Model year guide

1997 Toyota 4Runner

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Toyota 4Runner is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 39 on record.

1997 Toyota 4Runner — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Toyota 4Runner at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints270
Combined17 mpg
Typical price$2,692

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Toyota 4Runner recalls 4

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #02V021000 · 18/01/2002

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.

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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THE…

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006

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.

Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Toyota 4Runner common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

1997 Toyota 4Runner MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,564

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1997 Toyota 4Runner worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,692
High
$6,950

From 38 comparable 1997 Toyota 4Runner listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Toyota 4Runner costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,820
Fuel only$17,820
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Toyota 4Runner trims & engines on record

Trims
SR5 · Limited · Base · Grade: Luxury · Grade: SR5 V6
Engines
3.4L 6-cyl 183 hp · 2.7L 4-cyl 150 hp

1997 Toyota 4Runner vehicles on record

1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3HN86R1V0077982 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86R4V0024415 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3HN86R2V0104672 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86R6V0044746 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86R6V0048988 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3HN87R5V0073531 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3HN87R1V0118108 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86R8V0022117 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3HN86R2V0123836 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3HN87R3V0061555 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86RXV0052011 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3GN87R1V0029179 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86R4V0042414 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3HN87RXV0100612 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3GN87R2V0026341 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3HN86RXV0121610 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3HN86R7V0060541 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86R5V0026545 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3GN87R3V0054830 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3GN86R5V0042860 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner BaseJT3GM84R7V0015343 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3HN86R6V0093966 1997 Toyota 4Runner 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5JT3HN86R0V0077455 1997 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJT3HN87R9V0106207

Other Toyota 4Runner model years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1990 1988

1997 Toyota 4Runner — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Toyota 4Runner have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota 4Runner?

Based on 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, structure, power train.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota 4Runner get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Toyota 4Runner at about 17 mpg combined (16 city / 20 highway).

How much is a 1997 Toyota 4Runner worth?

Comparable 1997 Toyota 4Runner listings run roughly $1,000–$6,950, typically around $2,692 (from 38 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.