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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 78 |
| 1991 | 43 |
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 51 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 47 |
| 1996 | 72 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 220 |
| 2000 | 379 |
| 2001 | 154 |
| 2002 | 192 |
| 2003 | 527 |
| 2004 | 612 |
| 2005 | 409 |
| 2006 | 380 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 145 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 76 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 35 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2019 | 64 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 48 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20000914
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE AND SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091006
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20040318
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20040318
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 tires, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.