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1995 Toyota 4RUNNER problems

The most common problem on the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER is engine and cooling, typically around 124,000 miles. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical 4RUNNER model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
172
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
31
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
13-18mpg
Typical repair
$2,500

The worst 1995 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
    115
  • Transmission
    14
  • Tires
    11
  • Brakes
    6
  • Electrical
    6
  • Steering
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Locks
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER

Overheating 22Engine failure 16Check engine light 5Loss of power 5Misfire 5Tire blowout 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 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER

Defect investigations

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 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER 31

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

See all 31 bulletins for the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER

1995 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‑cyl4WD172018
3.0L 6‑cylRWD151917
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD12-1315-1613-14

What 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 22, 2021 · Engine · CA

Engine, no sign of overheating ... Overheated within 3 months of ownership on my way to work with my wife's Conclude the headgaskets were blown. Toyota doesn't acknowledge recall. . Plus send a recall for v6 4runners headgaskets

Filed Jan 7, 2017 · Engine · TN

Blown head gasket on 3.0 v-6

Filed Apr 1, 2016 · Engine · 166,265 miles · CA

May 2015 on way to drs and then oil change at pep boys. Head gasket on car blew for 2nd time (6000 and 2 years, since first time). Driving on freeway proceeded to overpass and in the middle of this extremely high, curved overpass, bridging the 23 to the 101, driving at highway speed, the car "farted", cloud out back side and speed just dropped. Coasted down other side and car "limped along slowly" from there. Most terrifying experience. Prayed no one would hit me and send me flying off the connector to freeway below. I had no problem with car prior, running beautiful. Took the grades, highway, passing street driving. No problem. Back to issue: luckily, no cars immed. Behind me and those coming were far enough to and could use l lane. Was able to get off freeway. Car,died at every light, but made it slowly, to pep boys. They said head gasket blew. Please note this was a relatively newly repaired head gasket. Repaired 2/16/2013 done @ 160,227. Was gifted car in nov 2013 by family member with meticulous records and spot on reg maintenance of this vehicle. Here I am at the 166,265 and for some reason again the head gasket is incapable of function with the specs of the vehicle. Went with a re-manufactured engine, by certified engine repair only facility, but since the big bang. The car has an unidentifiable speed issue. Can hit up to 80- 85 on hwy, (runs almost beautifully, again but passing power, varies, does hill and then, it doesn't. Loosing speed/power foot to the floor. Then running beautifully. Had 39 point inspection aaa. 4/1/16 passed shifting/engine cranking/ handling etc, does not follow any, if then, you will notice, no engine, od, warning lights. Loss of dash function, RPM , speedometer, gage functions...came here and found out not only one who's engine blew way before its time, again have complete care repair history and maintenance records.

Filed Dec 18, 2015 · Engine · OH

Toyota 4runner 1995 blown head gaskets

Filed Feb 9, 2015 · Engine · 250,000 miles · AZ

My head gasket is blown. The dummy panel did not show overheating but steam or smoke was visible coming out from under the hood. Coolant was leaking when parked but the radiator is full. Toyota says my VIN says it was manufactured in nov 1995 my registration paperwork says it was first registered october 1995. As with many others, toyota says it is not included. How many reports must be made before it is a covered problem? Or is there no change til lawyers get involved?

Filed Jan 6, 2015 · Engine · 158,000 miles · CA

Engine exhaust smoky. Coolant level drops. Steam and water emitted from exhaust pipe. Cause seems to be due to a failed head gasket(s) or failure of aluminum cylinder heads to mate to cast iron engine block. Other possibility is cracking in water jacket of heads. This is a 3.0 liter v6 engine and has had press releases about gasket failures. This vehicle was purchased new by customer and has never had the engine overheat or has it been run while low on engine lubricating oil.

Filed Jul 18, 2014 · Engine · 96,541 miles · SC

Blown rod . Bad motor .. The 4 runner had a 4 wheel drive engine in it that came stock in a 2 wheel drive 4 runner? It blew out a rod on me and these sr5 motors are suppose to last a long time? 98,432 is low for me.

Filed May 15, 2012 · Engine · 90,000 miles · AZ

I do not own this vehicle anymore as I needed a reliable vehicle to make it to arizona from iowa. I also had a cobalt I had to get rid of with bad transmission and steering rack (prior to recall of steering racks). I do not have storage capability for junk vehicles. This toyota had a blown head gasket at 90000 miles like all the other 10 years worth of recalled 4runner 3vz-e engines. But conveniently for toyota they forgot to include 95. There is no way a car company redesigns an engine they were phasing out in 4 months. Needed gasket replaced but not covered under recall. Toyota said too bad, so sad, our reputation relies on quality vehicles. Bbb said it is up to the car company to be responsible for their vehicles, I.e. We do not care. I got $0.00 for trade in on it. The cobalt I also took a $1000 loss since I only had it 4 months and traded it in with 42000 miles (bought at 37000).

Filed Apr 18, 2012 · 161,500 miles · CA

The head gasket is going out there is a recall for other mfg dates but mine was 1 month too long and other people complaining on the internet about their 95 4runners with blown head gaskets and toyota telling them to go pound sand.toyota is even having later model v6s with failing head gaskets the motor its self is the problem the design is not perfect it's cooling problem is the cause of the sledge recalls they have going on. But if they admit that the motor is bad it would cost them a arm and a leg so me and a lot of other people are left holding the crappy cars tail pipe what worries me is it stopping in the middle of the freeway then getting rear ended.

Filed Dec 14, 2011 · Engine · 124,000 miles · TN

I bought a regularly maintained, used 1995 4 runner with 119,000 miles. Within a month, it began running poorly and the repairs began. Had to have the truck towed numerous times after it left me stranded with my infant child. I have replaced everything possible but now the mechanic tells me I have a blown head gasket. There was no incident of overheating. I have seen enough complaints about this issue to understand that toyota is aware and refuses to rectify this situation. I was told by toyota customer service that my truck is not on the recall list. Why not? Every other year was recalled for the very same problem. I cannot afford this repair and since this vehicle has 'nickel and dimmed' me to death, it sits in the driveway. I can't fix it, can't sell it, can't trade it in. It was a waste. My husband's car has been a real trooper but it needs repairs. The 4 runner has taken so much, we can't even fix the basics on hubby's car. Just want to know when toyota is going to admit the problem and help us all that are stuck with their mess!

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Compare the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER

Is the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?

Owners have filed 172 complaints about the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER, 2.0 times a typical 4RUNNER model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Engine and cooling, with 115 complaints, typically around 124,000 miles. Next is transmission (14).

How many recalls does the 1995 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 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER get?

Official estimates for the 1995 Toyota 4RUNNER range from 13 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, 4WD) gets 17 city and 20 highway.

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