AI Damage2019 Toyota 4runner: common problems
Owners of the 2019 Toyota 4runner filed 65 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and electrical system. The maker issued 111 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 65
- involving a crash
- 5
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 111
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 15% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 12% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 11% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 11% of all complaints
- 5 Engine 9% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel system 9% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 8 Air bags 8% of all complaints
- Steering: 10 complaints (15% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Electrical system: 8 complaints (12% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 21.
- Suspension: 7 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 7 complaints (11% of all).
- Engine: 6 complaints (9% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 65 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 10 | 1 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 | 21 |
| Suspension | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel system | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 | 10 |
| Air bags | 5 | 3 | 7 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 30 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Backover prevention | 1 | 0 | 5 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and hauling a trailer, the rear driver’s side tire blew out, and due to the weight shift the passenger’s side trailer tire blew out as well, causing the trailer to be tilted before crashing into a cement barrier. There was no warning prior to the blowouts or the crash.
With the amount of damage to the front side of the vehicle, the airbag did not deploy and leaves us wondering with such damage, why it didn't deploy!
The contact stated that the driver's air bag failed to deploy and caused the contacts face to hit the steering wheel and the driver's door window. The contact suffered injuries to the neck and upper back where medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown mechanic.
I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50–60 MPH. Over several years, the vehicle has undergone multiple alignments, tire rotations, balancing procedures, and dealership inspections; however, the condition has never been resolved.
Vehicle Back-up camera works intermittantly, sometimes working when placed in reverse, other times showing a black screen when placed in reverse. Has not been a consistent enough problem for dealer repair/troubleshooting.
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while reversing. In addition, the radio volume independently adjusted up and down independently, and independently powered off independently.
My vehicle keeps leaking inside from the AC drip line and it's been cleared multiple times and it still keeps happening and it floods the whole bottom of the passenger side floorboard and becomes soaked through which can cause erosion, electrical issues, mold growth and other problems as well.
Seat belt is not retracting to fit front passenger and after it buckles it stays loose. The seat belt device, intended to protect occupants during a crash is not retracting at all after it buckles. Seat belt in the front passenger seating position is presenting a safety hazard.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 760 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 4runner has 41 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 65, above average.
What to check before buying
- 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.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Some 2019 – 2024 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit an abnormal noise that may be described as…
Some 2019 – 2024 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit an abnormal noise that may be described as cracking, clicking, or creaking from the driver and/or passenger front seat cushion track. This condition may occur…
- Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a…
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition…
- Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free
This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air…
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and…
- Some 2019 – 2024 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a cracking noise from the driver and/or passenger…
Some 2019 – 2024 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit a cracking noise from the driver and/or passenger front seat cushion track. This condition may occur when the front seat cushion track is at the rearmost position.
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix…
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and…
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used…
To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from…
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical…
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal…
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal…
Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow…
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad…
Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can…
- Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a…
Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition…
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal…
Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
NHTSA lists 111 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota 4runner?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, electrical system, suspension. Total complaints: 65. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (15%), vibration (11%), windows, sunroof (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2019 Toyota 4runner?
NHTSA lists 111 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2019 Toyota 4runner from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2019 models
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.