2002 Toyota Tacoma — L4

The 2002 Tacoma sits in the latter half of the first generation (1995–2004), where federal complaints trended upward from 183 in 1995 to a generation peak of 414 in 2004; at 360 complaints, 2002 is modestly below the 2001 high of 413 but well above the early-generation baseline. Recalls held steady at five to six per year across the generation, while TSBs climbed from 51 to 143, indicating growing service documentation rather than a safety escalation. Structure-related complaints dominate the 2002 profile at 134 reports — more than triple the next category, Suspension at 38 — though the data does not specify the root cause. Crash and fire complaints remain low at 30 and three respectively. Compared to the second generation (2005–2015) where complaints nearly doubled and recalls reached 10–13 annually, the 2002 model reflects a relatively contained federal record. For a buyer prioritizing lower regulatory activity within the first generation, 2002 is a reasonable choice, though the elevated Structure complaints warrant a thorough frame and body inspection.