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1993 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

The most common problem on the 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical 4RUNNER model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
50
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
29
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
13-18mpg

The worst 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

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

  • Engine
    19
  • Brakes
    8
  • Steering
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    3

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    19
  • Brakes
    8
  • Steering
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Suspension
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Wheels
    1

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 1993 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

Technical service bulletins for the 1993 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 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER

1993 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‑cyl4WD16-1718-2017-18
3.0L 6‑cylRWD151917
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD12-1315-1713-14

What 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 5, 2018 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · CA

Fuel pressure damper failed spilling fuel onto exhaust crossover. I had an odor of fuel coming from vehicle for approximately 1 month. Unable to locate issue. Fuel smell would also come through the A/C into the cabin. Upon researching the issue, I came across many forum threads with owners complaining of this issue. This is a known issue and many fires have started due to this failure. Clues to failure are erratic RPM due to loss of fuel pressure and strong odor of fuel coming from engine compartment. Many owner complaints on forum threads. Granted it is an older vehicle, but many threads are from over 10 years ago indicating the failure occurred after vehicle was 15 years old. Part costs over $200 and I am making repairs myself to avoid further labor costs. Https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/3zve-fuel-pulsation-dampener-188341/

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while parked, he was unable to switch gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician stated that the metal bracket which held the brake and clutch pedal was fractured and would have to be replaced. After the repair, the failure recurred. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was included in a manufacturer's recall in which the metal bracket was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Jun 23, 2013 · Seat belts · 90,000 miles · WV

The driver side seat belt of my 1993 toyota pickup truck will not extend. Is it possible that there was a recall on this part, and if so, would it still be in effect?

Filed May 19, 2013 · Electrical · AZ

Desert toyota in tucson located at 7150 e. 22d street, tucson, az 85710 sold us this car and maliciously hid the true odometer reading... By 85,000 miles difference... A misdemeanors. They admitted this and after we retained an attorney, they undid the deal. Big liars, frauds, cheats. The salesman who did this, along with his fraudulent sales manager, is named [xxx]. They lied from the start, saying "the car is too old to pull a carfax". The car broke down within hours of leaving the dealership. It would not go over 35 miles per hour. Our attorney pulled a carfax immediately and exposed the altered mileage as well as a serious prior collision which deemed the car disabled. We have notified the police, the bbb, toyota headquarters, local news station, and multiple websites... Hoping to spare consumers this grief. They are scam artists and I have all the paperwork to back it up. I will tell anyone who will listen. I hate liars. These guys are pathetic losers, wimpy little worms, and they have messed with the wrong person. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 25, 2011 · Electrical, Fuel system · 185,000 miles · CA · fire

After traveling 1/4 mile, the engine caught fire due to gas leak in fuel line. Based on the fire damage, the source of the leak is approximately behind the fire wall of the speedometer.

Filed Jun 29, 2010 · Engine · FL

I just bought this car less then a month ago. It has nothing but problems. Now when you start driving it will shut off after 10 minutes. I was told its either a fly wheel or the engine has seized. I paid cash and have no money to pay for any repairs. Im 5.5 months pregnant too.

Filed Nov 27, 2008 · Engine · 127,381 miles · CA

My 1993 toyota 4-runner has gone through four head gaskets in the last seven years. And now it needs a fifth! Toyota actually replaced the first two at no cost. Toyota had issued a recall on the head gasket (though I received no notification of the recall even though I purchased this vehicle new from the dealer). So the first head gasket was replaced at no charge, then it failed within nine months, so they paid for the second. But they have not paid for the third, forth, nor now not the fifth.

Filed Feb 12, 2008 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · NV

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that all of the instrument panel gauges display inaccurate readings. The dealer stated that the failure was due to the circuit board in the instrument cluster. The failure was repaired and the mileage was reset; however, the failure recurred one year later. The vehicle is currently being repaired again. The manufacturer is unable to assist. The current mileage was 61,203 and failure mileage was 36,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2008 · Suspension · 181,240 miles · IL · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 toyota 4runner. The contact was involved in a crash and the vehicle was given a front end alignment. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate uncontrollably and the speed decreased. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they stated that the front end alignment was done improperly. The current mileage was 181,296 and failure mileage was 181,240.

Filed Feb 1, 2008 · Engine · 187,000 miles · FL

93 4runner head gasket blown again. They replaced it the first time in 2001, but the design of the gasket was still flawed. Toyota should have to repair all defective parts. If a part is recalled, "fixed", and then continues to be defective then toyota has not fixed the problem. They should be held accountable for the literal thousands of people out there in my same shoes.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER before you buy

Compare the 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER

Is the 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?

Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER, fewer than a typical 4RUNNER model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Engine and cooling, with 19 complaints. Next is brakes (8).

How many recalls does the 1993 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 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER get?

Official estimates for the 1993 Toyota 4RUNNER range from 13 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 16-17 city and 18-20 highway.

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