2007 Toyota 4Runner

Routine

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

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

111 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body22
000
Vehicle Speed Control16
201
Service Brakes16
100
Unknown or Other13
101
Electrical System9
010
Suspension8
000
Structure › Body › Door5
000
Steering5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
000
Air Bags5
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 › 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.

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.

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.

20 of 154 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267200Routine
202557120Routine
20248100Routine
202332110Routine
202239310Routine
202136110Routine
202033100Routine
201965410Routine
201858510Routine
201736510Routine
201679810Routine
201586900Routine
201477710Routine
201336600Routine
201296810Routine
20111631010Routine
20101451220Routine
200922610Routine
200896520Routine
2007 — this page154530Routine
2006381530Above average
2005424530Above average
2004678230Above average
2003695300Above average
2002224330Above 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.