suspension, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Toyota 4Runner engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.7L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner a good used car?
The 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 898 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner have?
The 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner has 898 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota 4Runner?
Before buying a used Toyota 4Runner, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Suspension, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the 4Runner?
The 2002 Toyota 4Runner received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 2 stars. Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 898 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.