1997 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems
The 1997 Toyota 4Runner has 26 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
26
Transmission complaints
7%
Share of year
4
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Transmission complaints by year
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many transmission complaints does the 1997 Toyota 4Runner have?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the 1997 Toyota 4Runner transmission — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.
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.