2008 Toyota 4Runner Owner Complaints

DIAGNOSIS FOUND TRANS FLUID WICKING UP HARNESS TO ENGINE ECM CONTAMINATING HARNESS AND ECU GIVEN FALSE/ABNORMAL READINGS AT ECM. EXTENSIVE REPAIRS NECESSARY W/ INTERNAL TRANS WIRE REPLACEMENT, ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT & ENGINE ECU REPLACEMENT. OTHER CLEANING MAY BE NECESSARY OR OTHER HARNESS REPLACEMENT NECESSARY [Other]: TRANSMISSION WIRE REPLACMENT [Other]: ENGINE HARNESS REPLACEMENT [Other]: ECM REPLACEMENT

NHTSA ID

11724769

Incident

Feb 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she might have shifted into park(P) and stopped the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop in an intersection and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into a first vehicle, which rear-ended a second vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver of the second vehicle stated that she had sustained injuries but did not receive medical assistance. The contact and the other drivers were able to drive from the scene. The police department was contacted and informed the contact that no report was filed because there was no injury sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V113000(Vehicle Speed Control); however, the contact stated that upon inspecting the accelerator pedal after each incident, the pedal did not seem to be entrapped. It was unknown whether the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11659537

Incident

May 7, 2024

Mileage

60,000 mi

On August 11th 2024 at approximately 8:30PM I was hit on the passenger side of my vehicle. As a result both passenger doors were smashed in. And had also been shoved into the car and causing the passenger seat to be stuck between the doors and center console. There was ZERO airbag deployment. There are 3 known airbags on that side of the vehicle and not one went off. The accident could have been A LOT worse then it was but knowing now what I do about the air bags I regret buying this vehicle. And I am very emotional unwell knowing that the vehicle failed to get me and my passenger safer in the accident.

NHTSA ID

11611270

Incident

Aug 11, 2024

Hitch bent when pulling small ATV trailer. Under inspection of vehicle found the frame rusted out at the rear crossmember. Called Toyota @[XXX], they stated no coverage for this condition. Case #[XXX]. If this broke off it could have killed someone. This was verified at a Toyota dealer at last service. (7/5/23) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11530618

Incident

Jul 6, 2023

The actuator in the transfer case went bad in such a way as to not allow the vehicle either move (under its own power) or to be in a parked state; though the shifter and indicator lights indicated PARK and although you could turn off the vehicle and also remove the key, the vehicle was actually in a NUETRAL state that allowed the vehicle to freely roll. I put something behind the tire THANK GOODNESS I noticed! Anyway, Toyota wants more than the vehicle is worth to fix it so my mechanic replaced the transfer case with a used one. I've heard of others having this problem and it seems like it could be a safety-related concern. And an expensive concern, as well.

NHTSA ID

11505214

Incident

Jan 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for the State Inspection, he was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected due to severe subframe corrosion. The contact stated that her son, an independent mechanic, later determined that the entire subframe and suspension of the vehicle were severely corroded. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,600.

NHTSA ID

11495789

Incident

Nov 25, 2022

Mileage

83,600 mi

I'm experiencing major frame rust mainly at the crossbeams and all over the frame. Metal is literally crumbling away if I touch if. I don't even want to remove the rust to prepare for anti-rust coating since there may not be much metal left. Its only at 150k miles and shouldnt be crumbling away this fast. Just recently had to replace muffler and tailpipe since the muffle connection literally rusted away. Tacomas were able to have their frames replaces. The 4runner has a similar if not identical frame due to them sharing the same underlying platform. This should be pretty obvious that 4Runners need to be a part of that recall.

NHTSA ID

11460612

Incident

Dec 20, 2017

Lots of rust on frame and body. This is certainly an excessive amount. Many other owners of the 4runner between 2003-2009 are experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11419592

Incident

Jun 3, 2021

VEHICLE DISPLAYED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO A NON SEALING GAS CAP. THIS CONDITION ALSO DISABLES THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL ON WET CONDITIONS AND WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER DUE TO ALL TRACTION AND STABILIZATION SYSTEMS BEING TURNED OFF DUE TO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (FAULTY GAS CAP). I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 6 YEARS AND HAVE PUT OVER 80,000 MILES ON IT WITHOUT INCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING THE SPEED LIMIT ON A RAINY ROAD.*DT *TR

NHTSA ID

11383082

Incident

Dec 11, 2020

Mileage

163,000 mi

DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE

NHTSA ID

11354243

Incident

Sep 10, 2020

ENTIRE UNDERBODY OF CAR IS RUSTING OUT, TAIL GATE ALREADY HAD 2 BODY REPAIRS BUT KEEPS RUSTING OUT. MANY PARTS AT JUST 150K WERE ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO SEVERE RUST- MOST SUSPENSION PARTS, TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES, EXHAUST , SKID PLATES ALL FAILED. BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED 4 TIMES IN IN 6 YEARS.

NHTSA ID

11341782

Incident

Jul 15, 2020

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST IS RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11329197

Incident

Jun 16, 2020

FRAME RUST. I HAVE SEEN THE RECALLS ON OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES OF THE ERA DUE TO PREMATURE FRAME RUST. I KNOW THAT THE 4RUNNER SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST AS WELL. IT'S RARE TO SEE A 4RUNNER WITH NO FRAME RUST. THE FRAME RUSTS BEFORE ANY OTHER PART OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID

11326257

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE TOP CONTROL ARM POST WAS MELTED. ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT A MOUNTING PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE THE CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH AND STRIKE THE FUEL TANK. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

NHTSA ID

11257775

Incident

Aug 1, 2019

Mileage

162,000 mi

VEHICLE'S FRAME IS VERY CORRODED OVERALL AND IT HAS MORE THAN 15 INCH LONG HOLE IN THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER FRONT FRAME RAIL. IT HAS BEEN CHECKED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND DETERMINED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 90,000 MILES AND IT IS OVERALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

NHTSA ID

11235258

Incident

Jul 18, 2019

Mileage

90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING AREA. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAITED ONE HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED VICTORIA TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 5 HEITZINGER PLAZA, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 393-3020) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA ID

11195238

Incident

Apr 2, 2019

Mileage

185,000 mi

I HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 SETS OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ON MY 2008 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WHERE OVER TIME, THE CALIPERS WILL SEIZE UP AND STICK ON. THE ONLY WAY TO TELL THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE IS EITHER BY TOUCH, SMELL, OR FEEL. TOUCH, BECAUSE THE ROTORS GET TO BE OVER 250 DEGREES AND THEY CANNOT BE TOUCHED. SMELL, BECAUSE THE SMELL OF BURNING BRAKE PADS IS PRESENT FEEL, BECAUSE THERE IS A LOSS OF BRAKING. OTHER THAN THESE INDICATIONS, THERE IS NO NOTICE OF SEIZED CALIPERS UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND HAS HAPPENED WITH MOST 4RUNNER OWNERS THAT I TALK TO. I'M SURPRISED THAT THIS HAS NOT BECOME AN ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11190068

Incident

Mar 17, 2019

Mileage

103,000 mi

I HAVE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE. THE RUST IS APPARENT IN MANY PLACES ALONG THE FRAME, INCLUDING PARTS THAT ARE INTEGRAL TO THE CHASSIS, SUCH AS THE DIFFERENTIAL. I HAVE READ ON MANY FORUMS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MY OPTIONS FOR REPAIRING THIS ISSUE WHICH IF LEFT UNATTENDED WILL DAMAGE PARTS (E.G. DIFFERENTIAL) THAT ARE CRITICAL TO THE NORMAL FUNCTIONS OF MY VEHICLE,

NHTSA ID

11182728

Incident

Feb 27, 2019

Mileage

90,400 mi

EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKING ON TOYOTA V8 4.7 ENGINE ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE CABIN AND CAUSING DIZZINESS. WHEN DOING MY RESEARCH IVE SEEN PAGES AND PAGES OF THIS ISSUE KNOWN TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE 4.7 ENGINE THAT IS USED IN A NUMBER OF THERE MODELS FROM LEXUS TO THE TUNDRA PICK LINES AND ANYTHING THAT USES THE 4.7 ENGINE. THIS IS DEADLY BEING IN THE MIDWEST AND YOU HAVE YOUR WINDOWS UP AND HEAT ON IN THE WINTER OR SUMMER WITH AC ON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

NHTSA ID

11181062

Incident

Feb 14, 2019

Mileage

124,000 mi

TAMARA RECALL PREV OWNED VEH, BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP AS "SAFE" TO OPERATE,110,000 MI ON 11072016. PREV OWNER AND CURRENT OWNER HAD VE HAD VEH SERVICED REGULARLY. UNDERCARRIAGE AND BRAKING NOISE WHILE IN MOTION ON HWY. REAR DOOR NOT ABLE TO OPEN, MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE. MAINT LIGHT AND TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. POST NOISE INSPECTION BY MECHANIC, LEFT (?)FRONT AXLE BOOT IS SPLIT. FRONT NOISE UNDETERMINED (SWAY BAR LINKS OR STRUTTS?) AT THIS TIME. REAR LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE BEARING AND SEAL LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID(?) INTO BRAKES. BRAKES AFFECTED BY LEAKING FLUID AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO DAMAGE BY FLUID, WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. REAR DOOR LOCK FAILURE DUE TO INTERIOR CORROSION/RUST. MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID

11165443

Incident

Dec 28, 2018

Mileage

158,790 mi

WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR WAS MAKING A THUMPING NOISE WHICH WENT AWAY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TOYOTA DEALER SAID IT WAS A BENT REAR AXLE AND WOULD COST $2300 TO REPLACE. THE VECHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH 108,000 MILES. HAVE NEVER HIT A BIG POTHOLE OR RUN OVER A CURB. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECT THAT CAME WITH THE CAR AND SHOWED UP AFTER DRIVING FOR 10 YEARS. THERE ARE A LOT OF BENT AXLES REPORTED OVER THE INTERNET ON TOYOTA TRUCKS AND SUVSL MORE THAN ANY OTHER VECHICLEL I HAVE OWNED MANY MANY CARS AND SUVS AND NEVER HAD A BENT REAR AXLE BEFOREL DEALER SAID I WOULD GET REIMBURSED IF TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS!

NHTSA ID

11153601

Incident

Nov 16, 2018

Mileage

108,000 mi

VEHICLES UNDERCARRIAGE INCLUDING FRAME, REAR AXLE AND MANIFOLDS ARE SO SEVERELY RUSTED THAT MECHANICS CAN NOT MAINTAIN IT PROPERLY PUTTING ME AT RISK.

NHTSA ID

11141501

Incident

Oct 19, 2018

WHENEVER I ACCELERATE ON THE UPHILL OR HIGH ACCELERATE THEN ODOR BECAME REALLY HORRIBLE, HARSH SMELL, SMELL LIKE TNT FIREWORK, EITHER MATCHES THEN EGG ROTTEN. I SUSPECT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM SEEM FAULTY. I WENT MULTIPLE AUTO SHOP THEY MENTION IT COULD BE RELATED TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD BUT WHEN I DESCRIBED THAT THE ODOR CAME OUT FROM OUTSIDE NOT INTERIOR AIR VENT THEN THEY STARTED TO RE-CHECK MY EXHAUST AND SAID I AM ALL GOOD TO DRIVE AS WELL, ITS "OK". THE ODOR IS FRUSTRATING, ANNOYING. AND THE STEERING, I DON'T KNOW HOW DID MY CV AXLE IS LEAKING, I HOPEFULLY IT WILL NOT BREAK OUT WHEN I'M DRIVING TO OTHER STATE.

NHTSA ID

11131095

Incident

May 31, 2018

Mileage

119,000 mi

FRAME RUST IS SO PERVASIVE ON MY 2008 4RUNNER THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSES TO MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT I "WALK AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE", CITING FUTURE RUST-RELATED PROBLEMS WITH CALIPER REPLACEMENT AND OTHER ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. RUST ON DIFFERENTIAL AXLE LED TO THE SHEARING OFF OF THE FLUID DRAIN BOLT, RENDERING THAT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRAIN/REFILL. ATTACHED ARE NOTES FROM THE DEALER'S MAINTENANCE ENGINEER, CITING RUSTED CROSS MEMBER BOLTS AND OTHER COMPONENTS INTERFERING WITH NECESSARY REPAIRS. I HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE ONGOING SAFETY AND ROAD-WORTHINESS OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11121267

Incident

Mar 10, 2018

Mileage

128,000 mi

BACK HATCH UNLATCHES ITSELF WHEN HITTING A BUMP AND FLIES OPEN. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES, OBSERVED BY SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS.

NHTSA ID

11119416

Incident

Aug 11, 2018

Mileage

147,000 mi