CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,800 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Frame rusting badly, especially the lower front radiator supports. Paint clear coat has failed. Rust around the front windshield area. The coating on the alloy wheels started falling off within one year of purchase. The vehicle has 125000 miles I am the original owner and lived in the new england area for 15 years, 3 years in Florida.
Frame is rusted badly poor breaking system I had to replace the lines that keeps my Toyota stabilized. I put so much money into my 2004 Toyota 4 runner limited. Now the rust has taken over on sides and under radiator. Transmission lines now leaking badly rust has been an on going problem but when I had it inspecited mechanic brought me out in the garage to show me.
Cross member under radiator that the tow hitches connect to are completely rusting out and falling apart as well as the skid plate noticed this hooking up ropes to secure my kayaks. The paint on the tire rims are pealing and corroding
I purchased four (4) new bf goodrich radial long trail T/a size P265/65R17 110T M&S for my 2004 Toyota 4runner in 08/2011. I had approx 10,000 miles on the new tires. Tires are now dry rotted/cracked on the size wall, all around the wheel/frame (on all 4 tires).
Vehicle was being parked alongside the curb when it suddenly jumped the curb, the sidewalk onto the uphill grassy landscape, hit and severed a tree, and almost crashed the house inches away, then bounced back to the street- all in about 3 seconds. The tires spun violently and left a thick residue of rubber and thick smoke throughout. The brake was hard and stuck, as I managed to put the stick to neutral and then to park. I was truly shocked and shaken that I could have hurt or killed myself or others. This is the second time this happened- the first in July 22, 2009 when the same acceleration happened when I was moving the vehicle into the garage, surged in about 2 secs. Crashing into the storage and the garage walls. Reference: Toyota claim no.[xxx] (2009) and no.[xxx] (2012). In both cases Toyota disowned any responsibility. While Toyota assures me of the safety of the vehicle, I cannot in my right mind continue to drive this vehicle nor pass it on to somebody else except to return it to Toyota. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Port St Lucie, FL, USA