294 of the
6,482 complaints filed about the Toyota 4RUNNER
are about the steering —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
The LKA system steers the vehicle into the oncoming lane of travel under specific and repeatable conditions. The defect occurs as follows: While the vehicle is traveling and the LKA system is following the left lane marking, the vehicle approaches a marked left-hand turn lane or turnout where no fog line is present on the right-hand side of the road. In this situation, the system abruptly attempts to steer the vehicle toward the turn lane. Because the turn lane is positioned to the left of the driver’s actual lane of travel, this steering input pulls the vehicle toward and into the oncoming lane of traffic. This steering intervention happens without warning and without any input from the driver. Given that it moves the vehicle into a lane carrying oncoming traffic, it presents a direct risk of a head-on collision. Manufacturer Response I contacted Toyota regarding this issue and was told that this behavior is normal, and that the system will use whatever lane marking is available to determine its steering path. Toyota did not indicate that a fix or software update was planned. I do not consider “the system follows whatever line it has” an acceptable explanation for a feature that actively steers a vehicle into oncoming traffic. Why This Is a Safety Defect 1.The system takes an abrupt steering action with no driver input and no warning. 2.The result of that action is movement into a lane used by oncoming traffic, which is the most dangerous possible outcome of a lane keep assist malfunction. 3.The condition that triggers this behavior (a marked left turn lane with no right-side fog line) is common on ordinary two-lane roads and is not something a driver can always anticipate or avoid. 4.The manufacturer has acknowledged the behavior exists and has characterized it as expected operation rather than a defect.
NHTSA complaint #11752643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I just had the tires road force balanced on a haweka with lug-centric balance, and the steering wheel persists shaking from 55-65 mph. From what I have seen is this is a design flaw on this generation of 4 runners called the shimmy. For a newer vehicle this is not only dangerous, but unacceptable to not be considered for a recall when it is this widespread.
NHTSA complaint #11741081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have experienced a persistent steering and suspension-related issue with my 2019 Toyota 4Runner since early ownership, beginning at approximately 6,800 miles. The vehicle repeatedly pulls/drifts to the right at highway speeds and requires constant steering correction. I have also experienced steering wheel vibration and instability, particularly at speeds above approximately 50–60 MPH. Over several years, the vehicle has undergone multiple alignments, tire rotations, balancing procedures, and dealership inspections; however, the condition has never been resolved. Toyota dealership records document abnormal tire wear including feathering and cupping. Recent service documentation states the alignment could only be adjusted “to best ability.” A prior independent inspection identified possible lower control arm bushing concerns. Despite this, the vehicle was reportedly operating “within factory specifications.” The condition has persisted through multiple sets of tires and repeated service visits. The ongoing steering pull, vibration, and instability create a safety concern during highway driving because the vehicle does not consistently track straight and requires repeated steering correction. The issue has been reproducible over multiple years and has not been permanently corrected despite repeated repair attempts and inspections. No warning lights were present at the time of the condition.
NHTSA complaint #11736154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2019 Toyota 4Runner has experienced an ongoing steering and suspension issue since early in its life. The vehicle required an alignment at approximately 6,800 miles and has required repeated alignments since. At approximately 48,000 miles, a separate repair facility identified lower control arm bushing concerns. The issue was not properly corrected, and the vehicle continued to require repeated alignment adjustments. At approximately 66,000+ miles, the condition remains unresolved and continues to affect steering stability. The vehicle can pull or require correction to maintain proper lane position during normal driving. There have been multiple repair attempts, but the root cause has not been identified or repaired. This condition may present a safety concern due to reduced steering stability and potential loss of proper vehicle control.
NHTSA complaint #11734421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Consistent steering wheel shake between 60-65 mph. This is a very well known issue on the 2010-2024 4Runners and it drives me and many others crazy, and feels unsafe to drive with. Will happen almost anytime I’m on the highway. My vehicle only has 48k miles. This needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11724239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While going around turns (left or right) over 30mph the vehicle has knocking that can be felt coming through the steering wheel. This is not the driver assist feedback. If the turn are longer (like highway on ramp) you can hear a slight clunk associated with the knocking that is felt.
NHTSA complaint #11722547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving the vehicle and suddenly the steering wheel started to getting hard to turn it and the dash board doesn’t show any failure I went right away to dealership close by they inspected the vehicle they states there is a power steering failure but the car never showed any failure on dashboard or safety system
NHTSA complaint #11721837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad
NHTSA complaint #11710152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took my 2019 Toyota 4 Runner Limited Edition for maintenance/repair and it was identified the entire under carriage and frame is rusting out creating safety issues. This vehicle has never has never been flooded or exposed to northern salted roads. The garage repair shop was afraid to repair the vehicle as they identified this is a huge safety issue. They could not understand that a 5 year old car with under 65K miles on it would have extensive rust damage and deemed it unsafe. They referred me to take it to the TOYOTA dealership and to call TOYOTA Brand Engagement Center headquarters to report the issue. That phone number is 1-800-331-4331. Apparently this is a known issue for TOYOTA 4Runners and other models under their brand as I found many complaints from owners on the web. I reached out to TOYOTA and they denied any awareness of an issue and responsibility. The case number is #[XXX]. They also told me I need to pay out of pocket to fix whatever the recommendation of the dealership provided to repair and fix. I was appalled at the quick and dismissiveness attitude without any additional further investigation and assistance to help out knowing this is not a normal case of rust for a car. I believe there is a defect and safety manufacturing issue on the vehicle even if is not a current recall and why I am reporting such a huge safety issue. So I took it to the TOYOTA dealership where they also agreed this is NOT normal wear and tear for a car of "length of time" and mileage on it and is a safety issue. They also spoke to the case manager at TOYOTA Brand Engagement Center and also denied them any assistance for repairing of the vehicle. The VIN# is [XXX] . I can provide photos of the damage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11634981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-Runner.
NHTSA complaint #11631443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
front skid plate rusted and corroded. fame rusted and corroded.suspension parts rusted and corroded.hole in fame.called Toyota of America in Texas told agent what the problem was.he told me no reports at this time on this make.also told me no solutions for this at this time.toyota had this problem with their Tacomas they settle lawsuits and made free repairs.12
NHTSA complaint #11631224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front timing cover and found that the part was leaking fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11587722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 to Toyota dealership to be serviced. Dealership called me to explain unable to do alignment, due to rear back frame excessive rusted through. Dealership advised waste of money to align new tires just purchased, unable to even do alignment and it was dangerous. Now what is to be done? This is my daily driver for work. How did this happen that its unsafe and dangerous to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11578947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] while driving approximately 60 mph on a straight smooth highway only about 4 miles from my home my 4 Runner started violently shaking. The whole vehicle was shaking like the wheels were going to fall off. The steering wheel was shaking and I was shaking due to the amount of vibration. I did not depress the brakes for fear it would flip and crash. I let off the accelerator to slow down carefully and find a spot to pull off the highway. As I got slower I checked the onboard tire pressure which indicated all tires were holding correct amounts of air. About 3/4 to a mile from the time the shaking started it stopped shaking and about a quarter mile later it did it one more time for a few seconds. After that it did not occur again. After making a couple stops along my day I was driving at about 40mph when the big red box that reads BREAK came on while the vehicle made a loud beeping noise over and over until the light went off. There were no vehicles in front of me to cause the anti collision alert to deploy. As of [XXX] Toyota of Fayetteville, Arkansas has my vehicle to check this issue. They are also replacing my front facing camera that has finally arrived after months of waiting for it to be delivered. It was found to be defective shortly after purchase August or September 2023. I only had the vehicle for a few weeks when the camera stopped working. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11574613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Car keeps running out of gas while driving, due to faulty readings on the gas gauge and electronic readout. I have been driving this car for 11 years and never ran out of gas until running out 3 times in the past 2 months. Today was the 3rd occurrence, gas gauge showed over 1/4 tank and 85 miles to go until empty. Previous incident was similar with 1/4 tank and showing 65 miles to go. (Pictures attached). The miles to go reading seems to be increasing with each incident (1st incident showed 25 miles, second incident 65 miles, then 85 miles today). No low fuel indicator light or warning has appeared on ANY of these 3 occasions. This is a very dangerous situation potentially causing loss of life as drivers have SECONDS to navigate their vehicle off the highway, while quickly losing speed and loss of steering. No indication that fuel is low, while instead providing incorrect (inflated) dashboard data. Vehicle is going into the shop tomorrow. Found multiple reports of this same incident on [XXX] [XXX] ) which indicate problem with sending unit. Please review and consider further action or communication to other 4Runner owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11558871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have taken my car to Mountain states Toyota as well as corwin toyota for a tripped light it has to do with vehicle stability system it trips leaving the vehicle stability option not usable. I have told both dealers not to just reset the code however this is what’s happening and they don’t seem to know why it’s doing this. we have repaired the knock sensors and speed sensors. It feels unsafe driving when this trips when road conditions call for all wheel drive. the technician can’t figure it out why. their only solution is to keep resetting. This is not the option I want I need it repaired and they don’t seem to want to do it or figure out and give us options on repair.
NHTSA complaint #11556430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Around 50-55mph, shake can be felt in the steering wheel. Possible needle bearing? Common complaint yet Toyota states it is operating "normal". Steering wheel shake is not normal. This has occurred since I purchased the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11552450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.