RoadVitals

2017 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.
36
Latest Jul 14, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 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

  • Brakes926.5%
  • Electrical514.7%
  • Airbags38.8%
  • Engine25.9%
  • Fuel system25.9%
  • Interior & seats25.9%
  • Suspension25.9%
  • Body & structure25.9%
  • Driver assistance25.9%
  • Steering25.9%
  • Seat belts12.9%
  • Other / unspecified12.9%
  • Powertrain (other)12.9%

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

Brakes

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Failed brake master cylinder, this is still a rather new vehicle and the mechanics said this is unlikely in a new low mileage vehicle. I did research and this has only happened a few times, seems like a safety recall should be put in place.

NHTSA ID 11452492 · filed Feb 17, 2022

While driving at full speed on the freeway, another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of me. My brake pedal was soft and went down almost to the floor. Rapid pulsing of brakes, as would be expected with the ABS (antilock brake system), did not occur. I pulled around to the shoulder and barely managed to stop in time to avoid a collision, which was quite a frightening experience. I have had a few similar incidents since then, and have noticed that the brake pedal is a bit soft until pumping the pedal a few times. A local dealer diagnosed the problem and said the "ABS actuator assembly" has failed and needs to be replaced. The part itself costs >$2900, making this with labor a ~$3800 repair. (please see attached) 1. This part is not subject to normal wear and tear. 2. Although beyond the 3/36 warranty, this vehicle is relatively new (2019) with only ~55K miles on it. This part should not fail after so relatively few miles. 3. Failure of this ABS part causes the entire brake system to fail, since the ABS is tied in to the brake system. 4. Failure of this part represents a severe hazard, risk, and safety concern, with significant potential to cause injury or death of driver/passengers/pedestrians, or persons in other vehicles. 5. The cost to repair this is not trivial and represents a major expense. I feel that in light of the above, Toyota should accept responsibility for failure of this part. Thank you, [XXX] San Diego INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11439109 · filed Nov 2, 2021
All 9 reports naming brakes

Electrical

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

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

For the 2nd time in 5 weeks, the main wiring harness and knock sensor have been eaten and destroyed by rodents. This has caused thousands of dollars worth of damage, and it's due to the soy based wiring used in the wiring harness. I cannot keep this vehicle outside for any period of time without the threat of the harnesses getting chewed.

NHTSA ID 11722858 · filed Mar 8, 2026

TOYOTA ENTUNE (IPHONE APP) WILL NOT PAIR WITH YOUR PHONE OR DISCONNECTS DURING USE BECAUSE APP DOES NOT MAINTAIN THE USER'S LOGIN CREDENTIALS. THE BEHAVIOR OF THE CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN THE VEHICLE'S ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND PHONE IS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT, SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM WON'T WORK WITHOUT THE PHONE'S APP RUNNING AND OTHER TIMES IT WILL - SOMETIMES IT WON'T WORK EVEN WHEN THE APP IS RUNNING. OFTEN, WHEN THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM FAILS TO CONNECT IT STOPS FUNCTIONING AND POPS UP MESSAGES THAT REQUIRE USER INPUT WHILE DRIVING. MANY TIMES THE PHONE APPEARS TO BE CONNECTED UNTIL AFTER YOU START DRIVING AND THEN THE SYSTEM ASKS FOR INPUT (WHICH YOU MUST DO ON YOUR PHONE, NOT THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM'S SCREEN). THE WHOLE POINT OF CONNECTING YOUR PHONE WITH THE VEHICLE'S ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM IS TO ELIMINATE THE NEED TO USE YOUR PHONE WHILE DRIVING, SO A SEAMLESS CONNECTION WITHOUT UNNECESSARY USER INPUT IS IMPERATIVE TO SAFE OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. THIS IS ADMITTEDLY A RELATIVELY MINOR SAFETY CONCERN, HOWEVER A FIX WOULD BE REMARKABLY EASY TO ACHIEVE AND WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS REDUCING DRIVER DISTRACTION. TOYOTA VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR THIS FUNCTIONALITY FOR MANY YEARS (SEE APPLE APP STORE REVIEWS FOR TOYOTA ENTUNE), BUT, DESPITE MULTIPLE REQUESTS, TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY HAS REPEATEDLY IGNORED THEIR CUSTOMERS. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ACROSS MULTIPLE VEHICLES IN THE TOYOTA LINEUP, BUT I AM ONLY FAMILIAR WITH THE IPHONE APP, SO I'M NOT SURE IF IT ALSO EXISTS WITH OTHER PHONES. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED CONSISTENTLY SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A YEAR AGO AND PERSISTS DESPITE KEEPING BOTH PHONE SOFTWARE AND VEHICLE FIRMWARE UPDATED.

NHTSA ID 11090079 · filed Apr 25, 2018

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

Airbags

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME, DRIVING 50 MPH. PASSENGER SIDE HIT, ALL 8 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG UNDER STEERING WHEEL, CUT UP MY LEGS HORRIBLY, VERY SWOLLEN, REFUSED HOSPITAL DUE TO COVID 19 FEAR. THE AIRBAGS CUT UP MY LEFT ARM AND MY DAUGHTER'S RIGHT ARM(SHE WAS PASSENGER). VERY HAPPY THAT WE WERE SAFE, BUT THE SERIOUS CUTS ON MY BODY SEEMED QUITE SEVERE FOR THE HIT WHICH WAS ON PASSENGER SIDE AND BY A DEER.

NHTSA ID 11329874 · filed Jun 21, 2020

ON 7/22/2019, OUR 4RUNNER REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY. SPEED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT WAS APPROXIMATELY 55MPG AFTER HARD BRAKING FROM APPROXIMATELY 65MPH. NONE OF THE 4RUNNER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS DESTROYED. SEE PHOTOS.

NHTSA ID 11234158 · filed Jul 23, 2019

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Throttle has a lag when depressing gas pedal (occasionally a dead petal symptom) research indicates a TSB T-SB-0166-10 exist that relates to this issue. Lack of Toyota dealer assistance with this issue when contacted (Toyota of Round Rock Texas 78664) This issues is a safety concern when operating vehicle due to lack of throttle response when accelerating into traffic. When issue occurs, vehicle "stalls" and creates a dangerous situation that eventually will result is an accident.

NHTSA ID 11649210 · filed Mar 19, 2025

CAR STALLED ON THE FREE WAY WHILE DRIVING . THE DASH BOARD HAD A WARNING TO CHECK ENGINE AT DEALER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (TANSKY SAWMILL, DUBLIN OH). THEY RESET THE CAR AND IT WAS RETURNED TO US. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP, DIAGNOSTICS DETECTED TWO ERROR CODES REPORTED A) P0A0F, B) P3190 CURRENTLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING ON THE FREE WAY

NHTSA ID 11051617 · filed Nov 30, 2017

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2017 Toyota 4 runner SR5 While driving on the highway the vehicle stopped apparently the fuel pump stopped working and could not get going anymore. I had a mechanic come to the house with a PC and test it. He told me that’s a change that will need to take place in a garage. Luckily I was able to stop on the side and paid someone to bring car home

NHTSA ID 11663273 · filed May 27, 2025

Throttle has a lag when depressing gas pedal (occasionally a dead petal symptom) research indicates a TSB T-SB-0166-10 exist that relates to this issue. Lack of Toyota dealer assistance with this issue when contacted (Toyota of Round Rock Texas 78664) This issues is a safety concern when operating vehicle due to lack of throttle response when accelerating into traffic. When issue occurs, vehicle "stalls" and creates a dangerous situation that eventually will result is an accident.

NHTSA ID 11649210 · filed Mar 19, 2025

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

Interior & seats

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have owned my vehicle since 2017 and since then I have had to change the locks over 10 times. this has been ongoing since purchasing my car. Some were originally covered with the warranty but since it expired, i have paid dealerships out of pocket. I have a lock give out almost yearly. Right now my car has 3 of the 4 door locks not working and the 4th just started acting up as well. I have checked for recalls because it doesn't make sense that they would go out yearly and the dealerships have even told me there should be recalls because my year 4runner always has lock issues. my safety concern is my locks either have to stay unlocked or i risk locking my car completely and it not opening because the key will not unlock it. I have tried contacting Toyota and they have stated they cannot help so I am wanting to reach out to see if there is anything that can be done or if you can point me in the right direction on who i can reach out to . thank you

NHTSA ID 11600914 · filed Jul 10, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED AND MADE AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AVONDALE TOYOTA (10005 WEST PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, (844) 610-894) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME//SUPPORT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ANDERSON TOYOTA (6510 SHOWPLACE AVE, LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ 86404, (928) 764-2886), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ADJUST THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1806083099, BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. *TT UPDATED 9/25/18

NHTSA ID 11101898 · filed Jun 14, 2018

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-Runner.

NHTSA ID 11631443 · filed Dec 18, 2024

TRUCK SHIMMY'S WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER 50MPH. FRONT TIRES ARE DAMAGED FROM CUPPING. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AS WELL AS TIRE ALIGNMENT AND ROTATION. DEALERSHIP KEEPS SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT.

NHTSA ID 11341919 · filed Jul 28, 2020

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

Body & structure

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME, DRIVING 50 MPH. PASSENGER SIDE HIT, ALL 8 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG UNDER STEERING WHEEL, CUT UP MY LEGS HORRIBLY, VERY SWOLLEN, REFUSED HOSPITAL DUE TO COVID 19 FEAR. THE AIRBAGS CUT UP MY LEFT ARM AND MY DAUGHTER'S RIGHT ARM(SHE WAS PASSENGER). VERY HAPPY THAT WE WERE SAFE, BUT THE SERIOUS CUTS ON MY BODY SEEMED QUITE SEVERE FOR THE HIT WHICH WAS ON PASSENGER SIDE AND BY A DEER.

NHTSA ID 11329874 · filed Jun 21, 2020

ABOUT A YEAR AFTER OWNING MY MAGNETIC GRAY 4RUNNER I STARTED NOTICING FLAWS ON MY HOOD AND ROOF OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST LIKE THE CLEAR COAT WAS BUBBLING UP. I EXPRESSED MY CONCERN TO THE DEALERSHIP DURING A ROUTINE VISIT AND THE SUPERVISOR SAID IT WILL BE NOTED IN THE VEHICLES RECORD. I ROUTINELY WASH MY VEHICLE AND DO NOT LET ANYTHING SIT ON MY VEHICLE SUCH AS SAP OR BIRD DROPPINGS AND THE VEHICLE IS IN A GARAGE. IT IS NOW A YEAR LATER AND I AM NOTICING MORE SPOTS. KNOWING NOW THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD ISSUES BEFORE WITH DEFECTIVE CLEAR COAT ON THEIR VEHICLES I AM WONDERING IF THEIR IS ANYTHING I CAN DO OTHER THAN TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE MY VEHICLE REPAINTED.

NHTSA ID 11319289 · filed Mar 25, 2020

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Text sent to Toyota. Copy to NHTSA. Hello, my name is [XXX]. I am writing to both Toyota and NHTSA with what I perceive as a safety problem. I have owned three Toyotas including a 2017 4runner. I have been pleased with them except for one characteristic they all shared. The turn signal sound volume is just too low. My son's F-150 and my wife's Audi A4 both have very clear and distinct turn signal sounds that I can clearly hear over normal conversation or the radio playing. The Toyota does not. Why? In a nation with aging baby-boomers, whose hearing is diminishing, it would seem obvious that an adjustable turn signal volume control (with a minimum level) would be a much valued enhancement to any vehicle. When you consider that many of the electronic features of modern cars are never used, it strikes me as odd that no vehicle manufacturer has addressed this obvious problem. I have sent a copy of this text to the National Highway Safety Commission and several Toyota competitors in the hopes that someone will realize the potential for a very useful vehicle enhancement. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11461283 · filed Apr 19, 2022

TRUCK SHIMMY'S WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER 50MPH. FRONT TIRES ARE DAMAGED FROM CUPPING. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AS WELL AS TIRE ALIGNMENT AND ROTATION. DEALERSHIP KEEPS SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT.

NHTSA ID 11341919 · filed Jul 28, 2020

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

Steering

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-Runner.

NHTSA ID 11631443 · filed Dec 18, 2024

PEELING STEERING WHEEL ON IT'S OWN. NO OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. NO RINGS, SUNSCREEN, LOTION OR CLEANERS USED. CAUSES LOSS OF GRIP OF WHEEL AND CONTINUED DETERIORATION ALTERS STEEERING WHEEL. THERE IS A CHANGE.ORG PETITION.

NHTSA ID 11267825 · filed Oct 11, 2019

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME, DRIVING 50 MPH. PASSENGER SIDE HIT, ALL 8 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG UNDER STEERING WHEEL, CUT UP MY LEGS HORRIBLY, VERY SWOLLEN, REFUSED HOSPITAL DUE TO COVID 19 FEAR. THE AIRBAGS CUT UP MY LEFT ARM AND MY DAUGHTER'S RIGHT ARM(SHE WAS PASSENGER). VERY HAPPY THAT WE WERE SAFE, BUT THE SERIOUS CUTS ON MY BODY SEEMED QUITE SEVERE FOR THE HIT WHICH WAS ON PASSENGER SIDE AND BY A DEER.

NHTSA ID 11329874 · filed Jun 21, 2020

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TRUCK SHIMMY'S WHENEVER I DRIVE OVER 50MPH. FRONT TIRES ARE DAMAGED FROM CUPPING. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AS WELL AS TIRE ALIGNMENT AND ROTATION. DEALERSHIP KEEPS SAYING NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT.

NHTSA ID 11341919 · filed Jul 28, 2020

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-Runner.

NHTSA ID 11631443 · filed Dec 18, 2024

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 .