Toyota 4Runner 2nd Generation - What To Check Before You Buy

2nd Gen Toyota 4Runner: What Owners Say

The second-gen 4Runner range is fairly reliable if routinely maintained with special mention of the transmissions, but the drivelines are also considered to be highly dependable
If you are looking for a lot of cabin space, the 4Runner is unlikely to disappoint; it might not have a third row of seats, but the headroom, legroom, and luggage space are all very generous
The 4Runner has been equipped for off-roading as it sources its platform from the Tacoma, and this makes it a versatile family car for those who want to lead a more adventurous life

The 4Runner's rear suspension is just too weak for the added mass which will lead to sagging, impairing its handling and being costly to fix
Safety is the biggest concern when it comes to the Toyota 4Runner 2nd-gen as it comes fitted with little to no assists and returned poor results in its NHTSA crash test

Second Generation Toyota 4Runner Facelift

For the 1992 model year, Toyota handed the 4Runner 2nd-gen range a subtle set of visual enhancements to give it more of an edge for the new decade. Additionally, a new wide-body package was introduced for those who wanted a more butch appearance. Changes were applied to the range again from 1994 to the final production year of 1995. No alterations were made to the interior whatsoever throughout this generation's lifespan.

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1992-1995 4Runner N130 Facelift Front Changes

The front section of the Toyota N130 4Runner was updated by adding a new grille¹ and one-piece front bumper² with smoother headlights³.

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1992-1995 4Runner N130 Facelift Rear Changes

The only noticeable difference at the rear is the repositioning of the spare wheel from the tailgate, as seen on the Toyota N120, to underneath the vehicle¹.

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1992-1995 4Runner N130 Facelift Side Changes

No alterations were made to the profile of the car, but from this angle, you can see the new front bumper¹ and headlights² and the omission of the spare wheel on the tailgate³.

Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain

The Toyota 4Runner second-generation is available with two SOHC gasoline engines and two transmission options. The base trims are available with the brand's 22R-E 2.4-liter inline four, while the more premium models are kitted out with the 3VZ-E 3.0-liter V6. Both engines are fitted with the five-speed manual transmission as standard, while the Aisin-Warner A340H four-speed automatic transmission is optional. Rear- or four-wheel drive are also available for both engine options.

Horsepower

116 hp

Torque

140 lb-ft

Transmission

Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Drivetrain

RWD/AWD

The 22R-E is the last iteration of Toyota's R engine family, which started in 1953 and while it has a lot in common with its predecessors, it features a revised aluminum cylinder head and cast-iron block among other components. This is also the first of this engine family to benefit from multipoint fuel injection. It comes with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and produces 116 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. This engine can only be fitted with the manual transmission with four-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive models are automatic only. Common Toyota 4Runner engine problems on the 22R-E include timing-chain woes and blown head gaskets.

Horsepower

150 hp

Torque

180 lb-ft

Transmission

Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

Drivetrain

RWD/4WD

The VZ engine family is relatively younger than Toyota's R range. In the 4Runner, the 3VZ-E 3.0-liter V6 has a cast-iron block with aluminum cylinder heads featuring multipoint fuel injection. Like the four-cylinder model, the manual transmission is only available with rear-wheel drive, while the automatic is available with rear- and four-wheel drive. The 3VZ-E is known to struggle with bad head gaskets, timing belts, starter contacts, and burnt exhaust valves.

1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner 2nd Generation Real MPG

Of the six second-generation Toyota 4Runner variations, the most frugal of the lot is the base 2.4-liter inline four with the five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drivetrain with its 17/20/18 mpg city/highway/combined estimate. The heaviest of the batch is the 3.0-liter V6 using a four-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, bringing in claimed estimates of 12/15/13 mpg. Based on real-world results sourced from a group of drivers with varying driving styles and driving conditions and who are not monitored by the EPA, it appears that the 2.4-liter with the manual transmission is the most frugal as it returns a combined consumption of 22.8 mpg, which is better than the EPA's estimates.

	EPA mpg (city/highway/combined)	Real-world combined mpg*
2.4 inline four five-speed manual 4WD	17/20/18	21.6-22.8
2.4 inline four four-speed automatic RWD (1990-1991)	17/19/18	N/A
2.4 inline four four-speed automatic 4WD (1990-1993)	16/18/17	16.9
3.0-liter V6 five-speed manual 4WD	13/17/14	15.6-22
3.0-liter V6 four-speed automatic RWD	15/19/17	15.5-18.4
3.0-liter V6 four-speed automatic 4WD	12/15/13	13.7-19.8

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Safety

Unfortunately, the second-gen Toyota 4Runner does not have the best NHTSA crash test results. In the frontal crash section, one star out of five is given to the driver, while the passenger benefits from a much better four-star rating.

The only safety feature included on the second-generation 4Runner is the rear-wheel ABS package, which only works when the car is in two-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel ABS has been included since 1994 for V6 models, while all models have side-impact beams.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

4x2 and 4x4

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating (Driver):

(1/5)

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating (Passenger):

(4/5)

2nd Generation Toyota 4Runner Trims

The 4Runner trim breakdown is fairly simple as the SR5 is the only available trim. The list of standard features differs based on the engine option, but the variation is marginal. This can be had in both two-door and four-door configurations with any of the possible drivetrain options.

2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-four or 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6

Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic

RWD/4WD

All rear-wheel drive SR5 models come standard with cloth seat upholstery, 15-inch alloy wheels, a dash-mounted clock, privacy glass, front power windows, and manual controls for the rear. If four-wheel drive is selected, the model also gets intermittent front windshield wipers. With the V6 engine, an AM/FM radio, power steering with a manually tilt-adjustable steering column, skid plates, a tachometer, and a rear demister are included. A CD interface is optionally available for V6s.

Second Generation Toyota 4Runner Features

	SR5
Back-Up Camera	N/A
Bluetooth Connection	N/A
Leather Seats	N/A
Apple CarPlay	N/A
Keyless Entry	N/A
Keyless Start	N/A
HD Radio	N/A
Alloy Wheels	S
Sunroof	O

Interior, Trim And Practicality

The Toyota 4Runner 2nd-generation range was made with interior practicality in mind. Without the sunroof fitted, the front headroom measures 38.7 inches with a legroom figure of 41.5 inches, which is enough to accommodate anyone standing around 6' 2" tall comfortably. The rear features a similar 38.3 inches of headroom, but legroom is noticeably less at 31.6 inches. Behind the second row of seats, the 4Runner offers 43.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 78.3 cubic feet if you fold the rear row. All models feature cloth upholstery for the seats with vinyl dash and door finishes. Owners have complained that the cabin design is fairly bland, but where interior quality is concerned, it proves robust if well-maintained and regularly cleaned.

Trim	SR5
Cloth	S

1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner 2nd Gen Maintenance and Cost

The 2nd-generation Toyota 4Runner's inline-four and V6 have the same maintenance schedules. An oil and filter change will be required every 5,000 miles. At 30,000-mile intervals, you are required to change the engine air filter ($60). Every 60,000 miles, you must have the automatic transmission and differential fluid and filters exchanged ($270). Spark plugs ($10 to $15 for a set) need to be exchanged at 120,000-mile intervals. A coolant flush and refill should be done every 150,000 miles. A major 60,000-mile service for the 2.4-liter 4Runner will likely cost around $970 at an independent shop and $1,400 at a dealer. You can expect to pay $1,430 at a shop and $1,950 at the dealer for the V6.

Second Gen Toyota 4Runner Basic Service

A basic lubrication service for the four-cylinder and 4Runners will cost around $90 at a private workshop and $150 at the dealer. The cost for the V6 is the same because they both have the same oil capacity and use the same oil type. If you wish to conduct an oil change at home, you'll need to spend $63 for 4.5 quarts of 10W-30 synthetic engine oil and a filter.

Check Before You Buy

Overall, the second-generation Toyota 4Runner was a pretty dependable family SUV, but it did struggle with sagging rear suspension and power steering problems. Timing chain and head-gasket failures are also problems you can expect with both powertrains. Recalls for the 1990 to 1995 Toyota 4Runner include a steering relay rod problem - this part can crack if frequently used under a heavy load. All Toyota 4Runners equipped with the 3VZ-E were recalled for a head-gasket problem.

There are no recalls for the 1990 to 1995 Toyota 4Runner's catalytic converter, battery, automatic transmission, alternator, airbags, air filter, or AC compressor.

Toyota 4Runner 2nd Generation Common Problems

As standard, the 4Runner was fitted with four-link rear coil suspension with staggered gas-filled shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. With time and use, this setup will lose some integrity, which will result in the car's rear end sagging down. This is a problem that was present in the first-generation model due to the added weight of the rear compartment of the SUV body not being adequately compensated for by the suspension designers. Toyota attempted to resolve this by adding more robust coil suspension to the second generation, but the problem surfaced on this model as well. The best way to resolve it is by having the rear shock absorbers and struts replaced. It is advised that you avoid the OEM part and opt for an uprated aftermarket component provided by various off-roading specialists.

Mileage: The 4Runner's rear suspension will show signs of sagging after 80,000 miles of moderate use.

Cost: Replacing both rear struts will cost $1,500 for parts and labor.

How to spot: A sagging rear suspension will be visible to the eye. You will also notice impaired handling.

The second-generation Toyota 4Runner's hydraulically assisted power steering will become heavier and less responsive with time. Unfortunately, this is not a straightforward problem, as it could be due to one of five or more issues. The first thing you should check is the power steering system's fluid level. If the steering is hard to turn, it could mean that the fluid is low and the system has developed a leak. You'll have to inspect all of the hoses and the pump to identify where it may be and replace whichever part has worn before refilling the fluids. In some cases, the fluid could also just go bad and increase in viscosity, which will lead to the system being unable to do its job properly. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the fluid. There is also the possibility of your pump or belt failing altogether, which will result in a total loss of power assistance, despite the fluid being topped up. In this case, you'll need the pump or belt replaced, ideally both at the same time. The steering rack is the last component that can show signs of wear due to the resistance it receives from the wheels. If this occurs, you'll experience difficulty steering the wheels, and it will be more prominent in cold conditions. As the problem progresses, it'll present itself at all temperatures.

Mileage: These issues may show themselves between 80,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on how severe the driving conditions are.

Cost: Having a full service conducted on the power steering hoses will cost $420 for parts and labor. A fluid inspection will likely cost in the region of $150. A new pump and belt will cost $730 for parts and labor.

How to spot: Any power steering-related issues will translate into difficulty in steering the wheel. The harder it is to steer, the more severe the problem becomes.

The 22R-E is the final edition of Toyota's R engine family. The 22R uses a cast iron block with an aluminum cylinder head. It is SOHC with two valves per cylinder and is the first of its kind to be equipped with multipoint fuel injection. With this generation of the R, Toyota opted to change the dual-row timing chain system to a single-row with plastic guides. While it made for a more compact and cheaper design, this did result in timing-chain problems.

With use, the timing chain's teeth will start to dig into the plastic guides. At this point, the only solution is to have the guides replaced, preferably with aftermarket steel ones, to prevent this from happening again. Unfortunately, this does come at a pretty hefty cost. A bad timing chain will result in whining, or buzzing noises which become louder at higher revs, engine misfiring as slack develops in the chain and the timing is thrown off, and an overall reduction in engine performance. Your Toyota 4Runner may also experience a rough engine idle problem.

Head-gasket failure is also something you may encounter with this engine. The 22R-E's head gasket is known to become troublesome, but only under specific circumstances. The reason for this is that the aluminum cylinder head expands more than the iron block as it heats up. If the car is subjected to overheating for whatever reason. Under excessive heat, the gasket is sure to blow, which can result in engine failure. Other symptoms you may experience include white smoke from the exhaust system, bubbling coolant in the radiator, a loss of coolant with no visible leaks, and a milky white oil texture. To avoid this, it is advised to have the head gasket replaced every 80,000 miles and keep an eye on the cooling system, so the engine never overheats.

Apart from these two issues, the 22R-E is renowned for being a resilient engine that could last up to 300,000 miles and beyond if you exchange the chain guides with steel units and keep on top of the engine cooling and head gaskets.

Mileage: Timing-chain guides will start to wear out after 90,000 miles. Head gasket issues can present themselves sooner than 80,000 miles if the engine is subjected to overheating.

Cost: Replacing the timing-chain guides with metal parts is a costly job which may amount to $1,250, including labor. A new head gasket fitment will be closer to $1,300.

How to spot: Bad timing-chain guides will lead to whining or buzzing noises, a rough engine idle, engine misfiring, and bad performance. A blown head gasket will show smoke from the exhaust system, bubbling coolant in the radiator, a loss of coolant with no visible leaks, and a milky white oil texture.

The VZ was Toyota's first-ever V6 engine used in cars from 1988 to 2004. Like the 22R-E, it uses a cast-iron cylinder block with aluminum cylinder heads with a SOHC configuration. The 3VZ-E uses a belt to drive the camshafts, which has to be replaced every 90,000 miles. The engine's water pump is not inherently problematic, but it has a service life of between 100,000-150,000 miles, which is not as long as some rivals. This part is run via the cambelt, so it would be ideal to replace everything at once, including the thermostat, in order to lower the service costs. The Toyota 4Runner's timing belt is not a problematic part, but it is something that must be renewed on schedule.

The 3VZ-E also has a reputation for developing oil leaks, particularly around the valve covers with both mileage and age. You can expect the main crank seals and oil-pan gaskets to fail. You need to ensure that the oil is frequently checked and routinely topped up. There was a recall for the 3VZ 3.0-liter relating to this issue, so it should not be as common, but if you subject the Toyota 4Runner's powertrain to excessive overheating, this will become a problem.

Starting/starter contact problems may also present themselves on the Toyota 4Runner's 3VZ-E. The contacts, which are also referred to as starter solenoids, are used to activate the starter motor, but with use, they will wear out. Thankfully, the parts are affordable, but it is a labor-intensive job. We strongly recommend replacing this with an electronic starter, which does the same job with improved reliability.

The 3VZ-E's exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is a topic that comes up frequently for many owners. The system doesn't have any inherent problems, but as it covers higher mileages, the charcoal canister will eventually become clogged, at which point you will need to replace it. Symptoms you can expect include poor gas mileage and engine performance, together with starting problems, a rough idle, an illuminated Check Engine light, and a strong smell of gas. There will also be difficulty filling the tank.

This engine does not feature hydraulic valve lifters, which means valve-clearance adjustments must be conducted at 25,000-mile intervals. If you adhere to all of these service requirements, the 3VZ-E will prove to be a durable engine that can perhaps even reach 350,000 miles.

Mileage: You will need to have the 3VZ-E's timing belt replaced at 90,000-mile intervals. The water pump should last roughly 100,000-150,000 miles, but we advise that it is replaced with the belt to save on labor costs. Oil leaks need attention as soon as they are spotted, so no mileage is attached to this. Starter contact problems present themselves after lots of use, not at a specific mileage. EGR charcoal canisters could get clogged after 160,000-180,000 miles.

Cost: A new timing belt with tensioners and idlers should cost around $120. A thermostat and water pump will increase the cost of the parts to $400 with an additional $300 for labor, give or take. Valve-cover gaskets cost around $40, but labor costs may exceed $500 due to the complexity of the job. An electronic starter will cost $580 for parts and labor. A new charcoal canister will cost $480 for parts and labor.

How to spot: There are usually no warning signs for timing belt failures, so you need to ensure that this is replaced on schedule. A slipping belt may result in rough running and misfires, so you will need to have it replaced urgently. It is possible that you might hear ticking noises too. Deferring replacement will lead to serious engine damage. An engine wet with oil and oil spots on the floor suggests oil leaks. The valve cover may be leaking, or the oil pan and main seal. A bad starter will lead to an inability to start the car. A clogged EVAP canister will result in poor gas mileage and engine performance, hard starting, a rough idle, an illuminated Check Engine light, a strong smell of gas, and difficulty filling the tank.

Less Common Problems and Problem-Free Areas

Less common 1990 to 1995 Toyota 4Runner problems include automatic transmission torque converter shifting issues and a leaking fuel pulsation dampener.

Problems you are unlikely to experience include the following:

There are no extensively documented auto-glass problems with the 1990 to 1995 Toyota 4Runner's sunroof, rear window, or power windows.
Any problems with the Toyota 4Runner's speedometer or cruise control actuator should be minimal.
The Toyota 4Runner is not known to have problems with its ignition switch, alternator, or other major electrical components.
No problems are documented for the Toyota 4Runenr's air-conditioner or heater.
Toyota 4Runner's manual transmission's clutch problems are highly unlikely, but an abusive driving style can wear the clutch out, so be on the lookout for shudders and slipping.
If regularly maintained, problems with the Toyota 4Runner's brake system are unlikely.
Problems with the Toyota 4Runner's four-wheel drive system are not common either.

Which One To Avoid

Overall, the second-generation 4Runner proved to be a fairly trouble-free product regardless of which engine was under the hood, so long as it was well-maintained. We'd struggle to suggest you opt for the 22R-E unit because next to the V6, it is quite underpowered, but it does have a better reputation in the reliability department, so this is entirely based on what you aim to use the SUV for. Ideally, you should avoid any units that have not been regularly or professionally serviced. Any examples with a sagging rear end, shoddy body, and worn interior should also be avoided altogether. For the sake of safety, we do recommend that any models before 1994 be avoided due to the lack of four-wheel ABS. Cars with aftermarket modifications can also present a risk.

Which One To Buy

Both engine options of the 4Runner are resilient, so if you can find a regularly serviced and professionally maintained example, it would be worth considering. A unit assembled after 1994 will be a winner as it'll feature the four-wheel ABS system, which aids this car's poor safety reputation somewhat.

2nd Gen Toyota 4Runner (N120/N130) Verdict

The second-generation N120 and N130 Toyota 4Runner is not the most accomplished SUV of its era but it offers impressive reliability, capability, and cabin space, which positions it as a reasonably accessible car for the adventurous family. By modern standards, it offers subpar safety, so keep that in mind if you are going to use it to transport passengers frequently.