1990 Toyota 4RUNNER Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 49%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,012miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER, 49% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,012 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #755199, filed 2001-12“My Toyota 4-runner blew a head gasket 10 months after purchase. I contacted both reno Toyota and carson Toyota. Niether dealer were helpfull in recall information. After replacing the motor, my mechanic assured me that it was a common accurance in the 4-runner to have faulty head gaskets. I then contacted carson Toyota and they told me that they would fix the problem but not pay for anyone else to do so. By the time they contacted me the work was complete and a bill of over $6500 was incured. I dont believe they would have offered to fix the problem if they didn't know it existed. …”
NHTSA complaint #739281, filed 2001-01“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10096606, filed 2004-10“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.”
NHTSA complaint #8016975, filed 2002-08“The consumer was driving truck, and she noticed that there was no pressure when she hit the gas pedal and she smelled fuel. Also she had a new engine put in july, the mileage was 75000 on the truck. The short block was replaced . Then the truck burst into flames. The car wa stowed to the dealer for further investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #832190, filed 1998-12Related service bulletins
- 10153239Dec 18, 2018Dealer 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…
- 10145756Sep 24, 2018Dealer 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…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 11 | 3% |
| 2005 | 10 | 2% |
| 2004 | 25 | 4% |
| 2003 | 89 | 13% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 13 | 7% |
| 2000 | 13 | 3% |
| 1999 | 15 | 5% |
| 1998 | 16 | 6% |
| 1997 | 14 | 5% |
| 1996 | 25 | 16% |
| 1995 | 107 | 62% |
| 1994 | 26 | 41% |
| 1993 | 20 | 39% |
| 1992 | 18 | 34% |
| 1991 | 20 | 47% |
| 1990 | 38 | 49% |
| 1989 | 2 | 33% |
| 1988 | 2 | 22% |
| 1986 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER
14 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology