1997 Toyota 4RUNNER
This year had 30% to 100% more 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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
50% of complaints: structure — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASH47% of complaints: suspension — 65 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and coil springs.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY FRAME SUDDENLY BROKE. THIS CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A DITCH LINE. I'VE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY ARE NOT WILING TO HELP ME WITH A REPLACMENT FRAME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150604
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED LIMIT (60 MPH), THE VEHICLE SURGED/JOLTED FORWARD PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO MERGE INTO THE DIRECTION OF A TRACTOR TRAILER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090711
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
8% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing driveline and banjo housing.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE WAS LOANED FROM A USED DEALER (MCFARLAND AUTO SALES LOCATED AT 231 FRONTAGE RD MC, MCFARLAND, CA 93250).
NHTSA ODI report, 20200306
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN 2-WHEEL-DRIVE (2WD) AND 4-WHEEL-DRIVE (4WD) 4RUNNER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF HEAVY LOADING (SIMULTANEOUS LOADING TO REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING AND GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS. ALTHOUGH THE 4WD 4RUNNERS DO NOT EXHIBIT THE HANDLING CONDITION, TOYOTA WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO AVOID ANY PUBLIC CONFUSION AS TO WHICH VEHICLES SHOUL
Campaign 02V021000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — 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
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (70 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (65 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V021000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.