MYRModel Year Report

1997 Toyota 4 Runner

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:47:40.384Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota 4 Runner Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1997 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005
1997: 122 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199452
1995125
199689
1997122
1998120
1999110
2000104
200131
200232
2003168
200466
200515

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SUSPENSION 25%

25% of complaints: suspension — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and coil springs.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT WITH A 1997 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. SHE WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE POLICE HAVE EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030619

Also filed under EQUIPMENT and SEAT BELTS

SERVICE BRAKES 21%

21% of complaints: service brakes — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing seal and axle assembly.

CRASH INJURY
TIRES 12%

12% of complaints: tires — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 1997 — complaint volume: 122

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 2002 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

◆ 2003 ◆ 1995 ● 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Toyota 4 Runner reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Toyota 4 Runner is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota 4 Runner?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota 4 Runner have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.