AI DamageToyota 4runner: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Toyota 4runner across 11 model years: 451 owner complaints and 409 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 16% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 12% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 11% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 10% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 10% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 7% of all complaints
- 7 Engine 6% of all complaints
- 8 Powertrain 5% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 71 complaints (16% of all), 6 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 62.
- Steering: 56 complaints (12% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 9.
- Electrical system: 51 complaints (11% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 227.
- Suspension: 46 complaints (10% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 10.
- Air bags: 45 complaints (10% of all), 31 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 56.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1984–1995
- 2.4 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 1986–2026
- 2.7 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1996–2011
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1988–1995
- 3.4 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1996–2002
- 4 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2003–2024
- 4.7 L · petrol · 8 cyl 2003–2009
- 2.4 L · hybrid · turbo · 4 cyl 2025–2026
- automatic, 4-speed 1985–2011
- automatic, 5-speed 2003–2024
- automatic, 8-speed 2025–2026
- manual, 5-speed 1984–2000
Drive: AWD, RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 451 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 71 | 6 | 62 |
| Steering | 56 | 1 | 9 |
| Electrical system | 51 | 1 | 227 |
| Suspension | 46 | 1 | 10 |
| Air bags | 45 | 31 | 56 |
| Structure | 30 | 4 | 282 |
| Engine | 25 | 2 | 31 |
| Powertrain | 21 | 1 | 8 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 21 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 19 | 1 | 36 |
| Visibility | 17 | 0 | 12 |
| Backover prevention | 16 | 1 | 34 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 13 | 4 | 9 |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 3 | 12 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The vehicle was involved in an accident resulting in a roll-over (1.5 times) stopping inverted, on the roof. All the airbags deployed but the engine continued to run until manually shut off approximately 5 minutes after the accident.
As I was sitting at a red light I was rear ended quite forcefully and 2 of the 3 seatbelts released upon crash impact. Me, the driver hit my face on the steering wheel and my grandson in the backseat flew forward into the passenger front seat his twin brother was sitting in.
The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the crash. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the leg, arm, and back and was transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment.
Problem #1-brake system failure Problem #2-Air bags failed to deploy -What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake system & air bags. Both are available for inspection. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?
On March 6, I was on South bound on Rt 29 in Culpeper County VA at the posted speed limit of 55mph when I hit a debris item on the road. I do not know what it was but it impacted the front skid plate and seems to be no other damage from the impact. There was no contact with the bumper, wheels or otherwise.
The vehicle drove off a hill, rolled over and landed on its top, and all the seat belts simultaneously unbuckled, causing all the passengers to hit their heads against the roof simultaneously. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor. The contact stated that she was unable to exit the vehicle.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Some of the screws holding the front spoiler to the front bumper can become loose over time and the…
- Some 2019 – 2024 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit an abnormal noise that may be described as…
- Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles…
- 2026 model year Toyota vehicles are equipped with driver side floor mat retainers to secure the floor mat…
- During the manufacturing process, tires are mounted on the vehicle as matched sets to help reduce…
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and service life
- Long-term or off-site storage requires special care to maintain vehicle condition
- Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles…
- Pre-Delivery Service (PDS) is a critical step in satisfying our new car customers
- OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2026
- OBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2026
- Some 2024 – 2026 model year Land Cruiser, and 2025 – 2026 model year 4Runner and 4Runner Hybrid vehicles…
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- 2026 Toyota 4Runner: The SHOCKING True Cost to Own (5-Year Breakdown)amount per author: 53,000 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- 3rd gen 4runner shop update October 17, 2026
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.