1997 Toyota 4RUNNER
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › 4RUNNER › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER. 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 2-wheel-drive (2WD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) 4runner sport utility vehicles, a combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight rating) and severe steering maneuvers could cause the 2WD 4runner to lose directional stability.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in a loss of control and could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. although the 4WD 4runners do not exhibit the handling condition, toyota will recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles should receive the replacement parts. owner notification began february 28, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Owner complaints
261 complaints35 involved a crash2 involved a fire21 injuries5 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
I have had this vehicle since 12/1997 and it had always been garaged. The body is in very good condition. I live in northern Wisconsin and road salt is prevalent during the harsh winters. At the first part od April I was driving on Hwy, 47 toward Minocqua and suddenly the steering felt vague. I…
I have had this vehicle since 12/1997 and it had always been garaged. The body is in very good condition. I live in northern Wisconsin and road salt is prevalent during the harsh winters. At the first part od April I was driving on Hwy, 47 toward Minocqua and suddenly the steering felt vague. I moved the steering wheel slighlty and the vehicle went out of control, I managed to avoid oncoming traffic and pulled to the side of the road. I was still near home and drove very slowly to get home. Upon examining the cundercarriage at a local mechanic, we found that the frame was rusted and had broken where the rear trailing arm is attached, leaving the rear axle loose. I ended up giving the car to the mechanic. After driving it for 26 years it was a very sad moment since ran great and was my daily driver. I called Toyota and they told my vehicle was not included in the recall for
- Power train · Suspension
Purchased a used 1997 4-runner with ca. 258000 miles early in 2020. engine and whole body was good. However, 6 month later the car started to shake violently in the rear at highway speeds swinging like a boat, which I though was due to a broken shock, springs were newly installed in 2020. I…
Purchased a used 1997 4-runner with ca. 258000 miles early in 2020. engine and whole body was good. However, 6 month later the car started to shake violently in the rear at highway speeds swinging like a boat, which I though was due to a broken shock, springs were newly installed in 2020. I noticed that rear stabilizer arm on passenger side had broken off due to rust. when driving to repair shop the car rear axle broke loose, shifted, and the rear drive shaft fell out - I could pull over in 4 wheel drive mode. please know that the rust an extensive frame rot on the the rear frame on both sides was not very visible from outside. repairs for frame weld were 2500 -3000 usd. the 1997 4-runner, V6 IS a very unsafe vehicle to drive!
- Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module · Tires · Unknown or other
My fiance and I werw driving a borrowered 1997 toyota 4runner. we were driving at 65 m and all I remember just gettin on the freeway.and blanking out.. when I woke up I sadly discoverd that my fiance lost control and veered to the right and hit a guardrail then a post sign and then rested on a…
My fiance and I werw driving a borrowered 1997 toyota 4runner. we were driving at 65 m and all I remember just gettin on the freeway.and blanking out.. when I woke up I sadly discoverd that my fiance lost control and veered to the right and hit a guardrail then a post sign and then rested on a tree..he passed away on impact. I suffered a T1 to T3 spine fracture.my left wrist fractured.a broken nose. as I woke up from my 3 week coma. I realised he passed away. now the truck was borrwed, not lended or bought. the dealer gave us the keys to use while he fixed the car we rented .. no papers signed nor documents . earlier that day I remember him calling me saying that the truck was making wiered noises. the accident happend on 2/4/14 a 6.15.pm *dt *as
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact was loaned a 1997 toyota 4runner. The contact mentioned the vehicle was loaned from a used dealer (mcfarland auto sales located at 231 frontage rd mc, mcfarland, ca 93250). The contact stated while her husband was driving 65 mph, the vehicle veered to the right independently causing…
TL* the contact was loaned a 1997 toyota 4runner. The contact mentioned the vehicle was loaned from a used dealer (mcfarland auto sales located at 231 frontage rd mc, mcfarland, ca 93250). The contact stated while her husband was driving 65 mph, the vehicle veered to the right independently causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, the driver crashed into a guard rail, a wooden post, a fence and came to a stop at a tree. The contact does not remember if the front driver air bag deployed, but stated the front passenger side air bag did deploy. The contact stated she sustained a fracture nose, spine, left wrist, right lung was punctured, and 3 fractured ribs on her left. The contact stated she was in a coma and hospitalized for 3 weeks. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The vehicle was not drive-able and was towed to an independent tow lot. A police report was filed. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. *Ln
- Suspension
Rear fram stabilizer brace rusted out and broke away from frame, so axle to frame stalizer does not stabilize rear axle
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
Very rusted out undercarriage. My other IS only 3 years newer and has nothing like this on it. I was advised to sell it by a suspension shop that noted my broken, rusted out undercarriage, bad shock and the condition of the rear of the truck's frame in general. There IS nothing wrong with the truck other than this rust.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Frame rust makes vehicle dangerous while driving.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Hey I have a 1997 4 runner I have a problem of the frame getting rusted out. It IS on the 4 link where it hooks to the axle it could have killed me my rear axle about came off and it almost got me into a reck. All I done IS hit the brakes then hurt pop and rear end went crazy. I was on a busy city steet when it happened
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota 4runner. While reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle swayed back and forth. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the frame was rusted and there was nothing supporting the stabilizer arm. Fox toyota (228…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota 4runner. While reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle swayed back and forth. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the frame was rusted and there was nothing supporting the stabilizer arm. Fox toyota (228 fox family ln, clinton, tn 37716, (865)-494-0228) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 271,000.
- Structure › Body
The frame snapped from rust as I was driving
- Seats
The bolts and nuts that attach the front seats to the car rust over time and eventually break
- Structure › Body
The frame on my 4runner IS rusting along the rear axle control arm mount (the piece welded to the frame that you can see when crouched down looking under the rear doors). This separates and causes the rear axle to float around which may cause a very serious accident. I have seen countless other…
The frame on my 4runner IS rusting along the rear axle control arm mount (the piece welded to the frame that you can see when crouched down looking under the rear doors). This separates and causes the rear axle to float around which may cause a very serious accident. I have seen countless other incidents where people have had this separate completely while on the highway and they were barely able to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Suspension
The frame IS rotting from the inside out. The frame rot IS located in the rear on the drivers side where the rear suspension bracket IS welded to the frame.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
The frame was poorly designed and not enough rust protection was applied by toyota. We rarely get snow and still the vehicle has rusted through. Toyota did not make a drain hole so that the water in the frame would evaporate. there are a lot of these vehicles which otherwise last a long time. A…
The frame was poorly designed and not enough rust protection was applied by toyota. We rarely get snow and still the vehicle has rusted through. Toyota did not make a drain hole so that the water in the frame would evaporate. there are a lot of these vehicles which otherwise last a long time. A lot of owners have 4runenrs with excellent engine/transmission but with rusted frames. This IS a disaster waiting to happen on unsuspecting owners.
- Suspension
The bracket that attaches the rear trailing arm to the frame broke off from the frame causing it to swerve and loose stability while driving. The vehicle was in motion
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body · Suspension
My toyota 4runner frame IS rusting to the point that it's a huge safety issue! I've already had the right rear shockmount and bar replaced, and the left IS on its way to rusting completely through. On the left side, however, the fuel tank IS mounted up, and when the shock mount rusts through and…
My toyota 4runner frame IS rusting to the point that it's a huge safety issue! I've already had the right rear shockmount and bar replaced, and the left IS on its way to rusting completely through. On the left side, however, the fuel tank IS mounted up, and when the shock mount rusts through and breaks, it will very likely cause something to puncture the fuel tank. That could be extremely hazardous because, since I have no other means of transportation, I must continue to drive the vehicle. So, it IS likely that it will be on the road when that happens. Why in the world has this vehicle not been recalled when you recalled the toyota tacomas for the same issue of rusty frames? This IS a very serious matter because it could cause a huge accident involving many people if these vehicles are not recalled and taken off the streets!
- Suspension · Unknown or other
While driving heard a loud bang and vehicle got squirmy and out of control was about a mile from my house luckily. Got home and looked under vehicle and realized the frame has completely rusted out it IS unsafe to drive as components to keep axle in place are rotted out. Issue will get someone killed one day.
- Suspension
Right rear upper shock mount rusted out and shock broke through frame while driving on a city street (bracket sub assembly rear - right rear). Had to remove shock so it would not bust through causing ride instability.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
My 1997 4runner has a lot of rust on the chassis frame. The rear shocks cannot be installed because the metal was eaten by the rust.
- Structure › Body
Frame IS completely rotted vehicle well kept and it just keeps rotting so I do not know what to do but I was driving on the highway and they trailer arm broke off the truck almost causing me to wreck.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
When braking on a curve on a county highway {55 mph} the vehicle jumped and hopped uncontrollably and almost left the road. After slowly getting it home, I inspected the suspension and found the mount for the rear trailing arm broke off the frame from rust. The vehicle only has 155,000 miles and…
When braking on a curve on a county highway {55 mph} the vehicle jumped and hopped uncontrollably and almost left the road. After slowly getting it home, I inspected the suspension and found the mount for the rear trailing arm broke off the frame from rust. The vehicle only has 155,000 miles and the rest of the vehicle IS in vary good condition. I bought the toyota for its known longevity and did not expect this from toyota. If this had been a state hwy {70 mph} I'm sure there would have been a crash, injury and posable fatality.
- Structure › Body
1997 toyota 4runner "rear frame rust and holes" my toyota 1997 4runner (current mileage 139,035) has the rust and holes on the rear passenger side & driver side frames. toyota service center mechanic said " do not drive because it IS very dangerous." I bought this car at $34,500 on june…
1997 toyota 4runner "rear frame rust and holes" my toyota 1997 4runner (current mileage 139,035) has the rust and holes on the rear passenger side & driver side frames. toyota service center mechanic said " do not drive because it IS very dangerous." I bought this car at $34,500 on june 1997. it was very expensive one. it's very ridiculous that this expensive car has this kinds of problem. let me have recall service. I will appreciate for your comments. thank you.
- Suspension
My 4runner frame IS rotted out. Cracked frame unsafe to drive.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
Frame IS rusting from the inside out control arms fell off the car. Frame busted in half.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 45 mph, the rear of the vehicle started swaying left and right. The contact was able to drive home. Upon parking the vehicle, the contact inspected underneath and found rust on the rear driver side frame. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 45 mph, the rear of the vehicle started swaying left and right. The contact was able to drive home. Upon parking the vehicle, the contact inspected underneath and found rust on the rear driver side frame. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact found recalls for other toyota vehicles for frame rust, but not for the 4runner. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. *Tt *tr
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.
- 10190460Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- 10132812Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
- 10132295This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
- 10132287California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
- 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.
- 10131961Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131928A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs. The following recommendations are intended to provide general tips for the inspection and/or installation of Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) front brake pads and discs. Always refer to the model specific Repair manual and TIS publications for specific repair instructions.
- 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.
- 10061567Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10010473Owner renotification of non-completed special service campaigns and limited service campaigns.
- 10004671Special service campaign (ssc) - 20A renotification rear suspension modification for owners whose vehicles have not yet had ssc 20A repairs completed.
- 10003563Spare tire carrier operation. Various modlels including the 2004 landcruiser and 4 runner.
- 10000267Special service campaign 20A regarding renotification of rear suspension modification.
Every Toyota 4RUNNER model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.