1984 Toyota 4runner problems
The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across five generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura.
The name "4Runner" was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as a play on the term "forerunner". The agency held contests to invent new names for Toyota's forthcoming vehicles. According to Toyota, the "4" described the vehicle's 4-wheel drive system while "Runner" was a reference to its all-terrain capabilities and how it could "run" off-road.
For some markets, the Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the similar Fortuner, which is based on the Hilux platform.
As of 2021, the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela. Many markets that did not receive the 4Runner, such as Europe and the Middle East, instead received the similarly designed Land Cruiser Prado, another SUV that shared many of the same components.
The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 3.9 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study.
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Common 1984 Toyota 4runner problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are common problems with the Toyota 4Runner 1984 based on complaints from owners:
- Sagging Suspension: One of the most common issues reported for the 1984 Toyota 4Runner is a sagging suspension. This problem was attributed to Toyota's failure to upgrade the rear springs adequately during the conversion from the Pickup to a Highlander. The sagging suspension can affect the vehicle's handling and overall ride comfort.
- Head Gasket Leaks: The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the 1984 Toyota 4Runner is notorious for head gasket leaks. This issue has been a significant concern among owners, with online forums filled with complaints about recurring head gasket failures. The design flaw in the heads of this engine is often cited as the root cause of this problem.
- Rust and Corrosion: Owners have reported issues with rust, worn-out parts, and leaks of various kinds in the 1984 Toyota 4Runner. Rust and corrosion can significantly impact the structural integrity of the vehicle, leading to safety concerns and potentially costly repairs.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission longevity has been a common concern, especially in the early 2000s models of the Toyota 4Runner. Owners have reported issues with rough shifting, loss of power, and other transmission-related problems that can affect the overall driving experience and reliability of the vehicle.
- Off-Roading Capability: While the 1984 Toyota 4Runner is admired as an off-roading vehicle, the 2.4L I4 engine, which produces around 100 hp, may not be sufficient for extreme off-roading scenarios. The V6 engine, known for reliability concerns, has also posed challenges for off-road enthusiasts. Additionally, the optional engines came with upgraded heavy-duty rear differentials, impacting off-road performance.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1984 Toyota 4Runner highlight various issues ranging from mechanical concerns like sagging suspension and head gasket leaks to performance-related challenges affecting off-road capabilities and overall driving experience.
Are older Toyota 4Runners reliable?
A: Historically, the Toyota 4Runner models from the years 1999-2000, 2008-2009, and 2017 to the current fifth generation have been praised for their reliability.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?
6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
- Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
- Melting Dashboards.
How long do old 4Runners last?
Expect a 4Runner to Last Close to 200,000 Miles, with 4.1% of the SUVs Reported to Reach the Mileage Milestone. Toyotas are known for their reliability, and the 4Runner is no exception. The Toyota 4Runner is one of the brand's most reliable vehicles, with many 4Runners living to see as many as 300,000 miles.
What year is the best rated Toyota 4Runner?
The best used Toyota 4Runner years according to generation are as follows. The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner received the least complaints from 2017 to 2021. In 2017, the complaints from customers dropped out of the double-digit range, and in 2021, only one complaint was lodged against it.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?
6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
- Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
- Melting Dashboards.
Are older Toyota 4Runners reliable?
A: Historically, the Toyota 4Runner models from the years 1999-2000, 2008-2009, and 2017 to the current fifth generation have been praised for their reliability.
What year did the 4Runner have a bad frame?
If you own a Toyota 4Runner that was manufactured between 2003 and 2009, your vehicle is most likely having a defective undercarriage that is prone to excessive and premature rusting.
Are 4Runners high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota 4Runner is $514, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
1984 Toyota 4runner car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota 4runner problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Toyota 4runner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1984 Toyota 4runner complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Toyota 4runner.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: AS I WAS DRIVING ON I-85 N. THE LEFT REAR TREAD OF THE TIRES CAME OFF, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. THE TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WAS DESTROYED I WAS VERY FORTUNATE. I ROTATED AND BALANCED MY TIRES ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR, AND DRY. THESE TIRES NEED TO BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 195R15 )
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-05-01
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: NO LONGER H
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: ROLLOVER ON FLAT, DRY PAVEMENT, 50 MPH, "FISH HOOK" MANEUVER TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLE, AS PER 1986 POLICE REPORT. IS THERE SOMEONE I SHOULD CONTACT? PAID 4 YEARS ON BANK LOAN FOR A DESTROYED VEHICLE, BROKE NECK/HALO TRACTION/FUSION OF 3 VERTEBRAE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1984 Toyota 4runner problems:
Here Are The Toyota 4Runner Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Apr 7, 2023 ... Common Toyota 4Runner Problems · Braking system problems - From 2014 to 2017 models, the 4Runner struggled with brake system problems. · Rust/body ...
Video of 4R issues | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]
Jan 25, 2023 ... Just thought I'd share this video I ran across today of common issues across many years. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J0xn9DHNNMo.
22RE common issues | Toyota Nation Forum
Feb 17, 2010 ... 1981-82 Toyota Corona 1981-83 Celica 1981-87 Toyota pickup (up to 1990 on 2wd) 1984-87 Toyota 4-Runner 22R-E (22REC=California emissions ...
All gen review | Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com]
Dec 5, 2020 ... The first Toyota 4Runner generation ran from 1984 to 1989. ... common problems plaguing the 4Runner and how bad the issues were. Dashboard ...
Buying a 2nd gen... What to look out for? - Toyota 4Runner Forum ...
Sep 25, 2009 ... Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum > Toyota ... What are common problems of 2nd gen? Is ... 1984 2wd Exrta Cab 1982 BJ60. turboSR5 is ...
Other years of Toyota 4runner
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