1990 Toyota 4RUNNER Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 18%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER, 18% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #10000871, filed 2003-01, 110,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10143378, filed 2005-11, 213,012 miles“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 updated 11/14/12”
NHTSA complaint #10478472, filed 2012-10, 150,000 miles“Vehicle was at a light and consumer stepped on clutch and heard a snap. Vehicle lurched forward, and hit the vehicle in front. Consumer put vehicle in park position, and got under the dashboard. Noticed bracket that holds the clutch pedal was broken. Dealer didn't want to see the vehicle unless consumer was paying to repair it.”
NHTSA complaint #891796, filed 2001-07“Bracket holding pedal assembly to interior body broken at point of attachment to clutch pedal - pedal is now twisted and too close to the floor whereby clutch will no longer release. Bracket is designed flimsily with holes drilled at major stress points. Bracket cracked between said holes. Manufacturer has been contacted, but no reply has been received.”
NHTSA complaint #720855, filed 2000-03Related service bulletins
- 10109404Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle…
- 10109492Sep 30, 2014TSB: 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…
- 10132084Oct 1, 2013The 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…
- 10061578Jun 13, 2011Summary to be provided on a future date.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 43% |
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 6% |
| 2018 | 3 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 6 | 7% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 10 | 45% |
| 2008 | 27 | 28% |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% |
| 2006 | 30 | 8% |
| 2005 | 25 | 6% |
| 2004 | 36 | 5% |
| 2003 | 39 | 6% |
| 2002 | 33 | 15% |
| 2001 | 32 | 17% |
| 2000 | 42 | 9% |
| 1999 | 23 | 7% |
| 1998 | 12 | 5% |
| 1997 | 25 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 3 | 5% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 4 | 8% |
| 1991 | 5 | 12% |
| 1990 | 14 | 18% |
| 1988 | 2 | 22% |
| 1987 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER
38 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 30, 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