1998 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 In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009.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 1998 Toyota 4runner problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner, several common problems have been identified:
- Rust/Body/Paint Problems: The 4th-gen 4Runners, especially around 150k miles, were prone to rust and corrosion damage, particularly affecting the frame and suspension.
- Damaged/Cracked Dashboard: 2004 4Runners had complaints about sticky, melted, and cracked dashboards, which could prevent airbag deployment and were often caused by exposure to direct sunlight.
- Transmission Issues: Model years from 1990 to 2016 experienced problematic transmission systems leading to rough shifting and power loss, often due to faulty shift solenoids or throttle position sensors.
- Head Gasket Failures: Specifically for the 1990-1995 second-generation 4Runners with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, recurring head gasket failures were a significant issue, along with sagging suspension and power steering leaks.
These problems can impact the performance, safety, and longevity of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner. Owners should be vigilant in addressing these issues promptly to ensure the optimal functioning of their vehicles.
How many miles will a 1998 Toyota 4Runner last?
Built in Japan - these SUVs just run and run
other owners say they go 350,000-400,000 miles before engine replacement, then go again.
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.
What year 4Runner has the best reliability?
Here are the most reliable years for the Toyota 4Runner: 2017-Present Fifth Generation 4Runner. 2008-2009 Fourth Generation 4Runner. 1999-2000 Third Generation 4Runner.
Are 4Runners cheap to fix?
The annual maintenance cost of a Toyota 4Runner is $514. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.
Is 1998 Toyota 4Runner good car?
Car Review
The Toyota 4 Runner is an excellent vehicle. My 1998 car is still running good as long as you keep up with the maintenance. It's also easy to work on with no elaborate electrical wiring and obstructions.
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 will a 98 4Runner last?
350,000-400,000 miles
Built in Japan - these SUVs just run and run
other owners say they go 350,000-400,000 miles before engine replacement, then go again.
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.
1998 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:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota 4runner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Toyota 4runner
The NHTSA has received 267 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota 4runner. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Toyota 4runner vehicles.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-04
- VIN: JT3HN87R7W9
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The rear end suspension is sagging on my vehicle. When I look up the VIN number on the nhtsa website it says that there is not a recall, but when I look up my vehicle by year it says that all vehicles of this year should be recalled for rear suspension repair/check. I called usa toyota and they said that they could not send the ticket to my local toyota dealership to for repair because my vehicle was imported from japan to canada. I have tried calling canada toyota but they have not picked up their phone. Reaching out to determine if the nhtsa can help with getting my vehicle suspension checked/repaired. Below is the message/link I receieved from NHTSA when I looked up my car's production year. ----- [XXX] January 18, 2002 NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V021000 TOYOTA/REAR SUSPENSION THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V021000 Manufacturer TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. Components SUSPENSION Potential Number of Units Affected 273,743 Summary ON CERTAIN 2-WHEEL-DRIVE (2WD) AND 4-WHEEL-DRIVE (4WD) 4RUNNER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF HEAVY LOADING (SIMULTANEOUS LOADING TO REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING AND GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING) AND SEVERE STEERING MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE THE 2WD 4RUNNER TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY. Remedy DEALERS WILL REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS. ALTHOUGH THE 4WD 4RUNNERS DO NOT EXHIBIT THE HANDLING CONDITION, TOYOTA WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO AVOID ANY PUBLIC CONFUSION AS TO WHICH VEHICLES SHOULD RECEIVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331. Notes TOYOTA RECALL NO. SSC 20A. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-06
- VIN: JT3HN86R0W0
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The frame is rusting out and broke while driving. The frame is almost totally destroyed from rust . The rear started swinging violently but luckily got it stop without crashing. The entire frame is a joke. I can't believe it hasn't been recalled STILL. The body is in perfect shape but a frame that can snap at any moment....I thought Toyota put safety first?
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-08
- VIN: JT3GN87R4W0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-01
- VIN: JT3HN87RXW0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CRITICAL FRAME RUST CAUSING TRAILING ARMS TO DETACH UNDER NORMAL USE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-08
- VIN: JT3HN86R0W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND COMPLETELY FRACTURED OFF OF THE FRAME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT NORMAL SPEEDS. I FELT AND HEARD A LOUD POP, THEN HAD SEVERE REAR END INSTABILITY WHILE DRIVING, REQUIRING ME TO "LIMP HOME" TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-25
- VIN: JT3HN86R9W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RUSTED FRAME. HOLE RIGHT THROUGH IT. CAN'T SELL, REGISTER OR DO ANYTHING WITH IT. CAR HAS 188K MILES, DRIVES LIKE A TANK, AND HAS YEARS LEFT IN IT, BUT NOT WITH A RUSTED OUT FRAME. NO ONE SHOWED IT TO ME BEFORE I TRIED TO SELL IT. I HAVE OWNED FOR 7 YEARS, 2ND OWNER.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-22
- VIN: JT3HN86R7W0
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-02
- VIN: JT3HN87R7W0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER STARTING TO SWAY SIDE TO SIDE. THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT FRAME IS RUSTED THRU THE BOX TUBE. CALLED TOYOTA TO REPORT THE ISSUE AND DID NOT SEEM TO BE CONCERNED THAT THE ISSUE IS SERIOUS. NO RECOMMENDATIONS GIVEN.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-02
- VIN: JT3HN86R1W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE IS RUSTING OUT TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 68K MILES. THE REAR TRAILING ARM BRACKET HAS A HOLE INSIDE
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3HN86R8W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AND A REPORT NUMBER: G8J014000216 WAS ISSUED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND HAD TO SPEND 6 DAYS IN TWO DIFFERENT HOSPITALS WITH MULTIPLE FRACTURES AND INTERNAL ORGANS INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND LATER LABELED AS DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-24
- VIN: JT3GN86R9W0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN BRAKING FROM 20 MPH, THE SEAT ROCKS FORWARD, AND THEN IN COMING TO A HALT, ROCKS BACKWARD. VERY UNSAFE. FEELS LIKE THE SEAT MOUNT IS ABOUT TO BREAK OFF FROM FLOOR PAN. 07/24/2019
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: JT3HN86R9W0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST CAUSED REAR DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM MOUNT TO RUST RIGHT OFF THE FRAME WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT. AT THE TIME HER SPEED WAS SLOW AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO GROCERY STORE PLAZA.
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-13
- VIN: JT3HN86R1W0
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR PASSENGER SIDE SWAY BAR ATTACHMENT RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED FROM FRAME. AND ON OTHER SIDE SWAY BAR LINK SNAPPED. IN ADDITION THE FRAME NEAR IT IS ROTTING AWAY. NOTICED IT WHILE DRIVING IT WAS SWAYING BADLY. IN ADDITION THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL UNLATCH OCCASIONALLY WHILE DRIVING.
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-02
- VIN: JT3HN86RXW0
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE STORE WITH MY WIFE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK STARTED TO SWAY WILDLY , GOOD THING THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT THE TIME SINCE THE TRUCK SWERVED INTO THE OPPOSING LANE , I PULLED OVER AND THOUGHT AT FIRST THE LUG NUTS CAME LOSE BUT WHEN I CRAWLED UNDER THE TRUCK I HAD FOUND THAT THE FRAME IS ROTTED AWAY, APPARENTLY TOYOTA HAS AN ISSUES WITH THERE FRAMES AND I WAS ASKED BY PEOPLE ONLINE IF I GOT A RECALL NOTICE WHICH I DID NOT , I HAD BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED FROM A USED CAR DEALER SO IM NOT SURE IF IT WAS IN THE SYSTEM , IN ANY EVENT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS ON THIS , THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN GREAT SHAPE AND RUNS FINE , I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO ENSUE A FINANCIAL LOSE IF THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE , THANK YOU
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-01
- VIN: JT3HN87R4W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CAN NOT GET INSPECTION BECAUSE OF FRAME RUSTED
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-01
- VIN: JT3HN87R7W0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IS UNSTABLE AND HAS THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE MAKING NOISE. AFTER INSPECTION, THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU IN SEVERAL AREAS.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-19
- VIN: JT3HN86R5W0
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE ON A CITY STREET WITH A 45MPH SPEED LIMIT, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED THE BACK END OF THE CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL TO THE SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED AND BROKE WHERE THE REAR CONTROL ARM TO THE DRIVER SIDE REAR AXLE ATTACHED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED BY THE ONLY OWNER AND THE BODY IS IN NEAR EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH NO ACCIDENTS.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-01
- VIN: JT3HN86R5W0
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY 1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME IS COMPRISED AND DEEMED UNSAFE AND UNDRIVABLE DUE TO SEVERE FRAME RUST. I HAD TO REMOVE IT FROM THE ROAD SINCE THE BODY ROCKS ON THE FRAME AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-06
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE FRAME IS RUSTING TERRIBLY DESPITE ALL EFFORTS TO CURB IT.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-28
- VIN: JT3HN86R0W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SENT MY VEHICLE FOR SAFETY INSPECTION AND IT WAS FAILED. BADLY RUSTED FRAME WAS SITED AS ONE REASON.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-15
- VIN: JT3HN86R9X0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TAKEN MY 4RUNNER FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND MY MECHANIC FOUND EXTREME RUST DAMAGE ON LEFT REAR FRAME SUPPORT. ADVISE ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO A 2 1/2 FOOT LONG RUST HOLE IN THE FRAME. PICTURES ATTACHED. CHECKING TO SEE IF TOYOTA HAS IMPLEMENTED RECALL ON YOUR DEFECTIVE FRAME MATERIAL. IT LOOKS LIKE THE RUST ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR MANY YEARS.
STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-10
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE DRIVING AFTER IT WAS SERVICED AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEN THEY TOLD ME MY FRAME WAS RUSTED AFTER THEY INSPECTED IT. I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ON RUSTED FRAMES.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-13
- VIN: JT3HN86R8W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST OPEN HOLES AND CRACKS OVER TIME.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-08
- VIN: JT3HN86R8W0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND I WAS PULLING INTO MY HOME DRIVEWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 5 MPH. THE RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED AND SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE INITIAL NOISE I HEARD SOUNDED LIKE I HAD DRIVEN OVER A METAL TRASH CAN WHICH MADE ME SUDDENLY STOP MY VEHICLE. WHEN I GOT OUT AND LOOKED TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED, THE ATTACHED PICTURE IS WHAT I SAW. I AM SO THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY!
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- VIN: 4TAWN72N9WZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WAS TOLD BY LOCAL DEALER, WHO HAS SERVICED THIS TRUCK SINCE PURCHASED, IN MARCH 2018, THAT THE FRAME HAD RUST THROUGH AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD HEARD OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM WITH OUR TACOMA. THE DEALER HAD NEVER PRESENTED US WITH THE OPTION OF REPLACING OR BEING BOUGHT OUT OR BUYING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FRAME. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS AN OLD TRUCK, BUT GIVEN THE LOCAL DEALER NEVER TOLD US OF ANY POTENTIAL PROBLEM, WE WERE UNAWARE OF ANY POTENTIAL SAFETY PROBLEMS. IN FACT, JUST A YEAR EARLIER THE WE HAD THE TRUCK IN FOR BASIC SERVICE (OIL CHANGE), AND TOLD THE SERVICE REP THAT MY WIFE WAS PLANNING A 1,000 TRIP AND ASKED IF THE TRUCK WAS OKAY FOR THE TRIP, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE - HOW IT BEEN FINE A YEAR AGO, WHEN THIS YEAR THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. IPLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *JS
1998 Toyota 4runner recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1998 Toyota 4runner.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: ON CERTAIN 2-WHEEL-DRIVE (2WD) AND 4-WHEEL-DRIVE (4WD) 4RUNNER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF HEAVY LOADING (SIMULTANEOUS LOADING TO REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING AND GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING) AND SEVERE STEERING MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE THE 2WD 4RUNNER TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY.
- Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS. ALTHOUGH THE 4WD 4RUNNERS DO NOT EXHIBIT THE HANDLING CONDITION, TOYOTA WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO AVOID ANY PUBLIC CONFUSION AS TO WHICH VEHICLES SHOULD RECEIVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Negative 1998 Toyota 4runner car reviews
Positive 1998 Toyota 4runner car reviews
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This is the best vehicle I've ever owned! The 4Runner is so much fun to drive, looks great, and is incredibly comfortable. What's more, I've put 50,000 miles on my 4Runner (for a total of 114,000) and I haven't had a single major issue. And if that's not enough, I could sell my 4Runner for almost as much as I bought it for! It truly is the best vehicle out there.
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After 5 years of ownership, I wouldn't trade my 98' 4Runner for anything! The 150hp 4-cylinder performs pretty well, and my 4Runner is equipped with the automatic transmission. I love the power option package I got, and the dependability and consistency in reliability never cease to amaze me. I've purchased two other vehicles since then, but I refused to trade in my 4Runner for those other options. Overall, I absolutely adore this truck!
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I was pleasantly surprised with this 4Runner. It rides smoothly with no interior or exterior rattles. The steering is great both in town and on the freeway. I feel that the 3.4 engine has more than enough power for my needs. The A/C works great and all passengers get to enjoy the cool air. Although the fuel mileage could be better, I still manage to get 16 mpg in the summer months with the A/C always on. In cooler weather without the A/C on, I get 19 mpg, which is not bad at all. This is all city driving. On the freeway, I usually get 24 mpg. I use a K&N air filter, synthetic oil, and Toyota oil filters, along with 87 octane fuel. Overall, it's a great SUV that I plan to keep for many years.
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This vehicle is extremely reliable, relatively comfortable, and has superb handling. It also offers good performance for a V6. The only issue we have experienced has been with the brakes, but they were promptly repaired twice under warranty. We have found that this vehicle really shines off-road, and it regularly goes way off-road. Despite having a stiff suspension and AT tires, we haven't found it to be as jarring for in-town use as we thought it might be. Overall, it's a great versatile vehicle that is perfect for 'mom' type use, as well as driving over rocks and through canyons in semi-arid west Texas.
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I've owned several SUVs and this 4Runner is definitely the best I've had. I highly recommend it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Toyota 4runner problems:
Common Problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
Jan 16, 2010 ... The only real common issue is rear axle seals which tend to go around 100k miles and really has become more of a maintenance item as most ...
1998 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
Top 1998 Toyota 4Runner Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · EVAP System Fault Due to Failed Charcoal Canister · Car Won ...
3rd Gen with 200,000+ Miles. Any issues or major problems ...
Feb 16, 2016 ... You shouldn't have to do any of the stuff I did. 2002 Toyota 4Runner SportEdition 4WD ... 1998 4runner SR5. diverscale is offline ... major 2003 4 ...
Common 1998 Toyota 4Runner Problems - Expert Q&A
Dec 28, 2010 ... Hello! Thank you for asking your question on Just Answer! You could have a bad mass air flow sensor. Or the snorkel from the mass air flow ...
98 transmission problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest ...
Jan 5, 2011 ... You need to take it to a tranny shop, we can't really diagnose much of anything over the web on this issue. Look into changing the solenoids ...
Other years of Toyota 4runner
Are you having problems with your 1998 Toyota 4runner?
Rigoberto Bergnaum 2024-11-21
Despite being gently driven and well-maintained with the use of only synthetic oil, my car required an engine rebuild with less than 60,000 miles on it. Despite being stuck 750 miles from home with limited options, I took charge of the situation and had the dealership replace the short block for $5500, with $4000 spent on parts alone. Although there were issues with the conduct of the dealer, I remained confident and focused on resolving the problem. When I reached out to Toyota to express my concerns, they were unable to provide the support I needed. Despite this, I remained confident in my decision to take my business elsewhere. As a lifelong Toyota owner, I am disappointed in their lack of support, but I am confident in my ability to find a better alternative.
Tremayne Pollich 2024-09-16
I bought the car with the expectation of better gas mileage and towing capacity than my V8 Grand Cherokee, but unfortunately, it has not met my expectations. I have been disappointed with the power, as even the smallest hill requires a downshift, and it struggles to pull my 2 Sea Doos (2200 lbs). Despite having to replace both O2 sensors and the battery, I am confident in the longevity of my Toyota. However, I do wish it had a smoother ride and more power.
Skylar Goldner 2024-08-03
The 4Runner is a very practical vehicle, handling well in all weather and road conditions and hauling dormroom-bound cargo with ease. However, I have experienced some issues with the vehicle such as a defective master cylinder, transmission failure at 80000 miles, and numerous switch, latch, lamp, park brake, etc. failures throughout its life. Despite these issues, I still appreciate the practicality of the 4Runner. I hope that Toyota can improve their response to these issues in the future.