2008 Toyota 4Runner

Routine

Owners filed 96 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
53,000 milesMedian miles at failure

77 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 10,00020,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body14
000
Vehicle Speed Control11
200
Power Train › Automatic Transmission9
000
Power Train9
000
Unknown or Other8
100
Engine6
002
Service Brakes5
101
Suspension4
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
000
Air Bags4
305

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
Filed Mar 16, 2026VA

DIAGNOSIS FOUND TRANS FLUID WICKING UP HARNESS TO ENGINE ECM CONTAMINATING HARNESS AND ECU GIVEN FALSE/ABNORMAL READINGS AT ECM. EXTENSIVE REPAIRS NECESSARY W/ INTERNAL TRANS WIRE REPLACEMENT, ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT & ENGINE ECU REPLACEMENT. OTHER CLEANING MAY BE NECESSARY OR OTHER HARNESS REPLACEMENT NECESSARY [Other]: TRANSMISSION WIRE REPLACMENT [Other]: ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT [Other]: ECM REPLACEMENT

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured
Filed May 7, 202560,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she might have shifted into park(P) and stopped the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop in an intersection and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into a first vehicle, which rear-ended a second vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver of the second vehicle stated that she had sustained injuries but did not receive medical assistance. The contact and the other drivers were able to drive from the scene. The police department was contacted and informed the contact that no report was filed because there was no injury sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V113000(Vehicle Speed Control); however, the contact stated that upon inspecting the accelerator pedal after each incident, the pedal did not seem to be entrapped. It was unknown whether the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Aug 27, 2024MO

On August 11th 2024 at approximately 8:30PM I was hit on the passenger side of my vehicle. As a result both passenger doors were smashed in. And had also been shoved into the car and causing the passenger seat to be stuck between the doors and center console. There was ZERO airbag deployment. There are 3 known airbags on that side of the vehicle and not one went off. The accident could have been A LOT worse then it was but knowing now what I do about the air bags I regret buying this vehicle. And I am very emotional unwell knowing that the vehicle failed to get me and my passenger safer in the accident.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 6, 2023WV

Hitch bent when pulling small ATV trailer. Under inspection of vehicle found the frame rusted out at the rear crossmember. Called Toyota @[XXX], they stated no coverage for this condition. Case #[XXX]. If this broke off it could have killed someone. This was verified at a Toyota dealer at last service. (7/5/23) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Power Train
Filed Feb 2, 2023OH

The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehicle was actually in a NUETRAL state that allowed the vehicle to freely roll. I put something behind the tire THANK GOODNESS I noticed! Anyway, Toyota wants more than the vehicle is worth to fix it so my mechanic replaced the transfer case with a used one. I've heard of others having this problem and it seems like it could be a safety-related concern. And an expensive concern, as well.

Suspension
Filed Dec 2, 202283,600 milesPA

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, he was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected due to severe subframe corrosion. The contact stated that her son, an independent mechanic, later determined that the entire subframe and suspension of the vehicle were severely corroded. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,600.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 2022TX

I'm experiencing major frame rust mainly at the crossbeams and all over the frame. Metal is literally crumbling away if I touch if. I don't even want to remove the rust to prepare for anti-rust coating since there may not be much metal left. Its only at 150k miles and shouldnt be crumbling away this fast. Just recently had to replace muffler and tailpipe since the muffle connection literally rusted away. Tacomas were able to have their frames replaces. The 4runner has a similar if not identical frame due to them sharing the same underlying platform. This should be pretty obvious that 4Runners need to be a part of that recall.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 3, 2021TX

Lots of rust on frame and body. This is certainly an excessive amount. Many other owners of the 4runner between 2003-2009 are experiencing the same problem.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 11, 2020163,000 milesTX

VEHICLE DISPLAYED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO A NON SEALING GAS CAP. THIS CONDITION ALSO DISABLES THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON WET CONDITIONS AND WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER DUE TO ALL TRACTION AND STABILIZATION SYSTEMS BEING TURNED OFF DUE TO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (FAULTY GAS CAP). I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 6 YEARS AND HAVE PUT OVER 80,000 MILES ON IT WITHOUT INCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT ON A RAINY ROAD.*DT *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 10, 2020NY

DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 28, 2020MA

ENTIRE UNDERBODY OF CAR IS RUSTING OUT, TAIL GATE ALREADY HAD 2 BODY REPAIRS BUT KEEPS RUSTING OUT. MANY PARTS AT JUST 150K WERE ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO SEVERE RUST- MOST SUSPENSION PARTS, TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES, EXHAUST , SKID PLATES ALL FAILED. BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED 4 TIMES IN IN 6 YEARS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 16, 2020PA

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST IS RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed May 27, 2020130,000 milesIL

FRAME RUST. I HAVE SEEN THE RECALLS ON OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES OF THE ERA DUE TO PREMATURE FRAME RUST. I KNOW THAT THE 4RUNNER SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST AS WELL. IT'S RARE TO SEE A 4RUNNER WITH NO FRAME RUST. THE FRAME RUSTS BEFORE ANY OTHER PART OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 24, 2019162,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE TOP CONTROL ARM POST WAS MELTED. ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A MOUNTING PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE THE CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH AND STRIKE THE FUEL TANK. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 27, 201990,000 milesCT

VEHICLE'S FRAME IS VERY CORRODED OVERALL AND IT HAS MORE THAN 15 INCH LONG HOLE IN THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER FRONT FRAME RAIL. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DETERMINED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 90,000 MILES AND IT IS OVERALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 9, 2019185,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING AREA. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED ONE HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED VICTORIA TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 5 HEITZINGER PLAZA, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 393-3020) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 19, 2019103,000 milesNY

I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 SETS OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ON MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WHERE OVER TIME, THE CALIPERS WILL SEIZE UP AND STICK ON. THE ONLY WAY TO TELL THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE IS EITHER BY TOUCH, SMELL, OR FEEL. TOUCH, BECAUSE THE ROTORS GET TO BE OVER 250 DEGREES AND THEY CANNOT BE TOUCHED. SMELL, BECAUSE THE SMELL OF BURNING BRAKE PADS IS PRESENT FEEL, BECAUSE THERE IS A LOSS OF BRAKING. OTHER THAN THESE INDICATIONS, THERE IS NO NOTICE OF SEIZED CALIPERS UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND HAS HAPPENED WITH MOST 4RUNNER OWNERS THAT I TALK TO. I'M SURPRISED THAT THIS HAS NOT BECOME AN ISSUE.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 27, 201990,400 milesMD

I HAVE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE. THE RUST IS APPARENT IN MANY PLACES ALONG THE FRAME, INCLUDING PARTS THAT ARE INTEGRAL TO THE CHASSIS, SUCH AS THE DIFFERENTIAL. I HAVE READ ON MANY FORUMS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MY OPTIONS FOR REPAIRING THIS ISSUE WHICH IF LEFT UNATTENDED WILL DAMAGE PARTS (E.G. DIFFERENTIAL) THAT ARE CRITICAL TO THE NORMAL FUNCTIONS OF MY VEHICLE,

Engine2 injured
Filed Feb 19, 2019124,000 milesIL

EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKING ON TOYOTA V8 4.7 ENGINE ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE CABIN AND CAUSING DIZZINESS. WHEN DOING MY RESEARCH IVE SEEN PAGES AND PAGES OF THIS ISSUE KNOWN TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE 4.7 ENGINE THAT IS USED IN A NUMBER OF THERE MODELS FROM LEXUS TO THE TUNDRA PICK LINES AND ANYTHING THAT USES THE 4.7 ENGINE. THIS IS DEADLY BEING IN THE MIDWEST AND YOU HAVE YOUR WINDOWS UP AND HEAT ON IN THE WINTER OR SUMMER WITH AC ON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 6, 2019158,790 milesUT

TAMARA RECALL PREV OWNED VEH, BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP AS "SAFE" TO OPERATE,110,000 MI ON 11072016. PREV OWNER AND CURRENT OWNER HAD VE HAD VEH SERVICED REGULARLY. UNDERCARRIAGE AND BRAKING NOISE WHILE IN MOTION ON HWY. REAR DOOR NOT ABLE TO OPEN, MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE. MAINT LIGHT AND TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. POST NOISE INSPECTION BY MECHANIC, LEFT (?)FRONT AXLE BOOT IS SPLIT. FRONT NOISE UNDETERMINED (SWAY BAR LINKS OR STRUTTS?) AT THIS TIME. REAR LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE BEARING AND SEAL LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID(?) INTO BRAKES. BRAKES AFFECTED BY LEAKING FLUID AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO DAMAGE BY FLUID, WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. REAR DOOR LOCK FAILURE DUE TO INTERIOR CORROSION/RUST. MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED.

20 of 96 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
2008 — this page96520Routine
2007154530Routine
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.