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.
3.7
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,000 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.
I have a 2005 Toyota 4runner and it has a loud clunk in the drivetrain every time I stop.when it clunks it also lunges forward causing a few close calls I have addressed this issue with Toyota and they say it is a normal operating characteristic. The problem occurs in the 03-06 4runners, Tacoma and Lexus GX470 Toyota has a T.S.B on the Lexus model only not the Toyota 4runners or Tacoma which means at least to me that it is a defect!!! I have contacted the dealership and they say their is no tsb so they cant do anything I contacted Toyota and got no response. If they will fix the Lexus version why not the Toyota version"?"
When bringing vehicle to a stop, there is a very loud clunk that can be physically felt shuddering through the entire vehicle. Many many trips to the dealer resulted in nothing. There is a tsb for the Lexus equivalent of the 4runner with this problem. This means they admit there is a problem, but refuse to acknowledge it on non-Lexus vehicles. Unacceptable. If the driveshaft is impacting that hard every time the vehicle stops, it is a matter of time before excessive wear will cause a safety issue.
1. happened since about 15-20K miles on my 2005 4runner (I'm the first and only owner). 2. occurs when coming to a stop, large clunk sound and vehicle jolts forward right after a full stop. 3. nothing has been done to correct the failure. Each time the Toyota dealer service tech takes it for a ride they cannot replicate it, I went once and was not able to replicate it at that time. However, there are numerous online forum discussions about the issue (see this one: www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/4runner/53302-4runner-V8-clunk-in-drivetrain/). apparently a recall fix for the Lexus 470 (same as a Toyota 4runner like mine) has been provided for Lexus owners but not for Toyota owners. The parts to solve the issue are identical. Toyota dealer service department stated unless Toyota motor Corp. Actually issues a recall and provides details on a fix, they are not able to do anything since we cannot replicate it when they are servicing my 4runner.
Several times a day when I come to a stop in my 2005 4runner I hear a clunk and it feels like someone has just rear ended me. This has happened since I bought the vehicle and is getting worse. Lexus has a tsb for this exact same complaint yet Toyota products do not. Why is that? tsb#DL002-07.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Frederick, MD, USA