One problem related to tailgate has been reported for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Loss of auto transmission fluid resulting in failure of transmission, possibly due to lack of care in verifying sufficient fluid supplied at point of sale. Owner points out that filler neck very small and next to imposible to re-insert dipstick, making re-filling a severe chore and encouraging whoever responsible to avoid checking that sufficient fluid has nbeen provided.