Total Complaints
303 filings
Toyota 4runner · model year
1998 Toyota 4runner
303 NHTSA complaints, 26 crash reports. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
- Complaints
- 303
- Recalls
- 0
The verdict
The 1998 Toyota 4runner posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.
- 21st pctile
- complaint volume, own model years
- 0
- recall campaigns
The 1998Toyota4runner carries 303 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 26 crashes, 5 fires, 25 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 1998 4runner is structure:body with 46 filings, followed by suspension (40) and structure:frame and members:underbody shields (19). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 1998 4runner. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.
303
Complaints
26
Crashes
5
Fires
25
Injuries
1
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
1998 Toyota 4runner
PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.
NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.
Crashes Reported
26 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 46 |
| SUSPENSION | 40 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS | 19 |
| TIRES | 18 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 13 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 8 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 7 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 |
| STEERING | 6 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 5 |
| STRUCTURE | 5 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 4 |
Recent Complaints
20231004SUSPENSION
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 Unit
20221111STRUCTURE:BODY
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?
20221111SUSPENSION
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?
20221010STEERING
The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.
20201203STRUCTURE:BODY
CRITICAL FRAME RUST CAUSING TRAILING ARMS TO DETACH UNDER NORMAL USE.
Mileage: 305,000
20201108STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Mileage: 101,185
20200712STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
20200505STRUCTURE:BODY
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. *TR
Mileage: 245,000
20200505POWER TRAIN
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. *TR
Mileage: 245,000
20200505SUSPENSION
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. *TR
Mileage: 245,000
20200103SUSPENSION
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.
Mileage: 150,000
20191202STRUCTURE:BODY
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
Mileage: 68,000
20190807CrashAIR BAGS
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.
Mileage: 109,000
20190725SEATS
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
Mileage: 252,649
20190630SUSPENSION
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.
Mileage: 187,000
20190614STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Mileage: 280,000
20190614SEAT BELTS
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.
Mileage: 280,000
20190614SUSPENSION
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.
Mileage: 280,000
20190602SUSPENSION
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
Mileage: 227,912
20190602UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Mileage: 227,912
Compare 1998Toyota4runner to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Vehicle Safety Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1998 Toyota 4runner have?▼
The 1998 Toyota 4runner has 303 NHTSA complaints, 26 crashes, 5 fires, 25 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota 4runner?▼
The most-complained component for the 1998 Toyota 4runner is STRUCTURE:BODY with 46 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS.
Is the 1998 Toyota 4runner safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 1998 Toyota 4runner; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.