Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Toyota 4 RUNNER: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

122 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

90,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 21 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip is the most frequently named component, appearing in 15 of 122 complaints (12.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior3427.9%
Engine operation64.9%
Transmission and shifting32.5%
Steering behavior32.5%
Electrical and battery issues21.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
15
Suspension:Rear
12
Suspension
11
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft:Seal
10
Tires
9
Tires:Tread/Belt
6
Air Bags:Frontal
5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip15
Suspension:Rear12
Suspension11
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft:Seal10
Tires9
Tires:Tread/Belt6
Air Bags:Frontal5
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine5

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 15; Suspension:Rear: 12; Suspension: 11; Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft:Seal: 10; Tires: 9; Tires:Tread/Belt: 6; Air Bags:Frontal: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
6
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
9
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9996
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9999
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 0

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 101 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
1
1997
7
1998
17
1999
19
2000
13
2001
9
2002
20
2003
16
2004
13
2005
6
2006
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19951
19977
199817
199919
200013
20019
200220
200316
200413
20056
20061

1995: 1; 1997: 7; 1998: 17; 1999: 19; 2000: 13; 2001: 9; 2002: 20; 2003: 16; 2004: 13; 2005: 6; 2006: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 34 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10002506 · 2003-01-10 (January 10, 2003)

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING THE VEHICLE AXLE BROKE.DEALER NOTIFIED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002506 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003284 · 2003-01-23 (January 23, 2003)

THE GAS PEDAL ON MY WIFE'S 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LTD STUCK, AND ALMOST CAUSED HER TO CRASH. SHE WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 30 AND 40MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS PEDAL, INSTEAD IT SPED UP AFTER LETTING OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL. SHE TRIED THE BRAKES, THEY GRABBED, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL CONTINUED TO SPEED UP. SHE THEN APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AGAIN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN. FINALLY SHE PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE UNTIL SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL LIKE …

Owner-reported narrative. 96,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003284 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004363 · 2003-01-22 (January 22, 2003)

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WITH NO WARNING THE DISC BRAKES HAND LOCKED UP ON THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004363 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004483 · 2003-02-03 (February 3, 2003)

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE SUSPENSION, HOWEVER WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP, HE WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004483 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10008199 · 2003-02-27 (February 27, 2003)

SAFETY ISSUE, MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN OPERATING FOR 6 YEARS WITH DEFECTIVE REAR-END SUSPENSIONS PARTS. THERE IS NO WAY THAT THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS HAVE NOT EFFECTED THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE AND ULTIMATELY CAUSED EXTRA WEAR AND TEAR ON OTHER VEHICLE PARTS. ON TOP OF IT ALL I AM GETTING NO COOPERATION FROM MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP OR TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE. I HAVE REQUESTED A FULL DIAGNOSTIC TEST BE PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT ANY AND ALL PROBLEMS BE FIXED, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FUTURE PROBLEMS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND I UNDERSTAND THAT, HOWEV…

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10008199 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10008243 · 2003-02-28 (February 28, 2003)

BOTH OF THE SEALS ON THE REAR AXLE BLEW OUT, SATURATING THE REAR BRAKES WITH DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, RENDERING THEM USELESS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10008243 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10008577 · 2003-01-29 (January 29, 2003)

NAR 02/13/2003. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO A TURN, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN SWINGING IN AN ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION PUTTING THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER NOW OWNS ANOTHER TOYOTA 4 RUNNER AND HAS SINCE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CURRENT VEHICLE. THE COSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE FIRST TOYOTA 4RUNNER WHICH HAD DAMAGED POSSIBLY DUE TO THE SUSPENSION WHICH IS NOW ON RECALL. RECALL# 02V021000 *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10008577 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011721 · 2003-03-10 (March 10, 2003)

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 FAULTY SUSPENSION THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY. *CB *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10011721 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

122 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

17.2%Usable mileage21 / 122 records
73.0%Valid incident date89 / 122 records
100.0%Valid filing date122 / 122 records
73.0%Ordered incident and filing dates89 / 122 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1223.1%
ODI 10017173

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10017173 at NHTSA ↗

5140.8%
ODI 10003548 · 141,000 mi

BLOWN HEAD GASKET. WAS TOLD VIN NUMBER DOES NOT FALL IN RANGE FOR "CAMPAIGN" SSCV06 OR BEFORE THE 10/94 MANUFACTURED DATE (VEHICLE HAS 12/94 MANUFACTURED DATE). CAUSING OVERHEATING, COOLANT CONSUMPTION, ROUGH STARTING, AND EXPENSIVE DAMAGE/REPAIR.

Look up ODI 10003548 at NHTSA ↗

1516.9%
ODI 513590

HEAD GASKET REPLACED PREMATURELY DUE TO POOR ENGINE HEAD DESIGN.

Look up ODI 513590 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 10018500 · 101,658 mi

ENGINE STOP RUNNING, BECAUSE OF SLUG BUILD UP IN 4 RUNNER ENGINE 1997. OTHER CARS IN THE TOYOTA LINE HAVE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE FIXING THE ENGINE FOR FREE, BUT NOT THE 4 RUNNER. THEY HAVE 3 MODELS THAT ARE DOING THE SAME THING, THE ENGINE ARE SLUGGING UP AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. THEY SAID THIS MODEL DOES NOT FALL IN THAT LINE, AND WILL COST ME $9,000 TO FIX, BUT FIRST THEY QUOTE ME $5000. THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES OR SO, NOT ALL BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AND DID NOT SAY ANYTHING TO ME UNTI…

Look up ODI 10018500 at NHTSA ↗

54.2%
ODI 10009528

THERE WAS AN UNFAMILIAR RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. *DT *JB

Look up ODI 10009528 at NHTSA ↗

10.9%
ODI 10164245 · 111,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLS AND THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE. THE CONTACT IS UNSURE IF THIS IS THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A CONTINUOUS KNOCKING SOUND, AND A INTERMITTENT STALLING PROBLEM. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION WHEN IT IS ACCELERATING OVER 50 MILES PER HOUR.

Look up ODI 10164245 at NHTSA ↗

43.8%
ODI 10007349 · 21,990 mi

CAR STALLS ON DECELERATION WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (RED). TOYOTA TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE WITHOUT A PERMANENT RESOLUTION. UPON CONTACTING MANUFACTURER AND IN TURN TOYOTA SERVICE & REPAIR THEY STATED THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NO RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISED ME TO DRIVE VEHICLE AND NOT TO COMPLETELY FILL GAS TANK, BECAUSE IF THE GAS TANK IS OVERFILLED CAUSES CAR TO TURN OFF. DUE TO GAS GETTING INTO THE VACUUM SYSTEM. *PH *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER …

Look up ODI 10007349 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 10037815

WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURNS VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND THEN T STALL OUT.*AK

Look up ODI 10037815 at NHTSA ↗

39.4%
ODI 10104252 · 48,000 mi

2002 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER ENGINE PROBLEM. LIKE OTHER TOYOTA ENGINES, THIS ONE AT 48,000 MILES, HAS A SEVERE SLUDGE BUILD UP PROBLEM DESPITE MAINTENANCE THAT HAS FOLLOWED RECOMMENED PRESECIPTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HONOR ITS POWER TRAIN WARRANTEE IN REPAIRING OR REPLACING THE ENGINE DESPITE THE MALFUNCTION. MUSSON PATOUT HAS ACTED IN A DISHONARABLE AND DISREPUTABLE MANNER IN REPAIRING THIS AUTOMOBILE ACCORDING TO WARRANTEES PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10104252 at NHTSA ↗

53.0%
ODI 10018836 · 800 mi

2003 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER V6 LIMITED GENERATES THIS UNUSUAL (TICK, TICK, TICK) ENGINE NOISE ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOOSE PART IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS NOISE IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN THE 4-RUNNER, DRIVEN BY MY WIFE, ACCELERATES BY ME OR WHEN I DRIVE WITH THE WINDOW OPEN NEXT TO A WALL. WILL THIS NOISE AFFECT ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SHORTEN ENGINE LIFE? VERY CONCERNED CUSTOMER. *JB

Look up ODI 10018836 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 10047344 · 200 mi

STEERING WHEEL AND PEDALS VIBRATE IN 1600-2000 RPM RANGE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *LA

Look up ODI 10047344 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10144479 · 2,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED, MY 2005 4RUNNER MOVES FORWARD WHEN COMPRESSOR ENGAGES. THE RPM AT IDLE WILL FLUCTUATE BETWEEN 750 AND 1100. DURING THE LATER PORTION OF FLUCTUATION, ABNORMAL BRAKE PRESSURE IS NEEDED TO KEEP THE 4RUNNER FROM MOVING FORWARD. IDLE SPEEDS CAN REACH 25 MPH ON FLAT SURFACE AND 45 ON MODERATE SLOPE. IF YOU ARE CRUISING AT 60 MPH AND REMOVE PRESSURE FROM ACCELERATOR, VEHICLE IDLE WILL RETAIN 55 MPH. TOYOTA CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE BEFORE THIS CAUSES A SEVERE ACCIDENT. IF YOU FORGET TO APPLY MASSIVE FORCE TO BRAKE PEDAL …

Look up ODI 10144479 at NHTSA ↗

Tires
11.9%
ODI 479579

GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRE FAILURE. *AW

Look up ODI 479579 at NHTSA ↗

86.4%
ODI 10024954 · 44,000 mi

ARMSTRONG DESSERT DOG, 31X1.5R15 DOTCH60GP4208. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT REAR TIRE VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED A 8 INCH LONG BULGE IN TIRE. TOOK TO AAA, AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT "THE BONDING OF THE TIRE CAME LOOSE FROM THE STEEL BELT. CONSUMER REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES. *AK *CB *JB

Look up ODI 10024954 at NHTSA ↗

910.1%
ODI 10076228 · 54,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 120 KMPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND CHANGED THE TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. DUNLOP#26560R16 DOT#DB72A16 . *LA *LA

Look up ODI 10076228 at NHTSA ↗

97.4%
ODI 10041635

THE FIRST TIRE THAT THE TREAD CAME OFF WAS WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY - JULY, 2002. NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR MYSELF. TOW TRUCK DRIVER CAME OUT AND CHANGED THE TIRE. WENT TO DISCOUNT TIRE TO HAVE THE TIRE REPLACED, THEY REPLACED IT AT NO COST. WHEN I ASKED IF THE OTHERS WERE SAFE, THEY SAID YES, LEAVING THE OTHER DESERT DOG TIRES ON. AUGUST, 2003 - DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AGAIN WITH MY HUSBAND, WE FELT A VIBRATION, PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FOUND THAT THE TREAD HAD COME OFF ONCE AGAIN. HAD THAT REPLACED AT DISCOUNT TIRE,…

Look up ODI 10041635 at NHTSA ↗

1613.3%
ODI 10082281 · 116,400 mi

4 DUNLOP RADIAL ROVERS 235/75 R15 INSTALLED 2 OR 3 YEARS AND 30,000 MILES AGO ON MY 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. I ALWAYS MAINTAINED RECOMMENDED PRESSURES AND JUST ROTATED THEM MYSELF LAST WEEK AFTER OUR PREVIOUS LAS VEGAS TRIP. ON OUR WAY BACK FROM LAS VEGAS JULY 19, 2004 2 PM NEAR FONTANA THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE PROGRESSIVELY UNTIL IT WAS UNDRIVEABLE ABOVE 45 MPH SO I PULLED OVER TO A SMALL TURNOUT. I CHANGED THE LEFT REAR TIRE THAT I FOUND HAD A MAJOR BULGE (3 INCH DIAMETER BUBBLE ON SIDEWALL WHICH CONTINUED ANOTHER 3 INCHES INTO THE TREAD.) CHAN…

Look up ODI 10082281 at NHTSA ↗

1816.4%
ODI 10048040 · 6,000 mi

THE TIRES WERE DISINTEGRATING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RIDE EXTREMELY ROUGH AND CHOPPY. *AK THE TIRES FELT LESS SMOOTH. FIRESTONE ADMITTED THAT THE TIRES FELT CHOPPY AND REFUSED REPLACEMENT. THE PROBLEM WORSENED AS TIME WENT ON. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10048040 at NHTSA ↗

109.6%
ODI 10022491 · 500 mi

THE RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE TIRE CONTAINED A 3 INCH GASH WITHOUT BEING PUNCTURE. *JB *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10022491 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 10042425 · 11,033 mi

ALL FOUR VEHICLE TIRES ARE FEATHERING(IMPROPER WEAR). THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT/LEFT WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE OF THE FEATHERING WAS UNDETERMINED. DUELER H/T689.*AK

Look up ODI 10042425 at NHTSA ↗

39.4%
ODI 10003054 · 16,553 mi

IN OCTOBER '02 I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS TURNING FROM SOUTH TO WEST AS I WAS TRAVELLING NORTH. MY VEHICLE ENDED UP COLLIDING WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE AT ITS PASSENGER FRONT AXLE AND MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT END. AS CONTACT OCCURRED, I HAD MY WHEELS TURNED HARD TO THE RIGHT THUSLY CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO GRADUALLY WHIP THE BACK END AROUND CAUSING A SIDE IMPACT AS WELL. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS PUSHED NORTHWARD APPROX. 15-25 FEET BEFORE THE COLLISION CAME TO AN END. BOTH VEHICLES WERE DISABLED IN THIS OCCURRENCE…

Look up ODI 10003054 at NHTSA ↗

42.4%
ODI 10025329 · 2,650 mi

P265-65R17, DUNLOP GRAND TREK TIRE COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING TO WORK IN AN 03 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. NO ROAD HAZARD WAS ENCOUNTERED. NO LOUD EXPLOSION. TIRE JUST SUDDENLY WENT FLAT. TIRE SEPARATED 360 DEGREES AROUND FRONT OF RIM. TIRE IS COMPLETELY INTACT ON BACK SIDE OF RIM. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HAD A REPORT OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THESE TIRES. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE TIRE AND REFERRED ME TO DUNLOP. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REST OF THE TIRES, TO INCLUDE THE SPARE, NOW MOUNTED, ARE SAFE FOR DRIVING.*A…

Look up ODI 10025329 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 10082348

COMPLAINT INVOLVES TOYOTA , 2004 4RUNNER. NOTICED SLIGHT VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL AT 62-64 MPH. HAD WHEELS AND TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED AT 6000 MILES. PROBLEM CONTINUED. HAD TIRES BALANCED AGAIN BUT NO SUCCESS. NEW SET OF MICHELIN TIRES ORDERED BUT HAVE NOT BEEN PUT ON. ALSO, AM RADIO STATIONS EXPERIENCING EXTREME STATIC WHEN DRIVING OVER BLACKTOP ROADS. DOES NOT OCCUR WHILE DRIVING ON CONCRETE ROADS. IS NOT AFFECTED ON FM STATIONS. SERVICE MANAGER WILL EXPLORE WHEN TIRES ARE REPLACED. *LA

Look up ODI 10082348 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
11.9%
ODI 744142

BRAKES AND ROTORS CONTINUE TO FAIL OR WARP-FRONT ONLY-RESULTING IN DANGEROUS WOBBLE/SHUTTER WHEN BRAKEING. NUMEROUS REPAIRS INCLUDING TURNING/REPLACEMENT OF ROTORS AND REPLACEMENT OF BRAKES AND AT 98800 MILES IT IS IN NEED OF REPAIR AGAIN. ONLY HAVE 12,500 MILES SINCE LAST FRONT BRAKE CHANGE AND ROTOR TURN.*AK

Look up ODI 744142 at NHTSA ↗

64.8%
ODI 10041576 · 86,000 mi

I PULLED OUT TO PASS SOMEONE, HIT THE BRAKES (WHICH WERE SUPPOSED TO BE ABS) AND THE TIRES LOCKED UP AND THE CAR BEGAN TO FISH TAIL AND SKID OUT OF CONTROL, THEN ROLLED THREE OR FOUR TIMES. *LA

Look up ODI 10041576 at NHTSA ↗

89.0%
ODI 702351

ON A STRAIGHT DECENT ROAD I APPLIED A BRAKE. SUDDENLY MY TIRE IS LOCKED W/ NO STEERING. THE ROAD WAS PARTLY COVERED BY SLUSHY SNOW AND WET. SINCE THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS, I DID NOT TRY TO PUMP. AS THE RESULT MY CAR HIT A SNOW BANK AND ROLLED OVER. THE USER'S MANUAL DOES NOT INDICATE ABS MAY NOT WORK.

Look up ODI 702351 at NHTSA ↗

1512.3%
ODI 10109007

COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA EMAIL. THE BRAKES FAILED MANY TIMES ON MY CAR AND THEY WERE IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES. EACH TIME THEY FIXED IT TEMPORARILY. ALSO, THEY INDICATED THAT OIL OR GREASE WAS LEAKING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AND COATING THE BRAKE PADS, RENDERING THEM INEFFECTIVE. THE SYMPTOMS INCLUDED THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES KICKING IN TOO OFTEN/ LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, AND JOLTING AT SLOW SPEEDS. LAST TIME IN THE REPAIR SHOP THEY GUARANTEED THAT PROBLEM WAS FIXED, YET THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS …

Look up ODI 10109007 at NHTSA ↗

43.3%
ODI 717208

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 717208 at NHTSA ↗

76.4%
ODI 10001922 · 25,000 mi

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. EACH FAILURE OCCURED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN SEVERAL MILES. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE. DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THAT THE METALLIC BRAKES MAY BE WORN TOO SMOOTH, BUT COULD NOT PINPOINT PROBLEM. *TT *JB

Look up ODI 10001922 at NHTSA ↗

98.7%
ODI 10031426

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS ANTI LOCK BRAKES WOULD SHUT OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Look up ODI 10031426 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 896022

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT A SUDDEN/ EMERGENCY STOP VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE OR SKID BEFORE STOPPING. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Look up ODI 896022 at NHTSA ↗

39.4%
ODI 10024915 · 14,619 mi

WHILE DRIVING BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING, RESULTING IN A CRASH. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Look up ODI 10024915 at NHTSA ↗

31.8%
ODI 10110980 · 15,500 mi

WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10110980 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 10082162 · 1,000 mi

CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT TRACKING SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE STALLED, AND SOMETIMES WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR VEHICLE GOT NO POWER AND STOPPED IN MID STREAM. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. SINCE PROBLEM OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY DEALER CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNLESS IT HAPPENED WHEN THEY WERE EVALUATING IT.*AK

Look up ODI 10082162 at NHTSA ↗

16.7%
ODI 10127623 · 7,124 mi

DT: ON 7-4-2005. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH AT A 8 LANE STOP BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THEY FAILED. NO PRESSURE WAS FELT IN THE PEDAL, AND THE BRAKE WENT TO THE FLOOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AND NO NOISE. THERE WAS ALMOST AN ACCIDENT. OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THERE WERE NO BRAKES ALL THE WAY HOME. OWNER DROVE VERY SLOWLY, AND USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. THEN THE DEALER CALLED OWNER AND REPORTED NO PROBLEMS. OWNER CALLED TOYOTA, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE BEFORE. OWNER DID WANT…

Look up ODI 10127623 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
47.7%
ODI 537716

OIL GAUGE READINGS WOULD FREQUENTLY DROP TO LOW DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. DEALER NOTIFIED SOON AFTER PURCHASE. OWNER WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM IF NO EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE WAS NOTICED. FINALLY, ENGINE COMPLETELY SEIZED UP DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Look up ODI 537716 at NHTSA ↗

129.6%
ODI 507293

VEHICLE PERFORMS SLUGGISHLY.

Look up ODI 507293 at NHTSA ↗

44.5%
ODI 537185

THE ENGINE STALLS WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN APPROACHING STOP LIGHTS. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO I WAS CROSSING THREE LANES OF TRAFFICE AND IT STALLED. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND WARRANTS REPURCHASING.

Look up ODI 537185 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 533381

INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK

Look up ODI 533381 at NHTSA ↗

86.7%
ODI 538192

VEHICLE IN HEAD ON COLLISION, FIRE ERRUPTED IMMEDIATELY. (QCAW)

Look up ODI 538192 at NHTSA ↗

76.4%
ODI 10000216 · 48,000 mi

VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES ON FREEWAY ALMOST CAUSING WRECK. FIND OUT THERE IS NO FUEL IN TANK EVEN THOUGH FUEL GAUGE READS 1/2. TOYOTA SAYS TSB EL010-00 ADDRESSES KNOWN DEFECTIVE 1999 AND 2000 FUEL GAUGES AND ALSO ADDRESSES SOME GAUGES INACCURATELY READING EMPTY WHEN 4 GALLONS REMAIN, BUT MY VEHICLE IS A FEW MONTHS AND MILES OUT OF WARRANTY SO TOY WILL NOT PAY FOR FIX. NO ENGINE, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, LOTS OF TRAFFIC....

Look up ODI 10000216 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

39.7%
ODI 785970

CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER WASHING AND SPRAYING THE UNDERCARRIAGE TO WASH OFF ROAD SALT, CONSUMER BACKED CAR INTO GARAGE WITH NO PROBLEMS BUT THE NEXT DAY THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START. *JG

Look up ODI 785970 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.2%
ODI 10013545 · 250 mi

MY 2003 4RUNNER V6 LIMITED GENERATES THIS UNUSUAL ENGINE NOISE ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. MY OBSERVATIONS INCLUDE A POSSIBLE LOSS IN POWER AND AFFECTS ENGINE PERFORMANCE, AND POSSIBLY THE LONGEVITY OF THE ENGINE. I TOOK IT TO A SECOND TOYOTA DEALER WHERE IT WAS IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZED BUT A SOLUTION IS YET TO BE DETERMINED SINCE THE V6 4.0 IS A NEW ENGINE. CURRENTLY, I WAIT FOR A TOYOTA TECHNICIAN FROM THE FACTORY TO EXAMINE THE ENGINE. MEANWHILE, I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND I AM AFRAID THAT I AM DOING MORE HARM TO IT'S LIFE EXPECTANC…

Look up ODI 10013545 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 10061930

I JUST PERCHASED A 2004 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SPORT EDITION V8 IN FEBRUARY. I HAVE JUST COMPLETED THE "BREAK-IN" PERIOD AND HAVE BEGUN TO INCREASE MY SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. A CYCLICAL VIBRATION AND NOISE IS NOTICED FROM THE ENGINE AT 70 MILES PER HOUR THAT INCREASES IN FREQUENCY AS VEHICLE SPEED IS INCREASED. THE NOISE SUBSIDES ONCE YOU LET OFF THE GAS REGARDLESS OF SPEED. IN ADDITION, STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATES BETWEEN 1500 AND 2000 RPM RANGE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *AK

Look up ODI 10061930 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.1%
ODI 8023265

CONSUMER NOTICE WHILE TRAVELING EXHAUSTS LEAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS SERVICE BY DEALER TECHNICIAN NOTICE CORROSION ON THE CROSSOVER PIPE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Look up ODI 8023265 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.8%
ODI 10038120

CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, TECHNICIAN NOTICED A MOUSE HAD CRAWLED INTO THE MASS AIR FLOW . *AK

Look up ODI 10038120 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3420.2%
ODI 10011039

TOXIC SULFUR/ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN CABIN OF AUTOMOBILE

Look up ODI 10011039 at NHTSA ↗

57.6%
ODI 10062166

ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED QUICKLY FROM EITHER A STANDSTILL OR ALREADY MOVING. I'VE TRIED ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF GAS BUT TO NO AVAIL.*AK

Look up ODI 10062166 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Tires:Tread/Belt
23.8%
ODI 727752

TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE ON I-10W, TRAVELING @60MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY AND CALL ROAD SERVICE TO CHANGE TIRE. LUCKLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. CHANGED ALL FOUR TIRES IMMEDIATELY AFTER RETURNING HOME. TREAD ON TIRES WERE GOOD. *AK( DOT NUMBER: U8860 TIRE SIZE: P225/75R15 )

Look up ODI 727752 at NHTSA ↗

10.8%
ODI 726000

WE HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TREAD HAS BEGUN TO CRACK OFF OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE OF MY 4-RUNNER. WHEN THE TIRES WERE INITIALLY PURCHASED EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO, TWO (RIGHT REAR AND LEFT FRONT) WERE DEEMED DEFECTIVE BY THE TIRE STORE AFTER I COMPLAINED THAT THE RIDE WAS CONSIDERABLY ROUGHER THAN SHOULD BE, AND THOSE TWO WERE REPLACED DAYS AFTER PURCHASED. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225/75/R15 )

Look up ODI 726000 at NHTSA ↗

22.2%
ODI 729028

TIRE FAILED WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE AND WAS LOST (COULDN'T SEE IT AT NIGHT). LOCATION WAS ON INTERSTATE 15 JUST SOUTH OF BARSTOW CALIFORNIA. TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY IN THE IN LOW 50S. BEFORE THE TIRE FAILUE, I FELT A VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW MILES, WHICH GRADUALLY GREW LARGER. SUDDENLY THE SOUND OF THE CAR CHANGED DRASTICALLY (AS THE TREAD SEPARATED, I PRESUME) AND I HEARD MUCH ROAD NOISE. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT THE ROAD HAD CHANGED ITS SURFACE FROM ASPHALT TO SOMETHING MORE NOISY, LIKE A "CHIP-…

Look up ODI 729028 at NHTSA ↗

64.9%
ODI 10037578

ROLLOVER IN TOYOTA 4 RUNNER - 1997. *JB

Look up ODI 10037578 at NHTSA ↗

1210.0%
ODI 10034055 · 23,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND DAMAGED THE REAR FENDER OF THE VEHICLE. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT II TIRE. *AK *LA

Look up ODI 10034055 at NHTSA ↗

76.4%
ODI 553656

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE P225 75 R15 EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL AND TREAD SEPARATION, CONSUMER WANTS DEALER TO REPLACE ALL 5 TIRES. *SLC

Look up ODI 553656 at NHTSA ↗

32.9%
ODI 10046442

TIRE BLOW OUT CAUSED VEHICLE TO HIT A GUARDRAIL. *MR (THE LEFT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT) THE CONSUMER HAD MOVED OVER TO THE MIDDLE LANE WHEN THE TIRE BLEW. *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10046442 at NHTSA ↗

412.9%
ODI 10074046 · 26,000 mi

TIRE TREAD BELT SEPARATED. CONSUMER DID NOT REMEMBER LOCATION OF FAILED TIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. STEEL RADIAL, 225/75R15, DOT# 3DBHHA630700. *AK

Look up ODI 10074046 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.6%
ODI 10052718

30 MPH HEAD-ON CRASH INTO A TREE IN GOLETA, CA. BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. CRASH RESULTED IN BROKEN ARMS, RIBS, AND SCALP LACERATIONS.*AK

Look up ODI 10052718 at NHTSA ↗

55.6%
ODI 10010496 · 2 mi

THE 1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HIT A STOP SIGN POLE AND A BIG TREE AT 50 TO 60 MPH DURING WET WEATHER. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN THE COLLISION OF THE DRIVERS HEAD TO THE STEERING WHEEL. *NLM

Look up ODI 10010496 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 725803

SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD HER. AIRBAG DEPLOYED TO SOON. SHE WENT FACE FIRST INTO THE DASH & WINDSHIELD WAS KNOCKED UNCONSIOUS. SHE HAS NECK & BACK INJURIES STILL TODAY. THE SEATBELT IS STILL LAYING ON THE SEAT. LAP PART HELD HER NOT THE SHOULDER STRAPE HER HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD & BROKE WINDSHIELD. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFOMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 725803 at NHTSA ↗

21.7%
ODI 10011092 · 60,000 mi

I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT JULY 6, 2002. I DROVE A 98' TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THERE WERE FOUR PERSONS WHO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE AIRBAG SEEMED TO PERFORM AS INTENDED, HOWEVER, TO THIS DATE I HAVE HORRIFYING PLASTIC MATERIAL COMING FROM THE INSIDE... AND OUTSIDE OF MY CHEEKS. IT HAS CAUSED VERY VISIBLE PATTERNS TO PROTRUDE FROM THE SKIN, CONSTANT PAIN, AND DESPERATE EFFORTS TO GET ANSWERS. THOUGH I HAVE BEEN TO MANY DOCTORS, I HAVE FAILED TO ESCAPE THE RESEARCH EVASIVE REALITIES OF MY PROVIDERS. LABS SIMPLY FAIL TO IDENTIFY, AND DOCTORS AGREE TH…

Look up ODI 10011092 at NHTSA ↗

98.2%
ODI 10169155

WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A LARGE TREE IN WHICH THE FRONT END WAS CRUSHED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM

Look up ODI 10169155 at NHTSA ↗

76.7%
ODI 10097987 · 68,000 mi

MY WIFE TOTALED OUR 2000 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER, LIMITED. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL FRONTAL IMPACT AND ROLLOVER. THE EMERGENCY WORKERS WERE SURPRISED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE DIGITAL PICS OF THE WRECKED VEHICLE IF NEEDED.

Look up ODI 10097987 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 8018841

WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 50MPH HAS A FRONT COLLISION, AND NEITHER PASSENGER OR DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. ANY DETAILS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, FEEL FREE TO ADD ON.*AK

Look up ODI 8018841 at NHTSA ↗

13.1%
ODI 10048260 · 21,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

Look up ODI 10048260 at NHTSA ↗

10.6%
ODI 10144883 · 53,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS HIT WITH SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL LACERATIONS, RESTRAINED CHILD SUSTAINED SHOULDER/CLAVICLE INJURY. MINIMUM ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE IS $7000, NEITHER SIDE CURTAIN OR FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. FRONT AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE LIKELY PREVENTED INJURY TO DRIVER. *NM

Look up ODI 10144883 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 10126646 · 13,978 mi

INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT,AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY,SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD RESULTING IN HITTING STEARING WHEEL AND FRACTURING MY STEARNUM. COLLISION REPAIR CENTER REPLACED COMPUTER THAT CONTROLS AIR BAG AND SEAT BELTS.

Look up ODI 10126646 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
23.8%
ODI 803742

THE TRUCK BURNED A LOT OF OIL, CONSUMER THINKS IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, DEALER SAID IT IS NORMAL WEAR . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Look up ODI 803742 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.9%
ODI 707446

THE FOLLOWING WORK ORDER WAS GIVEN TO ME. FOUND DCT # PO420 INEFFECIENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TESTED A/F SENSOR IT WAS GOOD, IT MEASURED 1.8 OHMS. TESTED 02 SENSOR IT MEASURED 19.0 OHMS N@ 1800 DEGREES. DIAGNOSED SWITCHED GROUNDS AT E.C.U. E10 # 8 AND # 17 . REMOVED AND SWITCHED WIRES TO THE CORRECT POSITIONS. ERACED CODE IN ECU MEMORY.

Look up ODI 707446 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.2%
ODI 10143950

I DRIVE HIGHWAY 90% OF THE TIME AND THEN 10% ON CITY STREET. I WAS TOLD BY GREENVILLE TOYOTA THAT MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS QUOTED $1,070.00.00. I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, 2WD, SR5. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THESE DON'T DIE THIS SOON. IS THERE A RECALL? *JB

Look up ODI 10143950 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2011.9%
ODI 10016415

EXHAUST FUMES APPARENTLY ENTERING CABIN OF VEHICLE. SMELL OF SULFUR VERY STRONG EVEN WHEN ALL WINDOWS ARE UP. *JB

Look up ODI 10016415 at NHTSA ↗

69.1%
ODI 10062166

ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED QUICKLY FROM EITHER A STANDSTILL OR ALREADY MOVING. I'VE TRIED ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF GAS BUT TO NO AVAIL.*AK

Look up ODI 10062166 at NHTSA ↗

320.0%
ODI 10129002 · 100 mi

I HAVE A 2005 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORT AND THERE IS A HORRIBLE SULFUR SMELL THAT IS EMITTED INTO THE CABIN WHILE REACHING RPM'S OF APPROXIMATELY 3000 - 5000.

Look up ODI 10129002 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Suspension:RearToo few reports for a range65,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10008199 · 55,000 mi

SAFETY ISSUE, MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN OPERATING FOR 6 YEARS WITH DEFECTIVE REAR-END SUSPENSIONS PARTS. THERE IS NO WAY THAT THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS HAVE NOT EFFECTED THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE AND ULTIMATELY CAUSED EXTRA WEAR AND TEAR ON OTHER VEHICLE PARTS. ON TOP OF IT ALL I AM GETTING NO COOPERATION FROM MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP OR TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE. I HAVE REQUESTED A FULL DIAGNOSTIC TEST BE PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE AND THAT ANY AND ALL PROBLEMS BE FIXED, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT FUTURE PROBLEMS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND I UNDERSTAND THAT, HOWEV…

Look up ODI 10008199 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10023416 · 65,000 mi

MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT WITH A 1997 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. SHE WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE POLICE HAVE EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO TOYOTA TWICE TO REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION FOR A TOYOTA RECALL. BOTH BEFORE THE RECALL AND AFTER THE RECALL THE REAR END WAS SAGGING AND WAS NOT STABLE. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS DEFECTIVE. BOTH CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTED TO HER DEATH. *NLM IN SPEAKING WITH INVESTIGATIVE S…

Look up ODI 10023416 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10044305 · 129,000 mi

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN UNDER RAINY ROAD CONDITIONS REAR END BEGAN TO SLIDE OUT OF CONTROL. AS A RESULT, DRIVER DID A 180 DEGREE SPIN, AND STOPPED HEAD ON IN A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE VEHICLE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

Look up ODI 10044305 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range102,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10121306 · 102,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE LOOP AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. AT THE TOP OF THE LOOP, AS I STRAIGHTENED THE WHEEL THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AS THOUGH IT WAS GOING TO FLIP OVER. THE ROCKING TURNED INTO FISHTAILING, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FORCEFULLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC AND HIT A GUARDRAIL, ENDING UP FACING ONCOMING FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I WAS 4 MONTHS PREGNANT AND TRAVELLING WITH MY 10 MONTH OLD SON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO SAFETY IN THE MED…

Look up ODI 10121306 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft:SealToo few reports for a range63,176 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10008243 · 60,000 mi

BOTH OF THE SEALS ON THE REAR AXLE BLEW OUT, SATURATING THE REAR BRAKES WITH DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, RENDERING THEM USELESS. *JB

Look up ODI 10008243 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10063690 · 66,352 mi

ON FEB 24 2004 I WAS ADVISED BY ANDREW TOYOTA (GLENDALE WI) THAT I AGAIN NEEDED TO REPLACE BOTH REAR AXLE SEALS AND REAR BRAKES (DUE TO LEAKAGE) ON MY 1997 4RUNNER. THREE PRIOR TIMES, I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR AXLE SEALS AND REAR BRAKES ON THIS 4RUNNER SINCE 2001: 1. MAR 7, 2001-MILEAGE 71,411. 2. DEC 18, 2001-MILEAGE 83,044. 3. NOV 14, 2002-MILEAGE 90303 I PROVIDED DEALER WITH COPIES OF NHTSA PRINTOUTS SHOWING OTHERS' IDENTICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR/MODEL 4RUNNER, BUT , OF COURSE, SERVICE MAGAGER AT DEALER DUANE DOMAG…

Look up ODI 10063690 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10104318 · 75,000 mi

MY REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE BRAKE SHOES. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IT TWICE. ONCE IN THE WINTER OF 2002 AND AGAIN IN THE SPRING OF 2003. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY BRAKES FAILED AND I REAR ENDED SOMEBODY. THE REAR BRAKE SHOES WERE SATURATED WITH AXLE GREASE. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THEY WOULDN'T TOUCH IT AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT A DEALER. THEY THINK I MIGHT HAVE TO GO AS FAR AS REPLACING THE AXLE IN ORDER TO STOP THE PROBLEM FROM RECURRING. *JB

Look up ODI 10104318 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range90,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10059515 · 90,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10059515 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range115,829 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10018500 · 101,658 mi

ENGINE STOP RUNNING, BECAUSE OF SLUG BUILD UP IN 4 RUNNER ENGINE 1997. OTHER CARS IN THE TOYOTA LINE HAVE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE FIXING THE ENGINE FOR FREE, BUT NOT THE 4 RUNNER. THEY HAVE 3 MODELS THAT ARE DOING THE SAME THING, THE ENGINE ARE SLUGGING UP AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. THEY SAID THIS MODEL DOES NOT FALL IN THAT LINE, AND WILL COST ME $9,000 TO FIX, BUT FIRST THEY QUOTE ME $5000. THE OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES OR SO, NOT ALL BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE AND DID NOT SAY ANYTHING TO ME UNTI…

Look up ODI 10018500 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091799 · 130,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM , BUT DID NOT RESOLVE IT. *AK

Look up ODI 10091799 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 259 reports

2004: 59 complaints · 2005: 14 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004485959
2005101414
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20045817
20051401

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipSuspension:RearSuspensionPower Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft:SealTiresTires:Tread/BeltAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip—00
2
ODI 853917

UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL BRAKES ARE NOT EFFECTIVE, AND CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, REAR AXLE SEALS LEAK FLUID. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS MADE FOUR DIFFERENT ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 853917 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 881607

VEHICLE LOCKED UP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLED AND WOULD NOT MOVE. IT HAS BEEN TO DEALER THREE TIMES AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. ALSO, REAR AXLE SEAL WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED. BRAKE PADS WERE CLEANED. IF PROBLEM REOCCURRED DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO REPLACE PADS. WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THEY WERE JUST CLEANED. CONSUMER WAS VERY FUSTRATED AT THIS POINT BECAUSE THERE SEEMED TO BE NO REMEDY. *AK

Look up ODI 881607 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Suspension:Rear0—000000
Suspension00—00000
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft:Seal
2
ODI 853917

UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL BRAKES ARE NOT EFFECTIVE, AND CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, REAR AXLE SEALS LEAK FLUID. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS MADE FOUR DIFFERENT ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 853917 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 881607

VEHICLE LOCKED UP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLED AND WOULD NOT MOVE. IT HAS BEEN TO DEALER THREE TIMES AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. ALSO, REAR AXLE SEAL WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED. BRAKE PADS WERE CLEANED. IF PROBLEM REOCCURRED DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO REPLACE PADS. WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THEY WERE JUST CLEANED. CONSUMER WAS VERY FUSTRATED AT THIS POINT BECAUSE THERE SEEMED TO BE NO REMEDY. *AK

Look up ODI 881607 at NHTSA ↗

00—0000
Tires0000—000
Tires:Tread/Belt00000—00
Air Bags:Frontal000000—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

7 mentions · 5.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 70,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10104318 · 75,000 mi

MY REAR AXLE SEAL IS LEAKING ON THE BRAKE SHOES. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IT TWICE. ONCE IN THE WINTER OF 2002 AND AGAIN IN THE SPRING OF 2003. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY BRAKES FAILED AND I REAR ENDED SOMEBODY. THE REAR BRAKE SHOES WERE SATURATED WITH AXLE GREASE. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID THEY WOULDN'T TOUCH IT AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT A DEALER. THEY THINK I MIGHT HAVE TO GO AS FAR AS REPLACING THE AXLE IN ORDER TO STOP THE PROBLEM FROM RECURRING. *JB

Look up ODI 10104318 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10149040 · 65,000 mi

A) WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 45-55 MPH THE ENGINE SHUT ITSELF OFF WITHOUT ME OR ANY PART OF MY BODY EVEN TOUCHING THE KEY OR DO ANYTHING TO PROVOKE SUCH EVENT. B) I WAS DRIVING ALONG WITH THE FLOW DURING RUSH OUR WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. I WAS IN DRIVE THE WHOLE TIME AND WAS USING ONLY THE ACCELERATOR, AND OCCASIONALLY THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ADJUST MY SPEED TO TRAFFIC. I WAS NOT CHANGING GEARS OR TOUCHING THE GEAR SHIFTER. C) THIS WAS THE THIRD INCIDENT TO OCCUR IN A SPAN OF ABOUT ONE YEAR. ALL INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHIL…

Look up ODI 10149040 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 529795

OWNER NOTICED PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES FROM DELIVERY. BRAKE PEDAL IS SOMETIMES HIGH AND STIFF WHILE OTHER TIMES IT FEELS SOFT AND MUSHY AND GOES FARTHER DOWN BEFORE IT SEEMS TO BE EFFECTIVE. FINALLY BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE ABS ACTIVATED.

Look up ODI 529795 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 717030

CAR ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, POWER STEERING BECAME VERY HEAVY AND SLOW, AND POWER BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED. *AK

Look up ODI 717030 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b