4Runner (N180)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
5VZ-FE
3.4L 6-cyl / 183 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota 4Runner Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
3RZ-FE
2.7L 4-cyl / 150 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2UZ-FE
4.7L 8-cyl / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota 4Runner, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner
On a used 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (427), the suspension (178) and the transmission and drivetrain (104). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 427 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner about the body and structure.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 178 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner about the suspension.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner about the brakes.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 41 owner complaints on the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner about the steering.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner complaints?
Owners have filed 885 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the suspension and the transmission.
Is the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 885 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner have?
NHTSA has 885 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2000-2002 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota 4Runner?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the suspension and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 885 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.