1987 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 In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009.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 1987 Toyota 4runner problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1987 Toyota 4Runner, several common problems have been reported:
- Rust Issues: Owners have noted rust problems in common areas like fenders and wheel wells. Rust can be expected unless the vehicle has been meticulously maintained or undergone significant restoration efforts. Rust can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed.
- Starting Issues: Intermittent clicking sounds without the engine firing up have been reported. This issue can be used as a bargaining point during purchase negotiations. It is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix that often involves replacing relays or rewiring components. Ensuring proper electrical connections and components is crucial to prevent starting problems.
- Dim Headlights: Dim headlights are a common complaint among 1987 Toyota 4Runner owners. This issue can be resolved by using relays in an "H4 conversion harness" to improve the brightness and efficiency of the headlights. Dim headlights can affect visibility and safety, making it essential to address this problem promptly.
- Weak Horn: Another reported issue is a weak horn, which can be easily fixed by using a relay and potentially replacing contacts in the steering wheel. A functional horn is crucial for road safety, alerting other drivers and pedestrians to your presence. Ensuring the horn is in good working condition is essential for overall vehicle safety.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1987 Toyota 4Runner highlight the importance of regular maintenance, addressing issues promptly, and being aware of potential areas of concern to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
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 old 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.
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 old 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.
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.
Is the 4Runner engine good?
The Toyota's 4.0-liter engine might be reliable, but it also reliably consumes fuel at an alarming rate. The truck's interior has plenty of passenger and cargo space, but its cabin materials are drab. On regular roads, this truck-based SUV drives like, well, a truck: its handling feels loose, and its ride is uncouth.
1987 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Tires problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Toyota 4runner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Toyota 4runner complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Toyota 4runner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-08-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT4RN62DXG0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE AND SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72391.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-18
- VIN: JT4RN62S0H0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED A TOYOTA 4 RUNNER AND FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY VEHICLE SHOOK, AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ALL BOLTS WERE MISSING, INCLUDING DRIVE LINE SHIFTER, CLUTCH LINE, AND THE BRAKE LINES. CONSUMER TOLD MECHANIC HAT THIS VEHICLE COULD HAVE BEEN A DEATH TRAP. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT4RN52S7H0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED SHE HEARD A MUFFLED GUNSHOT LIKE SOUND AND VEHICLE SANK IN THE REAR, SHE LOST CONTROL, VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO SOME TREES AND THEN ROLLED OVER, A WITNESS STATED HE SAW ONE OF THE REAR FIRESTONE TIRES BLOWOUT (P225/75R15), CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-28
- VIN: JT3RN64W1H0
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE UNDERSIDE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF DURING DRIVING. LUCKILY, IT WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND NO ONE WAS HIT. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE OF THIS CARRIER. IT IS A CHAIN LIFT WHICH CRANKS UP THE SPARE TIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE'S REAR. THE BREAK OCCURRED BETWEEN THE CHAIN AND THE UNIT THAT ATTACHES TO THE TIRE. THIS UNIT WAS REPLACED ONCE BEFORE WHEN IT FAILED WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3RN64W640
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING REAR AXLE BROKE INSIDE OF THE BEARING. AXLE CAME OUT AND WHEEL DISCONNECTED, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER CONTACTED AND NEED TO INSPECT. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. MEMPHIS POLICE REPORT TAKEN. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Toyota 4runner problems:
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