1994 Toyota 4RUNNER
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1994
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1994: 12 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 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1994 Toyota 4RUNNER. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact heard a popping sound from under the vehicle and noticed an abnormal odor of oil.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-22
1994 4 Runner 4 wd steering control locked up while driving. Vehicle lost all power. *ts ***nar*** the consumers wife lost control of the vehicle and subsequently the vehicle rolled over an embankment into a stream. The vehicle was deemed totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-10-16
Also filed under Steering
Steering
3 of 12 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing connecting and column.
Show complaint excerpts
My wife was driving home from work at about 8:00 am and the SUV slid to the left on ice, she then turned to the right and the steering wouldn't straighten up and as a result she went down an inbankment and the SUV rolled all the way over and back on...
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-10-30
Wheels
1 of 12 total reports mentions: wheels.
Structure
1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Power train
1 of 12 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
A couple of years after purchasing this Toyota 4-runner there was a recall due to faulty head gaskets. They leaked. A recall was (Supposedly) done. 100,000 miles later the same problem had to be fixed again.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-07
Also filed under Engine
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1999-01-27SQClosed 1999-04-22 Corroded brake lines
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I
2002-03-26Defect petitionClosed 2002-08-26 Rear seat belt routing
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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.
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1994 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V389000 · Steering
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1994 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 1994 Toyota 4RUNNER?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1994 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
- 4 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.