Toyota 4 runner problems
The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across five generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura.
The name "4Runner" was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as a play on the term "forerunner". The agency held contests to invent new names for Toyota's forthcoming vehicles. According to Toyota, the "4" described the vehicle's 4-wheel drive system while "Runner" was a reference to its all-terrain capabilities and how it could "run" off-road.
For some markets, the Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the similar Fortuner, which is based on the Hilux platform.
As of 2021, the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela. Many markets that did not receive the 4Runner, such as Europe and the Middle East, instead received the similarly designed Land Cruiser Prado, another SUV that shared many of the same components.
The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 3.9 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study.
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Toyota 4 runner model years
Common Toyota 4 runner problems
The Toyota 4Runner is a popular SUV known for its reliability and durability. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported across various model years.
One of the most common issues is related to the automatic transmission not shifting correctly at high mileage, which has been reported by hundreds of owners. This problem affects 23 different model years, with the majority of issues occurring between 125,000 and 150,000 miles. The throttle position sensor or shift solenoid may need adjustments or replacement to fix this issue.
Another common problem is related to the check engine light, which is often caused by the failure of the charcoal canister in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. This issue has been reported by around 78 people over nine model years, with an average mileage of 154,785.
The 2003-2005 fourth-generation 4Runner models have the most problems with rust buildup on the body and undercarriage, which is a significant issue for these model years. Additionally, the 2004 models have a significant problem with dashboard cracking, which can be caused by exposure to direct sunlight and may also prevent airbag deployment.
Transmission issues have also been reported in 4Runner model years from 1990 to 2016, which can result in rough shifting and loss of power. The culprit is often a faulty shift solenoid or throttle position sensor, both of which require replacement to fix.
Other common problems reported by owners include issues with the starter, front brake rotors wearing out prematurely, and the master cylinder on the brakes needing replacement. Some owners have also reported problems with the power steering pump at higher mileage.
Despite these common problems, the Toyota 4Runner is known for its long potential lifespan, with many models lasting over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and repairs. It is important for owners to stay up-to-date on routine maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise to ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle.
Is the Toyota 4Runner a reliable car?
A: Yes, with faithful care and maintenance, high-mileage 4Runners can still be very reliable. It's not uncommon to see these vehicles on the road with over 300,000 miles. However, know that high mileage vehicles are always a gamble – they may either be on their last mile or run for 100k miles more.
How long should a Toyota 4Runner last?
A Toyota 4Runner can reach 300,000 miles with meticulous maintenance but expect closer to 200,000 miles. The 4Runner is susceptible to Toyota's rust issues. Owners say rust and corrosion are common, and noticeable after only a few years on the road.
What is the best year for a Toyota 4Runner?
The best used Toyota 4Runner years according to generation are as follows. The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner received the least complaints from 2017 to 2021. In 2017, the complaints from customers dropped out of the double-digit range, and in 2021, only one complaint was lodged against it.
Are 4Runners high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota 4Runner is $514, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
Are you having problems with your Toyota 4 runner?
