2017 Toyota 4Runner

Routine

Owners filed 36 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. It has been recalled 5 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other11
110
Service Brakes9
000
Electrical System5
000
Air Bags3
203
Vehicle Speed Control2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Structure › Body1
000
Steering1
000
Seats1
000
Power Train1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment › Other › Labels18V753000
Filed Oct 25, 20181,295 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.

Equipment › Other › Labels17V831000
Filed Dec 20, 2017649 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk. An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

Structure › Body › Hood17V763000
Filed Nov 29, 2017431 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.

Risk. If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire17V295000
Filed May 2, 2017409 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.

Defect. Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

Risk. A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.

Equipment17V291000
Filed May 1, 20171,019 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.

Defect. Gulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.

Risk. If the roof rack fasteners loosen, the roof rack may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the roof rack fasteners, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 17R1.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Jul 14, 2026TX

The car was running while in park. Our son got and and shifted the car into reverse from the passenger seat. The gear shift will engage without applying the brake or even without running and in park. The car crashed into one of our other vehicles parked behind the 4 runner. There is a malfunction with the automatic shift locking mechanism otherwise known as the safety interlock.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 8, 2026GA

For the 2nd time in 5 weeks, the main wiring harness and knock sensor have been eaten and destroyed by rodents. This has caused thousands of dollars worth of damage, and it's due to the soy based wiring used in the wiring harness. I cannot keep this vehicle outside for any period of time without the threat of the harnesses getting chewed.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 30, 2025CO

I was driving on the highway with no one around me. Temperature was around 60 degrees at 7:15am. My sunroof glass shattered as if it was a gunshot and the glass was pointed outward. It terrified my special needs child and myself and took a while for her to calm down. I drove it home later and opened up the sunroof to shattered glass everywhere. I have looked online and it is a known defect. I have a dash cam as well.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 27, 2025FL

2017 Toyota 4 runner SR5 While driving on the highway the vehicle stopped apparently the fuel pump stopped working and could not get going anymore. I had a mechanic come to the house with a PC and test it. He told me that’s a change that will need to take place in a garage. Luckily I was able to stop on the side and paid someone to bring car home

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 19, 2025TX

Throttle has a lag when depressing gas pedal (occasionally a dead petal symptom) research indicates a TSB T-SB-0166-10 exist that relates to this issue. Lack of Toyota dealer assistance with this issue when contacted (Toyota of Round Rock Texas 78664) This issues is a safety concern when operating vehicle due to lack of throttle response when accelerating into traffic. When issue occurs, vehicle "stalls" and creates a dangerous situation that eventually will result is an accident.

Power Train
Filed Dec 18, 2024IL

Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-Runner.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 10, 2024FL

I have owned my vehicle since 2017 and since then I have had to change the locks over 10 times. this has been ongoing since purchasing my car. Some were originally covered with the warranty but since it expired, i have paid dealerships out of pocket. I have a lock give out almost yearly. Right now my car has 3 of the 4 door locks not working and the 4th just started acting up as well. I have checked for recalls because it doesn't make sense that they would go out yearly and the dealerships have even told me there should be recalls because my year 4runner always has lock issues. my safety concern is my locks either have to stay unlocked or i risk locking my car completely and it not opening because the key will not unlock it. I have tried contacting Toyota and they have stated they cannot help so I am wanting to reach out to see if there is anything that can be done or if you can point me in the right direction on who i can reach out to . thank you

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 14, 2022NY

Car Theft Brentwood

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 19, 2022VA

Text sent to Toyota. Copy to NHTSA. Hello, my name is [XXX]. I am writing to both Toyota and NHTSA with what I perceive as a safety problem. I have owned three Toyotas including a 2017 4runner. I have been pleased with them except for one characteristic they all shared. The turn signal sound volume is just too low. My son's F-150 and my wife's Audi A4 both have very clear and distinct turn signal sounds that I can clearly hear over normal conversation or the radio playing. The Toyota does not. Why? In a nation with aging baby-boomers, whose hearing is diminishing, it would seem obvious that an adjustable turn signal volume control (with a minimum level) would be a much valued enhancement to any vehicle. When you consider that many of the electronic features of modern cars are never used, it strikes me as odd that no vehicle manufacturer has addressed this obvious problem. I have sent a copy of this text to the National Highway Safety Commission and several Toyota competitors in the hopes that someone will realize the potential for a very useful vehicle enhancement. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2022NM

Failed brake master cylinder, this is still a rather new vehicle and the mechanics said this is unlikely in a new low mileage vehicle. I did research and this has only happened a few times, seems like a safety recall should be put in place.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 2, 202155,000 milesCA

While driving at full speed on the freeway, another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of me. My brake pedal was soft and went down almost to the floor. Rapid pulsing of brakes, as would be expected with the ABS (antilock brake system), did not occur. I pulled around to the shoulder and barely managed to stop in time to avoid a collision, which was quite a frightening experience. I have had a few similar incidents since then, and have noticed that the brake pedal is a bit soft until pumping the pedal a few times. A local dealer diagnosed the problem and said the "ABS actuator assembly" has failed and needs to be replaced. The part itself costs >$2900, making this with labor a ~$3800 repair. (please see attached) 1. This part is not subject to normal wear and tear. 2. Although beyond the 3/36 warranty, this vehicle is relatively new (2019) with only ~55K miles on it. This part should not fail after so relatively few miles. 3. Failure of this ABS part causes the entire brake system to fail, since the ABS is tied in to the brake system. 4. Failure of this part represents a severe hazard, risk, and safety concern, with significant potential to cause injury or death of driver/passengers/pedestrians, or persons in other vehicles. 5. The cost to repair this is not trivial and represents a major expense. I feel that in light of the above, Toyota should accept responsibility for failure of this part. Thank you, [XXX] San Diego INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 28, 202045,000 milesTX

TRUCK SHIMMY'S WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER 50MPH. FRONT TIRES ARE DAMAGED FROM CUPPING. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AS WELL AS TIRE ALIGNMENT AND ROTATION. DEALERSHIP KEEPS SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT.

Air Bags2 injured
Filed Jun 21, 202045,000 milesPA

A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME, DRIVING 50 MPH. PASSENGER SIDE HIT, ALL 8 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG UNDER STEERING WHEEL, CUT UP MY LEGS HORRIBLY, VERY SWOLLEN, REFUSED HOSPITAL DUE TO COVID 19 FEAR. THE AIRBAGS CUT UP MY LEFT ARM AND MY DAUGHTER'S RIGHT ARM(SHE WAS PASSENGER). VERY HAPPY THAT WE WERE SAFE, BUT THE SERIOUS CUTS ON MY BODY SEEMED QUITE SEVERE FOR THE HIT WHICH WAS ON PASSENGER SIDE AND BY A DEER.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 25, 202011,000 milesTN

ABOUT A YEAR AFTER OWNING MY MAGNETIC GRAY 4RUNNER I STARTED NOTICING FLAWS ON MY HOOD AND ROOF OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST LIKE THE CLEAR COAT WAS BUBBLING UP. I EXPRESSED MY CONCERN TO THE DEALERSHIP DURING A ROUTINE VISIT AND THE SUPERVISOR SAID IT WILL BE NOTED IN THE VEHICLES RECORD. I ROUTINELY WASH MY VEHICLE AND DO NOT LET ANYTHING SIT ON MY VEHICLE SUCH AS SAP OR BIRD DROPPINGS AND THE VEHICLE IS IN A GARAGE. IT IS NOW A YEAR LATER AND I AM NOTICING MORE SPOTS. KNOWING NOW THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD ISSUES BEFORE WITH DEFECTIVE CLEAR COAT ON THEIR VEHICLES I AM WONDERING IF THEIR IS ANYTHING I CAN DO OTHER THAN TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAINTED.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Mar 3, 202036,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING MY 4 RUNNER DOWN THE THREE LANE CITY ROAD DOING ABOUT 40-45 MPS WHEN MY NAVIGATION SCREEN SHUT OFF AND TRIED TO RECONNECT TO MY PHONE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN A MATTER OF 5-7 MINUTES. SINCE I WAS DRIVING, I WAS NOT ABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITH EITHER MY PHONE OR MY NAVIGATION SYSTEM. IT ACTED AS IT IF WAS JUST TRYING TO RECONNECT TO MY PHONE WHEN IT WAS ACTUALLY TURNING OFF AND REBOOTING AS IF I WAS JUST STARTING THE CAR .THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON TO A VERY BUSY FOUR LANE ROAD WHEN IN MID TURN, IT FELT LIKE I HAD LOST POWER STEERING. I CHECKED THE DASHBOARD FOR ANY WARNING LIGHTS AND THAT IS WHEN I NOTICED THERE WAS NO POWER OF ANY SORTS TO MY 4 RUNNER NOR WAS THERE ANY WARNING LIGHTS. I WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO PUT MY FLASHERS ON TO WARN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER WHEN I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT SMELT LIKE BURNT PLASTIC. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR WHEN TRAFFIC PERMITTED AND WENT TO CALL A TOW TRUCK WHEN MY 4 RUNNER STARTED SMOKING VERY HEAVILY FROM UNDER THE HOOD WITH IN A TWO TO THREE MINUTE TIME FRAME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND THEY DISPATCHED A FIRE TRUCK AND POLICE TO THE SCENE WHERE , UPON ARRIVAL, THE FRONT OF MY 4 RUNNER WAS COMPLETELY COVERED IN FLAMES WITHIN A MATTER OF 5-7 MINUTES SINCE THE VEHICLE LOST POWER . THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BLOCKED OFF THE ROAD AND PUT OUT THE VEHICLE FIRE. THE FIREMAN SAID THAT HE BELIEVED FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE BLOCK DUE WHERE IT APPEARED THE FIRE S

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 12, 2020GA

WEIR SOUND ON PASSENGER SIDE (UNDER THE HOOD )WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST MOVING . ONLY ONE TIME BUT IT HAPPEN AGAIN AFTER VEHICLE PARKED AND TURN OFF ENGINE

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 6, 201943,000 milesTX

AC BLOWER MOTOR WENT OUT

Steering
Filed Oct 11, 201926,000 milesCA

PEELING STEERING WHEEL ON IT'S OWN. NO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. NO RINGS, SUNSCREEN, LOTION OR CLEANERS USED. CAUSES LOSS OF GRIP OF WHEEL AND CONTINUED DETERIORATION ALTERS STEEERING WHEEL. THERE IS A CHANGE.ORG PETITION.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 23, 201933,000 milesCA

ON 7/22/2019, OUR 4RUNNER REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY. SPEED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT WAS APPROXIMATELY 55MPG AFTER HARD BRAKING FROM APPROXIMATELY 65MPH. NONE OF THE 4RUNNER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS DESTROYED. SEE PHOTOS.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 10, 201814,000 milesTX

IN MOTION, FROM STREET TURNING INTO STORE PARKING LOT, BRAKES FADED COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. LIFTED OFF AND APPLIED PEDAL TO STOP. NO LEAKS, PLENTY OF FLUID. I WILL CHECK WITH ANOTHER DEALER. THERE ARE QUITE A FEW CASES OF THIS ON THE T4R FORUMS. DEALERS CAN NOT DUPLICATE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO NOT HAVE AN ANSWER FOR. OPINIONS ARE ELECTRICAL ANTILOCK ISSUES.? (THERE IS NO AIR IN LINES, NO LEAKS AND NO CODES)

20 of 36 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267200Routine
202557120Routine
20248100Routine
202332110Routine
202239310Routine
202136110Routine
202033100Routine
201965410Routine
201858510Routine
2017 — this page36510Routine
201679810Routine
201586900Routine
201477710Routine
201336600Routine
201296810Routine
20111631010Routine
20101451220Routine
200922610Routine
200896520Routine
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: Oct 25, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.