MYRModel Year Report

1997 Toyota 4 Runner

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:31.750Z

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
122
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Suspension

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1996: 89 complaints 1997: 122 complaints 1997 122 1998: 120 complaints 1999: 110 complaints 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints
1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1995 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1997 122 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 1999 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2003 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005
1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1995 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1997 122 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 1999 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2003 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% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing rear and coil springs.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
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, 2003-06-19

Also filed under Equipment and seat belts

Service brakes

21% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Power train

12% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing seal and axle assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Tires

12% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 122 complaints filed for this model year.

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 31 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 26 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.