← New search

2019 Toyota 4RUNNER

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota 4RUNNER do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 58.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all 4RUNNER years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

26 reports with mileage · 39 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

65 reports
1 miles · Dec 17, 2019
Power Train

THIS BRAND NEW 4RUNNER MAKES LOUD GROANING SOUND FROM THE FIRST DAY UNTIL NOW, EVERY TIME WHEN TRANSFERRING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR DRIVE TO REVERSE ON A HILL ROAD, NO MATTER AN ALLEY OR A PARKING WAY. PEOPLE WHO HEARD OF IT SAID IT SHOULD BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND IT'S BAD. BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING INSIDE IS BEING …

Read full complaint

THIS BRAND NEW 4RUNNER MAKES LOUD GROANING SOUND FROM THE FIRST DAY UNTIL NOW, EVERY TIME WHEN TRANSFERRING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE OR DRIVE TO REVERSE ON A HILL ROAD, NO MATTER AN ALLEY OR A PARKING WAY. PEOPLE WHO HEARD OF IT SAID IT SHOULD BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND IT'S BAD. BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING INSIDE IS BEING BROKEN AND NOT SURE WHEN IT'S TOTALLY DEAD SUDDENLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE CONTROL. I DON'T KNOW CAR. I DIDN'T LET ANY MECHANIC TOUCH IT YET BECAUSE I'M LOOKING FOR A THIRD PARTY LEGALLY TO CHECK IT AND THEIR REPORT WOULD BE ALSO ACCEPTED BY TOYOTA. SO I DON'T HAVE ANY REPORT ABOUT THE PROBLEM NOW AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO EITHER. BUT I REALLY WANT TO KNOW HOW BAD IT IS AND IF IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY A TOYOTA MECHANIC THAT ANOTHER CUSTOMER WHO PURCHASED 4RUNNER TOO FROM THE SAME DEALERSHIP SHOP COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS SOUND TOO. SO I REPORT IT HERE. HOPE YOU CAN HELP! I HAVE OVER DOZEN RECORDS OF THE SOUND, I'D LIKE TO SENT THEM BY EMAIL OR MAIL TO YOU. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ODI #11289551

9,500 miles · Dec 12, 2019
Unknown Or OtherInjury

BY DESIGN, WHICH TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA INC. ACKNOWLEDGES, THE 2019 4RUNNER SR5 WINDSHIELD AND FRONT WINDOW DEFROST FUNCTIONS WITH EXTERNAL AIR ONLY, AND WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH RECIRCULATED VEHICLE CABIN AIR. THIS EXPOSES VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS EXTERNAL AIR CONDITIONS DURING WINTER DRIVING. I'VE PERSONALL…

Read full complaint

BY DESIGN, WHICH TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA INC. ACKNOWLEDGES, THE 2019 4RUNNER SR5 WINDSHIELD AND FRONT WINDOW DEFROST FUNCTIONS WITH EXTERNAL AIR ONLY, AND WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH RECIRCULATED VEHICLE CABIN AIR. THIS EXPOSES VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS EXTERNAL AIR CONDITIONS DURING WINTER DRIVING. I'VE PERSONALLY BEEN EXPOSED TO THIS HEALTH HAZARD ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE OPERATING THE 4RUNNER WINDSHIELD DEFROST HVAC IN INCLEMENT WEATHER: IN HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC AND EXPOSED TO VEHICLE EXHAUST-LADEN EXTERNAL AIR, AND IN MOUNTAIN WINTER DRIVING AND EXPOSED TO EXTERNAL DIESEL EXHAUST FROM SNOW REMOVAL VEHICLES. AS AN ASTHMA SUFFERER SUCH EXPOSURE DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE IS A HEALTH RISK. ON AT LEAST ONE OCCASION I'VE EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS DUE TO THIS 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DESIGN DEFECT. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT CONTINUED EXPOSURE AND RELATED HEALTH HAZARDS FOR ME AND OTHER VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WHILE OPERATING A INTEGRAL VEHICLE FEATURE, ONE THAT IS NECESSARY FOR SAFE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ODI #11288605

7,983 miles · Oct 30, 2019
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE AS THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON MCGILL TOYOTA (11800 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77079, (281) 496-2000) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN OBJECT STRUCK THE SUN ROOF. THE SUN ROOF WAS REPLACED. THE MAN…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE AS THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON MCGILL TOYOTA (11800 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77079, (281) 496-2000) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN OBJECT STRUCK THE SUN ROOF. THE SUN ROOF WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE ADHERING TO THE DEALER'S REPORT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,983.

NHTSA ODI #11277115

5,300 miles · Jun 12, 2019
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A HIGH-PITCHED WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR AXLE. EACH TIME THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE WHINING NOISE OCCURRED. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE WHINING NOISE WENT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIG TWO TOYOTA OF CHANDLER (LOCATED…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, A HIGH-PITCHED WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR AXLE. EACH TIME THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE WHINING NOISE OCCURRED. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE WHINING NOISE WENT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIG TWO TOYOTA OF CHANDLER (LOCATED AT 1250 S GILBERT RD, CHANDLER, AZ 85286, (480) 989-6000) WHERE IT WAS TEST DRIVEN. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE PINION GEAR WAS NOT ASSEMBLED PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ASKED WHY THE WHINING NOISE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE TORQUE BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1904182303. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,300.

NHTSA ODI #11219602

3 miles · May 20, 2019
Visibility/wiper

MY MODEL IS A TRD OFF ROAD 4RUNNER WITH THE "BOLD" PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES A NON-FUNCTIONAL HOOD SCOOP. THE UNSAFE FACTOR IS THAT THE DESIGN OF THE HOOD SCOOP ALLOWS FOR BRIGHT SUNLIGHT TO BE REFLECTED DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVER EYES, EFFECTIVELY BLINDING THE DRIVER. ALTHOUGH IT TAKES THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF DIRECTION OF TRAVEL,…

Read full complaint

MY MODEL IS A TRD OFF ROAD 4RUNNER WITH THE "BOLD" PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES A NON-FUNCTIONAL HOOD SCOOP. THE UNSAFE FACTOR IS THAT THE DESIGN OF THE HOOD SCOOP ALLOWS FOR BRIGHT SUNLIGHT TO BE REFLECTED DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVER EYES, EFFECTIVELY BLINDING THE DRIVER. ALTHOUGH IT TAKES THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, TIME OF DAY, ETC. THIS HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN THE 5 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. I HAVE PERSONALLY SOLVED THE ISSUE BY APPLYING A NON REFLECTIVE DECAL WHICH HAS ELIMINATED THE ISSUE. I ATTEMPTED TO BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT YOUR AGENCY SUGGEST TOYOTA APPLY A NON-REFLECTIVE DECAL AS PART OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS (AS THEY ALREADY DO ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP).

NHTSA ODI #11208703

Official recalls

4

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

19V670000 · Steering; Suspension

Sep 20, 2019

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

Steering

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.

19V244000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 27, 2019

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.

18V753000 · Equipment:other:labels

Oct 25, 2018

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.