2016 Toyota 4Runner Problems

I drive for a living and yesterday I was driving while this happened 3 separate times. I was going 70 mph on the highway when my radio, usb ports blower motor and dash cluster power went out. I was terrified that my car would shut off while driving. Upon checking the car over, I noticed the battery mount was broken/missing pieces. The upper portion had become lose due to the broken parts and had stuck itself to my positive battery terminal. Lots of sparks when I tried to remove it. I finally got it broke loose using a piece of wood instead of my hands. Very scary.

Picked up a Gal to go out on a date. Turned the vehicle on and got about 1 mile down the road when I started to smell , like a hot , burning electrical smoke . My Date , sitting in the passenger seat says Her seat is get warm , then says , it's getting really hot ! I looked at the seat warmer switch and noticed and said , weird , the switch isn't even on . Then the smoke became very apparent as we got onto the Freeway and we were compelled to pull over as the electrical components or wiring were on the verge of catching fire , where the Electic Seat switch is located .

We were traveling down the mountain of Mt. Nebo in Dardanelle, AR, around 1:08pm on Friday, May 22, 2026. It had been misty rain for a few hours. As we were traveling down the switchbacks of the mountain, we pressed on the brake to slow the vehicle; however, the vehicle did not slow down any. Since we were coming to the next curve in the switchback, the decision was made to drive the car into a tree vs. risking flipping the car over the side of the mountain. When the vehicle collided with the tree, none of the air bags deployed. The point of impact was the front driver corner of the car. The car was traveling around 20 MPH at the time of impact (to the best of our knowledge). Problem #1-brake system failure Problem #2-Air bags failed to deploy -What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake system & air bags. Both are available for inspection. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk of death associated with the crash. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unavailable at this time due to the extensive damage caused from the crash. -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not to my knowledge since this happened a few hours before a holiday weekend. -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None that we seen.

On March 6, I was on South bound on Rt 29 in Culpeper County VA at the posted speed limit of 55mph when I hit a debris item on the road. I do not know what it was but it impacted the front skid plate and seems to be no other damage from the impact. There was no contact with the bumper, wheels or otherwise. There was no sudden change in speed or loss of control at all. The most dangerous result of this was the deployment of all the airbags (except passenger front airbag, there were no passengers). A police report was filed with Culpeper County Sheriff (case# 2603-0033) and my insurance agency (USAA claim # 016632631-800). The shop where the vehicle was towed (Ace Collision in Madison, VA) expressed surprise at the total deployment of the air bags given the scenario. There were no warning lamps on, the vehicle was in perfect operating condition and all recalls have been addressed according to CarFax

This vehicle has experienced the front coil spring cracking on the right front, the left front cracked at 114K miles. This is a very common issue with 2015-2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD-Pro, it is a design defect in the way the coil spring terminates and sits on the top hat and bottom spring perch. Toyota has discontinued the defective parts and redesigned the spring perch on the updated strut and uses a different spring, but it is not recalled and should be as this is a safety defect. A broken coil spring can cause sudden loss of control of the vehicle resulting in a crash and even death.

X-REAS sport enhancement system is failing in a vehicle (2016 Toyota 4 Runner) with 58,000 miles that has always been driven on city streets. Front struts and rear shock absorbers are both leaking and require replacement.

Rear view camera / backup camera randomly displays blanks screen. Screen has no other issues noted. Has been occurring over the past couple years.

I have a 2016 Toyota 4Runner at 143,011 miles. When it hit 125,000 mile mark the backup camera stopped working intermittently. The screen in the car goes blank. Turning the car on/off or changing gears does not affect this issue. It’s random and seems to becoming more frequent as more miles are put on. I will take it in however when I called them they said since it’s not a known issue I will have to replace it and it’s not cheap!

The paint is failing on this vehicle. The color is 8S6 Nautical Blue Metallic. The paint is peeling on the roof, hood, and two doors. The failure has been confirmed by a body shop.

I am reporting premature clear coat failure on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner in Magnetic Gray Metallic. The vehicle has approximately 120,000 miles and has been properly maintained, including regular washing and professional ceramic coating. The clear coat on the hood and roof (horizontal panels) is severely peeling and delaminating. The protective clear layer has failed, and the base coat is beginning to oxidize. This is not the result of neglect, damage, or improper care. The condition appears to be premature material or manufacturing failure of the clear coat. I have contacted Toyota corporate and opened a case. I was informed there are currently no other documented cases for gray paint and that additional complaints would be required before further investigation. I have read numerous reports in online owner forums indicating this is a common issue affecting 4Runners and other Toyota models, particularly on sun-exposed horizontal panels. However, Toyota has not formally addressed this issue for gray paint vehicles. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential widespread clear coat defect and to request further review.

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME AND WHEN I WENT OUT IN THE MORNING TO TAKE MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL MY VEHICLE STARTED MISFIRING ALL THE CHECKS ENGINE LIGHTS WERE LIGHTED UP EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON MY PANEL LIT UP. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. COME TO FIND OUT THAT ALL MY WIRING UNDER THE HOOD HAD BEEN EATEN OR CHEWED UP BY RATS. IT COST ME $500.00 DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED (TAPED) LESS THAN 6 MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN . AND LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AFTER THAT IT HAPPENED AGAIN! I READ SOMEWHERE THAT YOUR VEHICLES ARE KNOWN TO ATTRACT RATS AND THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY CUSTOMER TO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IS THERE ANY WAY YOU GUYS ARE PLANNING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ANY TIME SOON ? IT'S BECOMING VERY EXPENSIVE FOR ME .

SINCE NEW, I HAVE DOCUMENTED AT LEAST 20 OCCURRENCES OF LACK OF ACCELERATION, SEVERAL TIMES ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. ALL OCCURRENCES HAPPEN FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THEN APPLYING AT LEAST HALF ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE TRUCK WILL INITIALLY ACCELERATE, THEN PAUSE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, VERY SCARY WHEN CROSSING TRAFFIC OR GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. HAPPENS ON TURNS AND WHEN GOING STRAIGHT.

This vehicle transmission is demonstrating transmission shuddering problems, We have returned this car three time for the same repair. The highly reputable transmission has cited direct purchases of this part from Toyota has constantly have quality issues with the torque converter, This problem was inspected and confirmed by dealer and independent service center. They both concluded the same diagnose, There were no warning messages. We fear travelling on interstate roads is hazardous.

Above 55 mph uncontrollable shaking of entire vehicle. The wheels have been balanced and rotated with no help.

We were traveling down the mountain of Mt. Nebo in Dardanelle, AR, around 1:08pm on Friday, May 22, 2026. It had been misty rain for a few hours. As we were traveling down the switchbacks of the mountain, we pressed on the brake to slow the vehicle; however, the vehicle did not slow down any. Since we were coming to the next curve in the switchback, the decision was made to drive the car into a tree vs. risking flipping the car over the side of the mountain. When the vehicle collided with the tree, none of the air bags deployed. The point of impact was the front driver corner of the car. The car was traveling around 20 MPH at the time of impact (to the best of our knowledge). Problem #1-brake system failure Problem #2-Air bags failed to deploy -What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brake system & air bags. Both are available for inspection. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Risk of death associated with the crash. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Unavailable at this time due to the extensive damage caused from the crash. -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not to my knowledge since this happened a few hours before a holiday weekend. -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None that we seen.

On 5/11/2025, my husband and I were returning home from the grocery store. I was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident. Upon arriving at our residence, I pulled into our driveway, which has a slight downward incline. As in our usual practice, I attempted to stop in front of the garage to unload groceries before entering, as the hatch of our vehicle can come in contact with the garage door when opened inside. While aligning the vehicle with the garage door, I began breaking and turning slightly to the left. However, as I attempted to come to a complete stop in front of the closed garage door, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward. Despite applying the brakes, the vehicle continued moving and crashed through the closed garage door. Due to the steering wheel being slightly turned, the vehicle veered left upon entering the garage, striking the left interior wall and a 32 foot ladder that was leaning against it. The impact with the wall and ladder brought the vehicle to a stop although the engine continued to rev and the vehicle attempted to move forward. My husband instructed me to shut off the engine, which I did immediately. My husband was not injured in the incident. I sustained pain in my left shoulder and upper left back. A medical evaluation indicated that the pain is expected to subside within a few weeks; imaging will be conducted if symptoms persist. I have filed both auto and homeowner's insurance claims regarding the incident. Additionally, I contacted the dealership, which advised me to report the issue to the manufacturers corporate office. They noted that the vehicle is equipped with a fail-safe system designed to prevent simultaneous engagement of the brake and accelerator. This was a very scary incident that I don't want to have happen to someone else.

Swivel motion has started to jam when half locked, base will show half red/half green and refuse to lock. Unlock handle becomes hard to lift to swivel the car seat back to attempt to lock it again. I’ve contacted Evenflo, but waiting to hear back.

Above 55 mph uncontrollable shaking of entire vehicle. The wheels have been balanced and rotated with no help.

Wiring harness to rear window defogger melted causing the rear window to crack and shatter. Safe lite replaced the window and recommended the harness not be reconnected. Told me it was not uncommon. Vehicle was not being used at the time. It was in my driveway when the window blew outward. Inspected by Safe lite, Reported to Liberty Mutual. No warning light, rear defogger was not in use, car was off.

REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AFTER TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (ROUTE 200 ICC) AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH.

My 4Runner is hard starting all the time. I’ve replaced the battery, tested the alternator etc. It sounds exactly like the problem of the fuel pump recall. The 4Runner was recalled from 2014-2015, my car was technically put together in Sept 2015, but is labeled a 2016. I believe my fuel pump is failing. I am extremely nervous it is going to not start one day while I am out camping.

Fuel pump failed , vehicle stalled driving 70 down highway.. I have read there is a Recall in place for 2014, 2015, 2017,2018 4 runners. Why not 2016?

STARTED WITH SHAKING WHILE DRIVING, THEN THEY SAY THEY COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE SAME FEELING. THEN THE FRONT CAR WOULD SQUEAK LIKE AND OLD COIL, THEY SAY THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THAT. NOW THEY SAID I NEEDED NEW BRAKES AND THEN THE ABS, BRAKE, AND SKID CONTROL LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND OFF WHICH COINCIDES WITH A COIL/CLICK FEELING UNDER THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL. CAR STILL SHAKES AND SQUEAKED. TOYOTA KEEPS SAYING MY CAR IS FINE.

THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A MULTITUDE OF ISSUES. I AM ON MY 3RD DIFFERENT SET OF TIRES THIS YEAR (INCLUDING THE ORIGINAL TIRES). NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THE TIRES ARE BALANCED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES RATHER VIOLENTLY AT CERTAIN SPEEDS. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED AND RE-BALANCED (INCLUDING ROAD-FORCE BALANCED, ETC.). ON-LINE FORUMS INDICATE THAT MANY OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. ALSO THIS WEEK I HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE (THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKING AND BINDING UP). APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER FROZE UP AND THE VEHICLE NEARLY WENT OFF THE ROAD. ALSO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS NOISY FROM THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. TOYOTA EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL (I BELIEVE A BAD PINION GEAR). SHORTLY AFTER THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO GO IN AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN, AND WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES STARTED GOING OFF. THE DEALER THEN MADE REPAIRS BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE SINCE THEN AND THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED IT EACH TIME. ALSO IN THE LAST YEAR THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A 4-LANE ROAD. I EVENTUALLY WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE BUT THEN IT STARTED TO GO IN AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON IT'S OWN AGAIN WITH WARNINGS AND CHIMES GOING OFF. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE STARTS TO GO IN AND OUT OF 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN THE SHIFTER LEVER USUALLY STARTS TO FREEZE UP AS WELL (AND YOU MAY NEED TO USE BOTH HANDS TO FORCE THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR). THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD A STRONG ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE SINCE NEW COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT CORNER. THE DEALER HAS ADVISED THEY CANNOT LOCATE THE CAUSE. ALSO VARIOUS HEAT SHIELDS HAVE EITHER BROKEN OR FALLEN OFF SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT GO 4-WHEELING WITH THE VEHICLE AND IT'S METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED INCLUDING ALL SERVICE RECORDS AND RECEIPTS.

Picked up a Gal to go out on a date. Turned the vehicle on and got about 1 mile down the road when I started to smell , like a hot , burning electrical smoke . My Date , sitting in the passenger seat says Her seat is get warm , then says , it's getting really hot ! I looked at the seat warmer switch and noticed and said , weird , the switch isn't even on . Then the smoke became very apparent as we got onto the Freeway and we were compelled to pull over as the electrical components or wiring were on the verge of catching fire , where the Electic Seat switch is located .

It is a common complaint on the 4runner forums, the low beam head lights don't generate enough light to see at night. One video i saw measured the out put at less then 250lumns. The average halogen bulb put out 700lumns of light. I am constantly having to use high beams to see down the road. Consumers are forced to purchase and install after market head lights. It posses a safety risk not only to the drive but to anything on the road. I had my 2016 4runner a month before the need to drive at night arose, and I was shocked at how poor the illumination was.

Passenger side back seat seatbelt broke under normal wear and tear.