Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Purchased a used 1997 4-runner with ca. 258000 miles early in 2020. Engine and whole body was good. However, 6 month later the car started to shake violently in the rear at highway speeds swinging like a boat, which I though was due to a broken shock, springs were newly installed in 2020. I noticed that rear stabilizer arm on passenger side had broken off due to rust. When driving to repair shop the car rear axle broke loose, shifted, and the rear drive shaft fell out - I could pull over in 4 wheel drive mode. Please know that the rust an extensive frame rot on the the rear frame on both sides was not very visible from outside. Repairs for frame weld were 2500 -3000 usd. The 1997 4-runner, v6 is a very unsafe vehicle to drive!
My rear axle seal is leaking on the brake shoes. I have already replaced it twice. Once in the winter of 2002 and again in the spring of 2003. The first time it happened I had an accident where my brakes failed and I rear ended somebody. The rear brake shoes were saturated with axle grease. I recently took it to a shop and they need to be replaced again. The mechanic said they wouldn't touch it and I have to take it a dealer. They think I might have to go as far as replacing the axle in order to stop the problem from recurring.
Driving in #1 lane of freeway when a stopped vehicle protruding into the lane necessitated me to take evasive action. I swerved to the right and avoided the car and then swerved back to the left to avoid car in lane to my right. At this point I felt the car get bumpy and I was unable to steer forward and was pulled to the left and into the center divider. The left rear wheel had snapped off the axle and the car was dragging on the pavement I was knocked unconscious and my left foot was broken.
My friend was driving down the road in the same model car as mine 1997 4runner and his frame snapped from rust. He said he could barely keep it on the road but managed to slowly creep forward until he got home. This story scared me because I have the same exact car, so I go to check my frame and sure enough, it is also quite rusted. I'm afraid that if I keep driving on it that it will snap and could cause injury to myself and others.
On feb 24 2004 I was advised by andrew Toyota (glendale wi) that I again needed to replace both rear axle seals and rear brakes (due to leakage) on my 1997 4runner. Three prior times, I have replaced the rear axle seals and rear brakes on this 4runner since 2001: 1. Mar 7, 2001-mileage 71,411. 2. Dec 18, 2001-mileage 83,044. 3. Nov 14, 2002-mileage 90303 I provided dealer with copies of NHTSA printouts showing others' identical problems with this year/model 4runner, but , of course, service magager at dealer duane domagalski said he and Toyota rep (beaumont) do not think there is a problem. And, since it's out the warranty period there wasnt anything they could do for me. They gave me the impression, repeatedly, that Toyota could not care less about the NHTSA or about peoples' complaints, and that if the dot thought there was a problem dot would issue a recall! …
Dt: 1997 Toyota 4 runner. The consumer stated there were two different major braking problems with the braking system. The vehicle started having braking problems at 19,900 miles. When the brakes were applied they became weak. This took 6 months to diagnose, the master cylinder was leaking. She was then informed the vehicle was unsafe to drive. This was replaced at 24,000 miles. She has also been experiencing problems since late 2003. When checked she was told there was nothing wrong. When the brakes were applied, especially on wet pavement, the vehicle would slide. She was told it was probably the ABS, she states it was braking differently than prior to the problem. She took the vehicle to dealer on August 19, 2005. The parking brake handle was pulling up higher than usual. This was checked, and they found the rear brake pads were soaked in oil. …
While driving on the highway at the speed limit (60 MPH), the vehicle surged/jolted forward pulling to the right. I was unable to regain control of vehicle causing me to merge into the direction of a tractor trailer. I tried to turn away from tractor trailer to avoid collision. My vehicle hit the rear tire of the tractor trailer and I began to swerve out of control. My brakes didn't seem to help either, they didn't function. This resulted in the vehicle rolling over 3+ times, the car was totaled. All passengers were hospitalized but no other vehicles or people were hurt from the accident. My concern is regarding the periodic engine surge and/or jolting and lack of brake control. This is a safety hazard that must be addressed in order to avoid future incidents. We were very lucky to have not been killed in this auto accident.
1997 Toyota 4runner rear differential rust through. I have just noticed that my 1997 4runner is leaking differential oil and am concerned that rust or foreign debris will get into the differential and cause a catastrophic failure. I have removed the 4runner from operation until the defect is corrected. The rust is on the rear top of the differential. There are very large flakes of rust on the differential and the oil is leaking through some of the rust holes. It appears that the differential was not manufactured with adequate thickness in the metal housing and had inadequate corrosion protection.
My wife was traveling north on I-395, exiting off at d street when the right rear axle broke and the wheel came off the vehicle. The 4-runner bounced off the median guard rail, flipped over on its right side then righted itself then came to a stop. My wife sustained tissue damage, but no broken bones. This vehicle had never been taken off road in any capacity.
Serious corrosion on rear differential casing at below fill bolt, leaking fluids. Dealer unable to do anything because part is not a cover as in most vehicles. Dealer only solution is to replace entire rear differential with all parts. This situation presents a serious threat to life as these components are severely and unusually rusted.
Transmission complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner, 10% of the model year's 261 complaints. The component named most often is axle assembly › axle shaft › seal (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 132,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.