1989 Toyota 4RUNNER
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 6 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 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Experiencing head gasket failure. Vehicle was riding rough. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-03
Tires
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires.
Structure
1 of 6 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Seat belts
1 of 6 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
The anchor that supports the passenger's side shoulder harness popped out. Will be taken to dealer to correct.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-20
Exterior lighting
1 of 6 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights.
Show complaint excerpts
The brake light bulbs burn out often (Several times a year.) the lenses are extremely faded.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-02-20
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1999-01-27SQClosed 1999-04-22 Corroded brake lines
-
R
2005-10-05Steering05V389000 On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the steering wheel is repeatedly turned under certain conditions where high steering effort and power assist are required, for instance, when…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. The recall began October 5, 2005. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V389000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 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 1989 Toyota 4RUNNER?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 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.