Most common 1997 Toyota 4Runner problems
Share of the 261 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 →
1997 Toyota 4Runner recalls (1)
Suspension
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…
What 1997 Toyota 4Runner owners say
Suspension all 95 →
I have had this vehicle since 12/1997 and it had always been garaged. The body is in very good condition. I live in northern Wisconsin and road salt is prevalent during the harsh winters. At the first part od April I was driving on Hwy, 47 toward Minocqua and suddenly the steering felt vague. I moved the steering wheel slighlty and the vehicle went out of control, I managed to avoid oncoming traffic and pulled to the side of the road. I was still near home and drove very slowly to get home. Upon examining the cundercarriage at a local mechanic, we found that the frame was rusted and had broken where the rear trailing arm is attached, leaving the rear axle loose. I ended up giving the car to the mechanic. After driving it for 26 years it was a very sad moment since ran great and was my daily driver. I called Toyota and they told my vehicle was not included in the recall for
Frame rusted out where the rear axle arm attaches. Arm mount broken loose from frame. Vehichle is undriveable and virtually not repairable. (frame replacement) ridiculous Toyota!!! You know about this problem, make it right to your customers!. Myself and fmaily own 7 toyotas. Might reconsider ever buying another!
Body & structure all 76 →
Frame rusted out where the rear axle arm attaches. Arm mount broken loose from frame. Vehichle is undriveable and virtually not repairable. (frame replacement) ridiculous Toyota!!! You know about this problem, make it right to your customers!. Myself and fmaily own 7 toyotas. Might reconsider ever buying another!
Drive down the road and the part from rear end that connects to frame rusted and broke off. Violent shaking occurred and forced me off the road. Frame looks good everywhere else but the same location on both side.
Brakes all 29 →
Tried to make a u turn from a paved roadway into someone's packed gravel driveway. Slowed to 25 MPH and started the turn at less than 20 MPH. Applied brakes lightly to continue to slow the vehicle down to less than 12mph. Suddenly the brake pedal would go no further (felt a hard stop), but the vehicle kept moving. Couldn't turn properly anymore and vehicle kept rolling. There no skidding sounds or sliding sounds. Vehicle moved as if brakes were not engaged. Finally at about 10mph hit a post that ultimately stopped the vehicle. Felt a hard bang on the brake pedal and some vibrating just as the vehicle crashed and also after it stopped. Once it stopped there was a loud klang and a spring recoil noise (very loud). Front plastic skirt broken, bumper crushed and bumper re-inforcement bar bent. Dealer contacted. …
I am the only owner of a 1997 Toyota 4runner sr5 4x4, which I purchased new in1997. Within in weeks of owning and driving the vehicle, while braking as I drove over irregular road, I noticed that the brakes were not grabbing, l and the ABS braking system was activated, but the vehicle was not stopping, commensurate with the demand that I was putting on the brake pedal. I was very concerned that I was going to hit the vehicle in front of me! After several such experience, in June or July of 1997, I took the car to the dealership and was advised that they found nothing wrong with the braking system. I still own and drive the vehicle, and the braking system is unchanged. Because I am aware of the problem with the brakes, whenever I drive over irregular road surfaces, bumps or expansion joints I keep a considerable distance away from the vehicle in front of me. …
1997 Toyota 4Runner engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 22 / 19 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 22 / 18 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
Based on 261 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 4Runner rates average: 1.3× 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 1997 Toyota 4Runner?
The suspension — 95 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear. Next are the body & structure (76) and brakes (29).
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota 4Runner have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner, the most recent from January 18, 2002 (suspension). 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 1997 Toyota 4Runner problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 168,000 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.