What happens when timing belt breaks on a 2002 Toyota Tacoma?

Answer 1

You will need serious repairs to your engine, far beyond just replacement of the timing belt. With the valvetrain stopped, but the pistons still going (for a bit), the pistons may hit any open valves, causing obvious and expensive damage.

2002 Toyota Tacoma does not have a timing belt. It has a timing chain, the basic p/u with about the same engine has not changed much. My 1993 Toyota p/u had a 22re 4 cylinder. The 2002 engine is I think a 2.3 it has a chain. With proper oil changes and maintenance the timing chain should last you at least 100,000 plus miles. My 1993 bought new had 136000 before I sold it.

My 2002 has one too. Timing chains can be a little noiser. but can differ like on a 2003 Camry, it has a timing chain as well but alot quieter than a 2002 tacoma.

So whoever answered previously should know what they are replying to before spouting off at the mouth about generic timing belt failures.

Update: The 3.4L V6 Engine in the Tacomas of that generation do have a timing belt that I believe needs to be replaced at 90K. The 4 cyl engines are the ones that use a chain.