NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 61 owner complaints for the 2002 Toyota Echo. Most complaints involve power train (9) and air bags (8). The EPA rates it 30–32 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNDER REPEATED START AND STOP OPERATION IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND IN DEEP SNOW, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT SNOW COULD ACCUMULATE IN LARGE QUANTITIES INSIDE THE REAR WHEEL AND FREEZE. THE SNOW FROZEN INSIDE THE WHEEL COULD CONTACT THE REAR BRAKE LINE DURING WHEEL ROTATION.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. IT CROSSED THE STREET AND RAN OVER A BRICK PLANTER BOX, KNOCKED DOWN A CRAPE MYRTLE TREE AND FINALLY HIT THE NEIGHBOR'S SUV. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO NO AVAIL AND HAD NO TIME TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL OR TURN OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I CHECKED THE GAS PEDAL TO SEE IF IT WAS AGAINST THE FLOOR OR IF THE FLOOR MAT WAS INTERFERING WITH IT, BUT FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND MY BACK WAS INJURED. *TR”
“TAKATA RECALL.NOTHING HAS HAPPENED SO FAR. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS ONE OF THE MODELS OF CARS AFFECTED BY THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL? PLEASE LET ME KNOW,SO I CAN GET IT REPAIRED, IF NECESSARY. THANK YOU!”
“OUR TOYOTA EXCELS TO TOP SPEED ON ITS OWN FULL SPEED. THIS ALMOST HAD US IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR BUT THIS HAPPENED TWICE LAST WEEK 12/30/15 TOYOTA GAVE US A CASE # NI50883640 HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT, WHAT CAN WE DO?”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,000 | 278 |
| Echo Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 61 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (9), air bags (8), vehicle speed control (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Toyota Echo at 30–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).