1997 Toyota 4runner problems
Owners have filed 200 complaints about the 1997 Toyota 4runner with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 35% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 32.5%.
Complaints200
Crashes25
Fires2
Injuries20
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Structure 35.0% · 70
Suspension 32.5% · 65
Unknown or other 8.5% · 17
Power train 5.5% · 11
Steering 5.0% · 10
Vehicle speed control 3.5% · 7
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.0% · 6
Tires 1.5% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 25 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire, 20 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota 4runner in this data, 1997 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 18 in the last three years against 46 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 175,000 miles.
In owners' own words
1997 Toyota 4runner frame rotting out. There is a recall on the 1997 Toyota tacomas for the same reason, the 4runner has the same frame and has the same problem. Toyota refuses to add the 4runner to the recall or fix the defective frames. My 4runner is in excellent shape except the frame is rotting through in several locations. These 4runners should be recalled the same as the tacomas to fix the defect. Structure · reported at 139,000 miles
1997 Toyota 4runner frame rotting out. There is a recall on the 1997 Toyota tacomas for the same reason, the 4runner has the same frame and has the same problem. Toyota refuses to add the 4runner to the recall or fix the defective frames. My 4runner is in excellent shape except the frame is rotting through in several locations. These 4runners should be recalled the same as the tacomas to fix the defect. Structure · reported at 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota 4 runner. While traveling 45 mph the contact noticed a clicking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was told that the driver's side rear quarter part of the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer. The vin was not available. The current and failure mileage was 243,000. Structure · reported at 243,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…