1997 Toyota 4 Runner engine and engine cooling problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1997 Toyota 4 Runner — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Apr 22, 2004
“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…”
filed May 10, 2003
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Subject regarding head gasket replacement. *yd
TC01031 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 19, 2001
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other 4 Runner years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 4 Runner | 18 | 27% |
| 2003 4 Runner | 75 | 45% |
| 2002 4 Runner | 5 | 16% |
| 2001 4 Runner | 8 | 26% |
| 2000 4 Runner | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 4 Runner | 12 | 11% |
| 1998 4 Runner | 15 | 13% |
| 1996 4 Runner | 24 | 27% |
| 1995 4 Runner | 77 | 62% |
| 1994 4 Runner | 20 | 38% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Toyota 4 Runner
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.