88 of the
6,482 complaints filed about the Toyota 4RUNNER
are about the wheels —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
As a capable Vehicle of towing 6000 lbs off road. The spare is a temporary spare with warnings to drive at max 50 mph no longer 50 miles. This a truck body on frame. The Limited 4runner is equipped with the Temporary while the same exact truck in the Platinum Trim, both with stock 20 inch wheels , is a Full Size Spare. Logic and safety concerns make it a dangerous situation!
NHTSA complaint #11754457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
**Vehicle:** 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5- -700Miles I am reporting a persistent vibration issue that appears to come from the engine bay and is transmitted through the driver's side floorboard into the driver's left foot and leg. The vibration is most noticeable when the transmission is engaged and the vehicle is under load. If the transmission is disengaged while the vehicle is still moving, the vibration disappears, even though the driveshaft, axles, and other drivetrain components are still rotating. This suggests the issue may be related to the engine or transmission rather than the tires or other rotating components. My daily one-way commute is approximately 30 minutes. By the time I arrive at work, I experience a noticeable vibration sensation in both feet, especially my left foot. The sensation continues for more than an hour after driving and is concerning enough that I believe it could have health implications if the issue continues over time. I have found reports from other owners describing similar vibration concerns, which suggests this may not be an isolated incident. I believe this issue deserves investigation because continuous vibration transmitted directly to the driver's foot and leg can affect driver comfort and may have potential health and safety implications during extended driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this condition represents a broader vehicle defect requiring investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11753918 — 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.
70k mile tires only lasted 45k miles. Tires were worn on the insides after rotations every 5k miles. After changing tires, an alignment and inspection demonstrated the front struts were sagging. 4Runner equipped with XREAS.
NHTSA complaint #11682702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] I was driving my '24 4Runner Limited with factory installed Yokohama Geolander G96 245 60 20 tires and had the driver side rear tire inner sidewall blow out. There was nothing in the road that could've hit the rear tire after missing the front tire. I called Yokohama IAW their warranty procedure. They said I'd have to take it to the dealership for inspection to see if it was defective. Called my dealership and got an appt, drove 50 miles to the dealer only to have the service rep spend MAYBE 20 seconds looking at the tire to say "it was hit by something" even though there is zero evidence of a puncture - Picture included. He didn't even dismount it to inspect the inner sidewall. He pointed at some marks on the wheel (NOT THE TIRE) saying something hit it there - ALL 5 wheels on the vehicle have the exact same CASTING MARKS - Pictures included. In fact, he spent more time questioning me about not having the dealer's "wheel/tire package" and then getting a quote to sell me a $428 tire instead of properly inspecting my tire. He even allowed my Limited rim to fall over on it's face! There are numerous pages of evidence showing that Yokohoma has an extended history of problems with this specific line of tires, as well as some of their other lines. "Since 2010, there have been 3 major tire recalls by Yokohama. Two of these are related to “inadequate markings”. The other recall involved a problem with the geometry of the tire itself. These tires had “irregular geometry” that made it more likely that the sidewall would give and blow out while the car was in motion. By “irregular geometry” Yokohama was referring to the fact that the interior of the tire’s sidewalls was not of uniform thickness. I read one article to the service rep and he immediately blew it off as "totally different circumstance", again repeating that mine was hit by something. This service rep was more interested in selling a tire than trying to find out what happened with mine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC
NHTSA complaint #11616089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Static tire failure of the left rear tire. OEM Nitto ridge grappler dot# [XXX] ; 265/70r17. Parked car and was inside a church for an hour. No issues with tire, all 4 tpms pressures read 37 psi. When returning to the vehicle noticed the flat, changed on the spot with the full size spare. It appears as though the sidewall structure/belt failed, taking the rubber with it. Tear is on the inside of the mounted wheel, and is inconsistent with a cut or puncture from a foreign object. I will save the failed tire if you guys would like it for analysis. I want to emphasize, no additional damage to the structure from vehicle movement, satic failure, and the belt was stressed/cycled once as the vehicles weight was lowered as air pressure went to zero and removed as the vehicle was raised for removal and replacement. Vehicle has never been used for 4 wheeling, and no more than a few miles accrued from off pavement driving. Only tow mileage is approximately 400 to 500 with a dual jet ski trailer (gross trailer weight: 2500 lbs) Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11565415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took the vehicle in 3/19/2021 @ 6076 Mileage for a steering wheel shake, the dealer has tried numerous times to fix it by trying to balance the tire and rotate the tires, it only masks the problem and the steering wheel shake comes back. The shake can happen at any MPH. I finally took it to another shop called discount tire and dynamic 4x4 alignment. Discount tire said there was coupling in the stock tires Nitto Grappler, so I replaced the tires with Michelin Defenders this only masked the problem. On 9/25/2023 a local Toyota Technician and I took a ride together to see if he could duplicate the problem. At 67 and 68 we were able to duplicate the problem when the steering wheel shook the passenger side of the car shook. The technician and I swapped and I was able to duplicate the problem as well. I was stopped at a red light and took off after the tires were warmed up. When I reached 67 or 68 mph the steering wheel began to shake and he confirm that the vehicle shook too on the passenger side. I have experienced shaking in the steering wheel previously but now its being felt in the vehicle too. Toyota sent out a technician on the last issue and I was told they found something and then I was told there was nothing. Please see notes below as I have documented every occurrence and can provide maintenance documentation too.
NHTSA complaint #11546416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car shakes when going at speeds as low as 48 mph and as high as 68 mph that I know of. Typically, it shakes heaviest from the mid-50 mph range to the mid-60 mph range. I rarely Drive the full speed limit for energy conservation reasons, so I cannot tell you how much higher it goes on the range. The car has had the wheels rebalanced three times (installation, upon purchase from the dealer and on a take back to the dealership), the alignment has been checked twice and I have spoken to the tire manufacturer about the tires being the cause of this. I took the tires into an authorized retailer to no avail. With everything checked, including a road force balancing of the tires, my 4Runner still shakes disturbingly. I called a service advisor at another Toyota dealership today (they were not the seller). In describing the problem to him, he cut me off and said it is a known problem. He went on to share that the dealership had been in contact with Toyota Corporate. It is disturbing for me as a driver, my passengers and from an engineering standpoint; shaking can never be good. It could easily cause premature and unnecessary wear to drive, suspension and steering parts. It could lead to a serious and fatal accident over time. The shaking, I imagine, could also lead to a problem in less than ideal driving conditions such as rain, snow or ice as well.
NHTSA complaint #11507249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bought the vehicle brand new and have been dealing with a steering wheel/vehicle shake ever since. The vehicle feels out of control around 55-65mph(like death wobble) and the ride is rough at any speed over 50mph. This has been a serious issue on the highway with instances of crossing lanes because of lack of control over steering. No warning lights have ever come on. Been to the dealership many times complaining about the issue just to be told that the "problem can't be replicated". I have taken it to several tire shops as well to have the wheels/tires balanced but nothing seems to help. I even bought new wheels and tires just to see if this was the cause and still no solution. This is a serious problem that thousands of 4Runner owners are experiencing and Toyota needs to get to the bottom of this. This absolutely should not be happening on brand new/modern day vehicles. I believe this is a multivariate issue causing the shake - a mix between wheel/tire balance, steering column, and possibly the drive shaft/differential/CV components. The problem must be big if Toyota continues to deny the problem year after year after year.
NHTSA complaint #11481939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The undercarriage of my truck is so rusted, that parts are starting to fail. I can not install new tires on the truck at this point until $3000 of rust-damaged parts are replaced and possible frame replaced. I was told that the damage is so extensive, the costs outweigh the repairs, and that in the near future the truck will not be driveable.
NHTSA complaint #11463313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that he noticed corrosion underneath the vehicle and on the lug nuts. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to locate any failure on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to second local dealer, Clearwater Toyota (21799 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33765: (800) 667-9051) and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing multiple unknown components and serial bolts to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. Toyota case number is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11460675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anytime you go above 60mph the car and steering wheel shake pretty violently. If you take your foot off the gas it goes away temporarily. The same happens at times when braking, the car and steering wheel will shake. Tires have been balanced, rotated, and replaced with no improvement. This seems to be a well known and wide spread problem with Toyota offering no real solution. The vehicle seems hard to control and could be dangerous at speeds above 60. I am around 50,000 miles on my 4Runner and the problem seems to have started when my tires were replaced a few months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11439485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have noticed that my vehicle doesn’t seem to be balance and most of the time i am afraid the tires will fall off by the movement of the vehicle. And the metal parts that attachment part it looks very bad on the metal parts like it rusted so bad. I hope they will be able to figure out whats wrong and if i am the only one who is experiencing this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11436237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Steering wheel shimmy and shake from around 55-63mph. Intermittently happens but is very well documented across forums. This affects 4runners that are brand new, and there is no clear answer to a fix.
NHTSA complaint #11418568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I BOUGHT A 2021 4RUNNER LATE APRIL OF 2021. I REPORTED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A BALANCE CHECK. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHILE THEY WHERE IN THE PROCESS OF BALANCING THE TECH BROKE 2 CENTER CAPS. I WILL SETTING UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP RECHECK AND ALIGNMENT. I'VE READ REPORTS WHERE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE WITH A LOT OF 4 RUNNERS. I'M DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WELL THERE. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I REALLY LOVE THE VEHICLE BUT AT 60-65MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND THE 4RUNNER WANTS TO PULL TO THE RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #11415750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRE PRESSURE WAS 56 PSI ON ALL FOUR TIRES; MEASURED ON THREE DIFFERENT GAUGES. BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/T TIRES WITH WRITING 'NEVER EXCEED 40 PSI'. NEW CAR PURCHASED 13 DAYS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #11384945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
75 MPH IMPACT ON INTERSTATE, 4 RUNNER COMPLETE LOSS. ENGINE PROTRUDED INTO FOOT WELL AND NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. INJURIES INCLUDE - CONCUSSIONS, BROKEN NOSE, HEAD LACERATIONS, HEAD AND NECK PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11363235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN MY BACK LEFT TIRE FRAME BROKE APART. THIS IS WHEN I NOTICED SEVERE RUST ON MY FRAME. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND I COULD HAVE BEEN A DEADLY CRASH. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND FILED CASE #2006012210 AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT QUALIFIED FOR THE FRAME TO BE REPLACED AT THEIR EXPENSE. THEY KNOW ALL ABOUT THE 2005-2011 4RUNNERS THAT SUFFER FROM CORROSION SO SEVERE THE WEAKENED FRAMES MAKE IT DANGEROUS TO RIDE IN THE SUVS. I AM LUCK TO BE ALIVE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR NEGLIGENCE. DO THEY NEED SOMEONE TO DIE TO TAKE ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #11360891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.