VehicleVerdict

1997 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 363 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median 4Runner year — the 1997 model ranks #7 of 43 4Runner years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 9 deaths and 36 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 96 reports (26% of the total).

363

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

55

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

36

Injuries

9

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension9626%
Body & Structure7721%
Brakes339%
Transmission267%
Tires & Wheels267%
Other257%
Steering144%
Engine144%
Electrical System123%
Speed Control113%
Airbags92%
Seat Belts62%
Lighting41%
Seats31%
Latches & Locks31%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Fuel System10%

Does the 1997 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

4 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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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 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

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.

02V021000SuspensionJanuary 18, 2002 · 273,743 units

Defect

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 RATING) AND SEVERE STEERING MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE THE 2WD 4RUNNER TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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 SHOULD RECEIVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD 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.

“NAR 3-11-03. WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMERS 4RUNNER SLIPPED OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. DAMAGES COST APPROX $2000. SOON AFTER A RECALL WAS RELEASED BY TOYOTA ABOUT A FAULTY SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER ASKED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR MADE AFTER THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 17, 2001 · crash

“FRAME RUSTED OUT WHERE THE REAR AXLE ARM ATTACHES. ARM MOUNT BROKEN LOOSE FROM FRAME. VEHICHLE IS UNDRIVEABLE AND VIRTUALLY NOT REPAIRABLE. (FRAME REPLACEMENT) RIDICULOUS TOYOTA!!! YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, MAKE IT RIGHT TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!. MYSELF AND FMAILY OWN 7 TOYOTAS. MIGHT RECONSIDER EVER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 18, 2017 · crash

“THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE IS INADEQUATE FOR THE WEIGHT PLUS THE ANTI LOCK SYSTEM DOESNT HELP EITHER IT ONLY CAUSES MORE LOST OF BRAKING POWER ESPECIALLY ON DOWN HILL STOPS.TOYOTA MADE THESE VEHICLES WITH TWO DIFFERENT SIZE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS.UNFORTUNATLY I HAVE THE SMALLEST ONE WHICH JUST DOES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON I-395, EXITING OFF AT D STREET WHEN THE RIGHT REAR AXLE BROKE AND THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. THE 4-RUNNER BOUNCED OFF THE MEDIAN GUARD RAIL, FLIPPED OVER ON ITS RIGHT SIDE THEN RIGHTED ITSELF THEN CAME TO A STOP. MY WIFE SUSTAINED TISSUE DAMAGE, BUT NO BROKEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 13, 1998 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK”

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

1997 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 1997 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 363 complaints put the 1997 model at #7 of 43 4Runner years. It is one of the 4Runner years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (96 complaints), body & structure (77 complaints), brakes (33 complaints).

Does the 1997 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.