1987 Toyota 4RUNNER
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
3 of 5 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving rear axle broke inside of the bearing. Axle came out and wheel disconnected, vehicle lost control and hit another vehicle. Dealer/manufacturer contacted and need to inspect. Vehicle is not drivable. Memphis police report taken.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-20
Consumer purchased a Toyota 4 Runner and found out that the vehicle was not safe. While driving on the freeway vehicle shook, and would not go over 5 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-18
Service brakes
2 of 5 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Tires
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer stated she heard a muffled gunshot like sound and vehicle sank in the rear, she lost control, vehicle ran off the road into some trees and then rolled over, a witness stated he saw one of the rear firestone tires blowout (P225/75R15),...
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-14
Equipment
1 of 5 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing carrier/rack.
Show complaint excerpts
The underside spare tire fell off during driving. Luckily, it was not on the highway and no one was hit. This is the second failure of this carrier. It is a chain lift which cranks up the spare tire under the vehicle's rear.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-03
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
1987 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Toyota 4RUNNER?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 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.