Owners have filed 116 complaints
about the 2015 Toyota 4RUNNER with NHTSA between 2015 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Toyota 4RUNNER. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 80
47% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
45.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
912.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1418.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2432.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1621.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
45.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
34.0%
150,000+ miles
11.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2015 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD
24.6% risk
2015 Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD
24.6% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2015peak 6Sep 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Toyota 4RUNNER
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2015 Toyota 4RUNNER
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V012000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V741000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V005000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
17V763000
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
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.
Risk: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
17V425000
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
16V577000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
16V228000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 22, 2014, to March 23, 2016 and equipped with accessories installed by Gulf States. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
15V515000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 2020514126,597 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls SRC R95/SRC R96 and SRC RA2/SRC RA3 (Transport Canada Recall Numbers 2020-005 and 2020-088). Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
Recall 2020088111,835 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall SRC R95/SRC R96 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-005) Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
Recall 2019008376,282 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag inflator or airbag module replaced. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rogers, ARCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was just in my second front end collision and for the second time, my front airbags did not deploy. The first instance, I hit a deer head on going 75 mph on the interstate. Last week, I T-bone F150 at 35mph - hard enough to make that truck spin around - and had injuries to my head, knee, and hand, and yet the airbag did not deploy once again. In both cases, my car sustained over $10,000 and damage to the front end.
NHTSA complaint #11582973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pampa, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
My 4 runner was hit on the passenger side while crossing a intersection. The truck that hit my 4 runner was going at least 40 miles per hr and was a heavy duty pickup truck. On impact the airbags did NOT deploy but the 4 runner went haywire.
NHTSA complaint #11515049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesBuffalo, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP ON A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO IMPACT THE VEHICLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, SHOULD AND BACK INJURIES. THE CONTACT DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AS WELL AS WAS SOUGHT PHYSICAL AND CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY. THE CONTACT STATED THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BUT WAS UNAWARE IF ANYONE WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION SHOP TO HAVE REPAIRS COMPLETED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER NORTHTOWN TOYOTA (1135 MILLERSPORT HWY, AMHERST, NY 14226) WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 4 MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11315637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutler BAY, FLCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
MY HUSBAND PARKED THE CAR ON A HILL IN FRONT OF A GAS STATION AND I STAYED IN THE CAR SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT JUST ROLLED DOWN THE HILL, CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO A PARKED CAR GETTING GAS, I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS IT ROLLED TOWARDS A GAS PUMP , SLAMMED ON TO PUMP GUARD. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT ME WHEN I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR.POLICE REPORT FILED
NHTSA complaint #11194428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutler BAY, FLCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY HUSBAND PARKED THE CAR ON A HILL IN FRONT OF A GAS STATION AND I STAYED IN THE CAR SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT JUST ROLLED DOWN THE HILL, CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO A PARKED CAR GETTING GAS, I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS IT ROLLED TOWARDS A GAS PUMP , SLAMMED ON TO PUMP GUARD. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT ME WHEN I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR.POLICE REPORT FILED
NHTSA complaint #11194428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutler BAY, FLCrash1 injured
ENGINE
MY HUSBAND PARKED THE CAR ON A HILL IN FRONT OF A GAS STATION AND I STAYED IN THE CAR SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT JUST ROLLED DOWN THE HILL, CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO A PARKED CAR GETTING GAS, I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS IT ROLLED TOWARDS A GAS PUMP , SLAMMED ON TO PUMP GUARD. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT ME WHEN I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR.POLICE REPORT FILED
NHTSA complaint #11194428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Saipan, MP
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Drove the car on empty tank and I had issues the following day after I refilled $60 gas.Car stalling/ hard to turn on, doesn’t stay on.
NHTSA complaint #11688562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cromwell, CT
SUSPENSION
Front Coil Spring Cracking (TRD Pro Models) I observed cracking of the front coil spring, a design defect in the spring's termination and how it sits on the top hat and bottom perch. This can lead to a sudden loss of control and a crash. Furthermore, pieces of the broken spring coil can fly out underneath the vehicle and cause serious injury to person and/or damage property, when vehicle is driven at highway speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11666476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GA
ENGINE
My transmission went off with no warnings and my vehicle has been serviced at the Toyota dealer since I bought it and they never mentioned to me there was an issue with my transmission which is very odd. So I was wondering is this is normal or if there others owners with the same problem. Now I don’t have a vehicle because the transmission is in back order and I can’t even get a rental car because it wasn’t an accident or a recall. So I would like for you to look into this issue for this Toyota model.
NHTSA complaint #11660130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,400 milesOrinda, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that on four occasions while diving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 10 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,400.
NHTSA complaint #11620980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rogers, ARCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was just in my second front end collision and for the second time, my front airbags did not deploy. The first instance, I hit a deer head on going 75 mph on the interstate. Last week, I T-bone F150 at 35mph - hard enough to make that truck spin around - and had injuries to my head, knee, and hand, and yet the airbag did not deploy once again. In both cases, my car sustained over $10,000 and damage to the front end.
NHTSA complaint #11582973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnstown, NY
STEERING
All of a sudden it was so difficult to steer I ended up off my driveway and almost took out my chain link fence. Two hands on left side of the steering wheel and yanked with all my strength. Then across my drive to the left. If this had happened turning onto a highway someone could have been killed.
NHTSA complaint #11573296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lone Tree, CO
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The door lock actuators have failed on both the driver side and passenger side front doors. Unfortunately this is a know issue across this model along with others and can be found in several forums. The problem is that the actuator gets stuck and at one point I was locked inside my car and once I was locked outside my car. If there was an emergency it could put mine and others safety at risk if the lock fails. The vehicle was inspected by Toyota who stated the actuators need to be replaced at $805 a piece and will not fix it themselves even though it is a known problem. This happened within the last month.
NHTSA complaint #11557501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keaau, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rusted Frame and radiator support cross member!
NHTSA complaint #11549070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pampa, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
My 4 runner was hit on the passenger side while crossing a intersection. The truck that hit my 4 runner was going at least 40 miles per hr and was a heavy duty pickup truck. On impact the airbags did NOT deploy but the 4 runner went haywire.
NHTSA complaint #11515049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor, NY
STEERING
Steering shudder at 58-70 MPH has become almost unbearable. No warning lights whatsoever - ever! Vehicle has had this issue since 30K miles (110K currently) and Toyota always is "unable to replicate the issue" or tells people this is common on the 4 Runners and Tacoma's. I won't go to dealers anymore since Toyota knows it's a problem and they direct the dealers not to report to keep the issue cluster diluted. Any visible wheel shake, no matter what speed should not be considered "common". Just replaced all 4 tires with Pirelli Scorpions, did the recommended Toyota road force balance and had everything aligned. Doesn't drive any differently than with the old tires and out of alignment. Perhaps if the Toyota brass had to drive their OWNfamily in this vehicle, they would take a different position. Guess it will unfortunately take some highway fatalities in these vehicles before manufacturer or governments act. I'm praying for a class-action suit as there are 1000s of 4 Runner customers experiencing the same issue. Many of whom have sold at a loss just to get away from an unsafe vehicle. First Toyota I've owned and it will be the last.
NHTSA complaint #11506610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walpole, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Three of the four locks do not work on a consistent basis. The fourth lock works on occasion. Neither the key fob or the actual key will open the doors on the vehicle. The front driver door lock was replaced while under warranty, but broke again in under a month. The front passenger door lock was replaced at an out of pocket cost, but it also in a stopped working in a matter of weeks. There are times when the only access to the vehicle is through the trunk. The safety for all passengers is at risk because you cannot enter the vehicle in case of emergency or even on a daily basis. Also, the locks may not work when you are inside the vehicle and need to exit. This is an extreme safety issue in case of emergency. The locks have been replaced twice and the dealer acknowledged there is an issue with this year and model. The locks were inspected by the Toyota dealership when they had to be replaced. It is a well known defect which is commented on countless vehicle websites. There were no warning messages, the locks just stopped working. The date listed below is an approximation. I am aware of the year.
NHTSA complaint #11474476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morris Plains, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
Noticed the frame on the passenger side of the vehicle is rusting and I’m concerned about a safety issue. I know there was a rust-related class action on earlier model Toyota’s. The rust is most prevalent on the solder joints, which has me concerned about driving safety.
NHTSA complaint #11468597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berea, OH
SUSPENSION
'The "KDSS" (kinetic dynamic suspension system) valve located on the frame under the driver's door had corroded to the point where the oil in the system had begun to leak out. The warning light did come on the dashboard days prior to the leak. Vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership, where they assessed there was low pressure in the system. The service advisor advised that if the system loses all the fluid, the suspension and handling may be affected when steering or braking at high speeds or when making sharp turns.
NHTSA complaint #11465154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ballston Lake, NY
STEERING
Steering wheel shake and vibration at approximately 55-65mph. Alignment and multiple wheel balancing appointments have not fixed this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11445060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SUSPENSION
This is our third Toyota 4Runner with the "X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension System". There has been some type of failure of this system on all 3 of the 4Runners we have owned. The latest problem with this suspension system on our 2015 4Runner was discovered during a Toyota dealership service appointment at 42,091 miles. It was recommended the full X-REAS system, front and rear shocks with lines and actuators be completely replaced since both front shocks are leaking fluid at a cost of $4,000. Since this is our third 4Runner with this suspension and related problems it is our fear that this suspension system might fail when driving and possibly cause an incident with who knows what could happen. We have brought this to the attention of the Toyota Customer Experience Center and in communication with them they offered to minimally assist financially with repairs, but provided no acknowledgement as to our experience with three 4Runners and this problem plagued suspension system we have encountered. We declined their assistance since we felt repairing this system and possibly in two or three years being faced with similar repair bills it would be a waste of money on their part as well as ours. In the meantime we continue to drive this vehicle as we need it and we are hopeful that our safety will not be compromised.
NHTSA complaint #11442519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Toyota 4 runner had a recall for the fuel pump. I have been having starting issues with it ever since. The power is good and the starter tries to turn the vehicle over. But the vehicle won't start. I have taken it to multiple locations for service through out the chicago land area. Also once the vehicle finally does start. The R.P.M.s will suddenly increase and decrease to the point that the vehicle turns off while in drive. I can provide print outs when the vehicle gets fixed, if ever. I purchased the vehicle as CPO.
NHTSA complaint #11434690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
AIR BAGS
THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT RESPONSIVE TO OUR REQUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11384748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 255,884 milesBroadway, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL PUMP FAILED DURING DRIVING WHICH WAS DESCRIBED IN A RECALL BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX OR REIMBURSE THE REPAIR
NHTSA complaint #11363259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesCovington, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT CONTACTED KERRY TOYOTA SERVICE FLORENCE (6050 HOPEFUL CHURCH RD, FLORENCE, KY 41042; (859) 371-1518) AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE PASSENGER'S SIDE LOCK ACTUATOR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11362165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,700 milesYuma, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CHILDREN AND I ALMOST DIED TWICE! 4 RUNNER ALMOST CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 9/24/20, 6:15 PMISH, VEHICLE IN MOTION FOR APPROXIMATELY OVER AN HOUR, 70MPH CRUISE CONTROL SET, BEGINNING TO CLIMB UP A LARGE MOUNTAIN WESTBOUND INTERSTATE 8. ENGINE HESITATES/STALLS BRIEFLY, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, CAR SHUDDERED, WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ONLY LASTED SECONDS. AT A SLOWER SPEED ENGINE BACK UP AND ALL WAS FINE, ASSUMED IT WAS NOT A MAJOR ISSUE. CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS AT SAME HIGHER SPEEDS AND FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. 9/26/20, AROUND 6:30 PM, VEHICLE IN MOTION FOR OVER AN HOUR, ABOUT 70MPH FLOW OF TRAFFIC, NOT IN CRUISE CONTROL, FLAT ROAD, EASTBOUND INTERSTATE 8, LEFT LANE OF 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC. ENGINE STALLS/HESITATES FOR ABOUT 10 LONG SECONDS, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, ALMOST RAN INTO BARRICADE ON LEFT, ALMOST RAN INTO CAR ON RIGHT, LUCKILY NO ONE BEHIND US. SAW BLACKISH SMOKE OUT REARVIEW MIRROR. LOUD SOUNDS, SHAKING AND GRINDING. AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND CRYING/SCREAMING KIDS, ENGINE NO LONGER STALLED AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE TO TURN ON HAZARDS. WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE! SAFETY EXITED, CONTACTED TOYOTA SERVICE TO INFORM THEM. VEHICLE TOWED 161 MILES TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND WERE READY TO RELEASE IT TO US. BACK STORY, MOST ALL SERVICE PERFORMED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DID WHAT WAS SUGGESTED. 8/31/20 TOYOTA POWAY INSTALLED FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL (PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NO ISSUE, THIS WAS PREVENTATIVE) A WEEK LATER ENGINE LIGHT ON, ALEXANDER TOYOTA, FINDS MY SAFETY RECALLED PART WAS INCORRECTLY SECURED/INSTALLED. THEY FIXED IT AND RETURNED THE CAR. SINCE THE FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL PART WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING ENGINE HESITATION/STALLS, OUR VEHICLE IS UNSAFE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OF DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #11361932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,700 milesYuma, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CHILDREN AND I ALMOST DIED TWICE! 4 RUNNER ALMOST CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 9/24/20, 6:15 PMISH, VEHICLE IN MOTION FOR APPROXIMATELY OVER AN HOUR, 70MPH CRUISE CONTROL SET, BEGINNING TO CLIMB UP A LARGE MOUNTAIN WESTBOUND INTERSTATE 8. ENGINE HESITATES/STALLS BRIEFLY, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, CAR SHUDDERED, WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ONLY LASTED SECONDS. AT A SLOWER SPEED ENGINE BACK UP AND ALL WAS FINE, ASSUMED IT WAS NOT A MAJOR ISSUE. CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS AT SAME HIGHER SPEEDS AND FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. 9/26/20, AROUND 6:30 PM, VEHICLE IN MOTION FOR OVER AN HOUR, ABOUT 70MPH FLOW OF TRAFFIC, NOT IN CRUISE CONTROL, FLAT ROAD, EASTBOUND INTERSTATE 8, LEFT LANE OF 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC. ENGINE STALLS/HESITATES FOR ABOUT 10 LONG SECONDS, LOSS OF POWER STEERING, ALMOST RAN INTO BARRICADE ON LEFT, ALMOST RAN INTO CAR ON RIGHT, LUCKILY NO ONE BEHIND US. SAW BLACKISH SMOKE OUT REARVIEW MIRROR. LOUD SOUNDS, SHAKING AND GRINDING. AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND CRYING/SCREAMING KIDS, ENGINE NO LONGER STALLED AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE TO TURN ON HAZARDS. WE ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE! SAFETY EXITED, CONTACTED TOYOTA SERVICE TO INFORM THEM. VEHICLE TOWED 161 MILES TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND WERE READY TO RELEASE IT TO US. BACK STORY, MOST ALL SERVICE PERFORMED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DID WHAT WAS SUGGESTED. 8/31/20 TOYOTA POWAY INSTALLED FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL (PRIOR TO THIS I HAD NO ISSUE, THIS WAS PREVENTATIVE) A WEEK LATER ENGINE LIGHT ON, ALEXANDER TOYOTA, FINDS MY SAFETY RECALLED PART WAS INCORRECTLY SECURED/INSTALLED. THEY FIXED IT AND RETURNED THE CAR. SINCE THE FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL PART WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING ENGINE HESITATION/STALLS, OUR VEHICLE IS UNSAFE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OF DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #11361932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCreston, CA
SUSPENSION
I HAVE HAD 3 SETS OF TIRES ON MY 4RUNNER AND EACH SET HAS WORN DOWN PREMATURLY DESPITE PURCHASING GOOD QUALITY TIRES WITH A 60K MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED AT THE REQUIRED SERVICE INTERVALS AND AS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STAY ALIGNED VERY LONG. I EVEN WENT TO MULTIPLE TIRE SHOPS TO GET DIFFERENT OPINIONS. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MULTIPLE TIRE SHOPS THAT THE 4RUNNERS ARE DIFFICULT TO ADJUST AND DO NOT HOLD AN ALIGNMENT. EACH SET OF 60K WARRANTY TIRES ONLY LASTED 30K MILES AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET ANY REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND AN OVERALL ROUGH RIDE. WHEN I DRIVE OVER 6OK MILES PER HOUR THE SHAKE AND ROUGH RIDE IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND DISAPPOINTING IN SUCH AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11355054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCreston, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE THE COMPUTER SCREEN REAR VIEW CAMERA IMAGE BECOMES BLURY, THE IMAGE SHAKES RAPIDLY AND STATIC WITH NEON LINES WOULD APPEAR DISTORTING THE CAMERA FOOTAGE. IT MADE THE REAR CAMERA SCREEN VIEW UNUSABLE AND UNRELIABLE. THIS HAPPENED OFF AND ON FOR OVER 2 YEARS AND DURING EACH SERVICE I WOULD ASK TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY WOULD TELL ME THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THAT THEY UPDATED THE COMPUTER CHIP AND IT "SHOULD BE GOOD". THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO VIDEO TAPE THE PROBLEM AND SHOWED THE VIDEO TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE HAD ME SEND HIM MY VIDEO AND SAID HE NEEDED TO TALK TO CORPORATE. AFTER 2 MONTHS AND MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS TO HIM HE SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN OTHER VEHICLES AT OTHER DEALERSHIPS AND CORPORATE APPROVED HIM TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER FREE OF CHARGE SINCE MY CONCERNS HAD BEEN DOCUMENTED AT MANY SERVICE INTERVALS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN HOW LONG IT TOOK TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND AGREE TO DO THE REPAIR. I HAD TO GET VERY ASSERTIVE AND PERSISTENT IN ORDER TO GET THEM TO LISTEN TO MY CONCERNS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I WANTED TO DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM IN CASE ANYONE ELSE MAY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #11355050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesCreston, CA
SEATS
THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT PLASTIC SKIRTING CLIPS BROKE CAUSING THE SEAT SKIRTING TO TWIST UPWARD AGAINST THE DRIVERS LEG. SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW WHERE THE POWER SEAT WILL MOVE MORE THAN THE PLASTIC CLIPS CAN HANDLE RESULTING IN WEAR THEN BROKEN CLIPS. TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA REPLACED THE SKIRTING WHILE THE VEHICLE WHILE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. ONE MONTH LATER THE CLIPS BROKE AGAIN. TOYOTA OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA TOLD ME THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THIS AND IT WOULD JUST CONTINUE TO HAPPEN AND A SECOND REPLACEMENT WOULD NOT BE APPROVED.
NHTSA complaint #11355047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
SUSPENSION
THIS IS A TOYOTA LIMITED MODEL THAT HAS A PROPRIETARY XREAS SUSPENSION. THIS CAR HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED AT THE INTERVALS RECOMMENDED BY TOYOTA AT THEIR DEALERSHIP. AT APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES THE SERVICE TECH FOUND THAT ALL FOUR STRUTS WERE LEAKING AND REQUIRED $4,500 TO REPAIR AND REPLACE. A VISIT TO A SECOND DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE DIAGNOSTIC OUTCOME PROVIDED BY THE FIRST DEALER. I CONTACTED TOYOTA WHO STATED THE WARRANTY HAD LAPSED AND EXPRESSED NO DESIRE TO INVESTIGATE WHY AT 55,000 THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM SEALS AT ALL FOUR WHEELS WOULD FAIL. CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL OUTLINED SIMILAR EXPERIENCES. THE SUSPENSION BECAME A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT BECAME SO SOFT CERTAIN EMERGENCY MANEUVERS WOULD LIKELY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. WHEN I HAD THE SYSTEM REPLACED I DIRECTED THAT ALL THE REMOVED PARTS BE RETURNED TO ME AND I HAVE THEM SAVED FOR POSSIBLE INSPECTION. I ALSO HAVE PHOTOS OF THE STRUTS TAKEN DURING THE ORIGINAL INSPECTION. I BELIEVE THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND DEFECTIVE. TOYOTA SEEMED TO POSSIBLY ADDRESS THIS IN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #T-SB-0145-11. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR POOR DESIGN AND PROVIDE FREE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT TO ITS PRODUCT OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #11354918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.