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.
This is a serious problem, the back latch on my 2006 4 runner will not lock! really unsafe, I hit a minor bump on the road and the latch lifts open..all the way! i have to stop and try to shut the back latch, it takes several minutes. I can hear the latch trying to lock, but it doesn't. I try shutting the latch softly, than I push the door where the latch should grab, I look at the latch and its rusty, but I can move it with a screw driver, so it's not locked in the lock position. I have to push the hatch several times and put pressure at the point of contact where the lock is. it doesn't always work....I sometimes have to drive home and park the truck and drive another. I have called dealers, " never heard of this" is the most common response. I have stopped using the back latch, and I carry rope and bungy cords just incase.
I'm hoping someone has a solution, the dealers want to replace the lock and latch, but don't guarantee it will fix the problem!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This is a serious problem, the back latch on my 2006 4 runner will not lock! really unsafe, I hit a minor bump on the road and the latch lifts open..all the way! i have to stop and try to shut the back latch, it takes several minutes. I can hear the latch trying to lock, but it doesn't. I try shutting the latch softly, than I push the door where the latch should grab, I look at the latch and its rusty, but I can move it with a screw driver, so it's not locked in the lock position. I have to push the hatch several times and put pressure at the point of contact where the lock is. it doesn't always work....I sometimes have to drive home and park the truck and drive another. I have called dealers, " never heard of this" is the most common response. I have stopped using the back latch, and I carry rope and bungy cords just incase.
I'm hoping someone has a solution, the dealers want to replace the lock and latch, but don't guarantee it will fix the problem!
- David B., Calgary, Alberta, canada