VehicleVerdict

1993 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1993 Toyota 4Runner sits mid-pack among 4Runner years: 58 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 87, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (35% of the total).

58

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted923 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 7 complaints1988: 12 complaints1989: 7 complaints1990: 95 complaints1991: 55 complaints1992: 73 complaints1993: 58 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 201 complaints1996: 203 complaints1997: 363 complaints1998: 303 complaints1999: 446 complaints2000: 638 complaints2001: 240 complaints2002: 306 complaints2003: 906 complaints2004: 923 complaints2005: 573 complaints2006: 520 complaints2007: 204 complaints2008: 134 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 175 complaints2011: 182 complaints2012: 112 complaints2013: 48 complaints2014: 90 complaints2015: 116 complaints2016: 104 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 77 complaints2019: 87 complaints2020: 43 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 55 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 11 complaints2025: 54 complaints2026: 7 complaints
4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2034%
Brakes1017%
Steering712%
Electrical System59%
Tires & Wheels47%
Fuel System35%
Transmission35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Suspension23%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%

Does the 1993 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

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.

“1993 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ENGINE FAILURE. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A HEAD GASKET RECALL, BUT WHEN IT WAS RETURNED, LOW OIL PRESSURE AND ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA REFUSED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE EVENTHOUGH MANY TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS REFER TO THE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“CONSUMER STATES THAT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BRAKES ARE WEARING. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES AND IT TAKES LONGER TO STOP. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED TWO TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE IS A TSB OUT FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 11, 1997

“TL*- THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS THE 2003 TOYOTA RUNNER, WHICH CRASH ON 08/26/04. HE HIT A POT HOLE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ONE YEAR AFTER THE CRASH RECEIVED RECALL 05V389000 FOR STEERING: LINKAGES: ROD: RELAY: CONNECTING. HE STATED THAT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 26, 2004 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING ENGINE, W/O WARNING, TURNED OFF. CONSUMER STARTED ENGINE BACK UP, AND THEN ENGINE BEGAN SMOKING. CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES, ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. ENTIRE FRONT SIDE OF THE HOOD MELTED, INCLUDING THE BATTERY. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2000 · fire

“TL*- THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS THE 2003 TOYOTA RUNNER, WHICH CRASH ON 08/26/04. HE HIT A POT HOLE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ONE YEAR AFTER THE CRASH RECEIVED RECALL 05V389000 FOR STEERING: LINKAGES: ROD: RELAY: CONNECTING. HE STATED THAT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 26, 2004 · crash

1993 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 1993 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 58 NHTSA complaints, below the typical 4Runner year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1993 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (20 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), steering (7 complaints).

Does the 1993 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Toyota 4Runner under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.