VehicleVerdict

1999 Toyota 4Runner problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 446 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median 4Runner year — the 1999 model ranks #6 of 43 4Runner years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 30 injuries in total across these filings.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 114 reports (26% of the total).

446

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

39

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

30

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other 4Runner years?

4Runner NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 4Runner years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Toyota 4Runner problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure11426%
Suspension6615%
Fuel System4410%
Other389%
Tires & Wheels368%
Brakes297%
Transmission245%
Electrical System204%
Engine194%
Steering164%
Airbags133%
Seats72%
Seat Belts61%
Speed Control61%
Lighting41%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1999 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST CORROISION NEAR THE CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 7, 2016

“WHILE DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65MPH, WHILE FEELING THE VEHICLE JERK TO THE RIGHT, THRUSTING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. WHILE TRYING TO COMPENSATE TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE, IMMEDIATELY ROLLED 3-4 TIMES ACROSS THE 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC, ONTO THE LEFT SHOULDER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 24, 2018 · crash

“THE FUEL SENDING UNITS ON THE '99 AND '00 4 RUNNER ARE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO NOT READ PROPERLY. I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE GAUGE IS READING HALF FULL. TOYOTA HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS BUT NO RECALL. BULLETIN EL010-00 AND EL010-99. IT IS A DEFINITE SAFETY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 4, 2010

“AFTER A LESS THAN 10 MILE DRIVE THE TOYOTA WAS PARKED. AFTER A HOUR OR SO IT BURST INTO FLAMES. PRIOR TO THIS THE DOOR LOCKS WERE LOCKING THEMSELVES. TWO FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED. THE 4RUNNER WAS A COMPLETE LOSS. ALSO BURNED PART OF THE ROADSIDE. I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS AND PHOTOS OF OTHERS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 27, 2018 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65MPH, WHILE FEELING THE VEHICLE JERK TO THE RIGHT, THRUSTING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. WHILE TRYING TO COMPENSATE TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE, IMMEDIATELY ROLLED 3-4 TIMES ACROSS THE 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC, ONTO THE LEFT SHOULDER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 24, 2018 · crash

1999 Toyota 4Runner — common questions

Is the 1999 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 446 complaints put the 1999 model at #6 of 43 4Runner years. It is one of the 4Runner years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 4Runner problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (114 complaints), suspension (66 complaints), fuel system (44 complaints).

Does the 1999 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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.