MYRModel Year Report

1997 Toyota 4 Runner

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:52:47.858Z

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING IN EMERGENCY STOPPING THE ABS SYSTEM FIRST DID NOT ENGAGE THEN FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970520

SUSPENSION 10%

10% of complaints: suspension — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH 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

SUSPENSION 9%

9% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
TIRES 7%

7% of complaints: tires — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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 service brakes, hydraulic issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (11 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 service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 12% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.