2008 Toyota 4RUNNER

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/20/2016· STRUCTURE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER WHO REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE BROUGHT TO THE SHOP FOR PICTURES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.

• 12/16/2013· WHEELS

  I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR IT'S 30,000 MILE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A COUPLE OF THOUSAND MILES SHY OF THE REQUIRED SERVICE. THEY ROTATED THE TIRES ALONG WITH THE OTHER SCHEDULED SERVICES. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS (LESS THAN 2 WEEKS) I NOTICED THAT IT SHIMMIED ON THE HIGHWAY, SOMETHING IT HAD NEVER DONE PREVIOUSLY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, DUNNING TOYOTA OF ANN ARBOR, WHERE THEY PERFORMED ANOTHER $50.00 WORTH OF WORK AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT SHOULD BE BETTER NOW, BUT MY TIRES WERE CUPPED SO IT WOULDN'T RUN TOTALLY SMOOTH AGAIN UNLESS I PURCHASED NEW TIRES. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRE CUPPING WAS MOST LIKELY THE RESULT OF IT BEING OFF BALANCE FOR A WHILE WHICH MAKES NO SENSE TO ME SINCE THE DEALER WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT HAD EVER TOUCHED IT. THESE TIRES ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE A LIFE OF 50K MILES. BE IT POOR SERVICE OR POOR TIRES, I'M TRULY DISAPPOINTED. I WAS ALWAYS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT MICHELIN TIRES WERE HIGHLY RATED. NOW I'M NOT IMPRESSED BY EITHER THE BRAND NAME NOR DUNNING. *TR

• 12/11/2020· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  VEHICLE DISPLAYED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO A NON SEALING GAS CAP. THIS CONDITION ALSO DISABLES THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON WET CONDITIONS AND WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER DUE TO ALL TRACTION AND STABILIZATION SYSTEMS BEING TURNED OFF DUE TO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (FAULTY GAS CAP). I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 6 YEARS AND HAVE PUT OVER 80,000 MILES ON IT WITHOUT INCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT ON A RAINY ROAD.*DT *TR

• 12/11/2015· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROST DOES NOT CLEAR THE WINDOW. I HAD THE VEH AT THE SHOP TODAY AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE IN EXCESS OF $1,000 AND THE DASHBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN COMPLETELY OFF AND THEY STILL COULD NOT GUARANTEE A FIX. I HAVE READ A LOT ON LINE ABOUT THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAVING THIS PROBLEM. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL??? THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE ON THIS VEH. I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE USED IN FEBRUARY AND HAVE JUST NOW TRIED TO USE THE DEFROST. THE SWITCH DOES NOT CONVERT TO THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE BLOWER AT THE FEET WITH SUFFICIENT AIR. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AIR RECIRCULATING OR NOT, THE A/C COMPRESSOR BEING ON OR NOT. THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER ADVISED IT WAS A SWITCH OR A PART THAT MAY HAVE FAILED AND IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL IF IT IS NOT A UNIVERSAL PROBLEM???

• 12/02/2022· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, he was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected due to severe subframe corrosion. The contact stated that her son, an independent mechanic, later determined that the entire subframe and suspension of the vehicle were severely corroded. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,600.

• 12/01/2009· POWER TRAIN

  I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL MONTHS THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER CHANGING GEARS. FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN I GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE GEARS. JUST YESTERDAY NOT ONLY DID THE VEHICLE NOT ENGAGE, BUT WHEN I WENT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE (I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE) AND I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE THAT MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IS NOT TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY AND COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO DAMAGE AND/OR DEATH. *TR

• 12/01/2008· POWER TRAIN

  NEW, FROM 15,000- 25, 000 MILES, 2008 TOYOTA FOUR RUNNER, JERKING WHEN ACCELERATED ON THE FREEWAY. IT IS AS IF THE SHIFT GEAR OR TRANSMISSION IS NOT PROPERLY WORKING. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER THE 15, 000 MILE SERVICE. FIRST DEALERSHIP WORKERS STATED NOTHING WRONG. CURRENT DEALERSHIP HAS NOT CHECKED FOR CAUSE NOR HAVE THEY OFFERED A SOLUTION. CAR REMAINS AT DEALERSHIP. SECOND ISSUE, MOST RECENT INCIDENT, SAME VEHICLE AT 25, 000 MILES WHEN ACCELERATED ON THE FREEWAY, JERKED UNCONTROLLABLY, WORST THAN BEFORE, ACCELERATED TO FAST SPEED (FLOOR MAT WAS SECURED), WOULD NOT BRAKE. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE TO EXIT. ENGINE REMAINED REVVED UP. BRAKES SLOWED BUT DID NOT STOP VEHICLE. ABLE TO MOVE TO EXIT...HEAVY TRAFFIC. I COULD HAVE REARED ENDED MANY VEHICLES. SMOKE AND BURNING ODOR FROM BRAKE AREA. DEALERSHIP STATES FLOOR MAT WAS STUCK WHICH IS NOT TRUE, AS WITNESSED BY A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. VEHICLE HAS MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PERMIT OWNER TO RETAIN LOANER VEHICLE UNTIL PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. DEALER HAS NO EXPLANATION FOR JERKING OR SHIFTING/TRANSMISSION ISSUE NOR BURNING ODOR/SMOKE ISSUE. REFUSES TO PROVIDE OWNER WITH CORPORATE CONTACT OR DISTRICT MANAGER INFORMATION. DRIVER NEEDS VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT CHILD TO MEDICAL APPTS. ONE HOUR AWAY FROM HOMESITE ON WEEKLY BASIS. *TR

• 11/25/2018· POWER TRAIN

  WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR WAS MAKING A THUMPING NOISE WHICH WENT AWAY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TOYOTA DEALER SAID IT WAS A BENT REAR AXLE AND WOULD COST $2300 TO REPLACE. THE VECHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH 108,000 MILES. HAVE NEVER HIT A BIG POTHOLE OR RUN OVER A CURB. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECT THAT CAME WITH THE CAR AND SHOWED UP AFTER DRIVING FOR 10 YEARS. THERE ARE A LOT OF BENT AXLES REPORTED OVER THE INTERNET ON TOYOTA TRUCKS AND SUVSL MORE THAN ANY OTHER VECHICLEL I HAVE OWNED MANY MANY CARS AND SUVS AND NEVER HAD A BENT REAR AXLE BEFOREL DEALER SAID I WOULD GET REIMBURSED IF TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS!

• 11/25/2009· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 100 MPH WITHOUT INTENTION. AFTER REPEATED BRAKE APPLICATION HE WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT A REMEDY WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 2010. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,380.

• 11/18/2012· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES

  THERE IS CORROSION IN THE FRAME AND DRIVE-TRAIN COMPONENTS. THERE IS PITTING, RUSTING THROUGHOUT THE FRAME UNDERCARRIAGE AND THE SUSPENSION AND DIFFERENTIAL COMPONENTS. THIS BARELY 4YR OLD VEHICLE IS A SOUTHERN VEHICLE. REGARDLESS, THIS CORROSION IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN ANY VEHICLE LET ALONE IN A 4RUNNER WITH A SERVICE INCEPTION DATE OF 11/30/2008 WITH 19K MILES. THIS IS TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE OF THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. YES, IT (SHOULD BE) COVERED BY WARRANTY AND MORE IMPORTANTLY IT IS MANUFACTURER'S LIABILITY TO CORRECT SAFETY/QUALITY ISSUE. *TR

• 11/11/2009· POWER TRAIN

  2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER CLUNK FELT AND HEARD WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKES TO GO. AFTER RESEARCHING IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE DRIVESHAFT SLIP JOINT IN THE TOYOTA. THE LEXUS GX470 IS IDENTICAL YET LEXUS CUSTOMERS CAN HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND THERE IS A TSB ISSUED FOR THE LEXUS (L-SB-0116-08). *TR

• 10/23/2014· SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  DURING A MAINTENANCE VISIT TO EAST COAST TOYOTA OF CARLSTADT, NJ AN "UPDATE" TO THE ECU COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS PERFORMED. AFTER THIS "UPDATE" I NOTICED THE ENGINE STALLING, THEN RECOVERING AND AUTO THEN SURGING FORWARD. THIS WAS EXPLAINED BY TOYOTA AS "SMART TECHNOLOGY" TO MODIFY ENG/ECT SYSTEM. IN MY OPINION THIS IS A DANGEROUS "FIX": EXAMPLE --WHEN TRYING TO ENTER A TRAFFIC LANE FROM A DEAD STOP, WITH FOOT ON BREAK IF YOU ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE THE ENGINE CUTS OUT- SENDING YOU INTO TRAFFIC WITH A LAG INSTEAD OF A POWER BOOST. I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THIS MODIFICATION UNDONE BY TOYOTA BUT THEY EXPLAINED THEIR POSITION AS BELOW: WE APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE SMART STOP TECHNOLOGY INSTALLED IN YOUR 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. AS WE PREVIOUSLY INDICATED, IN RESPONSE TO CUSTOMER'S CONCERNS WITH THEIR VEHICLES, TOYOTA WORKED WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) TO COME UP WITH THIS REMEDY, WHICH IS THE INSTALLATION OF THE SMART STOP TECHNOLOGY. BECAUSE THIS REMEDY WAS MANDATED BY THE GOVERNMENT (NHTSA), WE ARE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE SMART STOP TECHNOLOGY. YOUR EMAIL HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED AT OUR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. IN MY OPINION THIS CHANGE DOESN'T FIX ANYTHING - IT IS DANGEROUS- YOU CAN'T ACCELERATE FROM A "HOLDING" BREAK POSITION (FOOT ON BREAK AND GAS) AS RECOMMENDED BY SOME DEFENSIVE DRIVING INSTRUCTORS.. I AM REQUESTING THAT THE NTSB LOOKED INTO THIS TOYOTA MODIFICATION (BEFORE UPDATE CODE 33562000,AFTER UPDATE 3356200) , DETERMINE IT'S EFFICACY (OR LACK OF ) AND DEVISE A BETTER FIX THAN THEIR SO CALLED "SMART TECHNOLOGY". *TR

• 10/19/2018· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  VEHICLES UNDERCARRIAGE INCLUDING FRAME, REAR AXLE AND MANIFOLDS ARE SO SEVERELY RUSTED THAT MECHANICS CAN NOT MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY PUTTING ME AT RISK.

• 10/17/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  TOYOTA ISSUED A SHORT TERM WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT, EXPIRING MARCH 2018, FOR A KNOWN SAFETY DEFECT. I BELIEVE THAT THE POTENTIAL RAMIFICATIONS ARE SIGNIFICANT AND THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS OPPOSED TO A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT. THE DEFECT IS IN THE REAR WINDOW SEAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; USE OF THE DEFROSTER CAN CAUSE THE WINDOW TO BLOW OUT. MY CAR HAS A SIGNIFICANT BODY DEFECT ADJACENT TO THE REAR WINDOW SEAL, AND THE SEAL IS DAMAGED, INDICATING THAT THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I SPOKE WITH CORPORATE TOYOTA; THEIR STANCE IS THAT THEY WILL NOT DO THE REPAIR UNTIL AFTER THE WINDOW BLOWS OUT. IT IS LIKELY THAT TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS FOR SOME TIME, AS THERE IS INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS, BUT HAS ONLY RECENTLY NOTIFIED OWNERS. WHEN I SPOKE TO TOYOTA, THEY ASKED WHAT THE MILEAGE WAS. I TOLD THEM IT HAD JUST REACHED THE 100,000 MILE MARK - AND THEY SAID THAT THE CAR WAS ALMOST 10 YEARS OLD AND HAD LASTED WELL. FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON MY PART LED TO THE KNOWLEDGE THAT RECALLS DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFORMED AFTER 100,000 MILES, WHICH PROBABLY EXPLAINS THE DELAY IN NOTIFYING OWNERS, AND IN CALLING THIS, WHICH IS A DEFINITE AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE, A "WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT" INSTEAD OF A RECALL. MY CAR IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION, OTHER THAN THAT, AND THE CHOICES WHICH I HAVE ARE TO AVOID USING THE DEFROSTER (NOT A VIABLE OPTION IN THE NORTHEAST), DO NOTHING AND WAIT FOR THE WINDOW TO BLOW OUT (NOT A SAFE OPTION); PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF, EVEN THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT, OR SELL THE CAR, WHICH I CAN'T DO IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, KNOWING THE POTENTIAL RAMIFICATIONS OF THAT DEFECT. TOYOTA STATES THAT THE ISSUE DOES NOT OCCUR WITH ALL CARS - THAT IS LIKELY TRUE. CARS IN DRY CLIMATES WITH MINIMAL RAIN AND COLD WEATHER ARE PROBABLY UNLIKELY TO MANIFEST; CARS IN THE WET AND SNOWY NORTHEAST, WHERE I LIVE, ARE PRESUMABLY MORE LIKELY TO MANIFEST.

• 10/03/2011· TIRES

  I PURCHASED 4 SUMITOMO ALL TERRAIN 110 TIRES ON 3/04/2011. ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 THE DRIVER REAR TIRE EXPLODED CREATING A VISIBLE HOLE. *TR

• 10/01/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 30 MPH WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED THEY FAILED TO ENGAGE AND MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT THEN RELEASED AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AGAIN WITH EXTREME PRESSURE UNTIL THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33971.

• 09/24/2019· STRUCTURE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE TOP CONTROL ARM POST WAS MELTED. ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A MOUNTING PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE THE CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH AND STRIKE THE FUEL TANK. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

• 09/24/2018· STEERING,ENGINE

  WHENEVER I ACCELERATE ON THE UPHILL OR HIGH ACCELERATE THEN ODOR BECAME REALLY HORRIBLE, HARSH SMELL, SMELL LIKE TNT FIREWORK, EITHER MATCHES THEN EGG ROTTEN. I SUSPECT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SEEM FAULTY. I WENT MULTIPLE AUTO SHOP THEY MENTION IT COULD BE RELATED TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD BUT WHEN I DESCRIBED THAT THE ODOR CAME OUT FROM OUTSIDE NOT INTERIOR AIR VENT THEN THEY STARTED TO RE-CHECK MY EXHAUST AND SAID I AM ALL GOOD TO DRIVE AS WELL, ITS "OK". THE ODOR IS FRUSTRATING, ANNOYING. AND THE STEERING, I DON'T KNOW HOW DID MY CV AXLE IS LEAKING, I HOPEFULLY IT WILL NOT BREAK OUT WHEN I'M DRIVING TO OTHER STATE.

• 09/16/2017· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  ENGIENE/POWERTRAIN COMPUTER/MODULE CHECKED. HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOUR TIMES BY THE DEALER AND CONTINUES TO GIVE THE SAME FAULT IN THE CAR. THE FAULT IS THE FOLLOWING AS IT RUNS AND BRAKES THE SECOND BEAUTIFULNESS OF THE TRASMISSION IS LEFT. AND WHEN HE RELEASES THE BRAKE A LITTLE, THE THROAT IS THROWN TO THE FRONT GIVING A BLOW. HE DOES IT MANY TIMES IN THE DAY. BY UNTOYOTA 4RUNNER 08 ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) DEFECTIVE.

• 09/15/2015· TIRES

  WE BOUGHT 4 NEW SUMITOMO TOUR PLUS LXT TIRES FOR OUR 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IN JUNE OF 2013. TWO YEARS AND 50,000 MILES LATER, WE FELT A SEVERE WOBBLE IN THE TIRES AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP. THE TWO REAR TIRES HAD SEPARATING BELTS AND WERE REPLACED. FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE TWO FRONT TIRES EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEMS. ANOTHER TIRE SHOP MECHANIC (DIFFERENT SHOP AND MECHANIC THAN WHO DIAGNOSED THE FIRST TWO TIRES) SAID THE BELTS IN THE TIRES WERE SEPARATING AND THESE TWO TIRES WERE ALSO REPLACED.

• 09/14/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER COMING TO A STOP I FEEL A BUMP AS THOUGH I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS STARTED FROM DAY ONE OF PURCHASE. IT WAS CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FOUND. NOW IT HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS STARTING OUT FROM STOPPED POSITION AS WELL AND HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY.

• 09/10/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE

• 09/07/2016· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAILGATE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TAILGATE LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

• 08/31/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS A CONSISTENT AMMONIA SMELL THAT LEAKS INTO THE CABIN. THIS HAS GONE ON FOR A MONTH AND HATCH TOYOTA DENIES IT'S A PROBLEM. MY WIFE AND I FEAR FOR OUR HEALTH BECAUSE OF THIS ODOR. THE FORUMS REPORT THIS PROBLEM AS FAR BACK AS 2003, BUT TOYOTA SAYS THEY ARE UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEM. *TR

• 08/29/2017· ENGINE

  MY TRUCK HAS HAD A SULPHUR SMELL FOR A LONG WHILE. I WAS ADVISED THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT. T-SB-0346-09. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND RECEIVED A CASE # FROM SUSAN ON AUGUST 28,2017. THAT # IS 1708280670. SHE ADVISED ME THAT I AM 3,000 MILES PAST THE MILAGE THAT TOYOTA ACCEPTS. THIS IS AN EMISSION ISSUE AND I FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD ASSIST IN THE REPLACEMENT COST. THE SERVICE BULLETIN HAS TOYOTA REPLACING A FRONT AND REAR PIPE ASSEMBLY WHICH INCLUDES CATALYTIC CONVERTERS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR A WHILE AND THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS SYSTEM NOT WAITED FOR PEOPLE TO COMPLAIN. BY NOT RECALLING IT THEY AVOID MAKING LEGITIMATE EMISSION/ENGINE REPAIRS. THE SULPHUR SMELL NOW HAPPENS MOST OF TIME THAT I DRIVE IT NOW. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE THAT I CAN DO. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAD ADVISED ME TO CONTACT TOYOTA.

• 08/27/2024· AIR BAGSCrash

  On August 11th 2024 at approximately 8:30PM I was hit on the passenger side of my vehicle. As a result both passenger doors were smashed in. And had also been shoved into the car and causing the passenger seat to be stuck between the doors and center console. There was ZERO airbag deployment. There are 3 known airbags on that side of the vehicle and not one went off. The accident could have been A LOT worse then it was but knowing now what I do about the air bags I regret buying this vehicle. And I am very emotional unwell knowing that the vehicle failed to get me and my passenger safer in the accident.

• 08/21/2018· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  FRAME RUST IS SO PERVASIVE ON MY 2008 4RUNNER THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSES TO MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT I "WALK AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE", CITING FUTURE RUST-RELATED PROBLEMS WITH CALIPER REPLACEMENT AND OTHER ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. RUST ON DIFFERENTIAL AXLE LED TO THE SHEARING OFF OF THE FLUID DRAIN BOLT, RENDERING THAT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRAIN/REFILL. ATTACHED ARE NOTES FROM THE DEALER'S MAINTENANCE ENGINEER, CITING RUSTED CROSS MEMBER BOLTS AND OTHER COMPONENTS INTERFERING WITH NECESSARY REPAIRS. I HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ONGOING SAFETY AND ROAD-WORTHINESS OF THIS VEHICLE.

• 08/20/2013· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  AFTER HAVING TIMING BELT REPLACED BY TOYOTA DEALER BOB TYLER OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA; WHILE DRIVING BELT CAME APART LEADING TO LOSS OF POWER, CONTROL, AND MAKING EMERGENCY STOP. TOYOTA FEELS THAT FAILURE IS NORMAL IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS. *TR

• 08/12/2018· STRUCTURE

  BACK HATCH UNLATCHES ITSELF WHEN HITTING A BUMP AND FLIES OPEN. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, OBSERVED BY SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS.

• 08/11/2009· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. SHE HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH SUCH FORCE THAT SHE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE SO HOT THAT THEY DESTROYED THE ROTORS AND THE PADS. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT TO PICK IT UP. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

• 08/10/2015· STRUCTURE

  FRAME IS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO HAVE VARIOUS SMALL PIN POINT RUST SPOTS ALL OVER THE 4RUNNER ON THE PAINT.

• 08/09/2017· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TAKATA RECALL WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON AND GOING UP A HILL, ENGINE JOLTS AND ACCELERATES. HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE WE BOUGHT IT IN 2012.

• 08/08/2018· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  I WAS WAITING FOR ANOTHER CAR TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE CARWASH. AS I INCHED FORWARD WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING AND WHEN I BRAKED IT DIDN'T STOP. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR ACCELERATING, I WAS ABLE TO STEER AWAY FROM THE CAR PULLING OUT. MY CAR STOPPED WHEN I HIT A ROCK ABOUT 18" HIGH ALONG THE DRIVEWAY. THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR IS $3,200.00. I'LL HAVE THE INVOICE WHEN I PICK THE CAR UP FROM THE REPAIR SHOP IN A DAY OR TWO. THE MILEAGE I'M SUBMITTING ISN'T EXACT SINCE I DON'T HAVE MY CAR TO LOOK AT THE ODOMETER.

• 07/29/2018· SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  MY FRAME BRACKETS THAT HOLD MY SUSPENSION AND OTHER PARTS LIKE MY FUEL TANK AND DRIVELINE ARE RUSTING OFF AND MY MECHANIC SAYS DON'T BOTHER BECAUSE IT'LL COST MORE THAN THE TRUCK IS WORTH. IT NEEDS A FULL FRAME CHANGE!! IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT WHEN THE LAST PART BROKE AT HIGHWAY SPEED INSTEAD OF THE 20 MPH ON A REGULAR ROAD WE WOULDN'T BE CHATTING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED ALONG WITH MY PASSENGER AND I HAD JUST GOT OUT OF A 3 DAY STAY AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL SO I WAS DEFINITELY GOING SLOWER THAN NORMAL. IT WAS MY COMPLETE DRIVERS REAR SPRING PERCH AND TRACK BAR OFF THE AXLE AND THE FRAME SIDE IS JUST AS BAD. I'M WORRIED ONE DAY SOMETHING IS GOING TO BREAK OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IF I DON'T GET HURT I'LL HIT SOMEONE ELSE OR WORSE. I'VE ENCLOSED 5 OUT OF 42 PHOTO'S OF THE RUST ITS SERIOUS AND I NEED HELP ALONG WITH LOTS OF OTHER 4TH GEN TOYOTA 4RUNNER OWNERS THAT WILL SOONER OR LATER GET INJURED OR KILL SOMEONE DUE TO THE SERIOUS FAILURES OF OUR VEHICLE FRAMES RUSTING. I WENT LOOKING TO REPLACE THE BRACKETS AND THEY DON'T SELL THEM SEPARATELY I WAS TOLD I NEED THE FRAME IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO GET WHAT I NEED. SO CAN YOU HELP ME AND ALL THE OTHER OWNERS GOING THROUGH THIS PLEASE! WE WERE LEFT OUT OF THE BIG FRAME RECALL TOYOTA DID BECAUSE THERE ARE MORE 4RUNNERS THAT ALL THE OTHER 3 COMBINED AND IT'S VERY SAD THIS HAPPENED!! THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO (MILD TO WILD) 217 DERBY AVE / ORANGE, CT TO GET THE PARTS NEEDED FABRICATED FROM SCRATCH BECAUSE YOU CAN'T BUY THEM SEPARATELY YOU NEED TO BUY THE WHOLE FRAME!

• 07/28/2020· STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES

  ENTIRE UNDERBODY OF CAR IS RUSTING OUT, TAIL GATE ALREADY HAD 2 BODY REPAIRS BUT KEEPS RUSTING OUT. MANY PARTS AT JUST 150K WERE ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO SEVERE RUST- MOST SUSPENSION PARTS, TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES, EXHAUST , SKID PLATES ALL FAILED. BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED 4 TIMES IN IN 6 YEARS.

• 07/27/2019· STRUCTURE

  VEHICLE'S FRAME IS VERY CORRODED OVERALL AND IT HAS MORE THAN 15 INCH LONG HOLE IN THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER FRONT FRAME RAIL. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DETERMINED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 90,000 MILES AND IT IS OVERALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

• 07/17/2009· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, WHEN YOU REMOVE THE FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BEFORE YOU STEP ON THE GAS, AT TIMES THE CAR MAKES A THUMPING SOUND WHICH YOU CAN FEEL. POSSIBLY TRANSMISSION. DEALER SAYS NO PROBLEM AND CANT RECREATE THE THUMPING. IT CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. *TR

• 07/12/2010· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD FALLEN ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE PEDAL WOULD NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 53,000.

• 07/07/2009· POWER TRAIN

  MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS A CLUNKING SOUND AS I AM ABOUT TO TAKE OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP. I CAN TELL WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN BECAUSE WHEN I AM ALMOST STOPPED, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY CAR FEELS LIKE IT SURGES FORWARD. I HAVE TO PUSH ON THE BRAKE PRETTY HARD TO KEEP IT FROM DOING THIS. THEN WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO PROCEED, THERE IS A "CLUNK" FROM THE BACK END. I TOOK IT TO MY TOTALLY DEALERSHIP TODAY BECAUSE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY (I'VE HAD IT FOR A MONTH AND IT HAS DONE IT EVER SINCE I PURCHASED IT). THE DEALERSHIP CALLED THE TOYOTA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SYSTEM. THE ANSWER THEY GOT...THE CONDITION IS A NORMAL OPERATING CONDITION AND THAT NO REPAIR ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE. THEY SAID IT WAS THE DRIVESHAFT SLIP YOLK EXTENDING AND RETRACTING AND IS NORMAL OPERATING CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE. HERE IS MY CASE NUMBER - 091880146, REPAIR ORDER NUMBER - 13509, CASE DATE - 7/7/09, TAS HOTLINE NUMBER 1-800-233-3718. *TR

• 07/06/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Hitch bent when pulling small ATV trailer. Under inspection of vehicle found the frame rusted out at the rear crossmember. Called Toyota @[XXX], they stated no coverage for this condition. Case #[XXX]. If this broke off it could have killed someone. This was verified at a Toyota dealer at last service. (7/5/23) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

• 07/05/2013· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT METAL FRAME FOR THE SUN ROOF GLASS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, WHO SUGGESTED REPLACING THE SEAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

• 06/27/2016· SERVICE BRAKES

  WHEN BRAKING, ANY BUMP OR POTHOLE WILL CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO LOSE BRAKE POWER FOR ABOUT ONE (1) SECOND, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE AT THE SAME SPEED FOR TENS OF FEET FURTHER THAN EXPECTED. HIDDEN POTHOLES BY STANDING WATER CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL INTO AN INTERSECTION OR OTHER VEHICLE. THIS IS THE THIRD 4-RUNNER THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. PREVIOUS VEHICLES WERE FROM 1994 AND 1998, AND I HAD THREE REAR-END ACCIDENTS, WHICH CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE OTHER VEHICLES.

• 06/24/2011· POWER TRAIN

  I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5. I PURCHASED IT NEW FROM MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER IN NOVEMBER, 2008. BY THE SPRING OF 2009 I NOTICED A SPORADICALLY OCCURRING DELAY IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHILE SWITCHING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, LASTING APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 8 SECONDS. THIS WOULD HAPPEN RIGHT AFTER SWITCHING FROM R(REVERSE) TO D (DRIVE). MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES. THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS QUITE FREQUENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THEY WOULD/COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNDER WARRANTY WITHOUT GETTING THE CAR TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM. I LEFT MY CAR FOR OVERNIGHT WITH THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I AM FRUSTRATED BY MY EXPERIENCE AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED SO I CAN DRIVE WITH THE PEACE OF MIND KNOWING THAT MY CAR IS SAFE. TO DATE, NO REPAIRS OR PARTS REPLACEMENTS OF ANY KIND HAVE BEEN MADE BY TOYOTA TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I ALSO DISCOVERED AN ONLINE TOYOTA 4RUNNER FORUM (T4R.ORG) IN WHICH OTHER TOYOTA 4RUNNER OWNERS SHARED THE SAME EXPERIENCE.

• 06/23/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  APPROX 1 WEEK PRIOR TO 6/15 I STARTED HEARING AN INTERMITTENT SQUEAK WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. I TOOK MY 4 RUNNER IN TO HAVE TOYOTA LOOK AT IT, 2 DAYS LATER THEY DETERMINED IT "MUST BE" THE BRAKE PUMP. MY CAR IS 4,000 MILES PAST WARRANTY. NO ONE CAN TELL ME IF IT IS SAFE TO KEEP DRIVING UNTIL I GET IT FIXED AND WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF IT GOES OUT. *TR

• 06/21/2012· POWER TRAIN

  WHEN ENGAGING DRIVE FROM REVERSE THERE IS A DELAY OF 3-5 SECONDS AND A THUMP WHEN IT FINALLY ENGAGES DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND HAS CAUSED SOME SCARES WERE MY WIFE THOUGHT THE CAR ENGAGED DRIVE, PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR, CAR DID NOT MOVE AND THEN SUDDENLY CAR JUMPING FORWARD SINCE SHE HAD APPLIED GAS THINKING THE VEHICLE HAD ENGAGED DRIVE. TOOK TO DEALER EXPLAINED ISSUE AND WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE WITH SIMILAR ISSUES WITH OTHER PEOPLES VEHICLES, THEY WANTED TO CHARGE 119.99 TO SIMPLY DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, EVEN AFTER SHOWING THEM THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS I PRINTED FROM THE INTERNET. *TT

• 06/19/2017· AIR BAGSCrash

  ON 6/15/2017, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DID NOT ACTIVATE DURING A FRONTAL, 35 TO 40 MPH COLLISION. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH ON A FOUR-LANE STATE ROAD. ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME FROM A TWO-LANE STATE ROAD. I COULDN'T STOP AND RAN INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THAT VEHICLE. THE RESULT WAS A "T-BONE" TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED SOMEWHAT MINOR INJURIES TO MY RIGHT HAND, THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CHEST, AND MY RIGHT FOOT AND ANKLE. THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF MY NECK WAS SORE. I COULD NOT WALK DUE TO THE FOOT/ANKLE INJURY SO I WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED BUT I THINK HIS PASSENGER MIGHT HAVE BEEN. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS CITED FOR "FAILURE TO YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC". MANY POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS ON SCENE ASKED ME WHY MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THEY ALL THOUGHT IT SHOULD HAVE WORKED DUE TO THE DAMAGE THEY OBSERVED ON MY VEHICLE. MY 4RUNNER HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO RECALL. I HAVE PHOTOS OF MY 4RUNNER, INJURIES, AND THE POLICE ACCIDENT REPORT AVAILABLE BUT I COULD NOT ATTACH THEM TO THIS LETTER. I CAN FORWARD THEM TO ANY INTERESTED PARTY VIA EMAIL. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY VIRGINIA POLICE REPORT #201706150337. I PURCHASED THE 4RUNNER USED FROM STAFFORD TOYOTA IN STAFFORD, VA. A CHECK WITH "CARFAX" REVEALED NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS WITH THIS 4RUNNER.

• 06/16/2020· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST IS RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR

• 06/03/2021· STRUCTURE

  Lots of rust on frame and body. This is certainly an excessive amount. Many other owners of the 4runner between 2003-2009 are experiencing the same problem.

• 05/30/2013· POWER TRAIN

  2008 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION REPAIRS AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE THRUST BEARING BEHIND THE FRONT PLANETARY FAILED AND DAMAGED THE FRONT PLANETARY GEAR. THE DAMAGE FROM THE PLANETARY CONTAMINATED THE UNIT WITH METAL, CAUSING THE NEED FOR THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND ELECTRONICS TO BE REPLACED.

• 05/28/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  UNACCEPTABLE, INTOLERABLE BAD SULFUR SMELL WHEN ACCELERATING UP HILLS. WELL KNOWN ISSUE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. IF IT'S THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS THEN THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED.