Shifterati1st gen Toyota 4Runner 1984–1989
Watch out for
Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.
-
Frame rust All years Walk away if found
What to check: Tap the inside, outside and bottom of each frame rail with a small hammer. Look hardest above the rear axle by the fuel tank and where the frame bends up.
Seven members across three threads tell buyers to check the frame closely. A moderator says these frames rust from the inside, so damage shows late, and two members point to the rail near the fuel tank. One says frames are usually sound but must be seen in person.
-
Body rust All years
What to check: Look at the front fenders, inner fender wells, floors, rockers, quarter panels, A-pillars, tailgate and the top's window trim.
Hagerty says front fenders can be bought new but floors and quarter panels cannot, and Trail4Runner's writer says used panels have to be found. Members call rust on the top's metal trim cosmetic.
-
Worn timing chain guides Four-cylinder
What to check: Start it cold and listen for a rattle at the front of the engine. Ask whether metal-backed guides have been fitted.
Three members in two threads warn that the factory plastic guides wear or break, and the loose chain then rattles and rubs. One of the threads is about a 1990 truck with the same engine.
Complaints by year
- 1984 2 complaints
- 1985 2 complaints
- 1986 8 complaints
- 1987 5 complaints
- 1988 9 complaints
- 1989 6 complaints
Counted from NHTSA's complaints on 23 October 2026. A newer year has had less time to draw them.