Is the 1988 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 1988 Toyota 4RUNNER?

The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Toyota 4RUNNER have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1988 Toyota 4RUNNER

○ Not enough data

1988 Toyota 4RUNNER
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:24.322Z

Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 9
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1988: 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

2 of 9 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Power train

2 of 9 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing axle hubs.

Show complaint excerpts

4-wheel drive locking hubs fail, causing vehicle to jerk/grab.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-03-12

Exterior lighting

2 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing switch and headlights.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Structure

1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing bumpers.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Bumper is located too high causing damage during a collision; seat belt unlatched in accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-06-24

Also filed under Seat belts

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1988-02-29Fuel system, gasoline88V019000 Improper routing of the fuel hose could cause some fuel hoses to have inadequate clearance to the EGR pipe.

Remedy: Reroute fuel hose to ensure proper clearance and replace hose, if necessary.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 88V019000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Toyota 4RUNNER?: The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Toyota 4RUNNER have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.