1998 Toyota 4 Runner
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 52 |
| 1995 | 125 |
| 1996 | 89 |
| 1997 | 122 |
| 1998 | 120 |
| 1999 | 110 |
| 2000 | 104 |
| 2001 | 31 |
| 2002 | 32 |
| 2003 | 168 |
| 2004 | 66 |
| 2005 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: tires — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH10% of complaints: tires — 12 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE IN HEAD ON COLLISION, FIRE ERRUPTED IMMEDIATELY. (QCAW)
NHTSA ODI report, 19980826
4% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
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 (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 13% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.