1991 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1991 Toyota 4Runner sits mid-pack among 4Runner years: 55 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 87, with 2 recalls and 4 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (23 of 55), far ahead of brakes at 10.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Toyota 4Runner problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	23	42%	▼ down
Brakes	10	18%	— flat
Transmission	6	11%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	6	11%	▲ up
Steering	5	9%	▲ up
Speed Control	1	2%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	2%	▼ down
Other	1	2%	▼ down
Fuel System	1	2%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 1991 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

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 NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

05V389000SteeringSeptember 6, 2005 · 977,839 units

Defect

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 FULLY TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, A FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD.

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUED TO BE OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE RELAY ROD MAY FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THERE HAD BEEN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL OF HEAD GASKETS. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RAPAIRS, BUT DEALER WAS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECALL REPAIRS. INSTEAD DEALER WAS CHARGING CONSUMER FULL PRICE ON REPAIRS WHEN, IN OTHER SITUATIONS, DEALER WOULD NOT CHARGE FULL PRICE FOR HEAD…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 26, 2000

“CORROSION ON THE BREAK LINES FROM POOR DESIGN IN ALLOWING SAND AND DIRT TO ACCUMULATE AND CAUSE THE LINE TO RUST THROUGH AND CREATE A BREAK FAILURE. THE RUST CREATED A LITTLE LARGER THEN A PIN HOLE THAT ALOUD THE RAPID LOST OF BREAK FLUID WHICH CAUSED THE LOSS OF STOPPING AND ALMOST CAUSED SEVER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 30, 2005

“PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED. CONSUMER FELT A VIBRATION COMING FROM STEERING. LOST CONTROL, VEHICLE SLID AND WENT INTO AN ENBANKMENT. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 1, 2000 · crash

“CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT PROBLEM. THERE WAS A SMELL AND CHATTERING WITHIN THE CLUTCH. DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. LATER, CLUTCH ASSEMBLY BROKE APART, INCLUDING THE BELL HOUSING AND THE CONE.*AK PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“MY DAUGHTER WITH TWO GRANDDAUGHTERS WERE DRIVING IN A 91 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ON A WELL MAINTAINED LOG ROAD WHEN THEY LOST STEERING AND WENT OVER A 30 FT CLIFF. THE STEERING KNUCKLE BROKE THE TILT STEERING AND PLASTIC. *LA”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 22, 2003 · crash

1991 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 1991 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 55 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 4Runner year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1991 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (23 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), tires & wheels (6 complaints).

Does the 1991 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Toyota 4Runner under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota 4Runner years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 4Runner years to avoid are 2004, 2003, 2000, 2005, 2006, 1999, 1997, 2002, 1998, 2001, 2007, 1996, 1995, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2017. The cleanest record among 4Runner years belongs to 1985.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1991 compare to other 4Runner years?

What are the most common 1991 Toyota 4Runner problems?

Does the 1991 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1991 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 1991 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

What are the most common 1991 4Runner problems?

Does the 1991 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Is the 1991 Toyota 4Runner under NHTSA investigation?

Which Toyota 4Runner years should you avoid?

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