Most common 1995 Toyota 4Runner problems
Share of the 172 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota 4Runner complaints by model year
Best 4Runner years: 2013, 2017, 2024. Years to avoid: 2025, 2011, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
1995 Toyota 4Runner recalls (1)
Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. The recall began October 5, 2005. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1995 Toyota 4Runner:
Corroded brake lines
Toyota is conducting a safety recall in Canada 98-253. Corroded brake lines could fail resulting in a partial brak system loss and increased stopping distances
What 1995 Toyota 4Runner owners say
Engine & cooling all 115 →
Engine, no sign of overheating ... Overheated within 3 months of ownership on my way to work with my wife's Conclude the headgaskets were blown. Toyota doesn't acknowledge recall. . Plus send a recall for v6 4runners headgaskets
Engine exhaust smoky. Coolant level drops. Steam and water emitted from exhaust pipe. Cause seems to be due to a failed head gasket(s) or failure of aluminum cylinder heads to mate to cast iron engine block. Other possibility is cracking in water jacket of heads. This is a 3.0 liter v6 engine and has had press releases about gasket failures. This vehicle was purchased new by customer and has never had the engine overheat or has it been run while low on engine lubricating oil.
Transmission & drivetrain
I believe, thought, swear I set my 1995 Toyota 4runner in the park position. I received a call from security informing me it rolled and hit another vehicle. I found my vehicle and observed that the SUV was not in park, but the drive. How is this possible? I shouldn't be able to take the key out of the ignition while the lever is in the drive position. According to the manual, "on vehicles with auto transmission, the selector lever much be put in the "p" position before turning the key to "lock" position. "lock" - engine is off and the steering wheel is locked. The key can be removed only at this position." this is not the first time I've been able to take the key out of the ignition while the lever is in drive position. I make a conscious effort to make sure it's in park before removing the key.
In sept 2003, 1995 Toyota 4runner (3v2-e -v6) experienced loss of power, poor gas mileage. San fransicso Toyota investigated and recommended transmission replacement at $10,000. (paperwork available.) took to independent shop for rebuilt for $3000. In December 2003, 1995 Toyota 4runner continues loss of power. Palo alto Toyota investigates and discovers head gasket leak for valve #6. I inquired about 4runner head gasket recall. Informed that service notice does not cover my vehicle VIN, even though Toyota campaign notice is consistent with head gasket failure. Dealer does not provide any service breaks from mfg. Total price paid was $3800, and dealer provided no car rental. I believe first Toyota dealer incorrectly diagnosed the problem and all car failure are consistent with Toyota service campaign notices for head gaskets for vehicle. …
Wheels & tires
1995 Toyota 4 runner left rear tire exploded while driving at 65 MPH. The vehicle began to vibrate prior to the blowout. The vehicle rolled 3 1/2 time according to a witness and came to rest on it's side. The driver sustained a shoulder injury, the driver's daughter was unhurt but the driver's dog died in the accident. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer the week earlier to have an older tire replaced and the others inspected. (continental contract SUV tires).
I was driving my ex-fiance's SUV on the highway at speed of 70 MPH. I started hearing a noise and thought maybe it's just the car in back of me. Then the car started out of control. I couldn't steer it in the right direction. I hit the car on right side, but my car wouldn't stop. So the car keep going and I hit the guard rail of the highway. My car then flipped at impact. Witness said that I rolled over 6 times, but it seems like it would never stop. I came out only to have cuts to me elbow which requires 8 stiches. I was in shock and still am now everytime I drive my car. I don't dare drive an SUV anymore. What happen was that the tread of my tires came off, which cause the tire blowout. I'm still scare and shocked from all that had happen, but I am lucky and thank god that I'm still alive. (tiresize: atx)( dot number: tire size: atx )
1995 Toyota 4Runner engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 15 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
Based on 172 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 4Runner rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 4Runner at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1995 Toyota 4Runner?
The engine & cooling — 115 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (14) and wheels & tires (11).
How many recalls does the 1995 Toyota 4Runner have?
There is 1 recall for the 1995 Toyota 4Runner, the most recent from September 6, 2005 (connecting). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota 4Runner?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2017 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2011, 2003 and 2004. See the full Toyota 4Runner years comparison.
At what mileage do 1995 Toyota 4Runner problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 110,000 miles; 4% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.