Vehicle recall 02V021000 · January 18, 2002
1996-1998 Toyota 4Runner
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…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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 public confusion as to which vehicles should receive the replacement parts. Owner notification began February 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- Notes
- Toyota recall no. Ssc 20A.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 02V021000
- Reported to NHTSA
- January 18, 2002
- Filed by
- TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Manufacturer campaign
- SSC 20A
- Owner notification
- February 28, 2002
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 273,743
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Suspension
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Toyota 4Runner (1996-1998): 1998, 1997, 1996
Has your Toyota been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. Recall repairs are free.