VehicleVerdict

2002 Toyota Corolla problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Toyota Corolla is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 5 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 141 owner complaints run below the Corolla median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying. Complainants reported 27 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (24), airbags (23), and speed control (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

141

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

38

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

27

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Corolla years?

Corolla NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted1,770 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 2 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 33 complaints1989: 30 complaints1990: 31 complaints1991: 96 complaints1992: 115 complaints1993: 154 complaints1994: 199 complaints1995: 226 complaints1996: 151 complaints1997: 149 complaints1998: 278 complaints1999: 188 complaints2000: 176 complaints2001: 163 complaints2002: 141 complaints2003: 860 complaints2004: 560 complaints2005: 972 complaints2006: 971 complaints2007: 983 complaints2008: 378 complaints2009: 1,770 complaints2010: 1,573 complaints2011: 690 complaints2012: 496 complaints2013: 269 complaints2014: 381 complaints2015: 308 complaints2016: 309 complaints2017: 275 complaints2018: 196 complaints2019: 289 complaints2020: 391 complaints2021: 249 complaints2022: 128 complaints2023: 116 complaints2024: 94 complaints2025: 40 complaints2026: 18 complaints
Corolla NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Corolla years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Toyota Corolla problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2417%
Airbags2316%
Speed Control129%
Tires & Wheels107%
Visibility & Wipers86%
Brakes86%
Seats75%
Fuel System75%
Seat Belts64%
Suspension64%
Lighting64%
Body & Structure54%
Transmission54%
Steering43%
Other32%
Latches & Locks32%
Child Seat21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Electrical System11%

Does the 2002 Toyota Corolla have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E002000SuspensionFebruary 11, 2010 · 12,657 units

Defect

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Consequence

THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E025000LightingMarch 21, 2006 · 1,450 units

Defect

CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CHANGED DESIGN FROM TIMING CHAIN TO BELT 2 MONTHS AFTER RELEASE. BOLT ATTACHING TIMING CHAIN SPROCKET TO CAM SHAFT OVERTIGHTENED AT FACTORY CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE TO CAM TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKET AND SEVERAL OTHER PARTS, AND LEAVING ME STRANDED IN A NATIONAL FOREST 45 MILES FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 16, 2005

“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 5, 2004 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE UNDER 5 MPH WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS HAD INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT ALSO CRASHED INTO A SNOW BANK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 15, 2010 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH THE LEFT REAR TIRE FELL OFF, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. *AK CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 8, 2002 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 5, 2004 · crash

2002 Toyota Corolla — common questions

Is the 2002 Toyota Corolla reliable?

It is close to typical for the Corolla: 141 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 Corolla problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (24 complaints), airbags (23 complaints), speed control (12 complaints).

Does the 2002 Toyota Corolla have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Toyota Corolla. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Toyota Corolla under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Corolla years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Corolla years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2007, 2005, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2004, 2012, 2020, 2014, 2008, 2016, 2015, 2019, 1998, 2017, 2013, 2021, 1995, 2018. The cleanest record among Corolla years belongs to 1978.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.