1994 Toyota 4 Runner
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › 4 Runner › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Toyota 4 Runner. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1994 Toyota 4 Runner. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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
64 complaints11 involved a crash2 involved a fire8 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
My vehicle was in a accident on the passenger quarter panel the damage caused a electrical outage to all the blinkers on the passenger side and both my passenger side door lock actuators they locked up and stopped working after the accident. With the door lock actuators not working made my vehicle unsafe on the passenger side.
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
A couple of years after purchasing this toyota 4-runner there was a recall due to faulty head gaskets. they leaked. a recall was (supposedly) done. 100,000 miles later the same problem had to be fixed again. I contacted toyota and was informed that they were only responsible for one fix. that…
A couple of years after purchasing this toyota 4-runner there was a recall due to faulty head gaskets. they leaked. a recall was (supposedly) done. 100,000 miles later the same problem had to be fixed again. I contacted toyota and was informed that they were only responsible for one fix. that would be nice if they had actually fixed it. a (fix) implies that it has been really fixed. head gaskets are not supposed to leak . . . Ever! so I am wondering of they really accomplished a fix the first time. obviously not since it cost me $2000 to get it fixed again for the exact same problem. if they did attempt a fix they certainly must have used inferior of defective parts since the same problem needed to be fixed again. I think there ought to be a law that if a recall (fix) fails and need to be done over the manufacturer should be liable for the redo. thank you *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1994 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard a popping sound from under the vehicle and noticed an abnormal odor of oil. The contact stopped the vehicle and upon exiting, noticed a flame under the front driver side. The fire department was called…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard a popping sound from under the vehicle and noticed an abnormal odor of oil. The contact stopped the vehicle and upon exiting, noticed a flame under the front driver side. The fire department was called and reported to the scene. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 toyota 4runner . The contact noticed that the frame was rusted, which has caused the control arm to fall off. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified and the vehicle was not repaired or inspected. The current and failure mileages were 291,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
This IS a failure that has no events leading up to it . I own a 1994 toyota 4 runner with 4 wheel drive. The harmonic balancer has broken more than 3 times on this vehicle. It seems that the key that fits into the slot on the crank shaft IS too short. The key that fits into the slot also keeps the…
This IS a failure that has no events leading up to it . I own a 1994 toyota 4 runner with 4 wheel drive. The harmonic balancer has broken more than 3 times on this vehicle. It seems that the key that fits into the slot on the crank shaft IS too short. The key that fits into the slot also keeps the harmonic balancer in place as it also has a slot for the key to fit into. When this happens it IS sudden and gives you little or no time to react. All of the instrument lights come on at once and the steering and brakes fail causing loss of control. I have spoken with dozens of mechanics and toyota owners and they all say this IS a common problem with this vehicle. This IS not only a safety hazard but also a costly repair. This happened to my car again for the fourth time recently. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine blown head gasket caused water to leak into engine causing engine failure. Toyota repaired under recall several years ago. Now the same problem occurred and now it will cost me $1,900.00 to repair their poor quality, or craftsmanship. why can't we get toyota to warranty this problem for the…
Engine blown head gasket caused water to leak into engine causing engine failure. Toyota repaired under recall several years ago. Now the same problem occurred and now it will cost me $1,900.00 to repair their poor quality, or craftsmanship. why can't we get toyota to warranty this problem for the life of the car. I have read hundreds of posts regarding this matter, and we cannot get fair results from anyone. My friend had toyota offer him $500.00 towards the purchase of a new toyota, pretty funny offer. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Blown head gasket on 1994 toyata 4runner. 98K on engine. *Tr
- Wheels
I bought 1994 toyota 4runner used. The outfit needed new tires when I tried to remover the wheels I could not get them off the vehicle after alot of work they finally came off. When I reinstalled them I used anti-seize and hope to never have this problem again. *Tr
- Steering › Column
TL* - the contact owns a 1994 toyota forerunner. the contact stated that when he tried to make a turn or steer the vehicle it would not work. the contact had the steering column fixed. the steering column problem was consistent and kept getting worse. the current and failure mileage were both 83000. *ak
- Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
My wife was driving home from work at about 8:00 am and the SUV slid to the left on ice, she then turned to the right and the steering wouldn't straighten up and as a result she went down an inbankment and the SUV rolled all the way over and back on its wheels. the vehicle since has been totaled and parted out but I'm thinking this recall may have caused the accident. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Steering
1994 4 runner 4 wd steering control locked up while driving. Vehicle lost all power. *ts ***nar*** the consumers wife lost control of the vehicle and subsequently the vehicle rolled over an embankment into a stream. The vehicle was deemed totaled. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 94 toyota 4runner with a 3VZ-E motor. The head gasket was replace under the recall in 1997 when the vehicle had 45000 miles. The toyota dealership just replaced the head gasket and never resurfaced the heads. On september 20,2006 head gasket blow again.it IS well known about the design flaw…
I own a 94 toyota 4runner with a 3VZ-E motor. The head gasket was replace under the recall in 1997 when the vehicle had 45000 miles. The toyota dealership just replaced the head gasket and never resurfaced the heads. On september 20,2006 head gasket blow again.it IS well known about the design flaw in this motor and toyota should be held responsible for the repair to be done correctly. My vehicle only has 90700 miles on the motor.i called toyota and they told my that they only fix it one time. I advised them that they never fixed the first head gasket correctly and they should be held accountable for making there recalls corrected in a proper manner.i would like to see a class action law suit against toyota in regards to this issue. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
I own a 94 toyota 4runner and a 94 toyota SR5 pickup truck. Back in '98 I received a recall notice I brought both my vehicles to fred anderson toyota in response to the recall. They replaced the head gaskets on both vehicles. recall notice: a 3VZ-E head gasket replacement june 26, 1998…
I own a 94 toyota 4runner and a 94 toyota SR5 pickup truck. Back in '98 I received a recall notice I brought both my vehicles to fred anderson toyota in response to the recall. They replaced the head gaskets on both vehicles. recall notice: a 3VZ-E head gasket replacement june 26, 1998 vehicle: toyota truck 4x4mileage: 46,623 july 17, 1998 vehicle: toyota 4runnermileage: 38,037 the beginning of february 2006 of this year, my toyota pickup truck blew a head gasket when I cranked it up one afternoon. Dense smoke and radiator fluid flowed from the tailpipe and the engine was vibrating.less than 12 hours after the head gasket blew in my pickup truck, the very next morning I started my wife's 4runner to make a trip into town. Immediately when I started it, dense smoke and radiator fluid flowed from the tailpipe and the engine was vibrating even worst than before. I immediately turn the truck off. Toyota opened a case# 200602060829. I was told they would call chan coleman at sanford toyota and try to get a special price. I called chan and was told I would need to speak with someone in his service department. He transferred me to service and was quoted a price of $1,600 per vehicle to repair. I had both vehicles towed and repaired by a local repair shop. Below are the dates and mileage for the repairs. february 16, 2006 vehicle: toyota truck 4X4 mileage: 120,000 february 4, 2006 vehicle: toyota 4runner mileage: 102,000 I was told by the mechanic at the local repair shop that the reason the head gaskets were blowing was because of a casting design flaw with the engine heads and not the head gaskets. The heads had dimples which over time would cause the head gasket to blow. The heads on both my vehicles had to be resurfaced to remove the dimples. I called toyota with this information but was told they show both my vehicles were fixed in accordance to the recall and it IS a one time fix only and the owner needs to take responsibility at some point. *nm
- Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Consumer IS concerned about the 1994 4-runner steering rod. *ts the consumer received recall 05v389000 referencing a steering rod. the consumer would like more information on the recall especially since his father, who also owned a toyota 4runner, was killed four year ago when his vehicle veered off a freeway. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Dt: the contact owns a 1994 toyota runner SR5. He almost purchased the vehicle from a private party, and he went on to the website to obtain a car fax report. The report was showing an odometer reading of 147124 on september 18, 2004. Now the car IS showing an odometer reading of a little more than…
Dt: the contact owns a 1994 toyota runner SR5. He almost purchased the vehicle from a private party, and he went on to the website to obtain a car fax report. The report was showing an odometer reading of 147124 on september 18, 2004. Now the car IS showing an odometer reading of a little more than 98,000. This has not been reported to the police because that unit was out at the time. he did leave a message for them to contact him back, but they have not done so as of yet.*ak
- Wheels
Left rear wheel broke off the vehicle at 65 mph. This caused the driver to lose control, and vehicle flipped over three times.*ak the left rear axle broke causing accident. the driver sustained road rash to left hand and arm which resulted in permanent scaring. *nm
- Tires › Sidewall
Dayton timberline a/t, p235/75r15, dot#vdhltd3110.consumer that the sidewalls blew out. The tread wear on the tires was less than 10,000 miles. right rear tire went out first. Followed by left front tire which experienced the same defect as the right rear tire.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Problem with 5 cylinder engine on 1994 toyota 4-runner. *ph *mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
In short, I brought a 1994 toyota 4 runner with a warranty back in june 2002 from potamkin springfield auto world. in november 2003, the truck was deemed unsafe to drive because the head gaskets blew. I had the required maintenance done plus other repairs and took the truck to be serviced…
In short, I brought a 1994 toyota 4 runner with a warranty back in june 2002 from potamkin springfield auto world. in november 2003, the truck was deemed unsafe to drive because the head gaskets blew. I had the required maintenance done plus other repairs and took the truck to be serviced whenever there was a problem prior to this situation. I complained to the dealership about this because this was a costly repair and of course the warranty did not cover the part. I paid out of pocket for the repair not knowing then that there was a recall for defected head gaskets on this model. I had the head gaskets replaced but with no guarantee that it won't happen again and guess what, I'm still not able to drive the truck. I don't know how many times this may of happen before me but I know the dealer knew of this problem when it was sold.*ak
- Unknown or other
While driving 60 mph the spare tire cable broke without warning and as a result the tire fell off into on-coming traffic. please provide any additional information. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Under technical service bulletin# 54015, the engine was replaced free of charge on 5/15/2002 for the second time. one year later the engine died. the dealer stated the engine failed due to the oil not being changed. the consumer says the vehicle was regularly taken for maintenance. *ph there was engine noise. *scc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving the vehicle stalled which made it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. The dealer was notified. *nlm
- Power train › Manual transmission
Transmission will intermittently drop out of 1ST and 3RD gear. when at a dead stop, transmission will drop out of 1ST gear while accelerating, causing lost of power. also while entering the freeway, transmission will drop out of third gear, causing lost of power. this problem has happened at about 40, 000 miles and again at about 99,000 miles. dt
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Prior to any knowledge of recall, radiator in vehicle blew up, vehicle was towed and radiator was replaced, vehicle continued to malfunction, and the oxygen sensor were replaced, however vehicle still failed to operate, upon second visit consumer was informed by mechanic that the problem could not…
Prior to any knowledge of recall, radiator in vehicle blew up, vehicle was towed and radiator was replaced, vehicle continued to malfunction, and the oxygen sensor were replaced, however vehicle still failed to operate, upon second visit consumer was informed by mechanic that the problem could not be determined, but thought that it may be the head gasket and to take vehicle to an official dealership, consumer was then informed by dealer of the outstanding recall and advised him that the failing head gaskets were almost certainly the cause of the radiator blowing up and the other related problems, dealer replaced engine under warranty, however consumer was responsibile for the water pump,various belts, and timing devices.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
No summary listed for above vehicle. *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
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.
- 10214323TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 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.
- 10190453TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 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.
- 10187241TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 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.
- 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 4 Runner model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.