VehicleVerdict

1997 Toyota 4Runner suspension problems

The 1997 Toyota 4Runner has 96 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 26% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

96

Suspension complaints

26%

Share of year

10

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Suspension complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many suspension complaints does the 1997 Toyota 4Runner have?

NHTSA has 96 complaints about the 1997 Toyota 4Runner suspension — 26% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner suspension?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the suspension: 02V021000.

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.