1989 Toyota 4runner problems

General information about Toyota-4runner
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009.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 1989 Toyota 4runner problems

The Toyota 4Runner, a popular SUV, has been known for its reliability and durability. However, the 1989 Toyota 4Runner, being part of the first generation, has some common problems that owners have reported.

Fuel efficiency: Some 1989 Toyota 4Runner owners have reported poor fuel mileage, with the vehicle straining to run down the road like it's getting too much fuel. This issue might be due to a faulty throttle position sensor or a vacuum leak, but it can also be attributed to other factors such as the condition of the catalytic converter and the air filter.

Engine problems: A few 1989 Toyota 4Runner owners have reported engine issues, specifically the engine not starting when warm. This problem is not widespread but can be a significant concern if it occurs.

Body and paint issues: As with any vehicle of this age, the 1989 Toyota 4Runner may have issues with leaks, rust, and body sagging. These problems are not unique to the 4Runner and are common in vehicles of this age.

Dashboard problems: Some 1989 Toyota 4Runner owners have reported issues with the dashboard, specifically with melting, cracking, or sticking. This issue is not widespread but can be a significant concern if it occurs.

Transmission issues: Transmission problems have been reported in 4Runner models from 1990 to 2016, including the 1989 model. These issues can result in rough shifting and loss of power, often due to a faulty shift solenoid or throttle position sensor, both of which require replacement to fix.

It is essential to note that these problems are not unique to the 1989 Toyota 4Runner and are common in vehicles of this age. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues or catch them early before they become significant problems.

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.

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 did the 4Runner frame rust?

Which are the Toyota 4Runner models that are susceptible to excessive rusting of the 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.

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.

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.

How long do old 4Runners last?

1989 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
Engine and engine cooling problems
Structure problems
Exterior lighting problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Toyota 4runner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Toyota 4runner complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Toyota 4runner.

2000-09-05

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-05-06
Components: TIRES
Summary: LAST YEAR I REPLACED A FIRESTONE ATX TIRE BECAUSE IT STARTED SEPARATING. FIRESTONE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY DOESN'T INCLUDE THIS TIRE BECAUSE IT WAS REPLACED BEFORE JAN. 2000. HAD THE TIRE NOT SEPARATED, IT WOULD STILL BE ON MY VEHICLE AND BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I DIDN'T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT BUT I FEEL THIS IS UNFAIR. THANKYOU.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235-75R15 )

Add Complaint

2000-09-05

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-05-06
Components: TIRES
Summary: LAST YEAR I REPLACED A FIRESTONE ATX TIRE BECAUSE IT STARTED SEPARATING. FIRESTONE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY DOESN'T INCLUDE THIS TIRE BECAUSE IT WAS REPLACED BEFORE JAN. 2000. HAD THE TIRE NOT SEPARATED, IT WOULD STILL BE ON MY VEHICLE AND BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I DIDN'T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT BUT I FEEL THIS IS UNFAIR. THANKYOU.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235-75R15 )

Add Complaint

1999-07-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
VIN: JT4VN13G5K0
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED, RECALL ON COMPONENT HOWEVER NO NOTIFICATION SENT TO OWNER, RECALL DENIED DUE TO EXPIRATION. MJS

Add Complaint

1997-06-17

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-06-07
VIN: JT4VN13GXK5
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: FRAME:LEFT UPPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNT TORN OUT OF FRAME, FRAME CRACKED. *AK *NLM

Add Complaint

1997-02-20

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JT4RN62D3K0
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHT BULBS BURN OUT OFTEN (SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR.) THE LENSES ARE EXTREMELY FADED.

Add Complaint

1996-12-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JT3VZ66W7K0
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE ANCHOR THAT SUPPORTS THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS POPPED OUT. WILL BE TAKEN TO DEALER TO CORRECT. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-11-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: EXPERIENCING HEAD GASKET FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS RIDING ROUGH. TT

Add Complaint

1989 Toyota 4runner recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Toyota 4runner.

2005-09-06

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUED TO BE OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE RELAY ROD MAY FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Toyota 4runner problems:

Toyota V6 problems?? - YotaTech Forums

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120/toyota-v6-problems-133719/

Jan 2, 2008 ... I am looking to buy a Toyota 4x4 for a nice trail rig but had a concern first... ... Some claim 1988 and 1989 were worse for head gasket problems.

Shopping for a 1st gen 4runner, any tips, problems to look for ...

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/shopping-for-a-1st-gen-4runner-any-tips-problems-to-look-for.31413/

Sep 2, 2009 ... Toyota: Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ, Tundra and Lexus GX. Shopping for a 1st gen 4runner, any tips, problems ... common/easy to get parts for and four ...

Here Are The Toyota 4Runner Years To Avoid - CoPilot

https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/toyota-4runner-years-to-avoid/

Apr 7, 2023 ... Common Toyota 4Runner Problems · Braking system problems - From 2014 to 2017 models, the 4Runner struggled with brake system problems. · Rust/body ...