1986 Toyota 4RUNNER
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 8 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 79 |
| 1991 | 43 |
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 52 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 47 |
| 1996 | 72 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 220 |
| 2000 | 379 |
| 2001 | 154 |
| 2002 | 192 |
| 2003 | 528 |
| 2004 | 612 |
| 2005 | 410 |
| 2006 | 381 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 146 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 87 |
| 2016 | 81 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 65 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 60 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Cylinder head cracked.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-29
Tires
2 of 8 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
Pe00-00; consumer was traveling about 45MPH on the highway and left rear tire went flat. Then consumer changed the tires, and noticed that tread and wires separated from tires.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-02
Parking brake
2 of 8 total reports mention: parking brake, most commonly citing linkage and cable and conventional.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle rolled down hill due to failure of parking brake, injuring one/killing one.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-02
On 1986 Toyota 4 runners the hand brake is solely relied on to adjust the back brakes. The problem appears to be the bell crank boot does not sufficiently prevent corrosion between the bell crank and its frame at the backing plate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-12
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Service brakes
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seat belts
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 1986 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the driverâs and passengerâs side seat belts failed to unlock as needed. The contact and his passenger was unable to unlatch or release the seat belt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-04-04
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 →
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Parking brake: 2 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Toyota 4RUNNER?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Toyota 4RUNNER 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.