We found the following complaints for TOYOTA 4RUNNER (1990)
Read complaints for TOYOTA 4RUNNER (1990)
This vehicle behaves in a very "lemon" like way.numerous electrical failures since i have owned the vehicle.main problem is vehicle jumping in and out of overdrive at highway cruising speeds.(a constant problem.)toyota seems to not want to acknowledge the problem, although i know of at least one other owner locally who has experienced the same problem.at one time, a wiring harness was blamed and a fix was made that cured the problem for a couple of years.vehicle constantly leaks oil, even though the local toyota dealership "fixed" these problems as part of a recall in late 1997.(problem never stayed fixed.) electrical shorts in wiring also caused several instances of battery loss of power so badly that battery had to be replaced numerous times.transmission has always behaved poorly, engine always leaks oil, and electrical problems are abundant.
This specific toyota forerunner model had a recall for gasket failure. We had it replaced at appx 74,000 miles done by toyota as a courtesy recall. This truck currently has very low mileage considering the age of the truck, about 148,000 miles.it recently almost caught fireoverheating after another gasket failure. We feel that either the original repair was not properly completed or another faulty gasket was installed. It's amazing that both times the gasket failed at around the same mileage, 75,000. This car has been extremely well maintained and garaged with a single owner.
Passenger's side exterior mirror would severely vibrate when traveling at 30mphor more. Thiscaused poor visibility.dealer notified, and was unwilling to assist on this matter. Feel free to provide any further information on this problem.
Fan blade disintegrated at highway speed. Dented hood, cracked battery, ruined shroud and alternator belt.
Consumer states that the vehicle head gasket has failed. Dealer notified. *ph
I purchased my 4runner used in 1998.the mileage at purchase was only 30k, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather.the original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the repairs (if necessary) up to 100k miles, regardless of time since original use.the tsb, however, states that the extended warranty lasts until 8 years from original use or 100k miles, whichever occurs first.since october 2000, i have experienced intermittent low engine idling (and stalling) after driving at high speeds. On at least five different occasions, i have asked that the vehicle's idle speed be adjusted and the throttle plate be cleaned to resolve this problem.i did not realize until just recently that the source of this problem is a leaky head gasket.the toyota dealership i go to here in glendale, ca reported this diagnosis after i questioned them on why the vehicle needed repeated idle speed adjustments.the current mileage of the vehicle is 99k.i have approached toyota customer service to inquire if they will authorize a head gasket replacement for the vehicle free of charge since the problem is a problem that they have been aware of and previously issued an extended warranty covering it.i have been told this is not possible because of the age of the vehicle.i feel that toyota should authorize the repair in this case despite the age of the vehicle, as the engine began exhibiting symptoms of the head gasket problem well below the 100k mileage requirement that toyota originally stated that they were willing to repair in the tsb.i do not know what further i can do regarding this matter, and would appreciate any help that can be provided.
White smoke and loss of power.when parts were ordered, we were told they were unavailable in completion due to recall.
Head gasket problem.valve problems
While starting enginerevved a little andcooling fan exploded, piece of fan flew as far as 30 feet away, almost injuring a bystander. Fan pierced a hole in battery, allowing acid to spill onto the floor.mechanicstated that this was a poor design incooling fan. And a very dangerous situation.
Engine thermostat failed twice, engine failed due to collant leak.
Vehicle was in for oil change 4 weeks prior to incident.engine began to make a loud banging noise.stopped at a jiffylube, and found oil very low.filled with oil and was told that it sounds like i threw a rod, but it should be okay to get me where i was going (about 5 miles up the road).approximately 2 miles later, white smoke began coming out the back of the vehicle, and the banging stopped.the smoke became very bad, and i was about to pull into a gas station when someone pulling out yelled to me that it was on fire (in the engine compartment).i got me and my 2 small boys out, and came home that same night to the head gasket recall notice in the mail.i immediately called toyota, who sent someone out to investigate, but they said that the investigation concluded that the cause was not known, and it was not their responsibility.i was reading more horror stories about this on your site.what can be done?my vehicle was paid for and my insurance did not cover fire. Why did it take them so long to get the head gasket recall notice to me?it appears that this was an issue for several years.i basically dropped the issue for several years figuring i was fighting a losing battle, until i discovered this site.thanks.
I brought my toyota to the repair shop,the repairman told me my car has a defective head gasket and told me to call the toyota dealer for repair. I called the dealer they told me that the head gasket had been repaired. They will not pay for it again. I think that is not fair for a consumer to pay for a defective engine.keeps blowing head gasket but only repair once is not enough.
The consumerwas driving truck, and she noticed that there was no pressure when she hit the gas pedal and she smelled fuel.also she had a new engine put in july, the mileage was75000 on the truck.the short block was replaced .then the truck burst into flames. The car wa stowed to the dealer for further investigation.
Head gasket problem.valve problems
The engine head is bad .tt
My toyota 4-runner blew a head gasket 10 months after purchase.i contacted both reno toyota and carson toyota.niether dealer were helpfull in recall information.after replacing the motor, my mechanic assured me that it was a common accurance in the 4-runner to have faulty head gaskets.i then contacted carson toyota and they told me that they would fix the problem but not pay for anyone else to do so.by the time they contacted me the work was complete and a bill of over $6500 was incured.i dont believe they would have offered to fix the problem if they didn't know it existed.i can't seem to get any recall information from toyota, and i was hoping you could help.thankyou ,ron collins.
While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection.the mechanic informed the consumer that the head gasket was crackedand needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
Toyota sent ext. Notice 03/98.good for 12 months, up to 100k miles.engine head gaskets did not fail in that time, but 24 mos later at only 62k miles, well under 100k.still, toyota won't extend honoring the 1998 extension though records on your nht
Rod thrown, engine destroyed.warranty head work done last october after recall possibly related.massive oil loss sometime in last week, possibly at time of engine failure.
Consumer started up the car and saw a big puff of smoke.took vehicle to a mechanic, and they said it was a blown head gasket.
Water is being sucked into engine, andhead gasket problem.there is a defect inhead engine gasket.toyota is aware ofproblem.
Vehicle was making a banging noise in the engine.white smoke, and fire in the engine.vehicle was destroyed
Engine head gasket was replaced under the owner notification warranty, but blew out 5000 miles later.
Vehicle was repaired for a recall issued by manufac. On the head gasket, but than it blewup again.consumer also found paper inoil pan.dealer will repair but on consumer's costs.
Toyota issues an "extended warranty"for the faulty head gaskets in 1998-1994 4runners.when the head gaskets failed they were replaced under this warranty.however,the damage casued by the faulty head gaskets is extensive.after initail replacement--toyot adealership continued to find oil fouled plugs which let to replacement of lower engine block (december 1998).engine failed again in january 5 1999-- at which point 2 cylinder heads, camshafts, engine gasket, and knowck sensor were replaced. Engine has not operated properly since original head gasket failure-- sluggish, poor acceleration, inconsistent idling speeds... Engine has been looked at and worked on at authorized toyota dealerships 12 times to date for head gasket related engine problems.still unresolved,for these symptoms oil gouled plugs
Replaced both engine head gaskets.
When trying to start vehicle after it has been running roughly, white smoke came out of engine. A technician had informedconsumer that vehicle had a blown head gasket.
Bolt that holds the head on the engine gaskets is broken.
Threw a rod, resulting in total engine failure.complete oil loss blamed - cause unknown.head gasket replacedin april of 1996.this occurred in may of 1997.
Started and low speed strange noise and antifreze spewing, head gasket blown (replaced in 1998) only 42 k miles into new gasket.
While driving at 35 mphengine head gasket failed due to the coolant which got insideandruinedengine.
Valves .low compression in one cylinder after only 25,000 miles on new valve job.
I purchased my 4runner used in 1998.the mileage at purchase was only 30k, as it had been used primarily for driving in inclement weather.the original owner informed me that a notice had been sent by toyota regarding head gasket failures (tsb #97121797017), and that toyota would honor the repairs (if necessary) up to 100k miles, regardless of time since original use.the tsb, however, states that the extended warranty lasts until 8 years from original use or 100k miles, whichever occurs first.since october 2000, i have experienced intermittent low engine idling (and stalling) after driving at high speeds. On at least five different occasions, i have asked that the vehicle's idle speed be adjusted and the throttle plate be cleaned to resolve this problem.i did not realize until just recently that the source of this problem is a leaky head gasket.the toyota dealership i go to here in glendale, ca reported this diagnosis after i questioned them on why the vehicle needed repeated idle speed adjustments.the current mileage of the vehicle is 99k.i have approached toyota customer service to inquire if they will authorize a head gasket replacement for the vehicle free of charge since the problem is a problem that they have been aware of and previously issued an extended warranty covering it.i have been told this is not possible because of the age of the vehicle.i feel that toyota should authorize the repair in this case despite the age of the vehicle, as the engine began exhibiting symptoms of the head gasket problem well below the 100k mileage requirement that toyota originally stated that they were willing to repair in the tsb.i do not know what further i can do regarding this matter, and would appreciate any help that can be provided.
This is the 4th time the gasket has failed.gasket was installed by a certified toyota mechanic in 1996. 3/97 white smoke poured out of the exhaust. Toyota replaced the top of the engine. 11/97 engine failed - 600miles from home, after 3 months at the dealership on 2/98 the bottom & top of the engine was replaced. Now 12/99 same problem - gasket needs to be replaced -oil blew all over the engine, the ream main seal is gone. Toyota says its our problem now.
This particular type of head gasket failure (coolant leakage into the cylinder) is a known problem on the 3vz-e engine, toyota initiated a special service campaign (v06) to repair most, however the consumer's vehicle does not qualify due to the vin # range.*mjs
Rod thrown, engine destroyed.warranty head work done last october after recall possibly related.massive oil loss sometime in last week, possibly at time of engine failure.
Truck burns a quart of oil every15 miles. Consumerreceived a recall notice for new engine head gaskets. Took car to the dealer,repaired the head gasket . Thendiscovered a problem with the engineblock. Dealerwould have to send that part out. Every sincevehicle was fixed, truck has just been burning oil too fast. Consumerfeeld it is unsafe to drivetruck because the fear of breaking down due to lack of oil.
Put 5000 miles on used purchased vehicle and engine blew
Engine thermostat failed twice, engine failed due to collant leak.
Engine blew at 13000 miles and vehicle started hesitating and cutting off without prior warning.dealership was aware ofproblem.
Engine compartment fire, consumer was driving under normal conditons and noticed lck of resistance from the hydraulic clucthand the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment, the fire department was unable to find the cause of the fire.
While traveling on the highway without prior warning.the vehicle caught on fire underneath hood.the dealership is aware of the problem.nlm
Replaced engine belts.
Truck went up in flames for no reason.please describe.tt
I was locked inside this vehicle and unable to get out. I ended up smashing the window after 45 minutes and crawling out of the vehicle. The door locks were "energized" and holding the lock levers down. Mechanic is unable to understand what happened and the lock solenoids are still in this same situation. The lock arms have been disconnected.
Consumer was locked inside of his vehicle and was unable to get out. Cause unknown. Please provide additional information. Ts.
Transmission/overdrive cycles on and off during highway driving, resulting in loss of gas mileage. Also abs brakes lock up, causing vehicle to slide.
Drivetrain constantly jumps in and out of overdrive at approximately one second intervals when driving at highway speeds, causing loss of control.
Drivetrain constantly jumps in and out of overdrive at highway speeds causing loss of control.
1990 toyota 4-runner intermittantly jumps in and out of overdrive at approximately 55 miles per hour or higher when highway driving, causing increase in gas mileage and high rpms on the engine.in 2001 i went to toyota for this problem and they told me i would need to replace the transmission so i should drive the vehicle until i could not drive it anymore.at that point i should have the transmission replaced. After extensive research i located tsbs for this vehicle and found one that addresses this issue (tsb atratb351 dated jan 96).this month 1/2003 i returned to toyota with the same complaint and they told me it would cost approximately $150.00 to perform this tsb.i told them if they had performed it the previous year when i had the head gaskets replaced it would not have cost me anything since the engine was already apart for other work.the service manager said he could not address the recommendation and findings of their work from a year ago.i called another dealer and they said it would cost $71.00 for the work to be performed.as far as i am concerned since a tsb has been issued it is basically admitting that the vehicle has a problem and provides the dealer/service departments with the fix, so why are the service managers reluctant to perform the correction, but instead recommend an transmission change?
This vehicle behaves in a very "lemon" like way.numerous electrical failures since i have owned the vehicle.main problem is vehicle jumping in and out of overdrive at highway cruising speeds.(a constant problem.)toyota seems to not want to acknowledge the problem, although i know of at least one other owner locally who has experienced the same problem.at one time, a wiring harness was blamed and a fix was made that cured the problem for a couple of years.vehicle constantly leaks oil, even though the local toyota dealership "fixed" these problems as part of a recall in late 1997.(problem never stayed fixed.) electrical shorts in wiring also caused several instances of battery loss of power so badly that battery had to be replaced numerous times.transmission has always behaved poorly, engine always leaks oil, and electrical problems are abundant.
Vehicle was parked but turned on, had just shifted into reverse with foot on brakes when it suddenly accelerated backwards. Hit 2 parked vehicles. No injuries were sustained. Have not contacted dealership.
Consumer was driving 40 to 45 mph the rear passenger side rear axle came off causing the truck to rollover truck was totoaled .tt
The rear axle broke at 70mph, resulting in a collision which caused minor injuries. *ml
Transmission clutch failed. *sd
Clutch mounting brackets have torn to the point that the clutch will not release.
The contact owns a 1990 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the bracket sub-assembly that held the clutch and brake pedal was fractured. As a result, the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal or the clutch. The dealer repaired the failure at least three times in less than one year. The manufacturer was notified of the issue who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000...updated 11/14/12 updated 11/14/12
Clutch pedal bracket failureno events were present leading up to the failure of my clutch pedal bracket assembly.while approaching a stoplight in traffic i depressed my clutch pedal in order to gear down for the stop.while depressing the pedal i heard a loud snap - the sound of the clutch pedal bracket breaking.with the bracket broken there was no acceptable way to disengage the clutch and get the vehicle out of gear to stop for the stop light.i slammed on the brakes and brought the vehicle to a stop (which stalled the vehicle) before rear ending the car in front of me.once the light turned green i had to use the starter with the vehicle in gear to clear the intersection.the vehicle has been towed to my residence so i can decide how to fix this.it seems toyota knows of the problem and offers an "upgraded" bracket at a premium price along with a premium installation fee.after browsing the internet it seems as if this problem is very common among toyota truck, 4-runner and t-100 owners alike.this type of problem could be life threatening!
Vehiclewas at a light and consumerstepped onclutch and heard a snap.vehicle lurched forward, and hit the vehicle in front. Consumer put vehicle in park position, and got under the dashboard.noticedbracket that holds the clutch pedal was broken.dealer didn't want to see the vehicle unlessconsumer was paying to repair it.
Bracket holding pedal assembly to interior body broken at point of attachment to clutch pedal - pedal is now twisted and too close to the floor whereby clutch will no longer release.bracket is designed flimsily with holes drilled at major stress points.bracket cracked between said holes.manufacturer has been contacted, but no reply has been received.
Transmission upshifting failed due to gears sticking. *sd
Owner states that vehicle had rolled over but he was able to exit vehicle without pushing the release button,he is concerned about his safety.
Clutch/brake pedal bracket broke/cracked after pressing the clutch pedal.was originally diagnosed as a bad clutch and almost pulled the plug to get the clutch replaced.would have been a load of wasted money on a poor diagnosis.pedal bracket cracked with clutch pedal was pressed to start the car.heard lour crack, car started, but would not go into gear.
The contact owns a 1990 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the bracket sub-assembly that held the clutch and brake pedal was fractured. As a result, the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal or the clutch. The dealer repaired the failure at least three times in less than one year. The manufacturer was notified of the issue who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000...updated 11/14/12 updated 11/14/12
Brakes failed causing accident.ohio state police report.
Driver hit the brakes and abs brakes failed toyota truck, 4-runner lost control/rolled over, a baby and adult driver fell out of the car, resulting in2 injuries and a fatality.
Transmission/overdrive cycles on and off during highway driving, resulting in loss of gas mileage. Also abs brakes lock up, causing vehicle to slide.
Abs failed toactivate during snowcausing the vehicle to speed upresulting ina collision with a fence.
Brakes failed. *sd
Total loss of braking function.wife and grand daughter in car.no accident occurred.emnergency brake still functioned.root cause was due to long-term wear on left rear metal brake line by anit-lock-brakes control arm.this action resulted in the metal brake line integrity failure.
While driving the vehicle about 20 mph and appyling brake pressure 2 out of 3 brake lines broke, causing no braking ability. Driver was able to avoid a crash.the brake lines have been replaced by dealership.
While making a lane chang eto the left and when attempting to turn the steering wheel to the right, there was no rsponse from vehicle. Lost control, resulting in a collision.
1990 4 runner was involved in an accident which occurred due to faulty steering relay rod.the consumer received a recall for the steering relay rod several years after the component had already failed.the vehicle was involved in a single car accident in which the vehicle rolled over. Consequently the consumer sustained serious injuries and the vehicle was totally destroyed.the consumer now realizes that the accident was likely due to the steering relay rod problem mentioned in the recall.
Firewall cracked, causing pedals to 'roll'. *sd
Electronic door locks jammmed, preventing occupants from exiting the vehicle.
Power door locks stick. *sd
Door locks failed due to failed relay in door control modual, unable to unlock doors manually or electrically.
Power door locks failed, also doors could not be opened manually, passengers were trapped.
Tailgate electric door failed and cannot open gate.tt
Dt*: the contact stated there was a problem with the rear end of the vehicle.the welds on the rear subframe of the vehicle popped and fractured which caused the read end to fall off.the weld did not fracture, but instead popped away from the rear end which held the rear sway bar onto the axle.the welds popped on both sides.the truck had never had a hitch or carried a heavy load on the vehicle.
The structure of the body is cracking,causing the brake clutch bracket to fail,took to dealer,said it was a bad desig, needs a new bracket, consumer to pay for the weld .
While driving about50 mph, switching lanesthe vehicle wobbled and spun out of control, causing thevehicle to rollover, injuring the driver.
Bridgestone desert dueler tire (p235/75r15) experienced sidewall blowout, dealer stated tire failed due to hitting an obstruction or object on the road.
The failure occurred on interstate 10 in tempe, arizona at approximately 12 noon. At the time i was a resident of tempe, arizona for 12 years. The failure was a sudden and complete tread separation of the right rear tire without any warning whatsoever. The age of the tire and tread wear is unknown. I was the only occupant of the vehicle at the time. I maintained control of the vehicle and brought it to a stop without difficulty. No other report is available. I paid to replace the tire at a firestone dealer. Other information: i have observed other quality problems with this model tire including tires getting out of balance soon after purchase and partial tread separation on tires with heavy wear.( dot number: n/a tire size: p235/75r15 )
Firestone wilderness at tire (p235 75 r15) experienced blowout between the tread and sidewall, consumer had taken tires to service center because someone had stated tire had hair line cracks, however center stated cracks were normal.
Engine checklight comes on. When vehicleis in park, andit idles at 1500 rpms. Dealer has seenvehicle 14 times, and problem still exists.
Clutch/brake pedal bracket broke/cracked after pressing the clutch pedal.was originally diagnosed as a bad clutch and almost pulled the plug to get the clutch replaced.would have been a load of wasted money on a poor diagnosis.pedal bracket cracked with clutch pedal was pressed to start the car.heard lour crack, car started, but would not go into gear.
While driving with cruise control on. Tapped brakes to release cruise control. Vehicle maintained speed. An intermittent problem. This caused engine to rev up rpms. Shifted to neutral caused revving. Floored pedal & cruise control was released. Will be taking vehicle to dealer.
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration resulting in a vehicle collision.
Vehicle was parked but turned on, had just shifted into reverse with foot on brakes when it suddenly accelerated backwards. Hit 2 parked vehicles. No injuries were sustained. Have not contacted dealership.
Engine checklight comes on. When vehicleis in park, andit idles at 1500 rpms. Dealer has seenvehicle 14 times, and problem still exists.
Vehiclewas at a light and consumerstepped onclutch and heard a snap.vehicle lurched forward, and hit the vehicle in front. Consumer put vehicle in park position, and got under the dashboard.noticedbracket that holds the clutch pedal was broken.dealer didn't want to see the vehicle unlessconsumer was paying to repair it.
Passenger's side exterior mirror would severely vibrate when traveling at 30mphor more. Thiscaused poor visibility.dealer notified, and was unwilling to assist on this matter. Feel free to provide any further information on this problem.
Passenger's side exterior mirror would severely vibrate when traveling at 30mphor more. Thiscaused poor visibility.dealer notified, and was unwilling to assist on this matter. Feel free to provide any further information on this problem.
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