2018 Toyota 4Runner

Routine

Owners filed 60 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 5 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
21,000 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 2018 Toyota 4Runner problems

11 of the 60 complaints (18%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering11
000
Unknown or Other8
011
Air Bags · airbags7
601
Service Brakes · brakes5
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system4
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system4
000
Engine3
000
Electrical System3
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers2
000
Suspension2
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump20V682000
Filed Nov 4, 20201,525,742 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Suspension19V670000
Filed Sep 20, 201934 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Risk. Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

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.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 26, 2026CT

On [XXX], my husband was driving our 2018 Toyota 4Runner Limited home from Coventry, CT, with me in the passenger seat. At the second-to-last STOP sign on our route, a yellow slip indicator light suddenly appeared on the dashboard. We did not know why. We wondered if we had accidentally touched a control near the steering wheel. The brakes still worked normally, and my husband stopped completely. I photographed the warning light. Since we were only a few minutes from home, we continued cautiously, planning to check the warning once home. Shortly afterward, we were driving downhill on [XXX] toward the next STOP sign at [XXX]. My husband applied the brakes, but the vehicle did not slow as expected. It continued downhill, gained speed, and entered [XXX] without stopping. [XXX] is normally busy. Fortunately, no vehicles were directly in our path, and no collision or injuries occurred. My husband turned on the hazard lights and drove slowly while looking for a safe place to stop. The normal brakes still could not bring the vehicle to a complete stop. He eventually stopped at a repair shop using emergency measures. We left the vehicle there because it was unsafe to drive. Afterward, my husband noticed that a rear brake pad appeared loose or detached and the rotor appeared deeply grooved. We do not know whether this caused the braking failure or whether the earlier warning light was related. The vehicle remains parked and available for inspection. No mechanic has inspected it, the p

Steering
Filed Oct 17, 2026MN

Maplewood Toyota dealership service negligence resulted in a severe, 2-tooth mechanical misalignment of the steering intermediate shaft splines. The vehicle was subsequently driven for 11 months under extreme structural binding, inducing unmeasurable metallurgy fatigue on a primary control linkage, internal hydraulic valve balancing failure within the steering gear assembly, and excessive over-tensioning of the primary airbag restraint electronics. Reusing these compromised components creates an active crash hazard and an unreasonable risk of sudden component failure. CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS & REPEATED DIAGNOSTIC FAILURES: In January 2026, an authorized franchise facility (Maplewood Toyota) replaced a steering universal joint and incorrectly reassembled the linkage out of index by two full splines, bypassing factory matchmarking protocols. This error left the steering wheel heavily off-center and created a severe, constant pull to the right. Over the next 11 months, the vehicle was brought into the authorized dealer network for four separate service visits across multiple Toyota franchise locations to address the persistent pulling and unstable tracking. The authorized network systematically failed to identify the physical, visual misalignment during these safety inspections. In October 2026, the dealership finally admitted to the 2-tooth offset. Rather than executing a safety-compliant overhaul of a primary control tract that had been bound for nearly a year, the dealership exe

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jul 16, 202686,000 milesVT

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy per a Carfax report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 65,862. However, the Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 61,000 in April 2022; 90,000 in February 2023; and 54,000 towards the end of the month in February 2023. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage was 86,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 2026MD

The dealership Direct Motor, located in Manassas, Virginia, sold me this car in poor condition. On Sunday the 22nd, I picked up the car around 10 PM. They didn't show me any information about the car. When I picked it up, I saw that the front bumper and rear door were damaged, and the airbag lights were on, which is dangerous. I returned the car first thing Monday morning and asked them to exchange it. They refused. I asked for my money back, which is $3,000, and they refused again. Then I went back on Wednesday and filled out a form explaining why I returned the car. They said they would return my money, but now they're not responding. They're trying to scam me.

Suspension
Filed Jan 10, 2026NM

This vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase

Power TrainCrash
Filed Mar 25, 2025MO

While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 15, 2025FL

Fuel pump make noises and I can hear it

Suspension
Filed Aug 31, 2024MA

The front shock springs cracked and snapped due to cold weather. I have been waiting for 2 months for the replacement parts and cannot drive my vehicle. The parts are 4 months out on a waiting list. The vehicle is not safe to drive. The dealer has inpected the vehicle and said it is not safe to drive for safety reasons. There were no warning and I only found out when I went to replace the original tires. The car has 25K miles.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 28, 2024MD

While attempting to stop vehicle for a traffic light brake pedal suddenly goes almost to the floor. This occurrence is random and unpredictable. No dash lights or messages come on indicating any problem. Brake master cylinder is at the proper level and no signs of leakage. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any technicians. Vehicle is available for inspection by NHTSA. As a retired Police officer and former FAA certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic I am familiar with hydraulic systems. I believe that this issue if not identified and addressed by the manufacture will cause bodily harm to the operator and possibly other vehicles or pedestrians. There has also been a lot of chatter on Toyota forums about the same problem.

Engine
Filed Jul 18, 2024AZ

Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire. Problem was verified by Armstrong Automotive and repaired. No warning lights were present. Problem found after smelling burning oil and noticing smoking coming from underneath vehicle.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Apr 18, 2024IA

I do not know what component or system failed. I was at an appointment with my son when the receptionist informed me that my car alarm was going off and there was smoke coming out of it. I went out to investigate and it sounded like the engine was attempting to start continuously. My key fob would not unlock the car. The engine continued to attempt to start and i was certain the car was going to start fire. We called 911 and went back inside to avoid anyone being hurt. The car then caught fire and burned until the fire department put it out. It was towed to an impound lot where it caught fire again and was destroyed. See pictures for more information.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 29, 2024KY

My vehicle was in a collision at 55 miles an hour. Hit 3 grown cows in the highway at nighttime. Totaled my vehicle in the airbags, never deployed period Turn off.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 17, 2024GA

Vehicle was parked in garage. Inspecting vehicle at 22:00, noise was heard. Source of noise was fuel pump located behind drivers side rear tire. Garage smelled of gasoline. Vehicle was turned off at 15:00 that day. Started up Vehicle with no issues and let run for 1.5 minutes then turned off. Noise was still present until Vehicle was locked via remote. Vehicle was not locked after being turned off at 15:00 until 22:00.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 5, 2024MS

Apparently rodents have gone to the engine and ate the soy wires to the harness. This in turn has cost me over $1000 to fix. The only warning was when the warning lights came on and four runner started to shake when started.

Steering
Filed Jun 26, 2023MA

There was a clunking noise coming from the front end when steering. Got worse over time. Also had a vibration in the front end at speeds above 45 mph. Dealer recommended replacement of upper steering column shaft assembly and dust boot cover along with lower intermediate steering shaft. The manufacturer knows about this problem because there is a NHTSA Campaign Number 19V67000 that states the suspension and steering fasteners were improperly tightened. This should be a recall and I should not have to pay for their mistakes! If it had come loose, there would be a loss of control leading to an accident! The dealer/manufacturer did not send out any notice or warning.

Service Brakes
Filed May 1, 2023SC

Recently I have had issues with the brake pressure. The brakes have been bled multiple times assuring there is not air in the lines. My mechanic could not find an issue with the brakes at all, yet when I come to a complete stop, the car starts to creep forward sometimes unnoticeable and the brake pedal slowly sinks. I have to put my car in park to keep from rolling into vehicles at stop lights and hope and pray that they hold/ work when I am in traffic. I’ve read many many forums with people with the same issues and Toyota cannot find the problem yet these people are being told that it’s “normal”. This is a major safety concern and could cause someone to wreck. I’m shocked that Toyota has not done a recall on this braking system, but something needs to be done about it.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 9, 2023MD

On7/2022 when I came out of my house in the evening my 2018 4Runner was not been running for hours But I heard my Fuel pump running with no keys in the switch Would not stop running until I turned the switch on and then turned it back off and then fuel pump stopped running I reported to my dealer but they didn’t seem interested so I am Sending this to you any thing I tell the dealer where I got my 2018 4Runner Service dealer seems to go unheard. I got my 2018 4 runner brand new in 2018 and I was having issues with the 4Runner Shaking in the front end and steering wheel and took it back more than 5 times but only to be told it was nothing but. I am still having problems with it but they have not fixed it or anything

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 28, 202213,290 milesHI

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the frame holding the radiator of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator frame was corroded; however, the dealer applied paint to the structure instead of replacing the part under warranty. The contact later noticed that the radiator frame was corroded. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the radiator frame needed to be replaced and the repair would be completed at her own expense as the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,290.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Apr 15, 202230,500 milesTN

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,500.

Power Train
Filed Feb 17, 2022NJ

The front differential in our 2018 Toyota 4Runner failed. This caused damage to one of the front axels of the vehicle. The failure can cause difficulties in turning the vehicle. The failure can lead to catastrophic failure of the axels, leading to the wheels to lock up. The problem is reoccurring in model years 2016-2019. Toyota is aware of the problem and has issued bulletins (see Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-TCI-5185 Rev.1, dated 4/5/2019). Yet, Toyota refuses to offer a cost free repair of the failure/damage. The failure was inspected and confirmed by an authorized Toyota dealership on 2/9/2022. The failure had no warning signs/indicators. The failure began approximately 30-45 ago with a faint grinding sound coming from the drivetrain while driving.

Steering
Filed Jun 29, 2021TX

Vehicle steering shakes between 60-65 mph. After 4 different sets of tires in 3 weeks, multiple road force balances, tire rotations, an alignment, an alignment checks, brakes checked, a “visual inspection” of suspension components from two Toyota dealerships, the vehicle continues to vibrate at highways speeds.

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Jun 9, 2021AL

Yes tire is available Tire has bad spot on sidewalk goes all the way to belt Looks like this tire might blow out which could cause crash Tuscaloosa Toyato first noticed it at our 30,000 mile maintenance service on June 9 2021 No inspection yet No warning have no ideal how long been like this

Unknown or Other
Filed May 17, 2021WA

I noticed a crack forming in the windshield without seeing any signs of an impact. I took it in and Toyota had found a small indentation along the crack line that they claimed to be what caused the crack. This indentation along the crack line was superficial and did not have any of the "spider legs" type crack lines out of it. I have had older vehicles in the Pacific Northwest without this issue, and I thought this was odd so I took it to a 3rd party Master Window repair technician not associated with Toyota and they diagnosed it as a stress crack related to the heating element.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 29, 2021AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. TUSCALOOSA TOYOTA (3325 SKYLAND BLVD E, TUSCALOOSA, AL 35405, (205) 553-3325) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 26, 2021WV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MOSES TOYOTA (1433 MACCORKLE AVE, ST ALBANS, WV 25177) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 20218,000 milesMD

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON BELTWAY AND SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, BRAKING, AND STEERING CAPABILITIES. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. PHONE ATTACHED VIA CIGARETTE OUTLET WAS ZAPPED. MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED TO ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY CUSTOMER HAS ENDURED DUE TO THIS TOTAL VEHICLE MALFUNCTION.

Engine
Filed Mar 14, 202124,700 milesCA

2018 4RUNNER TRD OFF ROAD PREMIUM. 24733MILES (AT THE TIME THIS REVIEW IS WRITTEN) STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT ACCELERATE BUT WITH OUT DOING IT. (VERY FEW NOT THAT PRONOUCE) TOOK IT TO DEALER ON APRIL 2020 AROUND (14900MILES). THEY DID A RECALL CHECK AND SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING AND THAY MY TRUCK WAS FINE. MARCH 2021 IT HAPPEN AGAIN BUT NOW IT WAS DOING IT VERY STRONGLY. TRUCK STARTED TO STALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS STARTED TO APPEAR 4WD INDICATOR FLASHES RAPIDLY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE CHECK ENGINE MULTI-TERRAIN FLASHES CONTINUESLY TRAC OFF LIGHT ECO LIGHT TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THEY WILL CHECK THE PROBLEM. CALL THEM TO SEE IF THEY HAPPEN TO KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WERE WORKING ON IT DOING THE RECALL SERVICE (AGAIN). NEXT DAY THEY CALL ME AND SAID THEY DID THE RECALL (WHICH THERE IS NOT REMEDY AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME 3-8-21) AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE PROBLEM AND THAT I NEED TO PAY TO GET IT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY FOUND METAL DEBRIS ON IT. WENT THERE RIGHT AWAY THEY EXPLAINED TO ME WHAT THEY SAID IT LOOKS TO BE THE PROBLEM. FAST FORWARD THEY CALL ME AGAIN AND SAID PROBLEM WAS DIFFERENT (GETTING OTHER PARTY INVOLVED). THE 3RD PARTY WENT IN TO CHECK THE PROBLEM THEY SAID IT WAS TO BE TOLD A VERY DIFFERENT HISTORY SAYING THEY FOUND GEAR OIL INSIDE TRANSMISSION AND THEY WERE SURE (NOT BECAUSE ANY TESTING) BUT BECAUSE IT LOOKS AND SMELLS LIKE IT (WHEN THE OIL THEY SHOWED ME AT FIRS WAS BURNED OIL) VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THEY TOLD

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 20, 202126,000 milesAZ

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH SPEEDS VARIED 35-60MPH WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED VEHICLE LOCKED UP, SOMETIMES PULLING TO ONE SIDE, BRAKES THEN WENT TO FLOOR NOT STOPPING VEHICLE REQUIRING ME TO BRAKE AGAIN.. SOMETIMES ROLLING INTO TRAFFIC.. THIS STARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE WITH ONLY 12 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN MULTIPLE TIMES AND TOLD THEY CANNOT RECREATE THE ISSUE SND ARE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A ISSUE.. WHAT WORRIES ME IS THAT I HAVE TO POTENTIALLY GET HARMED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 26K MILES ON IT. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT.

Engine
Filed Dec 29, 202047,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A POPPING NOISE OCCURRED THAT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING AN ABNORMAL SOUND THAT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMAL. THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRED HAAS TOYOTA WORLD (20400, I-45, SPRING, TX 77373) TWICE, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 15, 202025,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL REPAIR HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE TIME FRAME WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. ## VIN PASSED ## TOYOTA 2018 ##

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 14, 202028,800 milesGA

MY 2018 4RUNNER STALLED 12/12 AMIDST MY HAVING MADE A TURN OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND COMMENCING ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. MY SPEED COULDN'T HAVE BEEN IN EXCESS PN 20 MPH. I DID NOT LOOSE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY LOST MOBILITY. I SHIFTED THE VEHICLE TO NEUTRAL AND JUGGLED THE ACCELERATOR AND REGAINED ACCELERATION, WITHOUT ANY FURTHER SUCH INCIDENTS OF THE KIND. THE FOLLOWING DAY 12/14 THE VEHICLE STALLED YET AGAIN AT A POINT OF ACCELERATEATION AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. ON THIS OCCASION I WAS TURNING YET AGAIN AT LOW SPEED. THE SUCCESSION OF STALLS SEEMS TO OCCUR AT LOW SPEED WHILE ON THE PROCESS OF TURNING. ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO LOWE TOYOTA IN WARNER ROBINS TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE FOR FURTHER OBSERVATIONS. I WILL BE PERSONALLY DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 7, 202020,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. SINCE DISCOVERING THE RECALL, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HEAR AN ABNORMAL HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SOUND CONTINUED UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Steering
Filed Nov 10, 202023,512 milesNY

THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL IS FLAKING OFF LEAVING IT ROUGH AND ANNOYING TO THE TOUCH. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA WHO HASN'T TAKEN ANY ACTION.

Steering
Filed Nov 8, 202080 milesWA

I BOUGHT MY 2018 4RUNNER NEW IN NOVEMBER 2018. SHORTLY AFTER I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD WOBBLE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE EVEN AFTER REBALANCING THE TIRES EVERY TIME AND DOING AN ALIGNMENT ONCE. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THIS IS NORMAL ON 4RUNNERS. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT NORMAL ON A NEW VEHICLE AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THE ISSUE. MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 4RUNNER WHILE DRIVING AT THE SAME SPEEDS.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 1, 202055,110 milesFL

PURCHASED VEHICLE BRAND NEW WITH 18 MILES ON IT. I GET IT SERVICED LIKE CLOCKWORK AND HAVE NEVER MISSED A MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT. A LITTLE OVER A WEEK AGO, THE ELECTRICAL LOCKING SYSTEM ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR STOPPED FUNCTIONING. TOYOTA IS TELLING ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND IT WILL COST ME ALMOST $1000.00 TO REPAIR. NOW, THE ELECTRIC LOCKING SYSTEM FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS NOT WORKING AND TOYOTA IS STILL SAYING IT IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL AND THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. ONE MINUTE THE LOCKING SYSTEM WAS WORKING WITH NO OBVIOUS SIGNS THAT SOMETHING WAS AMIDST, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY 4 RUNNER DOORS ARE NOT LOCKING. NOW THE COST IS DOUBLE AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT THE OTHER DOORS WILL SOON FOLLOW.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 26, 202031,000 milesSC

WE PURCHASED A NEW 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH VIN [XXX] IN LATE 2017. IN OCTOBER OF 2019 WE NOTICED THAT THE BUMPER KEPT SEPARATING FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAD 31K MILES. JIM HUDSON TOYOTA TRIED TO FIX IT. THE BUMPER IS HELD ON BY SMALL CLIPS THAT COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. THEY SAID IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT NOT A RECALL AND THE DESIGN WAS CHANGED FOR THE 2019 MODEL, SO IT IS UNIQUE TO THE 2018 MODEL. TOYOTA GAVE THE DEALERSHIP 3 WAYS TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY WERE SUPPOSEDLY GOING TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE IF THE 3 FIXES DID NOT WORK. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN A TOTAL OF 10 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF OVER A YEAR. THEY TRIED ALL 3 OF THESE PLUS ANOTHER 5 WAYS TO TRY TO FIX; SOME DID NOT WORK, AND SOME WERE MERELY COSMETIC AND DID NOT HOLD DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE LAST 2 TIMES JIM HUDSON PAID A BODY SHOP TO FIX IT AS IF IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, WHICH IT HAS NOT. WE ARE STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAS LOST VALUE DUE TO TOYOTA (DEFECT AS WELL AS HISTORY OF REPAIRS) AS WELL AS QUESTIONABLE SAFETY DUE TO THE BUMPER CONTINUOUSLY DETACHING.. ALL WE ASKED IS THAT THEY PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM US FOR WHAT WE OWE. WE FINANCED THROUGH TOYOTA. TOYOTA CORPORATE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER AFTER REVIEWING FOR 2 MONTHS. THEY CLAIM THAT BECAUSE IT TOOK THEM SO LONG TO WORK ON IT, THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER LIABLE SINCE THE VEHICLE NOW HAS MORE THAN 35,000 MILES ON IT A YEAR AFTER INITIATING THE PROCESS TO FIX IT, EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT HAVE THAT MANY MILES O

Steering
Filed Sep 27, 202022,300 milesNY

THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEGINNING TO DELAMINATE WITH BLACK MATERIAL FLAKING OFF. THIS ONLY SEEMS TO AFFECT THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOT THE OTHER PARTS. IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING WITH CONSTANT SMALL PARTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL COVER COMING OFF.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 15, 202041,000 milesSC

MOONROOF GLASS SHATTERED RANDOMLY WHILE WAITING AT THE RED LIGHT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 15, 202050,570 milesOK

LEFT REAR WINDOW POPPED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 20, 202029,000 milesCO

HUSBAND FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL GOING 80MPH AND HIT A HUGE EXIT SIGN WHICH HIT THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER AS WELL AS THE DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 5, 202059,000 milesGA

MY IPHONE 11 PRO MAX CONSTANTLY MAKES THE SYSTEM REBOOT (EVERY 30 SECONDS OR SO) WHEN TRYING TO CONNECT TO THE HANDSFREE BLUETOOTH AUDIO AND PHONE FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AND IN MOTION, AND MAKES DRIVING MORE HAZARDOUS BY NOT ALLOWING US ANY HANDSFREE OPTION TO STAY WITHIN THE LAWS ON CELLULAR DEVICES NATIONWIDE.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 4, 202015,000 milesFL

TOTALED VEHICLE REPAIRED AFTER VEHICLE REPORTED TOTALED - VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED ADEQUATELY AND IS UNSAFE AS A RESULT OF A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT. INCIDENT REPORTED TO POLICE - INSURANCE COMPANY, TOWING SERVICE, AND CONSUMER FRAUD BY NETWORK HACKING INSURANCE INFORMATION.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 19, 20198,000 milesOR

IMPERFECTIONS IN GLASS (ALL WINDOWS) WHICH CAUSE VISIBILITY PROBLEMS IN THE DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME DRIVING. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER. A TOYOTA INSPECTOR HAS INSPECTED THE GLASS AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL GLASS COMPANY'S AND AUTO DETAILERS LOOK AT THE GLASS AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT.

Steering
Filed Oct 16, 201922,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CURVY HILL AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE CONTROL. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER. THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CONTACT HAD TO COMPENSATE BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HONDA MARYSVILLE (640 COLEMANS CROSSING BLVD, MARYSVILLE, OH 43040, (937) 645-4080). THE DEALER LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE STATING THAT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO CALL THE DEALER BACK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES HAD BEEN OCCURRING EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 AND WAS ALREADY REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 12, 201921,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP. THE DRIVER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BEAVER TOYOTA (2995 US 1 SOUTH ST, AUGUSTINE, FL) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 5, 201926,000 milesVA

DRIVING 30MPH ON A CITY STREET SOUNDED LIKE A GUN GOING OFF AND MY SUN ROOF GLASS EXPLODED. NO CARS IN FRONT OR IN THE OTHER LANES BECAUSE THE LIGHT HAD TURNED RED .NO CONSTRUCTION SITES NEAR BY . GLASS WAS PUSHED OUT OR UP NOT IN LIKE SOMETHING CAME DOWN THROUGH IT.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 3, 20199,600 milesOH

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I CAME UPON A DEER JUST STANDING THERE. I SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING IT AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL AT APPROX 60MPH.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 3, 20199,600 milesOH

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 0540 WHEN I CAM UPON A DEER JUST STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. I SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING IT AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL AT AN 90 DEGREE ANGLE, WHERE THE FORCE WHIPPED THE BACK END OF MY CAR INTO THE GUARDRAIL AS WELL.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 3, 20199,600 milesOH

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 0540 WHEN I CAME UPON A DEER STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. I SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING IT AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL AT AN 90 DEGREE ANGLE, AT HIGH SPEED, CAUSING ALMOST 14 THOUSAND IN DAMAGE.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 24, 2019VA

NEW VEHICLE DISCOVERED TO HAVE RUSTING SEAT RAILS AND SEAT BELT ATTACHMENTS. LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A PROBLEM ON A NEW VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATELY REPLACING ALL SEATS. HOWEVER, TOYOTA REGIONAL REPS AFTER ONLY DOING A VISUAL INSPECTION DECIDED THE RUST 'DOES NOT COMPROMISE THE SEATS INTEGRITY AT THIS TIME.' THEY IGNORED THE RECOMMENDATION OF THEIR MECHANICS TO REPLACE. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO CLEAN AND SEAL. THE REGIONAL REPS WILL NOT REPLACE UNTIL THE INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED. THIS IS A WILLFUL SELECTION TO IGNORE THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS. THANK YOU.

Complaints 1-50 of 60, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20268200Routine
202560120Routine
202410100Routine
202333110Routine
202239310Routine
202136110Routine
202033100Routine
201965410Routine
2018 — this page60510Routine
201736510Routine
201681810Routine
201587900Routine
201477710Routine
201336600Routine
201296810Routine
20111631010Routine
20101471220Routine
200922610Routine
200896520Routine
2007154530Routine
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: Nov 4, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.