2007 Toyota 4Runner

Routine

Owners filed 154 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Toyota 4Runner years to avoid. Which Toyota 4Runner years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
69,824 milesMedian miles at failure

111 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2007 Toyota 4Runner problems

35 of the 154 complaints (23%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body · body and frame22
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration16
201
Service Brakes · brakes16
100
Unknown or Other13
101
Electrical System9
010
Suspension8
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame5
000
Steering5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes5
000
Air Bags · airbags5
302

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler16V396000
Filed Jun 2, 20167,749 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler14V743000
Filed Nov 19, 20143,233 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Risk. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal11V113000
Filed Feb 24, 20111,363,244 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Risk. A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V035000
Filed Feb 3, 2010271,417 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.

Defect. GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V036000
Filed Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jul 1, 2025200,000 milesTX

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 87,750, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 200,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 27, 2024UT

Driving along the freeway in winter conditions I used the rear defroster for the back window, this caused the back glass to explode loudly, shattering glass onto belongings, animals and the road behind us. This caused drivers behind us to act evasively and myself as well making a winter driving condition more dangerous, not to mention the spray of glass that reached the back seats of my car with passengers. This has been well documented by other drivers and been acknowledged by Toyota in letters and technician bulletins for replacement of the windows, there are no warning lamps, it just goes from working correctly to exploding.

Suspension
Filed Dec 17, 2024NY

Front skid plate rusted and corroded. fame rusted and corroded.suspension parts rusted and corroded.hole in fame.called Toyota of America in Texas told agent what the problem was.he told me no reports at this time on this make.also told me no solutions for this at this time.toyota had this problem with their Tacomas they settle lawsuits and made free repairs.12

Electrical System
Filed Jul 6, 2023127,000 milesHI

The contact owns 2007 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, while the vehicle was parked or idling, the electrical system malfunctioned. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, brake lights intermittently illuminated or failed to illuminate as needed, the horn failed to operate, and other undisclosed electrical systems intermittently failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown ICMU failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 1, 2022ME

Hello My Frame is rotted beyond safety standards, rotted way faster than the sheetmetal on the rest of the truck, leaving my vehicle unsafe for the road. Yes, it is available for inspection, and the local Toyota dealer did have a look and rendered it unsafe for the road. Apparently when the rust finally breaks, I will be hurled into oncoming traffic, endangering myself, my passengers and other drivers and passengers on the road nearby. No lamps, lights or other warnings were noted, yes, this vehicle was inspected by Charlie's Toyota in Augusta, Maine and deemed unsafe for the road due to dangerous frame corrosion, particularly surrounding the steering control arm, and rear axle control arm mounts causing severe safety hazards. There was a label saying the frame was sealed by the manufacturer, so I do not see how this is possible.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jul 29, 2022100,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was swaying while driving approximately 35 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Apr 28, 2022OH

My 4runners frame is rotted out on the passenger side after an accident and I do not believe it is safe to drive because of this; moreover, there are other areas of the vehicle that were rotted out due to rust, like the vehicles gas tank.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 20, 2022TX

Parked at a stop light and the rear windshield shattered.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 16, 2022RI

I was having front brakes repaired, and mechanic called me over to lift to see under the car. Extremely rusty, flakes of metal coming off. He advised I do not even try and put it on a lift again, as he does not trust the structural integrity. He advised that it was definitely not normal, and not in keeping with the otherwise excellent and well cared for car.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 22, 2021NJ

The frame on my 4-Runner is rusted out to the point of being borderline unsafe, as per the Toyota Dealer. I don't have a scanner otherwise I would upload the pictures. The invoice from the dealer has my contact info. Not sure if you want that info.

Suspension
Filed Oct 7, 2021NJ

The Undercarriage of my 2007Toyota 4runner sport has irregular rusting issue. The truck has 128,000 miles on it and has been well maintained and garaged most of its life. I was under it the other day to check the exhaust system and noticed the frame is rusting like no other car I know of. Even cars that sat in junkyards for decades. I know they had a recall for similar issues with other vehicles within the same year. However, when I spoke with Toyota they were uninterested in helping me and told me it was my problem. Other than the frame rust the truck is in perfect condition. Is this something that you can help me with. I see I am not alone having this issue and that it is well reported. Please let me know what my options are for getting this defect corrected by Toyota. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Suspension
Filed Oct 5, 2021AK

Rear frame has rusted to the point of failure. Because of inadequate water drainage in the rear frame and suspension components, the bottom frame has rusted out. And the rear control arm mounts have rusted off because there was no drainage in the mounts.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 14, 2021GA

Recently bought this. Owner said there was a recall about it. There isn’t, at least yet. The front passengerside & back driverside doors won’t unlock remotely. That could be a problem after an accident or if needing to enter the car immediately. I haven’t taken it anywhere, but it is available to be inspected. There weren’t any lights/warnings indicating a problem. The date & mileage listed is current. I don’t know when it actually started.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 22, 2021MD

Codes P1442, P1445, P2441, P1441. Had to install a new Secondary Air Injection System. Defective emissions system. I (service station) mistakenly bypassed the system in order to save several thousand dollars when the SAIS was known to be defective in these vehicles.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 21, 2021VA

Excessive frame rust on the frame itself and on suspension components including control arms and support brackets. Toyota dealership stated that rust could be an issue with maintenance.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 28, 2021163,714 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO HIS NEIGHBORHOOD, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED ALONG WITH PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A LEAK COMING FROM THE BLEEDER VALVE AND CALIPER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,714.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 24, 2021NC

RECENTLY LOOKED AT 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED V8 FOR SALE TO REPLACE MY 2005 LIMITED THAT HAS SEVERE FRAME CORROSION AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS VEHICLE TOO HAS NEARLY THE EXACT SAME CORROSION ISSUES. THE REAR OF THE FRAME BY THE BUMPER, WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS AND RADIATOR ARE ATTACHED TO THE CHASSIS AND FRAME RAILS ARE SO BADLY CORRODED YOU CAN PUSH YOUR FINGER THROUGH THE METAL. HOW MUCH MORE EVIDENCE DOES NHTSA NEED TO DEMAND TOYOTA RECALL THESE VEHICLES? LOOK AT THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA AND THOUSANDS OF OWNERS ONLINE POSTING PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF THEIR VEHICLES RUST ISSUES. THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES CORRODING JUST LIKE THE OTHER TOYOTA BODY ON FRAME PRODUCTS THAT WERE RECALLED FOR FRAME REPLACEMENTS. WE OWN TRUCKS 30-40 YEARS OLD AND NOT ONE OF THEM HAS EVER HAD A FRAME RUST THROUGH TO THE POINT YOU CAN LITERALLY POKE HOLES IN IT WITH YOUR FINGER. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE ON A VEHICLE 10-15 YEARS OLD. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 22, 2020180,000 milesIN

I HAVE A 2007 4RUNNER WITH CURRENTLY AROUND 180K MILES. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT HAD SOME RUSTING TO THE FRAME BUT NOTHING DEEMING IT UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS. WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS THE FRAME HAD, AND STILL IS, RUSTING AND DETERIORATING AT AN ALARMING RATE. I AM NOT SURE HOW TOYOTA HAS GOT AWAY WITH THIS ISSUE THUS FAR BUT I'M PRUONG

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 29, 2020289,089 milesCO

THE BATTERY DIED UNEXPECTEDLY (ABOUT 3 YEARS OLD) AND WHEN WE REPLACED IT AND TRIED TO DRIVE IT, THERE WAS A LOUD CONTINUOUS BEEP FROM THE DASH AND NO BRAKES. WE REPLACED THE ABS FUSE, WHICH BLEW AGAIN IMMEDIATELY. WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE SHOP AND IT WAS CONFIRMED IT WAS THE BRAKE MODULE. THIS EXACT ISSUE JUST HAPPENED WITH OUR 2013 CAMRY AND IT WAS REPLACED UNDER A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. I DRIVE MY KIDS IN THIS CAR. WE COULD HAVE DIED.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 25, 2020178,000 milesTX

DURING USE OF MY REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER, THE REAR WINDOW POPPED AND SHATTERED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 3, 2020100,000 milesFL

VEHICLE HAS PREMATURE EXCESSIVE RUST OF THE FRAME AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SAME RECALL MY 05 SEQUOIA (AS WELL AS TACOMAS AND TUNDRAS) OF THE SAME ERA SINCE ALL WERE MANUFACTURED WITH THE SAME PROCESS THAT LACKED ADEQUATE APPLICATION OF RUST PROTECTION/COATING. MANY OTHERS ON HERE AS WELL AS ONLINE ON OTHER SITES ALSO ARE REPORTING THIS GENERATION OF 4RUNNER TO HAVE RUSTING. I HAVE RUSTED MOTOR MOUNTS THAT CAUSE MOTOR VIBRATION, RUSTED BRACKETS HOLDING MY GAS TANK TO THE FRAME, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL TRANSMISSION LINES DUE TO RUST THAT LEFT ME STRANDED WHILE MOVING ACROSS THE COUNTRY. I HAVE HAD TO DO REPLACE SEVERAL RUSTED PARTS LIKE CV AXELS, WHEEL BARRINGS, AND POSSIBLY RUSTED STEERING BOX LEAK/RACK AND PINION (CONFLICTING INFO FROM2 MECHANICS SO UNDETERMINED). I PURCHASED THIS IN 2014 AND JUST PAID IT OFF AND NEED HELP AS IT SHOULD HAVE LASTED ME MORE THAN 7 YRS AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD THIS KIND OF RUST IN YRS 7-11 AFTER BEING MADE! IT HAS LOW MILES AND SHOULD HAVE LASTED MANY YEARS TO COME. EVERYTHING ELSE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION BUT THIS FRAME ISSUE THEY EXCLUDED THIS MODEL FROM NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED FOR 4RUNNERS IN THE SAME GENERATIONS OF THE RECALL MENTIONED ABOVE. THIS IS LEAVING MANY DRIVERS WHO PAID THE EXTRA PRICETAG TO HAVE A TOYOTA LEFT WITH A FINACIAL LOSS OF PURCHASE AS WELL AS LOSS OF USE OF A VEHICLE. PLEASE LOOK AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS. SOME ARE MISLABELED ON THIS SITE BUT DESCRIPTIONS SHOW IT IS A FRAME ISSUE THAT CAU

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 28, 202094,704 milesUT

THE FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH IN MANY PLACES. WE HAVE HAD IT CHECKED AND BEEN ADVISED THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON MANY 4 RUNNERS AS WELL AS OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES IN THE SAME ERA.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 26, 2020154,000 milesWA

FRAME RUST SO BAD THAT HOLES ARE STARTING TO APPEAR.

Steering
Filed Mar 27, 2020186,000 milesCA

SEVERE FRAME CORROSION; TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER HAS HOLES IN IT, FRONT FRAME PORTION IS BADLY ROTTEN AND CRACKING. FRONT FRAME CRADLES SUSPENSION HAS RUST HOLES AND STEERING SUPPORTS ARE ROTTEN AND WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 28, 2019124,000 milesIN

VEHICLE WAS IN A MAJOR SIDE IMPACT ON A HIGHWAY WITH 50+ MPH AND NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED IN THE COLLISION. DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. UNSURE IF THIS IS RELATED TO TAKATA INFLATORS OR NOT. VIN SHOWS NO RECALL NOTICE AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK HARD ENOUGH TO SEPARATE RIM FROM HUB AND BREAK RIM. DRIVER WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH AT TIME OF ACCIDENT WHEN CROSS STRUCK BY VEHICLE GOING 50+MPH. *DT*JB

Electrical System
Filed Apr 25, 2019111,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, A HIGH PITCHED AUDIBLE ALARM SOUNDED AND THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE SENSORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JIM HUDSON TOYOTA (970 COLUMBIANA DR, IRMO,SC) , BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 27, 2019130,000 milesCO

VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND FRAME IS RUSTING THRU IN MULTIPLE SPOTS ALREADY

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 3, 2019CO

VERY RUSTY FRAME. RADIATOR MOUNT RUSTED OUT AND ALSO CROSSMEMBERS.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 13, 2019138,000 milesCO

MY REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AFTER USING THE DEFROSTER. ONCE I GOT OUT OF MY CAR AFTER PARKING IT IN MY JOB'S GARAGE IT BUSTED ON IT'S OWN. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY 4TH GENERATION 4RUNNER OWNERS BUT TOYOTA WON'T RECALL OR EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE ANY LONGER. NOW I HAVE TO EITHER NEVER USE MY REAR DEFROSTER AGAIN WHILE LIVING IN COLORADO OR RISK IT SHATTERING AGAIN AND HURTING PASSENGERS IN MY CAR. I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IF I HAD KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH A DANGEROUS ISSUE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 26, 201977,000 milesPA

I PURCHASED MY 2007 4RUNNER AND FOUND A-LOT OF RUST ON THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF MY FAVORITE VEHICLE. IT SPREADS EVERYWHERE; INCLUDING THE ENGINE BAY. NOT ONLY DOES IT COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE BUT IT SHORTENS THE LIFE ALSO. I WANTED TO BUY A NEW 4RUNNER THIS YEAR BUT AFTER LEARNING OF THE RUST ISSUES I THOUGHT TWICE.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Rear WindowFire
Filed Jan 25, 2019216,800 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, THE REAR WINDOW FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HAMER TOYOTA (11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD, MISSION HILLS, CA 91345, 818-365-9621) WHERE BURNT WIRES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 216,800.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 22, 2019IL

THERE IS LOT OF RUST ON THE FRAME AND TOYOTA IS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 2, 2019160,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING ON DEC. 24TH, 2018, TURNED ON MY REAR DEFROSTER ON, AND WITHIN MINUTES MY REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. THE COMPANY, SAFELITE, TOLD ME THAT THE DEFROSTER LOOKED LIKE IT SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE. ATTACHED IS A PICTURE OF THE DEFROSTER WIRES.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 31, 2018IL

NOTICED RUST ON FRAME FEW YEARS AGO BUT THE DEALER SAID TOYOTA WILL NOT DO A ANYTHING. IF TACOMA IS BEING RECALLED, 4 RUNNER SHOULD BE SINCE IT IS BUILD ON THE SAME FRAME. *DT*JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 26, 2018121,587 milesME

THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WILL NOT BE INSPECTABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 4, 2018124,000 milesPA

FRAME IS VERY RUSTY. REPLACING SEVERAL STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. THE METAL IS VERY THIN AND RUSTY RIGHT UNDER THE RADIATOR TO THE POINT WHERE THERE IS NOW A HOLE IN IT AND MAY COLLAPSE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 18, 2018118,000 milesMT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. AFTER THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, THE REAR HATCH GLASS EXPLODED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRED ON APRIL 30, 2018. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY KALISPELL TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 2845 U.S. 93 S, KALISPELL, MT 59901, (406) 755-6060). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR SIMILAR FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NO ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. *TT UPDATED 12/13/18*JB

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 14, 2018100,000 milesUT

THE WHOLE AREA OF EXPOSED STEEL HAS BEEN SO CORRODED WITH RUST THAT I ACNNOT EVEN REMOVE BOLTS TO SERVICE SEVERAL OF THE KEY COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FRAME, CROSS MEMBERS, SUSPENSION ETC. ARE ALSO AFFECTED IN THIS WAY.I'M NO EXPERT BUT IT IS PROGRESSIVELY BECOMING MORE AND MORE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY IF I LOSE BRAKES OR SOME OTHER NECESSARY FUNCTION. PLEASE HELP, IS THIS A BAD BATCH OF CHEAP STEEL?

Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2018153,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEEGER TOYOTA (12833 OLIVE BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63141, (314) 434-5000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR PUMP, VALVES 1 AND 2, AND THE GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 12, 201885,000 milesOH

VEHICLE FRAME IS EXTREMELY CORRODED TO THE POINT WHERE REPLACING NECESSARY ITEMS SUCH AS SHOCKS/STRUTS/STEERING COMPONENTS IS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT IRREPARABLE DAMAGE. FACTORY WELDS AT CRITICAL POINTS OF THE FRAME STRUCTURE ARE STARTING TO FAIL AND CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS. THIS VEHICLE IS REGULARLY GARAGED AND ONLY HAS 85,000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, THERE HAVE BEEN PREVIOUS RECALLS AND FOR OTHER MODELS THAT SHARE THIS EXACT SAME FRAME AND SUSPENSION.

Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 201884,000 milesCA

THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ARE SHOWING LARGE AMOUNTS OF RUST WHICH MAY LEAD TO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE DEGRADATION OF INTEGRITY AND SUSPENSION PERFORMANCE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 27, 2018VA

TAKATA RECALL: THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER AND PASSAGE DON'T STAY UP ANY MORE. KEEP FALLING.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 25, 2018126,000 milesTX

WHEN I AM DRIVING ON A BUMPY UNLEVEL STREET AND STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PADDLE TO SLOW DOWN THE BRAKES GIVE OUT AND THEN CATCH AGAIN, I FIND THIS TO BE VERY DANGEROUS AND MIGHT EVEN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS ANOTHER CAR TO MY FRONT, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME QUITE A FEW TIMES. THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS TO BE CHECKED ON A BUMPY PAVED ROAD, BRAKES WILL CATCH AND RELEASE AND CATCH AND RELEASE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I AM ON A BUMPY PAVED ROAD.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 9, 2018PR

COMPLETE AND PERMANENT DAMAGE OF ABS AND BRAKE MODULE IAN'S RESULTS IN NO BRAKES WHILE RUNNING THE CAR.

Service Brakes
Filed May 5, 2018113,835 milesFL

"I AM REQUESTING THAT DOT NHTSA INVESTIGATE THE DRIVER'S CONTRIBUTION TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (UA) AND TOYOTA'S ACCELERATOR/BRAKE PEDAL DESIGNS THAT MAKE IT POSSIBLE. I WAS DRIVING MY TOYOTA 4 RUNNER IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD STREET OF MY COMMUNITY. MY SPEED WAS LESS THAN 30MPH AND IT ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO GAIN SPEED. I PRESSED HARDER ON THE BRAKE AND IT ACCELERATED. THE HARDER I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR, THE FASTER IT WENT. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE FOR A MOMENT AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. IT ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT STOP SO I PULLED THE CAR FROM THE STREET TO THE CURB COVERED BY GRASS. IT SLOWED DOWN TO SOME EXTENT AND THEN I INTENTIONALLY TO A TURN AND HIT THE MEDIAN CURB & TREE TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE CONTINUED TO INVESTIGATE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND HAVE COLLECTED PARTIAL INFORMATION.... PLEASE FORMALLY INVESTIGATE."

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 5, 2018154,000 milesNC

I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR AND LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND HEARD LOUD NOISE. I HAD NO CONTROL OF STEERING AND THE CAR CROSSED LANES LUCKILY MISSING OTHER VEHICLES. IT STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND A BODY SHOP HAPPENED TO WITNESS THE WHOLE THING. HE TRIED TO DRIVE IT INTO HIS SHOP (TWO DRIVEWAYS AWAY) BUT ENDED UP HAVING TO DRAG/TOW IT IN BECAUSE THE FRONT END FRAME HAD RUSTED AND FALLEN FROM THE VEHICLE. THAT BODY SHOP LOOKED AT IT AND I ALSO GOT A SECOND OPINION AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT STEERING RUSTED SO BADLY IT DISCONNECTED COMPLETELY AND FELL OUT FROM THE FRAME. IT IS ALSO SO RUSTED THERE IS NOT ENOUGH METAL TO RE-WELD IT TOO. THE CAR IS TOTALED WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. IT WAS TERRIFYING AND WAS LUCKY I HAPPENED TO ONLY BE GOING 25 MPH DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD AND NO ONE WAS HURT. THE CAR THAT WAS RUNNING GREAT AND WAS WELL MAINTAINED IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE OR EVEN FIXABLE AND MY CHILD AND MYSELF WERE IN SERIOUS DANGER. EVERY MECHANIC IS TELLING ME THIS IS A FAULT COMMON IN TOYOTAS AND IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRAME AND SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED. I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED AND WAS TOLD THE ONLY THING I COULD DO WAS FILE A COMPLAINT BUT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESOLVING.

Steering
Filed Feb 22, 2018143,312 milesMA

WHILE DRIVING MY STEERING MY WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME STIFF WHERE I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL RESISTANCE TO TURN RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND HAD THEM FLUSH THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND PUT IN NEW FLUID AS WELL AS CHECK FOR ANY POSSIBLE LEAKS - NONE WERE FOUND. THIS REOCCURRED AFTER ABOUT TWO WEEKS BUT THIS TIME THE STIFFNESS WAS MUCH WORSE WHERE I FELT UNSURE THAT I COULD TURN THE STEERING AT ALL. AFTER INVESTIGATING ON LINE I FOUND MANY OTHERS HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. THIS SCARY EXPERIENCE HAPPENED ON 2-21-18 SO I MADE AN EMERGENCY CALL TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT ASAP FOR 2-23-18. LOOKS LIKE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT (U JOINT) IS GOING ON ALL THESE TRUCKS. I'M AT APPROXIMATELY 143K MILES.I'M SO GLAD THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ALTHOUGH I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING HOME WHEN IT HAPPENED.

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Feb 21, 2018FL

CPSC:SECURED MY TWO CHILDREN INTO THE MIDDLE SEATS OF MY 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, SECURED MYSELF INTO THE DRIVER SEAT, AND LEFT MY RESIDENCE. LESS THAN 2 MILES INTO THE DRIVE, I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, NOT A SMOKY SMELL, BUT AN INTENSE BURNING AROMA.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE GLASS WINDOW EXPLODED INTO THE CAR WHILE DRIVING.*JS

Visibility/WiperFire
Filed Oct 6, 2017130,989 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. IN ADDITION, THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO SMOKE OR FLAMES PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1709181574. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND OUT TECHNICIANS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,989.

Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2017NJ

EXHAUST MANIFOLDS ON THE 4.7 V8 CRACK WHERE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS WELDED TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD,CAUSING EXHAUST LEAKS. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.

Complaints 1-50 of 154, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20268200Routine
202560120Routine
202410100Routine
202333110Routine
202239310Routine
202136110Routine
202033100Routine
201965410Routine
201860510Routine
201736510Routine
201681810Routine
201587900Routine
201477710Routine
201336600Routine
201296810Routine
20111631010Routine
20101471220Routine
200922610Routine
200896520Routine
2007 — this page154530Routine
2006381530Above average
2005425530Above average
2004678230Above average
2003696300Above average
2002225330Above average
2001185310Routine
2000483212Fatalities reported
1999330250Above average
1998250451Fatalities reported
1997261425Fatalities reported
1996161512Fatalities reported
1995172401Fatalities reported
199464422Fatalities reported
199351320Routine
199253323Fatalities reported
199143200Routine
199078261Fatalities reported

Compare every 4Runner year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 2, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.