MYRModel Year Report

1998 Toyota 4 Runner

● Typical for this model
1998 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:46:42.573Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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, 1998 highlighted. 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 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
1998: 120 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.

TIRES 24%

24% of complaints: tires — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

CRASH
SUSPENSION 16%

16% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE REAR AXLE BORKE

NHTSA ODI report, 20030218

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE IN HEAD ON COLLISION, FIRE ERRUPTED IMMEDIATELY. (QCAW)

NHTSA ODI report, 19980826

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for tires issues (29 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling 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 ◆ 1997

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Toyota 4 Runner reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Toyota 4 Runner is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota 4 Runner?

The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.