RoadVitals

2006 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
380
Latest Jun 14, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
31

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

143
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Frame is rotting away. The tacomas, tundras, sequoia were recalled for this issue. The tacomas frame is very close in design to the 4runner. The main difference is the 4runner uses coil springs whereas the tacoma used leaf springs. Toyota stated that because the 4runner was made in Japan unlike the others that were made in the USA, that the 4runners were not part of the recall.most of the 4runners that are no longer drivable, are because of rotted frames. The repair kits that fix the rotted frames on the tacomas are the same kits that fix the 4runners. Now toyota won't even touch my vehicle for other repairs because of the rot holes.

NHTSA ID 11732907 · filed Apr 22, 2026

The frame under the car rusted so much that the gas tank literally fell through the frame to the ground. This put my son at risk and fortunately he was able to pull over in a residential area and exit the vehicle. A mechanic and welding company both assessed the vehicle and acknowledged the u unusual and excessive rusting. In researching online and speaking to car experts, this seems and is confirmed to be poor manufacturing and materials used for the frame.

NHTSA ID 11686705 · filed Sep 11, 2025
All 143 reports naming body & structure

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

65
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 4runner have major frame rust issues and is a major safety hazard. This a known issue to Toyota and a recall needs to be made.

NHTSA ID 11630483 · filed Dec 12, 2024

UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage

NHTSA ID 11587743 · filed May 8, 2024
All 65 reports naming suspension

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Corrosion of pistons in front brake calipers results in an increase in braking stopping distance. Everytime the front brake pads are replaced the same issue is encountered, defect has taken place three times. In the four piston brake caliper the inside pistons on both the left and right caliper are frozen in place . The brake pads on the outside position have twice as much wear as the inside pads. This is an indication of uneven braking leading to increased stopping distance . Toyota maintains , there is not a problem, yet in forums on the web there are many experiences with owners having the same problem , resulting in costly repair bills. There is no warning of reduced braking efficiency .

NHTSA ID 11511454 · filed Mar 12, 2023

MY 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER, I'VE FOUND A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST THROUGH OUT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. I FEEL THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA HAS FRAME REPLACEMENT RECALLS TO THE TUNDRAS, AND SEQUIAS BUT NOT THE 4RUNNER. I FEEL THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF. I ALSO FEEL THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE FOR MANUFACTURING A VEHICLE WITH DEFECTIVE CHASSIS.

NHTSA ID 11441548 · filed Nov 24, 2021
All 34 reports naming brakes

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ENTIRE FRAME AND CONNECTING COMPONENTS IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND CRUMBLING. THE CAR ISN’T SAFE TO DRIVE AT ALL. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS AS ITS COMMON AND NO RECALL IS IN PLACE. WHEN DRIVING, ONE TIRE IS COMPLETELY BARELY HANGING ON AS THE FRAME IS FAILING ALL OVER. THE CAR WOBBLES AND SWERVES AND FEELS AS IF IT WILL COME APART AT ANY TIME. THIS FRAME WAS NEVER TREATED PROPERLY WHEN INSTALLED. IF YOU WENT OVER 50 THE CAR COULD FALL APART AND WOULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID 11416732 · filed May 15, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS DISCOVERED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TARBOX TOYOTA (3671 QUAKER LN, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI 02852, (401) 884-5438) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING AND THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,595.

NHTSA ID 11256140 · filed Sep 17, 2019
All 26 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that her son was driving at an unknown speed when another vehicle pulled in front of them to change lanes without warning causing her son to t-bone the vehicle and sending the other driver's vehicle to spin crashing into other vehicles nearby. The air bags deployed however their son received 2nd-degree burns on their right and 1st-degree burns on their lower region, and a concussion. The contact was unable to confirm if any other persons received injuries but was able to confirm other vehicles were damaged from the crash. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to their insurance company's facilities who had stated the vehicle was totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11624146 · filed Nov 8, 2024

Clock spring is bad in steering wheel for airbags

NHTSA ID 11432676 · filed Sep 12, 2021
All 24 reports naming airbags

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MYself and my fiancee were driving to our family's home, the rear defrost was on due to foggy windows as we were driving down the road there was a loud noise from the back half of the 4 runner. I had turned and looked back behind me and the rear hatch window was completely shattered. Its still intact in the window frame but about to fall out. This happened out of nowhere no warnings or anything.

NHTSA ID 11703997 · filed Dec 9, 2025

The rear window on my 2006 4Runner suddenly shattered. I had just cleared the car of snow, put my son in the car and left the house. Less than 1/10th of a mile down the road it exploded. Glass could have gone all over the child in the backseat. There have been past issues. Toyota offered an extended warranty on the part until 2018, so they are aware of the problem. Not yet. No warnings.

NHTSA ID 11564329 · filed Jan 9, 2024
All 22 reports naming visibility

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Since an inspection Oct 2021 the rust/corrosive on the frame has become. Dangerously close to rotting thru the entire frame! It’s not driven in the winter months when snow or ice melt (salt) is on the roads to prevent situations like this. With only 75,000 miles always garage kept and maintained like it’s brand new this vehicle might be able to be saved for a model in a shop class to practice welding. Something needs to be done because this ifvvjj

NHTSA ID 11458405 · filed Mar 26, 2022

JUST BOUGHT A 2006 4RUNNER AND DID NOT THINK TO CHECK UNDERNEATH FOR ANYTHING. I NOTICED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME HUGE RUST SPOTS, IT'S RUSTING FROM INSIDE THE FRAME OUT TO THE SURFACE. IT'S BAD. I GOOGLED WHAT I SHOULD DO TO FIX IT BECAUSE NOW I'M OUT 7K FOR WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A RELIABLE SUV. THEY SELL PATCH KITS ONLINE REQUIRING ME TO PURCHASE THE KITS AND HAVE THEM WELDED TO THE FRAME BY A PROFESSIONAL AFTER THEY CLEAN THE RUST COMPLETELY. THAT'S EXPENSIVE. TOYOTA SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND NOT FIGHT THIS CLAIM. NO TRUCK THAT YEAR SHOULD RUST THIS BAD. IN FACT I'VE BOUGHT A 77 CHEVY C10 THAT WAS A FARM TRUCK MOST IT'S LIFE AND IT DID NOT HAVE ANY FRAME RUST WHAT SO EVER. THERE'S MULTIPLE CLAIMS ON FACEBOOK AND OTHER 4RUNNER SPECIFIC GROUPS ONLINE THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. A RECALL NEEDS TO HAPPEN. WHAT IF I DIDN'T NOTICE AND I LET MY WIFE AND KIDS RIDE IN THE SUV AND THE FRAME SNAPS IN HALF DOWN THE HIGHWAY? YOU RECALLED OTHER MODELS DO TO FRAME RUST, BUT NOT THE SAME YEAR 4RUNNER. PLEASE HELP US 4RUNNER OWNERS FIX THIS BECAUSE ALL IN ALL IT'S A GREAT SUV TOYOTA MAKES SOME OF THE BEST PRODUCT OUT THERE, WE JUST WANT TO KEEP THEM ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID 11404081 · filed Mar 21, 2021
All 22 reports naming driver assistance

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 4runner was purchased from a dealership and serviced there for rust related problems several times but was never told I had a serious rust problem. The problem is the frame has prematurely rusted and now the car is unsafe to drive due to the control arm rusting off the frame

NHTSA ID 11471394 · filed Jun 28, 2022

The Frame and Suspension Components of the vehicle have corroded or rusted badly and prematurely even though the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. This is a known and common occurrence with the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner Vehicles such as this 2006 model. - Currently the upper Rear Differential Stabilizer Arm has completely rusted off causing handling problems with the vehicle. Many areas of the frame are rusted through making it difficult to jack up or raise the vehicle on a hoist. - Problem has been observed and reported by Dealer(s) and Independent Shops I have visited. - This has NOT as yet been inspected by manufacturer representatives other than dealers. - This first appeared in late 2012 when I purchased the vehicle used with approx. 75,000 miles. - In May 2015 I struck a deer with the vehicle travelling on a US Trunk Hwy and the rust problem was reported as being severe by the body shop who repaired the front end damage. Note: The corrosion, in my opinion, did NOT cause the accident with the deer.

NHTSA ID 11443177 · filed Dec 8, 2021
All 22 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The plastic slider for the sunroof malfunctioned releasing the sunroof so when I went to open the sunroof while driving the airflow caught underneath the sunroof lifting it up and shooting it off and hurtling into traffic behind me and innocent highway drivers, and I completely shocked did not know where it landed or who it landed on. Now I don’t have any protection from the weather and my headliner is coming off due to the wind. Now I have to save money or go to a pick and pull and figure out how to get this fixed before it causes more damage to my vehicle. I do not know if it caused any injuries or crashes or if anyone got hurt Being that I was going down the highway at the time of the incident.

NHTSA ID 11428280 · filed Aug 9, 2021

2006 4RUNNER REAR GLASS EXPLODED/SHATTERED AFTER USING DEFROST - WAS DENIED REIMBURSEMENT DESPITE THIS BEING A KNOWN ISSUE AND FAULTY DEFROST CONNECTOR. AFTER DROPPING MY 5 YEAR OLD SON OFF FOR SCHOOL ON 1/15/2021, I PULLED UP TO A STOP SIGN AND HEARD A LOUD CRASH FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND THE BACK GLASS HAD COMPLETELY SHATTERED AND PIECES WERE COMING OFF INTO THE BACK SEAT. NOTHING HAD HIT THE WINDOW FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE - THIS HAPPENED SPONTANEOUSLY. RIGHT BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, I HAD THE REAR DEFROST ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES TO CLEAR THE REAR GLASS WHILE DRIVING. THE DEFROST WAS OFF WHEN THE GLASS EXPLODED. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS HAD ENDED ON APRIL 30, 2018.TOYOTA RELEASED A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) AND OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FREE REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLE OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM STARTING IN 2017 BUT IS SINCE EXPIRED. THE CONNECTOR FOR THE DEFROST LOCATED IN THE REAR GLASS IS FOUND TO BE FAULTY AND CAN SHORT OUT OR OVERHEAT, CAUSING THE GLASS TO SHATTER. BEING THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND THANKFULLY MY 5 YEAR OLD SON WASN'T IN THE BACKSEAT AT THE TIME, AVOIDING INJURY FROM THE GLASS, I DECIDED TO CONTACT TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. A CASE WAS OPENED, HOWEVER, THEY WOULDN'T OFFER ANY COMPENSATION OR ASSISTANCE WITH GETTING THE GLASS REPLACED. WE ARE WITHOUT A VEHICLE UNTIL THIS CAN BE REPAIRED AND I AM NOW FORCED TO PAY FOR IT ON MY OWN SINCE TOYOTA ISN'T AGREEING TO HELP AT ALL.

NHTSA ID 11388319 · filed Jan 15, 2021
All 18 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE ENTIRE FRAME IS ROTTED AND FULL OF HOLES . SUSPENSION IS IN DANGER OF DETACHING SPONTANEOUSLY. THE ODOMETER HAS BEEN ROLLED BACK OVER ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND.

NHTSA ID 11343420 · filed Aug 5, 2020

TIMING BELT COVER IS LEAKING OIL WITH 36000 MILES. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT NOT NOW. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF 1900.00 TO REPLACE GASKET AN WATER PUMP. LEAKS OIL WHILE PARKED IN GARAGE.

NHTSA ID 10959636 · filed Mar 8, 2017
All 18 reports naming engine

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT OF A TIRE STILL IN LIKE NEW CONDITION. I MAINTAIN ACCURATE AIR PRESSURE AT ALL TIMES AND CHECK THEM OFTEN. I ALSO HAD NOT DAMAGED THE TIRE IN ANY WAY. NO HOLES. NO REPAIRS. IT WAS LIKE NEW IN EVERY RESPECT. I WAS TRAVELING AT THE RATED SPEED LIMIT OF 70MPH ON AN INTERSTATE WHEN AT FIRST I HEARD A NOISE AND THEN FELT VIBRATIONS, AND THEN THE BACK OF VEHICLE SWAYED A LITTLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I BACKED OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND PULLED OVER OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. I FOUND THAT THE TREAD SECTION OF THE TIRE HAD TORN AWAY FROM THE SIDEWALL. AND UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION I COULD CLEARLY SEE WHY. THE THICKNESS OF THE RUBBER CONNECTING THE TREAD TO THE SIDEWALL WAS LESS THAN A 1/4" THICK ON ONE SIDE OF THE TIRE, WHILE DIRECTLY ACROSS 180 DEGREES ON THE OTHER SIDE IT WAS CLOSER TO A HALF INCH IN THICKNESS. THE THINNER PORTION OF RUBBER ON THE ONE SIDE WAS SIMPLY NOT THICK ENOUGH, NOR STRONG ENOUGH TO HOLD THE TIRE TOGETHER AT HIGHWAY ROTATIONAL SPEEDS AND IT SIMPLY CAME APART. WALMART SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TIRE, BUT I AM STILL VERY CONCERNED NOW ABOUT THE OTHER 3 TIRES ON MY SUV PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME AS THIS DEFECTIVE TIRE. ***ADDED: I TRIED CALLING NHTSA AND THE PERSON WHO ANSWERED THE PHONE WAS VERY CONTROLLING, UNPLEASANT, RUDE, AND HUNG UP WHEN I TOLD THEM THEY WERE NOT LISTENING TO WHAT I SAID. SHE INSISTED I USE A PRINTER OR GO GET ONE, OR RUN TO THE LIBRARY AND JUMP THROUGH A BUNCH OF HOOPS FOR THEM. I TOLD HER THAT WILL NOT BE HAPPENING. THIS WEBSITE SHOULD BE RUN CORRECTLY SO WE THE PEOPLE CAN PUT THE CORRECT INFORMATION INTO IT RATHER THAN BE TOLD TO PUT INCORRECT INFORMATION INTO IT. I TRIED TYPING IN THE CORRECT BRAND AND TIRE SERIES, AND THIS WEBSITE WILL ONLY ACCEPT THE INCORRECT INFORMATION WHICH MAKES NO SENSE, BUT IT IS GOVERNMENT AFTER ALL AND THAT MEANS INCOMPETENT AND AUTHORITARIAN EVEN WHEN WRONG AND RUDE! A DISSERVICE TO CITIZENS. CORRECT TIRE FOR THIS COMPLAINT: ANTARES SMT A7, AND NOT COMFORT A5.

NHTSA ID 11209664 · filed May 24, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP GRAND TREK 8320 TIRES. TIRE SIZE: 256/65/R17, DOT; EU7Y-2KAR3907. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE TIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,347 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA ID 10412117 · filed Jul 13, 2011
All 13 reports naming tires & wheels

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage

NHTSA ID 11587743 · filed May 8, 2024

While towing a 16' utility trailer using the 2" ball on a Switch Ball #42178, the ball separated from the shank. I was driving my 2007 Toyota 4Runner traveling on the highway at about 60mph at the time. Fortunately the safety chains did their job and prevented the trailer from completely disconnecting from the vehicle. Upon stopping my vehicle several hundred feet after separation, I found the 2" ball still locked and secured inside of the trailer's coupler, and the shank still securely attached to my vehicle. As a result my rear bumper is now heavily damaged from the trailer contacting it after uncoupling from the vehicle. I'm glad nobody was hurt or killed as a result of this incident. If the safety chains had not done their job, the unattached trailer could have caused serious damage, injury, and/or death. This incident could have also resulted in losing control of my vehicle, which thankfully I did not. This Switch Ball #42178 was purchased in September of 2022 and this was the first time I've used it. At the time of the incident I had towed the trailer approximately 75 miles. I have a background in selling and installing utility trailers and towing accessories. I'm confident the product was installed and used as directed. I contacted Curt Manufacturing with the above concerns. At their request I shipped the trailer ball to them for inspection. They have denied any responsibility stating their product did not fail. They have blamed the incident on "user error". I'm happy to share all communication with the NHTSA. I am including pictures of the damage to my bumper which was caused by the trailer after the Curt ball became disconnected from it's mating shank. I can share more about my assessment of why this failure occurred upon request.

NHTSA ID 11553861 · filed Nov 6, 2023
All 9 reports naming other / unspecified

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK FAILED TO REMAIN CLOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LATCH MECHANISM WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST UNDER THE HOOD, WHICH PREVENTED THE INSTALLATION OF THE TWO BOLTS TO SECURE THE BUG VISOR ON THE HOOD. THE FRONT CALIPERS WERE RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

NHTSA ID 10638503 · filed Sep 23, 2014

THE DRIVER SEAT ON MY 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORT 4X4 IS LOOSE AND GETTING LOOSER BY THE DAY. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND OTHER 4RUNNER OWNERS ARE SIMILAR ISSUES. THE ISSUE IS SO BAD THAT TOYOTA PUT OUT A TSB FOR THE ISSUE. THE TSB IS ONLY FOR MANUAL SEATS THOUGH AND I HAVE POWER SEATS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN A VEHICLE WHEN THE DRIVER SEAT MOVES, I THINK THAT IS RATHER SELF EXPLANATORY. I WOULD HATE TO GET INTO AND ACCIDENT AND HAVE MY SEAT DISLODGE FROM THE TRACK RESULTING IN INJURIES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE SEAT WAS PROPERLY SECURED. I AM ONLY ASKING THAT TOYOTA EXTEND THE TSB TO POWER SEATS SO THAT I CAN FEEL SAFE IN MY VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10410256 · filed Jul 1, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Frame is rusting apart Rear lower trailing arm section has already been patched by previous owner Upper trailing arm connection point to frame crossmember has perished due to rust If the other side breaks the rear axle can flex excessively causing control problems Toyota’s service campaign for other trucks should not have omitted the 4Runner which shares many identical design characteristics

NHTSA ID 11423377 · filed Jul 4, 2021

MY VEHICLE HAS EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST ON THE RIGHT REAR LOWER TRAILING ARM MOUNT AND THE FRAME ABOVE THE THE MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE FRAME TOGETHER IN THIS AREA IS THE LOWER TRAILING ARM MOUNT WELDMENT. THE FRAME BEHIND AND ABOVE THE LOWER TRAILING ARM MOUNT WELDMENT, ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME, IS RUSTED OUT LEAVING ONLY ABOUT HALF OF THE FRAME IN THAT AREA INTACT. THE FRAME ALSO HAS RUSTED OUT AREAS IN THE FRONT AT THE BODY MOUNTS AND FORWARD OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION. ALSO, THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP IS COMPLETELY RUSTED APART AND THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP IS RUSTED. FRAME/SUSPENSION FAILURE AND FUEL TANK MOVEMENT ARE VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES THAT SHOULDN'T EXIST ON THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 11254930 · filed Sep 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE OWN A 2006 TOYOTA 4RUNNER - DURING THE FIRST YEAR WE TOOK IT IN THREE TIMES AND TOLD THEM THAT WHEN WE ARE AT A STOP THE SUV WOULD SHIFT FWD WHILE STILL APPLYING THE BRAKE. WE TOOK IT BACK AGAIN THE 2ND YEAR, STILL WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. EACH TIME THEY HAD NO ANSWER AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSE THEY COULD NEVER GET THE PROBLEM TO REPEAT. TO DATE THE SUV STILL DOES IT AND WOULD SAY AT LEAST ONCE EVERY TWO DAYS SO MUCH SO WE HAVE JUST BECOME USED TO THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10304773 · filed Feb 3, 2010

VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY (RUNNING) WITH TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FULLY ENGAGED. VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, ACROSS STREET, OVER CURB, AND DOWN A STEEP RAVINE HITTING A TREE. BROACHED LOCAL DEALER CONCERNING ANY SAFETY ISSUES OR VEHICLE PROBLEMS AND THEY INDICATED NONE HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THEM OR YOUR WEBSITE AND QUESTIONED CIRCUMSTANCES AS REPORTED. CUSTOMER PAID FOR ALL DAMAGES AND REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10297803 · filed Jan 2, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN INSTALLING OUR BRAND NEW SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL WE FOUND THAT JUST TOUCHING THE METAL BUCKLE TIGHTENER ON THE SUPER LATCH STRAP CAUSES IT TO LOOSEN. OUR CHILD CAN ALSO REACH HER FOOT OVER THE EDGE AND LOOSEN IT. IT IS NOT SAFE TO INSTALL IN OUR VEHICLE (2006 4RUNNER) WITH THEIR NEW SUPER LATCH ADJUSTER THAT CAN VERY EASILY BE LOOSENED. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2006, MAKE=TOYOTA, MODEL=4RUNNER). *TR

NHTSA ID 10397088 · filed Apr 22, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE PUT THE SEATS DOWN ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE, THE SEAT BELT FELL APART AND THE CENTER ARM REST NEXT TO THAT SEAT BELT FELL AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT REPAIRS WOULD HAVE TO BE PERFORMED AT HER EXPENSE. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND ADVISED HER TO SPEAK WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY WHO ALSO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 66,000.

NHTSA ID 10328942 · filed May 5, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle headlights have failed on multiple occasions. The cause of the failures was ingress of water into the sealed headlamp assembly. The problem was reported to Toyota. Toyota took no action regarding the reports. The entire headlight assembly was replaced three (3) times at our expense. The problem persists. Attached is a photograph of the second (replaced) clearly showing water inside the headlight assembly. The current (most recent replacement) has also experienced water ingress and is available for inspection. The subject vehicle was inspected by three different body shops (two if which are authorized Toyota shops). It was confirmed by all three shops that there is no vehicle design feature that could cause water ingress in the headlamp assembly. This is a serious safety issue and has been brought to Toyota's attention with no response.

NHTSA ID 11510430 · filed Mar 6, 2023

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT MOTOR TRANSMISSION, ELECTRICAL FAILURES. I HAVE ONLY HAD MY VEHICLE FOR 1 MONTH AND ANYTHING AND EVERY THING HAS GONE WRONG. I EVEN HAD TO GIVE MY DAUGHTER CPR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE INHALATION. SHE WENT INTO RESPIRATORY FAILURE DO TO THIS SHE HAS SEVERE ASTHMA. *JB

NHTSA ID 10154778 · filed Apr 7, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .