Is the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1992 Toyota 4RUNNER

▲ Better than typical

1992 Toyota 4RUNNER
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:47.567Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 53
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

1992: 53 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

43% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Engine and engine cooling

34% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

Electrical system

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Spontaneous combustion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-07

Vehicle speed control

11% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

My husband, stanley w. Sirnik bought a 1992 Toyota 4-runner. He only had it for two weeks when he decided to travel to West Virginia. Stanley, my brother -in-law and my young son was coming back from shopping the next day.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-16

Cruise control would no deactivate during highway speeds. Vehicle went into a enbankment.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-11

Visibility

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · 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
I
2002-03-26Defect petitionClosed 2002-08-26 Rear seat belt routing
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1992 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 23 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 18 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V389000 · Steering
Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Toyota 4RUNNER have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

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