Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
โ 4 open recallsโ 267 owner complaints (high)โ Not yet NHTSA crash-ratedโ 15+ year old vehicleโ VIN fully verified
Vehicle ReportReport
VIN JT3HN86R3W0175218 identifies a sport utility vehicle โ the 1998 Toyota 4runner Grade: SR5 V6. This specific unit was assembled at the TAHARA, AICHI, JAPAN facility. It is equipped with 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 and a 3.4L 6 Cyl engine producing 183 hp.
This vehicle carries a notable 4 open NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include exterior lighting, exterior lighting, exterior lighting. All recalls must be repaired by a Toyota dealer at no charge to the owner. Verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The EPA rates this vehicle at 17 MPG combined (16 city / 19 highway), which represents below-average for its class fuel economy. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $3650 at national average gas prices.
Based on vehicle class, trim, and U.S. market data, this 1998 Toyota 4runner Grade: SR5 V6 falls in an estimated used-market range of $11,200โ$16,100. The recall history may provide some negotiating leverage. Verify actual market value with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds using specific mileage and condition.
Important limitation: This free VIN report does not include odometer/mileage history, accident records, flood or fire damage, number of previous owners, or title/lien status. These require a paid vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck. Use this report alongside a full history check, an independent pre-purchase inspection, and a NICB stolen vehicle check for the most complete picture before buying.
About the 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner
The 1998 Toyota 4runner is a sport utility vehicle. For detailed model history and owner reviews, see Edmunds, Car and Driver, or Consumer Reports for the 1998 model year evaluation.
๐ View all 1998 Toyota known problems & year comparisons โ
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VIN Decoded
VIN Verified
Official VIN decode record located
Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Plant: TAHARA, AICHI, JAPAN
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NHTSA Recalls
4 Open Recalls
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP...
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND...
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS...
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Owner Complaints
267 filed with NHTSA
The rear end suspension is sagging on my vehicle....
The frame is rusting out and broke while driving....
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Fuel Economy
17 MPG Combined
City: 16 MPG
Hwy: 19 MPG
Combined: 17 MPG
Fuel: Gasoline
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Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$11,200โ$16,100
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
Overall RatingNot rated by NHTSAFront Crash RatingNot rated by NHTSA
Side Crash RatingNot rated by NHTSARollover RiskNot rated by NHTSA
Safety Recalls
09E01200007/04/2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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,...
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY...
06E04900024/05/2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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...
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK...
06E02600023/03/2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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...
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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...
02V02100018/01/2002
SUSPENSION
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...
Risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS. ALTHOUGH THE 4WD 4RUNNERS DO NOT EXHIBIT THE HANDLING CONDITION, TOYOTA WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO AVOID ANY...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
NoneNHTSA
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
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Owner Complaints
SUSPENSION10/04/2023
The rear end suspension is sagging on my vehicle....
The rear end suspension is sagging on my vehicle. When I look up the VIN number on the nhtsa website it says that there is not a recall,...
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE11/11/2022
The frame is rusting out and broke while driving....
The frame is rusting out and broke while driving. The frame is almost totally destroyed from rust . The rear started swinging violently but luckily got it stop...
STEERING10/10/2022
The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared...
The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.
STRUCTURE12/03/2020
CRITICAL FRAME RUST CAUSING TRAILING ARMS TO DETACH UNDER...
CRITICAL FRAME RUST CAUSING TRAILING ARMS TO DETACH UNDER NORMAL USE.
STRUCTURE11/08/2020
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET THAT...
THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND COMPLETELY FRACTURED OFF OF THE FRAME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE I...
STRUCTURE07/12/2020
RUSTED FRAME. HOLE RIGHT THROUGH IT. CAN'T SELL, REGISTER...
RUSTED FRAME. HOLE RIGHT THROUGH IT. CAN'T SELL, REGISTER OR DO ANYTHING WITH IT. CAR HAS 188K MILES, DRIVES LIKE A TANK, AND HAS YEARS LEFT IN IT,...
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE05/05/2020
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS...
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE SWAYBAR HAS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. *TR
SUSPENSION01/03/2020
1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER STARTING TO SWAY SIDE TO...
1998 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER STARTING TO SWAY SIDE TO SIDE. THE REAR AXLE SUPPORT FRAME IS RUSTED THRU THE BOX TUBE. CALLED TOYOTA TO REPORT THE ISSUE AND...
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 4 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓Check digit (position 9) validates
✓VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 267 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,450/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN JT3HN86R3W0175218 decode to?+
VIN JT3HN86R3W0175218 decodes to a 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner Grade: SR5 V6, assembled in TAHARA, AICHI, JAPAN.
How many recalls does this 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner have?+
This 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner has 4 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner with open recalls?+
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a TOYOTA dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs โ they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner?+
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner Grade: SR5 V6 is estimated at $11,200โ$16,100. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?+
Yes โ VinForFree is 100% free with no signup, no credit card, and no hidden fees. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner get?+
According to EPA data, the 1998 TOYOTA 4Runner gets approximately 17 MPG combined (16 city / 19 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $3,650.