2017
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Toyota 4Runner

Unlock Ratings
While almost every other midsized SUV has moved to car-based construction, the 4Runner remains an old-school, body-on-frame SUV, good for off-roading but not much else. The ride is unsettled and handling is mediocre at best; Limited trim versions have a sports suspension with somewhat better control but a stiffer ride. Off-road is where the 4Runner excels. Ground clearance is generous and underbody skid plates are standard.
Alerts
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2017
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Toyota 4Runner

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System
NA
Electric System
NA
Climate System
NA
Suspension
NA
Brakes
NA
Exhaust
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Body Integrity
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Power Equipment
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 329,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2020 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Toyota 4Runner owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"After starting car, in about 5 min screen would go blank. Did not affect the ability to drive. Dealer suggested to replace in dash unit but problem seemed to clear itself after last scheduled service"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"It got lost. Software was not updated. Hope it is fixed"

Ronald H., NC (2017 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Half of the time, the car does not automatically connect to my phone. I took the car to the dealership because I thought I was not setting it up correctly. The service person walked me through the process, which was exactly what I had done and was told that some people have problems with the system."

Anonymous, MO (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)

"Entente system not working properly with my iPhone."

Joseph M., IL (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
Software update fixes

"I just wish they did software fixes when the car is in for an oil change"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
Voice control commands

"The voice control software is not good. Sometime I have to speak like I'm talking to my 2 year old."

David O., CO (2017 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)

"Toyota has the worst voice command/ navigation system I have encountered in a car. I had a Ford vehicle prior to this one and it was easy to learn and functioned intuitively and reliably. It takes several tries to get the voice commands to do what you ask, if they do them at all. And Blue Tooth connections are frequently dropped."

Anonymous, MO (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)

"Every voice command given gets the response "I don't understand what you're asking. Try again." Every single time. It's never worked."

Anonymous, (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"Had 2016 SR5 4WD, same brake problem, noise when press the brake, dealer has to changed the Master cylinder to make noise go away. Traded in for 2017 TRD, after hard brake once on the road, brake starts getting noise, grind noise every time press the brake. people say worn pads and rotor causing it. I am not so sure since it still has low mileage."

Yinghao L., NC (2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD 4.0-L V6)
Calipers

"Front calipers partially seized due to corrosion at 48,000 km. Had to replace all the rotors, the front calipers, plus all brake pads."

Anonymous, BC (2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD 4.0-L V6)
Parking brake

"Had to replace the parking brake pads at 48,000km, because they were cracked"

Anonymous, BC (2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD 4.0-L V6)
Pulsation or vibration

"Rotors needed to be machined. I felt that it was too early considering the age of the vehicle and the mileage driven."

F R., MI (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
Rotors

"Pulsations required machining of the rotors much earlier than expected."

F R., MI (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
Load more

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Replacement under warranty"

Anonymous, AZ (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)

"The factory shocks failed and were replaced in November. This week it sounds like the shocks failed again. Appointment on Friday for diagnostics."

Anonymous, NY (2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD 4.0-L V6)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"The vehicle is not supposed to be able to be locked with the keys inside and not in the ignition. At home, we normally take the key out and put in the cup holder in our private fenced yard on 30 acres. This vehicle decides to lock itself with the keys inside. You cannot stick a hanger down to push the unlock button because the keys are inside. It won't unlock. A locksmith has to be called. The fob also decides when it's going to work and not work. Often I have to lock it with the key from the outside. Sometimes it sets the alarm. Other times it does not. Just like the 12v and USB ports. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Also, the Bluetooth connection. Sometimes it connects and sometimes it just disconnects and refuses to connect. It's like a tin can. The slightest pressure makes an ugly dent."

Anonymous, (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)
Wiper motor or washer

"Rear window wiper would not retract completely. Apparently the assembly had serious corrosion problems. Unit was replaced under warranty."

Anonymous, BC (2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD 4.0-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Front left bumper panel pops out. Seems to be a problem with newer model 4 Runners."

Anonymous, NC (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)

"Front left bumper molding came loose from clips. Bangs back in but comes loose after driving."

Anonymous, NC (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Differential

"The 4Runner and Tacomas have a known problem with the needle bearing in the front differential during cold weather until the engine gets up to operating temperature. There's a rhythmic grinding noise/vibration between 37-43mph. Toyota has replaced the entire differential once and the problem occurred again within 2-3 weeks. There is an aftermarket fix out there through East Coast Gear Supply. Toyota acknowledges this problem with the Tacomas but not the 4Runners, even though they share THE SAME DRIVETRAIN! Toyota's fix is to install a larger needle bearing which seems to do the trick after having spoken with a few Tacoma owners that have had this recall work done. Toyota will not perform this same procedure on my 4Runner because there isn't a recall for it. So, I'm left to use the aftermarket solution. Seriously....go google search East Coast Gear Supply and then look up Toyota needle bearing replacement. You'd be SHOCKED at how many people have had this problem. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE my 4Runner and I would still purchase it again if I had to."

Anonymous, IL (2017 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4.0-L V6)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Engine harness

"Took to dealer for service. Informed that an animal had chewed on electric harness. Repair was $500"

Anonymous, DC (2017 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0-L V6)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Rear hatch seal was installed improperly. Replaced by dealer under warranty."

Anonymous, BC (2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD 4.0-L V6)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Compare 2017 Models

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Recalls
PROVIDED BY
EQUIPMENT
Oct 25, 2018
An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V753000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1295
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT
Dec 20, 2017
An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V831000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 649
Hide Recall Details
STRUCTURE
Nov 29, 2017
If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V763000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 431
Hide Recall Details
TIRES
May 02, 2017
A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
What should you do:
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V295000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 409
Hide Recall Details
EQUIPMENT
May 01, 2017
If the roof rack fasteners loosen, the roof rack may detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Gulf States Toyota, Inc (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2016-2017 4Runner vehicles equipped with the TFORCE accessory package. The fasteners for the aftermarket roof rack may have been improperly tightened.
What should you do:
Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the roof rack fasteners, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 17R1.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V291000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1019
Hide Recall Details
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