1990 Toyota 4RUNNER: engine failure

11 of the 77 complaints about the 1990 Toyota 4RUNNER describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 11
of this car's complaints: 14%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2015
1
2014
1
2013
1
2012
1
2008
1
2006
2
2005
3
2004
4
2003
6
2001
1
2000
5
1999
5
1998
5
1997
3
1996
1
1995
16
1994
5
1993
3
1992
4
1991
1
1990
11

What owners say

Filed Dec 7, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Engine blew at 13000 miles and vehicle started hesitating and cutting off without prior warning. Dealership was aware of problem.

Filed Dec 3, 2001 · Engine · PA · fire

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.

Filed Nov 20, 2000 · Engine · TX

Threw a rod, resulting in total engine failure. Complete oil loss blamed - cause unknown. Head gasket replaced in april of 1996. This occurred in may of 1997.

Filed Dec 15, 1999 · Engine · FL

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.

Filed Nov 3, 1999 · Engine · NV

Truck burns a quart of oil every 15 miles. Consumer received a recall notice for new engine head gaskets. Took car to the dealer, repaired the head gasket . Then discovered a problem with the engine block. Dealer would have to send that part out. Every sincevehicle was fixed, truck has just been burning oil too fast. Consumer feeld it is unsafe to drive truck because the fear of breaking down due to lack of oil.

Filed Aug 9, 1999 · Engine · MA

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

Filed Aug 1, 1999 · Engine · CA

Put 5000 miles on used purchased vehicle and engine blew

Filed Jun 8, 1999 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Dec 11, 1998 · Engine · WA · fire

The consumer was 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 was 75000 on the truck. The short block was replaced . Then the truck burst into flames. The car wa stowed to the dealer for further investigation.

Filed Jan 31, 1998 · Engine · CA

Engine thermostat failed twice, engine failed due to collant leak.

Filed Sep 18, 1995 · Engine · OH

Replaced engine belts.