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1990 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER is engine and cooling, typically around 139,860 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical 4RUNNER model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
77
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
29
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
15-18mpg

The worst 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    39
  • Transmission
    14
  • Body
    8
  • Brakes
    8
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Electrical
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER

Engine failure 11Fire or smoke 7Door locks 5

Recalls 1

Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connectingReported September 6, 2005 · 977,839 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the vehicle is continued to be operated in this condition, the relay rod may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. The recall began october 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 05V389000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER

Defect investigations

Rear seat belt routingOpened March 26, 2002, closed August 26, 2002

DP02002

Corroded brake linesOpened January 27, 1999, closed April 22, 1999

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

SQ99003

Loss of brk effectivenessOpened March 24, 1992, closed January 21, 1993

There is no summary currently available

EA92011

Loss of brake effectivenesOpened November 6, 1991, closed March 24, 1992

===

PE91147

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER 29

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 29 bulletins for the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER

1990 Toyota 4RUNNER fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylRWD171918
2.4L 4‑cyl4WD15-1718-2016-18
3.0L 6‑cylRWD151916
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD1417-1815

What 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 26, 2018 · Brakes · 215,000 miles · AZ

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.

Filed Apr 12, 2016 · Engine · 148,000 miles · OK

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 fire overheating 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.

Filed Oct 3, 2012 · Brakes, Transmission · 150,000 miles · CA

Tl*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 *bf updated 11/14/12

Filed Jun 14, 2011 · Engine · 300,854 miles · CA

Fan blade disintegrated at highway speed. Dented hood, cracked battery, ruined shroud and alternator belt.

Filed Dec 4, 2006 · Body · 200,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Engine · 91,012 miles · CA

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.

Filed Mar 8, 2006 · Steering · 169,542 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

1990 4 runner was involved in an accident which occurred due to faulty steering relay rod. *ts 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.

Filed Nov 21, 2005 · Transmission · 213,012 miles · ID

Clutch pedal bracket failure no 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!

Filed Feb 21, 2005 · Engine · 139,860 miles · CA

Head gasket problem. Valve problems

Filed Oct 12, 2004 · Engine · UT

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 cracked and needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER before you buy

Compare the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER

Is the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?

Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER, close to a typical 4RUNNER model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Engine and cooling, with 39 complaints, typically around 139,860 miles. Next is transmission (14).

How many recalls does the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER have?

1 recall, covering steering.

What year does the Toyota 4RUNNER have bad engine?

The Toyota 4RUNNER model years with the most engine complaints are 1995 (115 complaints), 2003 (99 complaints) and 2004 (43 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER range from 15 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 19 highway.

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