2014 Toyota 4Runner Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 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
- Electrical2430.4%
- Fuel system1012.7%
- Airbags810.1%
- Body & structure810.1%
- Steering78.9%
- Engine67.6%
- Brakes56.3%
- Suspension33.8%
- Visibility33.8%
- Other / unspecified22.5%
- Powertrain (other)11.3%
- Driver assistance11.3%
- Tires & wheels11.3%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My gear shift became difficult to shift. As I was driving it, when I physically shifted to the Drive position, the display didn't confirm "D", but I could drive. As I was driving, the car shifted to Neutral without me shifting, but did not show "N" on the display. My car stopped accelerating and revved higher. This occurred as I was driving on the road around 45 mph. I could not tell on the display that I was not in Drive. I pulled over safely luckily. I Continued to try to get it to drive to get it to a dealership to look at. They reported it was PRNDL switch issue. TECH FOUND INTERNAL CORROSION IN TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR CREATING A PHYSICAL RESISTANCE IN SENSOR WHICH PREVENTED VEHICLE FROM PROPERLY INDICATING GEAR. TECH REPLACED TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR, ADJUSTED SENSORWITH TECHSTREAM DATA LIST, AND PERFORMED HEALTH CHECK This is not the first they have seen either. This would appear to be a common safety issue to drivers. I also had a difficult time confirming the car was in the Park "P" position. I believe this issue could have potentially affected the vehicle's ability to engage in park and stay in park, much like the issue with getting into Drive and staying in Drive.
The horn stopped functioning. This is a safety hazard because i am not able to alert other drivers. The vehicle has only been inspected by the Toyota Dealer. No codes and no lights were displayed.Fearing for my family's safety, I paid for the repairs.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I notice my gas wasn't lasting long. One day I was pumping gas and noticed that underneath my 4-runner gas was pouring out from the top of my fuel tank. Took it to the dealership and they repaired the charcoal canister, canister assembly and purge valve assembly. Cost me $953.48 with parts and labor. Very dangerous due to it could have started a fire while driving.
Fuel level sensor in gas tank not working properly
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had a collision and rear ended a truck. My front left bumper was completely damaged. My chest hit the steering wheel. My airbags did not deploy.
Vehicle was involved in an accident where the driver side airbag did not deploy.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
White Paint Peeling From Metal Body Panels
GREATLY REDUCED SAFETY IN FRONTAL IMPACT DURING AN ACCIDENT DUE TO CORRODED FRAME COMPONENTS CAUSED BY FACTORY INSTALLED FOAM PIECES THAT RETAIN RAIN WATER. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTICED, PERSONALLY BY ME, ON MULTIPLE TOYOTA 4RUNNERS OF MODEL YEARS 2014-2016 SO FAR. THE CORROSION DAMAGE ON MY VEHICLE MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE WHILE DRIVING TO WORK AND NOT ADEQUATE TO BE TOWED FROM THE FRONT HOOKS INCASE OF AN EMERGENCY. I TRIED TO BRING THIS CONCERN TO A LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THAT WAS OF NO HELP. IMAGES ARE ATTACHED BELOW THAT SHOW HOW THE FACTORY FOAM PIECES SURROUNDING THE RADIATOR AND ITS "SHROUD" HAVE CAUSED A HIGHLY CONCERNING AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE VEHICLE'S BUMPER AND FRAME SUPPORT MEMBERS. THESE FOAM PIECES GET WET FROM DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND RETAIN THE WATER. THIS OVERTIME CAUSED THE RUST SHOWN BELOW. THE NEWER MODEL VEHICLES SEEM TO HAVE A RUBBER FLAP RATHER THAN FOAM WHICH WOULD PREVENT WATER DAMAGE ON THE FRAME MEMBERS. MAHALOS ## VIN PASSED ## TOYOTA 2014 ##
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Intermediate steering shaft u joint Steering is difficult. Vehicle only has 80000 miles Just out of warranty as of 5/23
The steering became almost unresponsive and I could not turn the steering wheel while driving. I brought it to a repair shop and they said the intermediate steering shaft and u-joints were rotted out and rusted to where it seized up. The vehicle only has 55k miles on it and I don’t live by the ocean. The parts were repaired by a shop and steering feels like new again. Had this seized up on the highway or at high speeds it could have been very bad. There were no warning lamps or issues with steering before
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting what I believe is a design defect involving the Secondary Air Injection (SAI) System on my 2014 Toyota 4Runner. My vehicle illuminated the Check Engine Light and stored Diagnostic Trouble Code P2440 (Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve Stuck Open). During my inspection, I found that the factory-installed foam air pump filter had completely deteriorated and was missing. The filter appears to have disintegrated over time rather than being removed during maintenance. The filter is intended to prevent contaminants from entering the Secondary Air Injection pump and switching valves. Once it deteriorates, debris can enter the system, potentially contaminating the switching valve and causing the P2440 fault. This failure caused my vehicle to enter reduced-power ("limp") mode, resulting in a significant loss of engine power and acceleration. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle could not accelerate normally while driving, increasing the risk when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or traveling at highway speeds. Toyota has discontinued the original replacement foam filter, preventing owners from restoring the system with the factory-designed component. Numerous other owners have reported similar failures involving deteriorated or missing foam filters, P2440/P2442 diagnostic codes, and costly Secondary Air Injection System repairs. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether deterioration of this factory foam filter is a design or material defect that allows contamination of the Secondary Air Injection System and can lead to limp mode and reduced engine performance. If confirmed, Toyota should provide an appropriate remedy, such as redesigned components or an extended warranty for affected vehicles. This failure appears to result from deterioration of an original factory component rather than improper maintenance or normal wear and presents a potential safety concern for other Toyota 4Runner owners.
My exhaust pipe rusted apart after the muffler causing the hot exhaust to expel upward and melt a rubber grommet on the floor. Then it proceeded to shoot into cargo area, melting the carpet backing and Styrofoam pad and insulation under the cargo area carpeting. This happened on an 11 hour road trip with the cargo area full of vacation stuff. I'm concerned about this being a potential fire and carbon monoxide issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE / STEERING WHEEL SHAKES "VIOLENTLY". ALMOST TO THE POINT THAT IT IS HARD TO HOLD ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL. AND IF I'M DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY HARD TO STOP. I HAVE HAD TO SWERVE AROUND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE MY BRAKES COULD NOT STOP MY VEHICLE IN TIME. IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS ISSUE I HAVE HAD A CERTIFIED MECHANIC REPLACE THE FRONT ROTORS AT 71K MILES, 83K MILES, 100K MILES WITH THE LAST TIME BEING WITH GENUINE TOYOTA ROTORS. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WILL DRIVE GREAT FOR ABOUT 10K MILES AND THAN GO BACK TO THE VIOLENT SHAKING. EVEN WITH THE LAST SET OF GENUINE TOYOTA ROTORS, THE VIOLENT SHAKING STARTED AFTER ABOUT 15K - 18K MILES. LUCKILY WITH COVID I DON'T HAVE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY MUCH, BUT EVEN AT CITY SPEEDS IT STILL REALLY SHAKES. SO HERE I AM STILL LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM
THE VEHICLE IS HARD TO STOP AND THE BRAKES ARE SPONGY, IVE DRIVEN A FEW 4RUNNERS AND THEY ARE ALL LIKE THAT AND ITS DANGEROUS. YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE MAKES A HORRIBLE TICKING SOUND WHEN IDLING AND SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO BLOW UP
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE X-REAS SYSTEM WHICH INTER LINKS THE STRUTS ON OPPOSITE CORNERS OF THE VEHICLE TO PROVIDE FLATTER CORNERING. TOYOTA SAYS THE SYSTEM SHOULD LAST WELL OVER 100,000 MILES. BUT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT THE SHOCKS START LEAKING FROM THE CENTER JOINT AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. LEAKING SHOCKS NEED TO BE REPLACED AS A FULL SET OF 4. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE, IN EXCESS OF $3000 CURRENTLY. LOSS OF SHOCK PERFORMANCE CAN CAUSE EXCESS BOUNCE AND SWAY, POTENTIALLY CAUSING A CRASH
MY 2014 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS WHAT I CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. AS YOU START DOWN THE ROAD AND GET UP TO SPEED, 55-65 MPH, THE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I AM ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE HAD A FEW MECHANIC SHOPS LOOK AT IT AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT. THEY HAVE DONE ALIGNMENTS, CHECKED TRANSFER CASE (4WD), CV AXLES ON FRONT, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, SWAPPED TIRES, REPLACED ROTORS AND ROAD FORCE BALANCED TIRES. THE LAST MECHANIC SAID I SHOULD PARK IT UNTIL IT'S FIGURED OUT BUT I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I'M STILL PAYING ON THIS ONE AND IT'S MY ONLY VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT DOES THIS AND I HAVE HAD ABOUT 20 VEHICLES! I LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE WHAT OTHERS HAVE REPORTED ON THIS ISSUE AND THERE ARE A BUNCH OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS IN ONLINE 2010-2018 4 RUNNER FORUMS. THIS SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND IS APPARENTLY AN ISSUE WITH THE FRONT END. SOMEONE IS GOING TO WRECK BECAUSE OF THIS. TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE MADE AWARE OF AND LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIPS ISN'T ANY HELP AT ALL. THEY CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM EITHER AND JUST PAWN IT OFF UNTIL A WARRANTY RUNS OUT. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP FIGURE THIS OUT. I LOVE MY VEHICLE BUT I'M REALLY STARTING TO BE SCARED TO DRIVE IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. There were no injuries sustained. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,941.
Windshield cracking
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2014 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS WHAT I CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. AS YOU START DOWN THE ROAD AND GET UP TO SPEED, 55-65 MPH, THE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I AM ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE HAD A FEW MECHANIC SHOPS LOOK AT IT AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT. THEY HAVE DONE ALIGNMENTS, CHECKED TRANSFER CASE (4WD), CV AXLES ON FRONT, CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, SWAPPED TIRES, REPLACED ROTORS AND ROAD FORCE BALANCED TIRES. THE LAST MECHANIC SAID I SHOULD PARK IT UNTIL IT'S FIGURED OUT BUT I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I'M STILL PAYING ON THIS ONE AND IT'S MY ONLY VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT DOES THIS AND I HAVE HAD ABOUT 20 VEHICLES! I LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE WHAT OTHERS HAVE REPORTED ON THIS ISSUE AND THERE ARE A BUNCH OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS IN ONLINE 2010-2018 4 RUNNER FORUMS. THIS SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND IS APPARENTLY AN ISSUE WITH THE FRONT END. SOMEONE IS GOING TO WRECK BECAUSE OF THIS. TOYOTA NEEDS TO BE MADE AWARE OF AND LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIPS ISN'T ANY HELP AT ALL. THEY CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM EITHER AND JUST PAWN IT OFF UNTIL A WARRANTY RUNS OUT. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP FIGURE THIS OUT. I LOVE MY VEHICLE BUT I'M REALLY STARTING TO BE SCARED TO DRIVE IT.
VEHICLE SHAKES "VIOLENTLY" UPON PUTTING BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT OR ABOVE 60 MPH. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO TOYOTA SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME IT'S A BRAKE PAD/ROTOR PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK THIS IN TO TOYOTA MY VEHICLE HAD MAYBE 28,000 MILES, I TOOK IT IN TODAY 3/20/17 AND IT HAS 35,000 AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING SO I TOOK IT TO A BRAKE REPAIR SHOP AND EXPLAINED WHAT TOYOTA HAD SAID, THE EMPLOYEE AND ACTUAL OWNER OF THE SHOP TOLD ME "I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE YOUR MONEY HOWEVER IT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE YOUR BRAKES AND ROTORS ARE PERFECT. THAT IS ACTUALLY WHAT THE ANOTHER SHOP EMPLOYEE TOLD ME WHEN I TOOK IT IN BACK IN 2016. I AM HOPING IF ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM THEY WILL FIND A SOLUTION BEFORE SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENS TO ANYONE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stumbling/Studering and hesitation when accelerating took it to dealership and they performed a tune-up and complete fuel system service when to pick it up and still doing the same thing. Dealership rechecked it and said Torque converter was faulty. Had to replace transmission.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. AFTER PLACING THE SHIFTER IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH BEFORE CRASHING INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.....UPDATED 02/06/17 *BF CONSUMER STATED CRASHED INTO THIRD VEHICLE. UPDATED 8/30/18*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The contact purchased four Bridgestone tires in 2022, Tire Line: Alenza AS Ultra, Tire Size: 245/60/R20, DOT Number: 1RBTEAAU1. The contact stated that all four tires had developed cracks on the sidewalls and by the tire beads. The tires were replacement tires. The tire dealer was contacted and advised the contact that it was normal wear on the tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The tire failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The vehicle failure mileage was 80,000.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .