no report yet
Suspension
Risk. THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
1998 Toyota 4RUNNERProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 250 owner complaints about the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 4, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1998 Toyota 4RUNNER has problems
250 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
78Structure1 crash/fire/injury
60Suspension3 crash/fire/injury
30Tires1 crash/fire/injury
16Engine and engine cooling
12Service brakes, hydraulic
12Steering
12Power train
11Electrical system
9Seat belts
4112 other systems12 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 78 | 1 |
| Suspension | 60 | 3 |
| Tires | 30 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 16 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 12 | 2 |
| Steering | 12 | 5 |
| Power train | 12 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 4 |
| Seat belts | 9 | 2 |
| 12 other systems | 41 | 12 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
1998 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
170kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 57 structure complaints. 12% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 49% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
0under 30k miles7under 100k miles50100k miles or more
Best & worst years
1998 vs. every other 4RUNNER year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 4RUNNER median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
1998 Toyota 4RUNNER safety ratings
1998 Toyota 4Runner 4-DR. 4x4 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What 4RUNNER owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The frame is rusting out and broke while driving. The frame is almost totally destroyed from rust. The rear started swinging violently but luckily got it stop without crashing. The entire frame is a joke. I can't believe it hasn't been recalled STILL. The body is in perfect shape but a frame that…
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 OCCURRED WHILE I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT NORMAL SPEEDS. I FELT AND HEARD A LOUD POP, THEN HAD SEVERE REAR END…
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, BUT NOT WITH A RUSTED OUT FRAME. NO ONE SHOWED IT TO ME BEFORE I TRIED TO SELL IT. I HAVE OWNED FOR 7 YEARS, 2ND OWNER.
Own a 1998 4RUNNER?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.