2018 Toyota 4Runner Problems

this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad

There was a clunking noise coming from the front end when steering. Got worse over time. Also had a vibration in the front end at speeds above 45 mph. Dealer recommended replacement of upper steering column shaft assembly and dust boot cover along with lower intermediate steering shaft. The manufacturer knows about this problem because there is a NHTSA Campaign Number 19V67000 that states the suspension and steering fasteners were improperly tightened. This should be a recall and I should not have to pay for their mistakes! If it had come loose, there would be a loss of control leading to an accident! The dealer/manufacturer did not send out any notice or warning.

Fuel pump make noises and I can hear it

Vehicle was parked in garage. Inspecting vehicle at 22:00, noise was heard. Source of noise was fuel pump located behind drivers side rear tire. Garage smelled of gasoline. Vehicle was turned off at 15:00 that day. Started up Vehicle with no issues and let run for 1.5 minutes then turned off. Noise was still present until Vehicle was locked via remote. Vehicle was not locked after being turned off at 15:00 until 22:00.

The dealership Direct Motor, located in Manassas, Virginia, sold me this car in poor condition. On Sunday the 22nd, I picked up the car around 10 PM. They didn't show me any information about the car. When I picked it up, I saw that the front bumper and rear door were damaged, and the airbag lights were on, which is dangerous. I returned the car first thing Monday morning and asked them to exchange it. They refused. I asked for my money back, which is $3,000, and they refused again. Then I went back on Wednesday and filled out a form explaining why I returned the car. They said they would return my money, but now they're not responding. They're trying to scam me.

My vehicle was in a collision at 55 miles an hour. Hit 3 grown cows in the highway at nighttime. Totaled my vehicle in the airbags, never deployed period Turn off.

The dealership Direct Motor, located in Manassas, Virginia, sold me this car in poor condition. On Sunday the 22nd, I picked up the car around 10 PM. They didn't show me any information about the car. When I picked it up, I saw that the front bumper and rear door were damaged, and the airbag lights were on, which is dangerous. I returned the car first thing Monday morning and asked them to exchange it. They refused. I asked for my money back, which is $3,000, and they refused again. Then I went back on Wednesday and filled out a form explaining why I returned the car. They said they would return my money, but now they're not responding. They're trying to scam me.

this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the frame holding the radiator of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator frame was corroded; however, the dealer applied paint to the structure instead of replacing the part under warranty. The contact later noticed that the radiator frame was corroded. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the radiator frame needed to be replaced and the repair would be completed at her own expense as the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,290.

WE PURCHASED A NEW 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WITH VIN [XXX] IN LATE 2017. IN OCTOBER OF 2019 WE NOTICED THAT THE BUMPER KEPT SEPARATING FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAD 31K MILES. JIM HUDSON TOYOTA TRIED TO FIX IT. THE BUMPER IS HELD ON BY SMALL CLIPS THAT COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. THEY SAID IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT BUT NOT A RECALL AND THE DESIGN WAS CHANGED FOR THE 2019 MODEL, SO IT IS UNIQUE TO THE 2018 MODEL. TOYOTA GAVE THE DEALERSHIP 3 WAYS TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THEY WERE SUPPOSEDLY GOING TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE IF THE 3 FIXES DID NOT WORK. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN A TOTAL OF 10 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF OVER A YEAR. THEY TRIED ALL 3 OF THESE PLUS ANOTHER 5 WAYS TO TRY TO FIX; SOME DID NOT WORK, AND SOME WERE MERELY COSMETIC AND DID NOT HOLD DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE LAST 2 TIMES JIM HUDSON PAID A BODY SHOP TO FIX IT AS IF IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, WHICH IT HAS NOT. WE ARE STUCK WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAS LOST VALUE DUE TO TOYOTA (DEFECT AS WELL AS HISTORY OF REPAIRS) AS WELL AS QUESTIONABLE SAFETY DUE TO THE BUMPER CONTINUOUSLY DETACHING.. ALL WE ASKED IS THAT THEY PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM US FOR WHAT WE OWE. WE FINANCED THROUGH TOYOTA. TOYOTA CORPORATE REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER AFTER REVIEWING FOR 2 MONTHS. THEY CLAIM THAT BECAUSE IT TOOK THEM SO LONG TO WORK ON IT, THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER LIABLE SINCE THE VEHICLE NOW HAS MORE THAN 35,000 MILES ON IT A YEAR AFTER INITIATING THE PROCESS TO FIX IT, EVEN THOUGH IT DID NOT HAVE THAT MANY MILES ON IT WHEN THE PROCESS WAS STARTED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future.

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON BELTWAY AND SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, BRAKING, AND STEERING CAPABILITIES. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. PHONE ATTACHED VIA CIGARETTE OUTLET WAS ZAPPED. MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED TO ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY CUSTOMER HAS ENDURED DUE TO THIS TOTAL VEHICLE MALFUNCTION.

The dealership Direct Motor, located in Manassas, Virginia, sold me this car in poor condition. On Sunday the 22nd, I picked up the car around 10 PM. They didn't show me any information about the car. When I picked it up, I saw that the front bumper and rear door were damaged, and the airbag lights were on, which is dangerous. I returned the car first thing Monday morning and asked them to exchange it. They refused. I asked for my money back, which is $3,000, and they refused again. Then I went back on Wednesday and filled out a form explaining why I returned the car. They said they would return my money, but now they're not responding. They're trying to scam me.

Two transfer case seals failed at 64,000 miles. Caused excessive oil to leak out of transfer case and onto the exhaust. Safety was put as risk by potential full failure of transfer case which can cause loss of power at speed or leaking oil on exhaust causing a fire. Problem was verified by Armstrong Automotive and repaired. No warning lights were present. Problem found after smelling burning oil and noticing smoking coming from underneath vehicle.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota 4Runner. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy per a Carfax report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was 65,862. However, the Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 61,000 in April 2022; 90,000 in February 2023; and 54,000 towards the end of the month in February 2023. The contact stated that the current approximate mileage was 86,000.

Apparently rodents have gone to the engine and ate the soy wires to the harness. This in turn has cost me over $1000 to fix. The only warning was when the warning lights came on and four runner started to shake when started.

this vehicle was purchased from Don Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner Limited I traded in a 2020 Acura RDX with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the Carfax Clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have PTSD from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to Zach the sales guy Steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank God we are our life today. I’m sad

The front shock springs cracked and snapped due to cold weather. I have been waiting for 2 months for the replacement parts and cannot drive my vehicle. The parts are 4 months out on a waiting list. The vehicle is not safe to drive. The dealer has inpected the vehicle and said it is not safe to drive for safety reasons. There were no warning and I only found out when I went to replace the original tires. The car has 25K miles.

While my father was exiting his 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the vehicle unexpectedly started reversing fairly quickly, despite no foot being on the brake. He was dragged by the vehicle while attempting to stop it outside the car, and it continued moving backwards then down a hill before crashing into a fence, causing significant damage to both the car and the fence. This vehicle should not have rolled back at this speed, and it appears to be related to a potential design flaw in the vehicle’s brake-shift interlock system or automatic reverse functionality. This incident is concerning, and after reviewing discussions in various forums, it seems that similar issues may not be isolated to this particular vehicle and could point to a larger defect in Toyota vehicles. I am very disappointed that there are no built-in safety features that could have prevented this incident. It is extremely concerning that the vehicle shifted into reverse while the driver was in the process of exiting. A vehicle should not be able to reserve this quickly or move into reverse unintentionally without the driver’s control. This poses a serious safety risk to drivers and bystandards, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether a defect or design flaw contributed to the incident. Implementing proper safeguards could prevent similar accidents in the future.

The front differential in our 2018 Toyota 4Runner failed. This caused damage to one of the front axels of the vehicle. The failure can cause difficulties in turning the vehicle. The failure can lead to catastrophic failure of the axels, leading to the wheels to lock up. The problem is reoccurring in model years 2016-2019. Toyota is aware of the problem and has issued bulletins (see Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-TCI-5185 Rev.1, dated 4/5/2019). Yet, Toyota refuses to offer a cost free repair of the failure/damage. The failure was inspected and confirmed by an authorized Toyota dealership on 2/9/2022. The failure had no warning signs/indicators. The failure began approximately 30-45 ago with a faint grinding sound coming from the drivetrain while driving.

IMPERFECTIONS IN GLASS (ALL WINDOWS) WHICH CAUSE VISIBILITY PROBLEMS IN THE DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME DRIVING. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER. A TOYOTA INSPECTOR HAS INSPECTED THE GLASS AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL GLASS COMPANY'S AND AUTO DETAILERS LOOK AT THE GLASS AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT.

THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKING WITHOUT THE TEMPERATURES BEING SO HIGH. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT TURNED ON, WHEN WE TURNED ON THE HEAT AND DROVE IT FOR A LITTLE BIT (6 MILES) WE NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING AND WE TURNED OFF THE HEAT. TEMPERATURE WAS AT 40 DEGREES THE LOWEST.

NEW VEHICLE DISCOVERED TO HAVE RUSTING SEAT RAILS AND SEAT BELT ATTACHMENTS. LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A PROBLEM ON A NEW VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATELY REPLACING ALL SEATS. HOWEVER, TOYOTA REGIONAL REPS AFTER ONLY DOING A VISUAL INSPECTION DECIDED THE RUST 'DOES NOT COMPROMISE THE SEATS INTEGRITY AT THIS TIME.' THEY IGNORED THE RECOMMENDATION OF THEIR MECHANICS TO REPLACE. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO CLEAN AND SEAL. THE REGIONAL REPS WILL NOT REPLACE UNTIL THE INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED. THIS IS A WILLFUL SELECTION TO IGNORE THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS. THANK YOU.

HHHHH

STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES BETWEEN 55-65 MPH. VEHICLE FEELS UNSTABLE UNTIL IT REACHES APROX 70 MPH. TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY BALANCED THE FRONT WHEELS, BUT ISSUE RETURNS EVERYTIME, 2-3 WEEKS LATER. TOYOTA SAYS IT IS NORMAL. CANNOT BE NORMAL FOR A BRAND NEW CAR, WITH NEW TIRES. MULTIPLE OWNERS REPORT ISSUE HAPPENING IN MULTIPLE WEBSITES

Yes tire is available Tire has bad spot on sidewalk goes all the way to belt Looks like this tire might blow out which could cause crash Tuscaloosa Toyato first noticed it at our 30,000 mile maintenance service on June 9 2021 No inspection yet No warning have no ideal how long been like this

NEW VEHICLE DISCOVERED TO HAVE RUSTING SEAT RAILS AND SEAT BELT ATTACHMENTS. LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A PROBLEM ON A NEW VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATELY REPLACING ALL SEATS. HOWEVER, TOYOTA REGIONAL REPS AFTER ONLY DOING A VISUAL INSPECTION DECIDED THE RUST 'DOES NOT COMPROMISE THE SEATS INTEGRITY AT THIS TIME.' THEY IGNORED THE RECOMMENDATION OF THEIR MECHANICS TO REPLACE. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO CLEAN AND SEAL. THE REGIONAL REPS WILL NOT REPLACE UNTIL THE INTEGRITY IS COMPROMISED. THIS IS A WILLFUL SELECTION TO IGNORE THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS. THANK YOU.