1988 Toyota 4RUNNER
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 527 |
| 2004 | 612 |
| 2005 | 409 |
| 2006 | 381 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 145 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2019 | 64 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 9 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970312
2 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing switch and headlights.
2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing bumpers.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BUMPER IS LOCATED TOO HIGH CAUSING DAMAGE DURING A COLLISION; SEAT BELT UNLATCHED IN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980624
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 88V019000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V019000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.