1990 Toyota 4RUNNER
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › 4RUNNER › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the steering wheel IS repeatedly turned under certain conditions where high steering effort and power assist are required, for instance, when fully turning the wheel while the vehicle IS stopped, a fatigue crack may develop in the steering relay rod.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicle IS continued to be operated in this condition, the relay rod may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. the recall began october 5, 2005. owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Owner complaints
78 complaints10 involved a crash6 involved a fire8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Unknown or other
Clutch/brake pedal bracket broke/cracked after pressing the clutch pedal. was originally diagnosed as a bad clutch and almost pulled the plug to get the clutch replaced. would have been a load of wasted money on a poor diagnosis. pedal bracket cracked with clutch pedal was pressed to start the car. heard lour crack, car started, but would not go into gear.
- Engine
This specific toyota forerunner model had a recall for gasket failure. We had it replaced at appx 74,000 miles done by toyota as a courtesy recall. This truck currently has very low mileage considering the age of the truck, about 148,000 miles. it recently almost caught fire overheating after…
This specific toyota forerunner model had a recall for gasket failure. We had it replaced at appx 74,000 miles done by toyota as a courtesy recall. This truck currently has very low mileage considering the age of the truck, about 148,000 miles. it recently almost caught fire overheating after another gasket failure. We feel that either the original repair was not properly completed or another faulty gasket was installed. It's amazing that both times the gasket failed at around the same mileage, 75,000. This car has been extremely well maintained and garaged with a single owner.
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle) · Service brakes
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the bracket sub-assembly that held the clutch and brake pedal was fractured. As a result, the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal or the clutch. The dealer repaired the failure at least three times in less than one year.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1990 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the bracket sub-assembly that held the clutch and brake pedal was fractured. As a result, the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal or the clutch. The dealer repaired the failure at least three times in less than one year. The manufacturer was notified of the issue who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000. ..updated 11/14/12 *bf updated 11/14/12
- Engine and engine cooling
Fan blade disintegrated at highway speed. Dented hood, cracked battery, ruined shroud and alternator belt. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Dt*: the contact stated there was a problem with the rear end of the vehicle. the welds on the rear subframe of the vehicle popped and fractured which caused the read end to fall off. the weld did not fracture, but instead popped away from the rear end which held the rear sway bar onto the axle. the welds popped on both sides. the truck had never had a hitch or carried a heavy load on the vehicle.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I brought my toyota to the repair shop,the repairman told me my car has a defective head gasket and told me to call the toyota dealer for repair. I called the dealer they told me that the head gasket had been repaired. They will not pay for it again. I think that IS not fair for a consumer to pay for a defective engine. keeps blowing head gasket but only repair once IS not enough. *jb
- Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
1990 4 runner was involved in an accident which occurred due to faulty steering relay rod. *ts the consumer received a recall for the steering relay rod several years after the component had already failed. the vehicle was involved in a single car accident in which the vehicle rolled over.…
1990 4 runner was involved in an accident which occurred due to faulty steering relay rod. *ts the consumer received a recall for the steering relay rod several years after the component had already failed. the vehicle was involved in a single car accident in which the vehicle rolled over. Consequently the consumer sustained serious injuries and the vehicle was totally destroyed. the consumer now realizes that the accident was likely due to the steering relay rod problem mentioned in the recall. *nm
- Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Clutch pedal bracket failure no events were present leading up to the failure of my clutch pedal bracket assembly. while approaching a stoplight in traffic I depressed my clutch pedal in order to gear down for the stop. while depressing the pedal I heard a loud snap - the sound of the clutch…
Clutch pedal bracket failure no events were present leading up to the failure of my clutch pedal bracket assembly. while approaching a stoplight in traffic I depressed my clutch pedal in order to gear down for the stop. while depressing the pedal I heard a loud snap - the sound of the clutch pedal bracket breaking. with the bracket broken there was no acceptable way to disengage the clutch and get the vehicle out of gear to stop for the stop light. I slammed on the brakes and brought the vehicle to a stop (which stalled the vehicle) before rear ending the car in front of me. once the light turned green I had to use the starter with the vehicle in gear to clear the intersection. the vehicle has been towed to my residence so I can decide how to fix this. it seems toyota knows of the problem and offers an "upgraded" bracket at a premium price along with a premium installation fee. after browsing the internet it seems as if this problem IS very common among toyota truck, 4-runner and T-100 owners alike. this type of problem could be life threatening! *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Head gasket problem. valve problems
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the head gasket was cracked and needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
I purchased my 4runner used in 1998. the mileage at purchase was only 30K, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather. the original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the…
I purchased my 4runner used in 1998. the mileage at purchase was only 30K, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather. the original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the repairs (if necessary) up to 100K miles, regardless of time since original use. the tsb, however, states that the extended warranty lasts until 8 years from original use or 100K miles, whichever occurs first. since october 2000, I have experienced intermittent low engine idling (and stalling) after driving at high speeds. On at least five different occasions, I have asked that the vehicle's idle speed be adjusted and the throttle plate be cleaned to resolve this problem. I did not realize until just recently that the source of this problem IS a leaky head gasket. the toyota dealership I go to here in glendale, ca reported this diagnosis after I questioned them on why the vehicle needed repeated idle speed adjustments. the current mileage of the vehicle IS 99K. I have approached toyota customer service to inquire if they will authorize a head gasket replacement for the vehicle free of charge since the problem IS a problem that they have been aware of and previously issued an extended warranty covering it. I have been told this IS not possible because of the age of the vehicle. I feel that toyota should authorize the repair in this case despite the age of the vehicle, as the engine began exhibiting symptoms of the head gasket problem well below the 100K mileage requirement that toyota originally stated that they were willing to repair in the tsb. I do not know what further I can do regarding this matter, and would appreciate any help that can be provided.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Total loss of braking function. wife and grand daughter in car. no accident occurred. emnergency brake still functioned. root cause was due to long-term wear on left rear metal brake line by anit-lock-brakes control arm. this action resulted in the metal brake line integrity failure.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I purchased my 4runner used in 1998. the mileage at purchase was only 30K, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather. the original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the…
I purchased my 4runner used in 1998. the mileage at purchase was only 30K, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather. the original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the repairs (if necessary) up to 100K miles, regardless of time since original use. the tsb, however, states that the extended warranty lasts until 8 years from original use or 100K miles, whichever occurs first. since october 2000, I have experienced intermittent low engine idling (and stalling) after driving at high speeds. On at least five different occasions, I have asked that the vehicle's idle speed be adjusted and the throttle plate be cleaned to resolve this problem. I did not realize until just recently that the source of this problem IS a leaky head gasket. the toyota dealership I go to here in glendale, ca reported this diagnosis after I questioned them on why the vehicle needed repeated idle speed adjustments. the current mileage of the vehicle IS 99K. I have approached toyota customer service to inquire if they will authorize a head gasket replacement for the vehicle free of charge since the problem IS a problem that they have been aware of and previously issued an extended warranty covering it. I have been told this IS not possible because of the age of the vehicle. I feel that toyota should authorize the repair in this case despite the age of the vehicle, as the engine began exhibiting symptoms of the head gasket problem well below the 100K mileage requirement that toyota originally stated that they were willing to repair in the tsb. I do not know what further I can do regarding this matter, and would appreciate any help that can be provided.
- Engine and engine cooling
Consumer states that the vehicle head gasket has failed. Dealer notified. *ph
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine head gasket was replaced under the owner notification warranty, but blew out 5000 miles later.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle was making a banging noise in the engine. white smoke, and fire in the engine. vehicle was destroyed
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
I was locked inside this vehicle and unable to get out. I ended up smashing the window after 45 minutes and crawling out of the vehicle. The door locks were "energized" and holding the lock levers down. Mechanic IS unable to understand what happened and the lock solenoids are still in this same situation. The lock arms have been disconnected.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Consumer was locked inside of his vehicle and was unable to get out. Cause unknown. Please provide additional information. Ts. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1990 toyota 4-runner intermittantly jumps in and out of overdrive at approximately 55 miles per hour or higher when highway driving, causing increase in gas mileage and high rpms on the engine. in 2001 I went to toyota for this problem and they told me I would need to replace the transmission so I…
1990 toyota 4-runner intermittantly jumps in and out of overdrive at approximately 55 miles per hour or higher when highway driving, causing increase in gas mileage and high rpms on the engine. in 2001 I went to toyota for this problem and they told me I would need to replace the transmission so I should drive the vehicle until I could not drive it anymore. at that point I should have the transmission replaced. after extensive research I located tsbs for this vehicle and found one that addresses this issue (tsb atratb351 dated jan 96). this month 1/2003 I returned to toyota with the same complaint and they told me it would cost approximately $150.00 to perform this tsb. I told them if they had performed it the previous year when I had the head gaskets replaced it would not have cost me anything since the engine was already apart for other work. the service manager said he could not address the recommendation and findings of their work from a year ago. I called another dealer and they said it would cost $71.00 for the work to be performed. as far as I am concerned since a tsb has been issued it IS basically admitting that the vehicle has a problem and provides the dealer/service departments with the fix, so why are the service managers reluctant to perform the correction, but instead recommend an transmission change?
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While traveling on the highway without prior warning. the vehicle caught on fire underneath hood. the dealership IS aware of the problem. nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
While starting engine revved a little and cooling fan exploded, piece of fan flew as far as 30 feet away, almost injuring a bystander. Fan pierced a hole in battery, allowing acid to spill onto the floor. mechanic stated that this was a poor design in cooling fan. And a very dangerous situation.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine blew at 13000 miles and vehicle started hesitating and cutting off without prior warning. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle was in for oil change 4 weeks prior to incident. engine began to make a loud banging noise. stopped at a jiffylube, and found oil very low. filled with oil and was told that it sounds like I threw a rod, but it should be okay to get me where I was going (about 5 miles up the road).…
Vehicle was in for oil change 4 weeks prior to incident. engine began to make a loud banging noise. stopped at a jiffylube, and found oil very low. filled with oil and was told that it sounds like I threw a rod, but it should be okay to get me where I was going (about 5 miles up the road). approximately 2 miles later, white smoke began coming out the back of the vehicle, and the banging stopped. the smoke became very bad, and I was about to pull into a gas station when someone pulling out yelled to me that it was on fire (in the engine compartment). I got me and my 2 small boys out, and came home that same night to the head gasket recall notice in the mail. I immediately called toyota, who sent someone out to investigate, but they said that the investigation concluded that the cause was not known, and it was not their responsibility. I was reading more horror stories about this on your site. what can be done? my vehicle was paid for and my insurance did not cover fire. Why did it take them so long to get the head gasket recall notice to me? it appears that this was an issue for several years. I basically dropped the issue for several years figuring I was fighting a losing battle, until I discovered this site. thanks.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle was parked but turned on, had just shifted into reverse with foot on brakes when it suddenly accelerated backwards. Hit 2 parked vehicles. No injuries were sustained. Have not contacted dealership.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Passenger's side exterior mirror would severely vibrate when traveling at 30mph or more. This caused poor visibility. dealer notified, and was unwilling to assist on this matter. Feel free to provide any further information on this problem.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear seat belt routing
- Corroded brake lines
Toyota IS conducting a safety recall in canada 98-253. Corroded brake lines could fail resulting in a partial brak system loss and increased stopping distances
- Loss of brk effectiveness
There is no summary currently available
- Loss of brake effectivenes
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Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10197476Replacement vin plates.
- 10197473Product general information.
- 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10153239Dealer package: 12/18/2018 the program details section has been updated. Special policy adjustment for 1988 - early 1990 truck & 4runner with 3VZ?E V6 engines and special service campaign (V06) for 1990 - early 1995 truck, 4runner & T100 with 3VZ?E V6 engines.
- 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
- 10145756Dealer Package: 09/24/2018 A watermark has been added to the Dealer Packet to indicate that V06 SSC expired on September 24, 2018. 3VZ?E Head Gasket Special Policy Adjustment. In October 1996, Toyota announced a Special Policy Adjustment that provided extended warranty coverage for the head gaskets of certain 1988?1994 Toyota Compact Pickup Truck, 4Runner, and T100 equipped with the 3VZ?E V6 engine. This Special Policy Adjustment extended the warranty coverage for the head gaskets to 8 years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurred first) or 12 months from the date of the owner notification letter. Commencing in Dec., 1997, Toyota will proceed with the Special Policy Adjustment Warranty Extension program by notifying the remaining owners of 1988, 1989 and early production (up to 12/89 production date) Toyota Compact Pick?up Truck and 4Runner equipped with 3VZ?E V6 engines who have not previously received any notification or have not received any head gasket repairs from a Toyota dealer since October 1, 1996. Since introducing this Special Policy Adjustment, Toyota has identified that the head gasket failure condition is primarily limited to a particular production period of the involved vehicles. As a result, for a specific group of the vehicles previously involved in the Special Policy Adjustment, Toyota is now changing the handling procedure to a Special Service Campaign. 3VZ?E Head Gasket Special Service Campaign (V06) With the introduction of the new Special Service Campaign(V06), owners of late production 1990, all 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 up to early production 1995 (1/90 to 10/94 production date) Toyota Compact Pick?up Truck, 4Runner and T100 equipped with 3VZ?E V6 engines who have not received any head gasket repairs from a Toyota dealer since October 1, 1996 will be notified to contact a Toyota dealer for head gaskets replacement.
- 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
- 10133649TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10132084The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
- 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131984A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10111390TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111197TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109492TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109404TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly.
- 10061620Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10061578Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 600350Subject regarding cylinder head installation for vehicles equipped with the 3VZ V6 engine.
- 54015Subject on special policy adjustment for the head gaskets.
Every Toyota 4RUNNER model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.