1990 Toyota 4RUNNER
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
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
33% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 26 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS MAKING A BANGING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. WHITE SMOKE, AND FIRE IN THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED
NHTSA ODI report, 20030212
6% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH HOOD. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20020913
5% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRACKET SUB-ASSEMBLY THAT HELD THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL OR THE CLUTCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121003
SAFETY TIMELINE
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
LOSS OF BRK EFFECTIVENESS
CORRODED BRAKE LINES
REAR SEAT BELT ROUTING
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 FU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 05V389000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V389000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.