Is the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

1998 Toyota 4RUNNER

◆ Worse than typical

1998 Toyota 4RUNNER
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:48.969Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 130
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Structure

Complaints per year

1998: 130 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.

Structure

55% · 72 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

Show complaint excerpts

During a state inspection of the vehicle I was made aware that the vehicle was not safe to be on the road. The entire frame rusted out front to back. You can even stick your hand inside the hollowed out frame.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-29

I purchased this truck only 20 days ago. I have been loyal to Toyota all my life and my family too. The truck appeared to be in immaculate shape. However after its 3RD drive I noticed a sway when letting off the accelerator.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-29

Suspension

35% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing rear and lower ball joint.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Two weeks ago I was driving down a flat paved road and my lower ball joint (Atm 1012460) came off for no reason causing me to skid to a halt. My tire was sideways and pushed into my fender causing damage to the wheel well and other parts.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-13

Also filed under Steering

The rear end suspension is sagging on my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-04

Steering

5% · 6 reports

CRASHDEATH

Power train

4% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing driveline.

Service brakes

3% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
1998Complaint volume 130 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2002-02-28Suspension02V021000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

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

1998 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Structure: 72 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 45 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 02V021000 · Suspension
Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
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 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER?: The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 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.