NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Toyota 4Runner. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
DIAGNOSIS FOUND TRANS FLUID WICKING UP HARNESS TO ENGINE ECM CONTAMINATING HARNESS AND ECU GIVEN FALSE/ABNORMAL READINGS AT ECM. EXTENSIVE REPAIRS NECESSARY W/ INTERNAL TRANS WIRE REPLACEMENT, ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT & ENGINE ECU REPLACEMENT. OTHER CLEANING MAY BE NECESSARY OR OTHER HARNESS REPLACEMENT NECESSARY [Other]: TRANSMISSION WIRE REPLACMENT [Other]: ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT [Other]: ECM REPLACEMENT
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she might have shifted into park(P) and stopped the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop in an intersection and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into a first vehicle, which rear-ended a second vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver of the second vehicle stated that she had sustained injuries but did not receive medical assistance. The contact and the other drivers were able to drive from the scene. The police department was contacted and informed the contact that no report was filed because there was no injury sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V113000(Vehicle Speed Control); however, the contact stated that upon inspecting the accelerator pedal after each incident, the pedal did not seem to be entrapped. It was unknown whether the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
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).
The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehicle was actually in a NUETRAL state that allowed the vehicle to freely roll. I put something behind the tire THANK GOODNESS I noticed! Anyway, Toyota wants more than the vehicle is worth to fix it so my mechanic replaced the transfer case with a used one. I've heard of others having this problem and it seems like it could be a safety-related concern. And an expensive concern, as well.
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.
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.
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
DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE
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.
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST IS RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR
FRAME RUST. I HAVE SEEN THE RECALLS ON OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES OF THE ERA DUE TO PREMATURE FRAME RUST. I KNOW THAT THE 4RUNNER SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST AS WELL. IT'S RARE TO SEE A 4RUNNER WITH NO FRAME RUST. THE FRAME RUSTS BEFORE ANY OTHER PART OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
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.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING AREA. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED ONE HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED VICTORIA TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 5 HEITZINGER PLAZA, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 393-3020) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 SETS OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ON MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WHERE OVER TIME, THE CALIPERS WILL SEIZE UP AND STICK ON. THE ONLY WAY TO TELL THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE IS EITHER BY TOUCH, SMELL, OR FEEL. TOUCH, BECAUSE THE ROTORS GET TO BE OVER 250 DEGREES AND THEY CANNOT BE TOUCHED. SMELL, BECAUSE THE SMELL OF BURNING BRAKE PADS IS PRESENT FEEL, BECAUSE THERE IS A LOSS OF BRAKING. OTHER THAN THESE INDICATIONS, THERE IS NO NOTICE OF SEIZED CALIPERS UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND HAS HAPPENED WITH MOST 4RUNNER OWNERS THAT I TALK TO. I'M SURPRISED THAT THIS HAS NOT BECOME AN ISSUE.
I HAVE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE. THE RUST IS APPARENT IN MANY PLACES ALONG THE FRAME, INCLUDING PARTS THAT ARE INTEGRAL TO THE CHASSIS, SUCH AS THE DIFFERENTIAL. I HAVE READ ON MANY FORUMS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MY OPTIONS FOR REPAIRING THIS ISSUE WHICH IF LEFT UNATTENDED WILL DAMAGE PARTS (E.G. DIFFERENTIAL) THAT ARE CRITICAL TO THE NORMAL FUNCTIONS OF MY VEHICLE,
EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKING ON TOYOTA V8 4.7 ENGINE ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE CABIN AND CAUSING DIZZINESS. WHEN DOING MY RESEARCH IVE SEEN PAGES AND PAGES OF THIS ISSUE KNOWN TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE 4.7 ENGINE THAT IS USED IN A NUMBER OF THERE MODELS FROM LEXUS TO THE TUNDRA PICK LINES AND ANYTHING THAT USES THE 4.7 ENGINE. THIS IS DEADLY BEING IN THE MIDWEST AND YOU HAVE YOUR WINDOWS UP AND HEAT ON IN THE WINTER OR SUMMER WITH AC ON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TAMARA RECALL PREV OWNED VEH, BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP AS "SAFE" TO OPERATE,110,000 MI ON 11072016. PREV OWNER AND CURRENT OWNER HAD VE HAD VEH SERVICED REGULARLY. UNDERCARRIAGE AND BRAKING NOISE WHILE IN MOTION ON HWY. REAR DOOR NOT ABLE TO OPEN, MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE. MAINT LIGHT AND TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. POST NOISE INSPECTION BY MECHANIC, LEFT (?)FRONT AXLE BOOT IS SPLIT. FRONT NOISE UNDETERMINED (SWAY BAR LINKS OR STRUTTS?) AT THIS TIME. REAR LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE BEARING AND SEAL LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID(?) INTO BRAKES. BRAKES AFFECTED BY LEAKING FLUID AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO DAMAGE BY FLUID, WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. REAR DOOR LOCK FAILURE DUE TO INTERIOR CORROSION/RUST. MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED.
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!
VEHICLES UNDERCARRIAGE INCLUDING FRAME, REAR AXLE AND MANIFOLDS ARE SO SEVERELY RUSTED THAT MECHANICS CAN NOT MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY PUTTING ME AT RISK.
BACK HATCH UNLATCHES ITSELF WHEN HITTING A BUMP AND FLIES OPEN. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, OBSERVED BY SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS.
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.
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.
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.
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!
HISSING SOUND LIKE PRESSURE LOSS FROM GAS REFILL POINT AND LIMITED ABILITY TO USE GAS PUMPS DUE TO BACK PRESSURE THAT SHUTS DOWN THE PUMP NOZZLE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT MOBILE, SPEEDWAY AND IRVING STATIONS. NONE RESPONDED TO PUTTING FUEL IN THE TANK WITHOUT NUMEROUS BACK PRESSURE SHUTDOWNS AT THE PUMP.
I'm experiencing major frame rust mainly at the crossbeams and all over the frame. Metal is literally crumbling away if I touch if. I don't even want to remove the rust to prepare for anti-rust coating since there may not be much metal left. Its only at 150k miles and shouldnt be crumbling away this fast. Just recently had to replace muffler and tailpipe since the muffle connection literally rusted away. Tacomas were able to have their frames replaces. The 4runner has a similar if not identical frame due to them sharing the same underlying platform. This should be pretty obvious that 4Runners need to be a part of that recall.
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.
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.
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.
EXCESSIVE RUSTS ON FRAME WITH CONCENTRATIONS AROUND MOUNTINGS OF CRITICAL COMPONENTS LIKE SUSPENSION, GAS LINES, BRAKE LINES ETC.
IN MY OWN WORDS, I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4X4 WITH ONLY 27,000 ORIGINAL MILES AND THE CHASSIS IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU, WITH HUGE BIG HOLES ON THE CHASSIS. TOYOTA USED SOME VERY CHEAP METAL AND DIDN'T SPRAY ANY CHASSIS PRETECTION FROM RUST. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SHOCK MOUNT RUSTED COMPLETELY THAT THE SHOCK FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING, NOW THERE IS NO MOUNT FOR THE SHOCK NOW. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL ON A CURVE THAT WAS A LITTLE BUMPY, AS I PASSED THE CURVE MY 4RUNNER FELT LIKE THE BACK KEPT SLIDING, I FELT LIKE IT WAS ALMOST ABOUT TO FLIP OVER. THERE ARE RECALLS FOR ALL OTHER TOYOTA SUV BUT NOT FOR TOYOTA 4RUNNER WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IF THEY USED THE SAME METAL TO MAKE THE CHASSIS. MY CHASSIS IS EVEN MORE RUSTED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS A SMALL DRIP RUBBER TUBE WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER DROPS ANY AC CONDENSATION. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY 2008 4RUNNER BUT IT ONLY HAS LESS THAN 27,000 ORIGINAL MILES... CAN YOU. RELIVE THAT. I EVEN HAVE PICTURES AND VIDEOS TO PROVE IT. SMH AND I REALLY LIKE MY 4RUNNER.
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.
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.
BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT 684 11 TIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATED AT LOW SPEED, ONLY 1 PERSON IN THE VEHICLE. SIDEWALLS COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM RIM TO TREAD ON SAME SIDE DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM EACH OTHER. SPEED WAS ABOUT 30 AT THE TIME ON A CITY STREET. ALSO TIRE HAD 23000 MILES AND DATE CODE OF 1114.
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???
HEAVY CORROSION CAUSED THE REAR TORSION BAR TO DISCONNECT FROM THE REAR END WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN OCT. 2015. THE FRAME AND FRONT END SUSPENSION IS NOW VERY CORRODED. YOU CAN PUT YOUR FINGERS THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEELS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 69,400 MILES ON IT. *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER FOLLOWED BY A GARBAGE CONTAINER. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,900.
WON'T ENGAGE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE 4 WHEEL DRIVE.THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT KEPT FLASHING ALONG WITH THE WHEEL STABILIZER INDICATOR. DRIVING IN SNOW, STEERING BECAME VERY UNSTABLE. VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH DEALER SEEMS TO REFUSE TO HONOR. STATEN ISLAND TOYOTA SERVICE CLAIMS SOMEONE EMPTIED FLUID FROM TRANSFER CASE..NO ONE HAS DONE WORK ON CAR AND NO OIL LEAKAGE EVER EVIDENT IN MY DRIVEWAY..CAR WAS IN DRIVEWAY FOR SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE MOVING THAT EVENING. RARELY DRIVEN IN 4H POSITION FOR GAS PURPOSES, AND 99.9% OF THE TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADWAYS. SEEMS THE DEALER ISN'T WILLING TO HONOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE AND HAS MANAGED TO RIGHT UP THE SERVICE CALL TO COVER TOYOTA'S BUTT. THEY NOW WANT AN ADDITIONAL $500. TO DROP TRANSFER CASE. I AM NOT FEELING VERY TRUSTING OF THE SERVICE CENTER SINCE. I HAVE PAID $200 ALREADY TO DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM. I WOULD THINK THEY DROPPED THE CASE ALREADY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. NOW STATEN ISLAND TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER WANTS $500 FROM ME TO DROP THE TRANSFER CASE FOR TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS SO MAYBE THEY CAN WHAT ?? POSSIBLY NULL AND VOID WARRANTY. THEY ARE REQUESTING $4,000 TO DO THE JOB. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A PRIVATE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC I TRUST. THIS VEHICLE ISN'T ABUSED IM A 62 YEAR OLD WOMEN WHO BOUGHT THE CAR BECAUSE I HAVE A DOG AND NEEDED CARGO SPACE. *TR
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
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.
SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF ENGINE WHICH DID NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING. HIGH SPEED, TURNED OFF ENGINE IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP, BUT CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL IT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
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.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026