Research · Two Seaters
2002 Toyota MR2Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 32 owner complaints for the 2002 Toyota MR2. Most complaints involve power train (6) and latches/locks/linkages (4). The EPA rates it 24 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
24mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
32
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Toyota MR2 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
32 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2002 – Nov 2010
- Power train6
- Latches/locks/linkages4
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Suspension3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Visibility2
- Air bags2
- Tires2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
6 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ALSO NEED REPLACING. BOTH WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE DEALER'S LOT, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BY A DIFFERENT DEALER. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BECOME STUCK IN CERTAIN GEARS AND WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY. THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED SINCE THE DATE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000. UPDATED 01/31/11/ *BF THE ENGINE GASKETS AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 04/20/11”
Latches/locks/linkages
4 reports
“2002 TOYOTA SIENNA MINIVAN. WHEN I TRY TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR, I CAN HEAR IT UNLATCH BUT REMAINS SHUT. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE REAR PART OF THE DOOR BACK IN UNTIL YOU HEAR A CLICK, THEN YOU HAVE TO VIOLENTLY PULL THE HANDLE AND THE DOOR WILL OPEN. *TR”
Service brakes, hydraulic
4 reports
“I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA WITH 62,000 MI. I HAVE BEEN TO TWO TOYOTA DEALERS TO FIGURE OUT MY PROBLEM. THE VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE COMING ON. FINALLY AFTER @$700 OF MY MONEY, THEY FIGURED OUT THE PROBLEM TO BE THE ECU. THIS WILL NOW COST ME @1800 FOR PARTS, AND WHO KNOWS YET FOR LABOR. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT MANY OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE SITUATION, UNLESS YOU HAVE THE EXT. WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, MAYBE RECALL THIS AND FIX THESE CARS BEFORE THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. I LIVE IN NEW YORK WHERE THERE IS ALOT OF SNOW. MY VSC WILL NOT WORK UNTIL I GET THIS FIXED. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND HAVE TO RELAY ON STANDARD BRAKES IN THE SNOW UNTIL THIS IS FIXED. TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR REPUTABLE NAME AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS ASAP..... *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR2 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Toyota MR2 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 4685
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2002 MR2 questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota MR2 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota MR2 problems?
Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (6), latches/locks/linkages (4), service brakes, hydraulic (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2002 Toyota MR2 get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Toyota MR2 at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026