1998 Toyota 4Runner: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Toyota 4Runner: 1 recall, 250 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #02V021000 · 2002 · 273,743 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain 2-wheel-drive (2wd) and 4-wheel-drive (4wd) 4runner sport utility vehicles, a combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight rating) and severe steering maneuvers could cause the 2wd 4runner to lose directional stability.
Why it matters: This May result in a loss of control and could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. Although the 4wd 4runners do not exhibit the handling condition, Toyota will recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles should receive the replacement parts. Owner notification began February 28, 2002.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 21 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (78): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (66), noise or vibration (5).
- Suspension (60): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (31), noise or vibration (8).
- Tires (30): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (30).
- Engine & cooling (16): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), fire / smoke (2), warning light on (2).
The 1998 Toyota 4Runner has 250 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 37 4Runner model years for complaints (1.6× the average 4Runner year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 157,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (261 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (330 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Toyota 4Runner.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 Toyota 4Runner, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Toyota 4Runner problems?
Owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (78), suspension (60), tires (30).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Toyota 4Runner get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Toyota 4Runner repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.