Solara (2002)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
1MZ-FE
3.0L 6-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2AZ-FE
2.4L 4-cyl / 157 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota Solara Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Solara, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2002 Toyota Solara
On a used 2002 Toyota Solara, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (12), the seats, seat belts and interior (11) and the brakes (7). 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.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2002 Toyota Solara about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2002 Toyota Solara about the seats, seat belts and interior.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2002 Toyota Solara about the brakes.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on the 2002 Toyota Solara about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on the 2002 Toyota Solara about the engine, all engines combined.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Coupe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2002 Toyota Solara complaints?
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 Toyota Solara. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the interior and the brakes.
Is the 2002-2002 Toyota Solara 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 60 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 Toyota Solara. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Toyota Solara have?
NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2002 Toyota Solara 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 2002-2002 Toyota Solara?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002-2002 Toyota Solara.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Solara?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the interior and the brakes, 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.
Does the Solara have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002 Toyota Solara. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 60 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.