1997 Toyota Prerunner problems

General information about Toyota-Prerunner
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation (model years 2005 through 2015) and third generation (in production since 2015) models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2005.

As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.

The name "Tacoma" was derived from the Coast Salish peoples' name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.

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Common 1997 Toyota Prerunner problems

The Toyota Tacoma is a popular pickup truck, but like any vehicle, it can have certain problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma, based on the search results:

Sticky accelerators: The 1997 Toyota Tacoma has been reported to have issues with sticky accelerators, which can make it difficult to control the vehicle.

Peeling and cracking of the clear coat paint: The clear coat paint on the 1997 Toyota Tacoma has been reported to peel and crack, which can affect the vehicle's appearance and value.

Excessive driving vibration: Some Toyota Tacoma models, including the 2006 and 2007 models, have been reported to have issues with excessive driving vibration, which can make the vehicle uncomfortable to drive.

Premature lower ball joint wear: The 1997 Toyota Tacoma has been reported to have issues with premature lower ball joint wear, which can affect the vehicle's handling and safety.

Faulty mass air flow sensors: The 1997 Toyota Tacoma has been reported to have issues with faulty mass air flow sensors, which can affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.

It's worth noting that while these issues have been reported by some owners of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma, the overall performance of the vehicle has been relatively consistent since its introduction in 1995. As with any vehicle, it's important to do your research and thoroughly inspect any used vehicle before purchasing it to ensure that it is in good condition and free from any major issues.

What year was the Toyota Tacoma bad?

A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.

At what mileage do Tacomas start having problems?

How many miles/kilometers does this usually happen at? With proper care and regular maintenance, it is not uncommon for a Toyota Tacoma engine to last well over 200,000 miles (320,000 kilometers) or more. Some Tacoma owners said their engines lasting even beyond 300,000 miles (480,000 kilometers) with no major issues.

What years are the Toyota PreRunner?

Given the most obvious name possible, the Toyota Tacoma PreRunner was a special trim available on the truck from 1998 all the way to 2015, and took a very different approach to most other rugged trucks of its era.

When did the Toyota PreRunner come out?

1998

1998 - Introduction of Tacoma PreRunner Xtracab. Tacoma Xtra Cab TRD wins "Pickup Truck of the Year," Four Wheeler. 1999 - Tacoma PreRunner adds Regular Cab to model line-up. 2001 - Introduction of PreRunner Double Cab, PreRunner Double Cab V6, S-Runner Xtracab V6 to model line-up, as well as a StepSide bed.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota Tacoma?

Common Toyota Tacoma Issues

Not Shifting Correctly. One of the biggest problems of Tacomas is its tendency not to shift correctly. ...
Sticky Accelerators. ...
Clear Coat Peeling And Cracking. ...
Excessive Driving Vibration. ...
Issues With Lower Ball Joint. ...
Faulty Air Flow Meter. ...
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You.

What years are the Toyota PreRunner?

How reliable are first gen Tacomas?

The First Gen Tacomas Engines Had Bullet Proof Reliability

There was the 2.7-liter four banger with more horsepower and torque for Prerunners and 4x4 models. The 4 cylinder has an overbuilt cast-iron block increasing the strength of the engine.

Do Toyota Tacomas last?

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size, light-duty pickup truck.

While other midsize pickup truck models taper off at 200,000 miles, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last up to 300,000. By prioritizing routine maintenance and vehicle care, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last a very long time.

1997 Toyota Prerunner car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prerunner problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems
Power train problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Prerunner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Toyota Prerunner complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Prerunner.

2007-06-25

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-06-25
VIN: JT3GN87R4V0
Components: TIRES
Summary: THE WRANGLER AT/D2 I PURCHASED YESTERDAY AT SAMS CLUB MAY HAVE A FACTORY DEFECT. I BOUGHT A PAIR OF LT265/75/R16. IT ALREADY HAD THIS SIZE OF TIRES WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED 7 YEARS AGO. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE STORE SAID HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO INSTALL THEM BECAUSE MY SUV SHOULD HAVE 265/70/16 TIRES. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I PURCHASED A PAIR OF 265/75/R16 AT DISCOUNT TIRES A YEAR AGO WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. SO, I PURCHASED THIS PAIR OF TIRES AT SAMS, ANYWAY, AND HAD THEM INSTALLED THIS MORNING AT A LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THE TIRES WERE MOUNTED AND BALANCED AND I DROVE OUT OF THE SHOP AND HEADED TO WORK ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY FOR ONLY 2 MILES, AT 60MPH, WHEN A HEARD A HISSING NOISE AND THE SUV PULLED TO ONE SIDE. I MANAGED TO PULLED OUT OF THE FREEWAY AND ONE OF MY NEW TIRES WAS FLAT. I INSPECTED THE TIRE AND THERE WERE NO NAILS, SCREWS OR HOLES ON THE THREAD. HOWEVER, I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A LITLE DEFECT ON THE THREAD PATTERN AND WHAT APPEARS TO BE A HOLE, OR A CHUNK OF RUBBER MISSING, RIGHT NEXT TO THIS PATTERN DEFECT WHERE THE THREAD ENDS AND SIDEWALL BEGINS. THE REST OF THE TIRE LOOKS TO BE RADIALLY SYMMETRICAL AS IS THE OTHER TIRE ENTIRELY. COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEM? I PURCHASED GOODYEAR TIRE PRECISELY BECAUSE ITS QUALITY REPUTATION. NOW, THE TECHNICIAN AT SAMS WHO SOLD ME THE TIRES SAYS THAT HE CANNOT HELP ME AND THE OWNER OF THE LOCAL TIRE SHOP(SAHUAYO TIRES, LYNWOOD, CA, 310-638-7077) WOULD PROBABLY DENY ANY INSTALLATION WORKMANSHIP DEFECTS. I AM TAKING THE SUV BACK TO THE TIRE SHOP TOMORROW TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I AM GOING TO ASK THEM TO DISMOUNT THE TIRE AND TAKE A CLOSER LOOK FROM THE INSIDE. BUT, IF THE TIRE IS RUINED AND IS DETERMINED TO BE BECAUSE OF THIS SUSPECTED FACTORY DEFECT, THEN I WOULD APPRECIATE VERY MUCH YOUR HELP TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION. I AM CERTAIN THAT I DIDN'T RUN OVER ANY DEBRIS ON THE ROAD AND I SHOULD BE ENTITLE TO SOME KIND OF BASIC FACTORY WARRANTY. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.

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2006-12-21

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-12-21
VIN: JT3HN87R3V0
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: REAR AXLE SEALS ON VEHICLE NEED REPLACING. HAS LEAD TO DAMAGE OF REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS THAT WILL IN TURN NEED TO BE REPLACED. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL OR SOME BULLETIN TO OWNERS AS THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT FAILURE? CAR HAS 75K MILES AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED, NO OFF ROAD USE. *NM

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2004-07-12

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-06-28
VIN: JT3HN86R9V0
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO REAR BRAKES. THERE WAS A SEAL FAILURE IN REAR AXLE BRAKES. REPAIRS WERE MADE, BUT CURRENTLY REAR BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. *AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Prerunner problems:

Common Tacoma problems I should be aware of? | Tacoma World

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/common-tacoma-problems-i-should-be-aware-of.16861/

Oct 19, 2008 ... I was wondering what some of the common problems are with tacomas. I am looking at buying one and so I would like to know what I should ...

1997 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Complaints - 23 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1997-toyota-tacoma/problems

Top 1997 Toyota Tacoma Problems · Toyota Recall For Lower Ball Joint Issue · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Throttle Position ...

Q&A: 97 Toyota Pickup Idle Problem | 1997 Tacoma Engine ...

https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/4wz45-toyota-tacoma-4x2-idle-problem-1997-toyota.html

Apr 25, 2011 ... Ok, that sounds correct but just wanted to clarify. What we see quite often on these is that the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve will start to go ...