1991 Toyota 4RUNNER: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (44% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1991 toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to have the exhaust inspected and was told that the frame was severely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The mechanic also stated that the frame was fracturing from the underbody shields, which was also severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 164,000 and the current mileage was 165,000. Updated 4/11/2011 *cn the consumer stated the damage was hidden by the valance and was located where the tow hook was. Also, the factory press plate in the frame was rotted, which allowed moisture in the frame. Updated 04/27/11”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2010
“Blown head gasket, 1991 toyota v6 4runner, recalled in 1998 for the problem, corrected and gasket failed again in 2007. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“1991 toyota 4runner steering failed when turning wheel. *ts ***no answer required*** the consumer received a recall notice regarding the steering linkages two months after the accident. *jb *nm”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2005
“Corrosion on the break lines from poor design in allowing sand and dirt to accumulate and cause the line to rust through and create a break failure. The rust created a little larger then a pin hole that aloud the rapid lost of break fluid which caused the loss of stopping and almost caused sever damage and injury to same. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2005
“Dt: the contact owns a 1991 toyota 4 runner. He states that he had tread separation on bridgestone tires. It was the driver's front tire. It pulled him toward the median, and he was able to pull it back to the side of the road. The tire separation damaged bumper and fender. He does have photographs and the tire available. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2005
“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. *la”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2003
“The head gasket leaked oil. *jb the main wires on the engine shorted out with multiple electrical component failures. Over $3500 spent in repairs within 2 weeks. * cb *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2003
“Vehicle would shift from first to overdrive without entering any of the other gears. Vehicle would have to be shifted manually through the gears. Problem was that there was a cold solder joint on all three solenoids inside the transmission. These solenoids are used to shift the transmission through the gears. The problem was intermittent and would occur at the most inopportune time like passing a vehicle, entering a major interstate, or starting from a stop. Cost of the parts alone amounted to over $500.00 for parts that should cost no more than $100.00.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2001
“There had been a manufacturer's recall of head gaskets. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer for rapairs, but dealer was not taking responsibility for recall repairs. Instead dealer was charging consumer full price on repairs when, in other situations, dealer would not charge full price for head gasket.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact 4RUNNER by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 170,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.