1998 Model Year

Toyota 4Runner

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
256
Recalls
1
Crashes
18
Severe
36

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

02V021000 Jan 2002

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Suspension
Apr 2023

The rear end suspension is sagging on my vehicle. When I look up the VIN number on the nhtsa website it says that there is not a recall, but when I lo...

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Nov 2022

The frame is rusting out and broke while driving. The frame is almost totally destroyed from rust . The rear started swinging violently but luckily go...

Steering
Oct 2022

The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.

Structure
Dec 2020

RUSTED FRAME. HOLE RIGHT THROUGH IT. CAN'T SELL, REGISTER OR DO ANYTHING WITH IT. CAR HAS 188K MILES, DRIVES LIKE A TANK, AND HAS YEARS LEFT IN IT, B...

Structure
Aug 2020

THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND COMPLETELY FRACTURED OFF OF THE FRAME. THE FAILURE OCC...

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
May 2020

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. *TR

Structure
Mar 2020

CRITICAL FRAME RUST CAUSING TRAILING ARMS TO DETACH UNDER NORMAL USE.

Suspension
Mar 2020

1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER STARTING TO SWAY SIDE TO SIDE. THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT FRAME IS RUSTED THRU THE BOX TUBE. CALLED TOYOTA TO REPORT THE ISSUE AND DID...

Seats
Jul 2019

WHEN BRAKING FROM 20 MPH, THE SEAT ROCKS FORWARD, AND THEN IN COMING TO A HALT, ROCKS BACKWARD. VERY UNSAFE. FEELS LIKE THE SEAT MOUNT IS ABOUT TO BR...

Air Bags Crash
Jul 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICL...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 1998 Toyota 4Runner has 256 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Structure. 18 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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