1991 Toyota 4RUNNER Problems
- Complaints
- 43filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 170,000miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 20 complaints (47% of the total), followed by brakes (6) and steering (5). 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 170,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 26 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 3 NHTSA investigations and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling20 47%
- Brakes6 14%
- Steering5 12%
- Tires4 9.3%
- Wheels2 4.7%
- Equipment1 2.3%
- Fuel system1 2.3%
- Body and structure1 2.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 2.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The head gasket failed at +-77,000 miles. I replaced the gasket and had the valves inspected and refinished at this time. It was evident that there was a design flaw with the water ports at two cylinders. Subsequently, Toyota had a 'volunary warranty extension' concerning the head gasket failures. At +- 118,000 miles, Toyota replaced the head gasket, this time, at their cost. I now have low compression (failing valves or piston rings) on the two cylinders where the water port design flaw exists.”
NHTSA complaint #725461, filed 2000-07Brakes: “While driving in the street at 40 MPH, it accelerates for no reason. I could not stop, the brake put hard, did not respond to any change and engine speed increased to more than 5000. I had to turn it off still running. To turn it back on, it will not do so again.”
NHTSA complaint #10808466, filed 2015-12, 154,000 milesSteering: “My daughter with two granddaughters were driving in a 91 Toyota 4 RUNNER on a well maintained log road when they lost steering and went over a 30 ft cliff. The steering knuckle broke the tilt steering and plastic.”
NHTSA complaint #10041078, filed 2003-10, 170,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Consumer complained about a clutch assembly replacement problem. There was a smell and chattering within the clutch. Dealership refused to replace or repair the problem. Later, clutch assembly broke apart, including the bell housing and the cone. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10057847, filed 2004-02, 260,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 154,000 and 252,806 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4RUNNER · sedan | not rated | 2 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Runner 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 19 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 4Runner 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,950 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| 4Runner 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V389000Sep 6, 2005Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › ConnectingCovers: Toyota 4RUNNER 1989–1995, Pickup 1989–1995, T100 1993–1998
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…
Recall details for the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP02002Rear seat belt routingClosed · Mar 26, 2002
- SQ99003Corroded brake linesClosed · Jan 27, 1999
- EA92011Loss of brk effectivenessClosed · Mar 24, 1992
- PE91147Loss of brake effectivenesClosed · Nov 6, 1991
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 26 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Equipment. TSB: 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…
- 10207946Jan 12, 2022Equipment, Wheels, Tires. POL: 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…
- 10188913Feb 3, 2021Equipment. TSB: 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…
- 10174891Apr 7, 2020Equipment. TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890Apr 6, 2020Equipment. TSB: 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…
- 10153239Dec 18, 2018Engine cooling. Dealer 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…
- 10145749Aug 31, 2018Equipment. Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10145748Aug 31, 2018Equipment. Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10143953Jul 31, 2018Equipment. TSB: 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…
- 10131713Jan 11, 2018Equipment. TSB: 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…
Other model years of the Toyota 4RUNNER
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 300 | 2 | 4 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 60 | 925 | 1 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 10 | 2,038 | 1 | 4 | 17 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 33 | 9,500 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 30 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 39 | 23,600 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 637 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2020 | 33 | 9,000 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 65 | 13,074 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2018 | 60 | 20,500 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 36 | 12,890 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 81 | 25,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 87 | 38,977 | 9 | 4 | 19 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 77 | 40,000 | 7 | 4 | 19 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 36 | 72,450 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 96 | 45,144 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 163 | 41,320 | 10 | — | 19 | 66 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 147 | 58,000 | 12 | — | 20 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 22 | 21,500 | 6 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 96 | 53,000 | 5 | — | 18 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 69,824 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 381 | 100,762 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 425 | 104,850 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 678 | 115,978 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 696 | 106,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 225 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 185 | 122,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 483 | 143,464 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 330 | 155,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 250 | 157,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 261 | 167,600 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 161 | 175,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 172 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 64 | 115,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 51 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 53 | 141,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 43 | 170,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 78 | 150,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 6 | — | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 5 | 72,391 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | 284,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
All Toyota 4RUNNER model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
NHTSA recorded 43 consumer complaints for the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 20 complaints (47% of the total), followed by brakes with 6.
Has the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER (4Runner 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 17 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 170,000 miles and the middle half falls between 154,000 and 252,806 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.