1997 Toyota 4RUNNER engine problems

Filed Mar 15, 2014 · Body, Engine · 177,000 miles · PA

The vehicle had a bad muffler in it so I took into to the muffler shop and as they fixed the muffler they found that the entire frame of the car is rusted out. There are several holes in the frame. I drive my children in this car everyday ( 4 years old and 1 year old) car is not safe and I am currently out a vehicle and cannot afford another one. Still trying to figure out a solution. The entire frame is damaged.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Engine · 195,942 miles · SC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 toyota 4runner. She stated that while driving at 35mph, the vehicle shut off. She pulled over and noticed that there was a smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle . She also stated that all the lights illuminated in the instrumental panel. The ground wires were burnt and the vehicle was towed to her residence. The dealer was contacted and they stated that there was no recalls and that there was nothing they could do. The vehicle was inspected and they stated that it was the computer that shorted out, there were no repairs done to the vehicle. The failure and current mileage was 195942.

Filed Jul 11, 2009 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CT · crash · 2 injuries

While driving on the highway at the speed limit (60 MPH), the vehicle surged/jolted forward pulling to the right. I was unable to regain control of vehicle causing me to merge into the direction of a tractor trailer. I tried to turn away from tractor trailer to avoid collision. My vehicle hit the rear tire of the tractor trailer and I began to swerve out of control. My brakes didn't seem to help either, they didn't function. This resulted in the vehicle rolling over 3+ times, the car was totaled. All passengers were hospitalized but no other vehicles or people were hurt from the accident. My concern is regarding the periodic engine surge and/or jolting and lack of brake control. This is a safety hazard that must be addressed in order to avoid future incidents. We were very lucky to have not been killed in this auto accident.

Filed Sep 10, 2004 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

While driving head gasket blew out. Dealership was aware of the problem , but did not resolve it.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 107,700 miles · CO

I have maintained the 4 runner's records since my purchase new in 12/96. They claim I did not change oil for a long time and caused engine sludge. Mechanic said it is very similar to settlement below. Toyota oil sludge faced with a consumer revolt over low mileage engine failures caused by oil sludge buildup, toyota has begun to notify 3.3 million owners of 1997-2002 toyota and lexus vehicles with 3.0-liter imz v-6 engines and all 1997-2001 toyota vehicles with 5sfe 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engines that it will cover the cost of sludge-related repairs for eight years from date of initial sale. Whether this will satisfy the thousands of toyota and lexus owners who have already suffered engine failure remains to be seen because toyota's special policy falls short of an express warranty. Toyota modified v-6 engines made after july 2001 but has not recalled the earlier engines. The 2.2l 4-cylinder has been dropped.

Filed May 10, 2003 · Engine · 101,658 miles · NC

Engine stop running, because of slug build up in 4 runner engine 1997. Other cars in the toyota line have same problem and they are fixing the engine for free, but not the 4 runner. They have 3 models that are doing the same thing, the engine are slugging up and cause engine failure. They said this model does not fall in that line, and will cost me $9,000 to fix, but first they quote me $5000. The oil has been changed every 3000 miles or so, not all by the dealer. The dealer seen this problem with my vehicle and did not say anything to me until it was to late and not reversible, to get money out of the consumer. I had 3 other cars with where honda's and they never had this problem, and two of those honda's had over 200,000 miles and the oil was changed at the same intervals as the 4 runner. Do you think the consumers have that kind of money to fixed something like this. $9000 for a rebuilt engine, you can buy a used very good honda for this price. This car still have a lean on it. Toyota's suppose to be good cars, with bad engines. All my problems start when I took my car in for a recall on shocks and after that the engine start leaking oil and smoking when I started the engine. The dealer did something to my car and now I have to pay for it????????????

Filed Aug 22, 2001 · Engine · PA

Premature failure of head gaskets, toyota refused to cover replacement.

Filed Jan 7, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · CA

Car engine shuts down without warning. Also, power steering became very heavy and slow, and power brakes no longer worked.

Filed May 20, 1998 · Engine · TX

Slowed vehicle down to make a right turn and vehicle stalled.

Filed Apr 27, 1998 · Engine · CA

While driving on the highway the engine stalled after owner applied the brakes. Dealer has not seen vehicle.