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:
90,715 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.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that while making a right turn into his neighborhood, the brake pedal was depressed along with parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected and the contact became aware of a leak coming from the bleeder valve and caliper. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,714.
The battery died unexpectedly (about 3 years old) and when we replaced it and tried to drive it, there was a loud continuous beep from the dash and no brakes. We replaced the ABS fuse, which blew again immediately. We had to have it towed to the shop and it was confirmed it was the brake module. This exact issue just happened with our 2013 Camry and it was replaced under a manufacturer warranty. I drive my kids in this car. We could have died.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota 4runner. After starting the vehicle, a high pitched audible alarm sounded and the ABS, traction control, and emergency brake sensors remained illuminated. Also, when depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the brakes malfunctioned and the pedal traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to jim hudson Toyota (970 columbiana dr, irmo, SC), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
The whole area of exposed steel has been so corroded with rust that I acnnot even remove bolts to service several of the key components in the engine compartment. The frame, cross members, suspension etc. Are also affected in this way.I'm no expert but it is progressively becoming more and more unsafe to drive especially if I lose brakes or some other necessary function. Please help, is this a bad batch of cheap steel?
Vehicle frame is extremely corroded to the point where replacing necessary items such as shocks/struts/steering components is not possible without irreparable damage. Factory welds at critical points of the frame structure are starting to fail and causing safety concerns. This vehicle is regularly garaged and only has 85,000 miles. This is unacceptable, there have been previous recalls and for other models that share this exact same frame and suspension.
- Parma, OH, USA
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When I am driving on a bumpy unlevel street and stepping on the brake paddle to slow down the brakes give out and then catch again, I find this to be very dangerous and might even cause an accident especially if there is another car to my front, this has happened to me quite a few times. The brake system has to be checked on a bumpy paved road, brakes will catch and release and catch and release. This happens every time I am on a bumpy paved road.
"I am requesting that dot NHTSA investigate the driver's contribution to unintended acceleration (ua) and Toyota's accelerator/brake pedal designs that make it possible. I was driving my Toyota 4 runner in the neighborhood street of my community. My speed was less than 30mph and it accelerated suddenly. I applied the brake and instead of slowing down the vehicle began to gain speed. I pressed harder on the brake and it accelerated. The harder I tried to stop the car, the faster it went. I took my foot off the brake for a moment and the vehicle stopped accelerating. My foot was on the brake. It accelerated and would not stop so I pulled the car from the street to the curb covered by grass. It slowed down to some extent and then I intentionally to a turn and hit the median curb & tree to stop the car. I have continued to investigate unintended acceleration and have collected partial information.... please formally investigate."
The braking system vibrates and squeals when driving and braking... told the ABS/master cylinder system needs to be replaced at the cost of $3082.25. Started noticing problems at about 128000 miles on vehicle. Doesn't seem right that there is a major malfunction/repair needed with such low mileage
The dashboard alarm sounded and the ABS, vsc, brake, and traction control warning lights illuminated. This was followed by complete brake failure. Fully depressing the brake pedal would not stop the vehicle. Dealer diagnosed a failed master cylinder assembly.
Vehicle purchased used July 2011 w/ 45K miles. In May 2012 at 55K had brakes repaired, all 4 wheels new rotors pads and hardware. In 2014 noticed brake fluid leaking from caliper and discoloring wheels. Dealer service verified front calipers frozen (guide pins and pads rusted in place as well as caliper pistons). This appears to be a design flaw as the caliper does not incorporate any protective boot for the guide pins or any interface between the pad shoe and the caliper body. The caliper body and guide pin appear to be easily oxidized, a fact that Toyota attributes to "environmental conditions". apparently Toyota designs for the mildest conditions rather than the harshest. Oddly, it is only the front caliper with this design: The rear caliper incorporates a more modern design with a boot for the guide bolt.
While driving with my entire family on I-95, the vehicle ABS assembly began cycling repeatedly. When depressing the brakes while the ABS was cycling, the brake pedal would grind and slippage occurred in the pedal pressure. No warning lights.
Over the past 9-12 months I have owned the 4runner, I have noticed the floormats slide up behind the brake and acceleration pedal when I am constantly switching between the two (eg. Heavy traffic, long trips, etc.). I usually am able to pull them back down at a stoplight or stop sign; however, on Tuesday, July 29th, I was involved in an auto accident that was not only in heavy traffic, but while on a 200+ mile trip as well. I believe that the floor mat caused my car to have limited braking ability in addition to possible increased acceleration. The NHTSA's findings seem to be consistent with this. Additionally, the complaint with NHTSA id number: 10384563 states that "I pushed on the brake... but the car continued accelerating" and then "Toyota inspected the vehicle... and said they adjusted the mat" is one of many that have findings consistent with the malfunction that caused my wreck.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The contact mentioned that the emergency brake was used in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder ABS ECU assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 102,000.
Machines break but when parts represent a risk of fatality, they should be more closely scrutinized. I got lucky when the brake booster assembly went out in my 2007 Toyota 4runner while it was parked and running in my garage for 5 minutes while I unloaded it. Had I not made the decision to let the car run while I unloaded it, a decision that I first questioned, it more than likely would've gone out the following morning when I pulled out of my steeply sloped driveway. A drop of about 10-15 feet is directly across from my driveway and there is nothing to stop anything from rolling down that drop besides the multitude of hardwoods there. I could've been on the interstate or traversing the hills and slopes that we deal with daily. A parking brake will only do so much. My 4runner is well-maintained. In fact, it had received it's regular maintenance only 5 days prior to the brake booster assembly's failure. There was no warning;no noise, no feeling, no weird behavior-just buzzers and warning lights after the fact. The car almost rolled through the garage door as well as the house. It took all of my might to stop it at 1-3 mph. I am grateful for what did not happen but concerned about any other unsuspecting 4runner owner and anyone around that 4runner if the same happens. I've been happy with my 4runner and felt safe in it until July 21. It is my third 4runner in a row. They are fantastic SUV's. I have a great relationship with my dealership, especially my service tech, who I feel looks out for me and my 4runner. But after researching brake booster assemblies in 4runners, I see multiple crashes and scary stories involving this part. I see it is unrelated to mileage or maintenance or vehicle age. It's happened at 2months old, 2 years old, 200K miles. The risk of fatality is too high to let this issue remain unattended to.
I come to a stop and my vehicle pulls, like somebody hit my vehicle from behind. Its constant, it happens all the time. I did take it to a dealer and they said there was nothing that could be done, they advised Toyota had not come out with a recall yet for that problem. They advised it was a common problem with the drivetrain. I really do not want this vehicle any more if it is always going to do this.. what makes me mad is that I just bought this vehicle in July....... what can be done.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph and applying the brakes, the brakes abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The ABS system warning light then illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the hydro-booster braking system. The manufacturer was notified who advised that there were no recalls and he should file a complaint. They offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, she noticed that her vehicle would not stop once the brakes were applied. She had to utilize the emergency brake and was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repair. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 63,000. The VIN was not available.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Montebello, CA, USA