1987 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1987 Toyota 4Runner. Part of Generation 1 — 1984–1989.

19861988
Complaints
7
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1987 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#11 complaints

Equipment:Mechanical:Carrier/Rack

#21 complaints

Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft

Crash-related:1
#31 complaints

Power Train:Clutch Assembly

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1987 Toyota 4Runner.

Equipment:Mechanical:Carrier/Rack
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Driveline
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1987 Toyota 4Runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Toyota 4Runner Years

1984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

1987 Toyota 4Runner — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1987 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1987 Toyota 4Runner has 7 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Equipment:Mechanical:Carrier/Rack with 1 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1987 Toyota 4Runner?
Top reported problems: Equipment:Mechanical:Carrier/Rack (1 complaints); Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft (1 complaints); Power Train:Clutch Assembly (1 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1987 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA complaints for the 1987 Toyota 4Runner include 3 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1987 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1987 Toyota 4Runner as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1987 Toyota 4Runner?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota 4Runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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