Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

145 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
10

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 3software faults 2transmission slipping 2
A recent report: Car keeps running out of gas while driving, due to faulty readings on the gas gauge and electronic readout. I have been driving this car for 11 years and never ran out of gas until running out 3…
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Car keeps running out of gas while driving, due to faulty readings on the gas gauge and electronic readout. I have been driving this car for 11 years and never ran out of gas until running out 3 times in the past 2 months. Today was the 3rd occurrence, gas gauge showed over 1/4 tank and 85 miles to go until empty. Previous incident was similar with 1/4 tank and showing 65 miles to go. (Pictures attached). The miles to go reading seems to be increasing with each incident (1st incident showed 25 miles, second incident 65 miles, then 85 miles today). No low fuel indicator light or warning has appeared on ANY of these 3 occasions. This is a very dangerous situation potentially causing loss of life as drivers have SECONDS to navigate their vehicle off the highway, while quickly losing speed and loss of steering. No indication that fuel is low, while instead providing incorrect (inflated) dashboard data. Vehicle is going into the shop tomorrow. Found multiple reports of this same incident on [XXX] [XXX] ) which indicate problem with sending unit. Please review and consider further action or communication to other 4Runner owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11558871 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
6

Most reports here involve unintended acceleration.

unintended acceleration 1electrical shorts 1
A recent report: Heated seat on drivers side was hot but heater was turned off. After a 1/2 hour drive smoke started coming out of the center console. Driver parked and exited the vehicle and called for help. Fire…
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Heated seat on drivers side was hot but heater was turned off. After a 1/2 hour drive smoke started coming out of the center console. Driver parked and exited the vehicle and called for help. Fire department arrived and put water on the fire then disconnected the battery. The insurance company determined the vehicle is a total loss. There were no personal injuries. Toyota Case #211004001272 I am not pleased that Toyota is treating this as a claim instead of a safety concern when I clearly stated this is a safety concern.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11436084 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
13

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 3 mention a crash.

loss of braking 10software faults 2
A recent report: 03/04/2019- I WAS DRIVING DOWN A DRY ROAD IN SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH. A GRADUAL TURN, AND I STRESS GRADUAL, CAME UP AND UPON TURNING THE WHEEL TO TAKE THE SLIGHT…
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03/04/2019- I WAS DRIVING DOWN A DRY ROAD IN SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH. A GRADUAL TURN, AND I STRESS GRADUAL, CAME UP AND UPON TURNING THE WHEEL TO TAKE THE SLIGHT CURB THE VSC/ ANTI SLIP BRAKING KICKED IN AND THE COMPUTER 'SENSED' I LOST CONTROLLED AT WHICH POINT IT TOOK OVER AND LOCKED THE BRAKES UP. THIS ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMPUTER TOOK AWAY ALL OF MY CONTROL, STRAIGHTENED MY CAR OUT SENDING ME OFF THE ROAD INTO A DRIED UP RIVER BED TOTALLING MY TRUCK COMPLETELY. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, FRONT END DESTROYED, THANK GOD I WASNT SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT TRUST ME WHEN I SAY IT COULDVE BEEN MUCH MUCH WORSE. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IVE READ MULTIPLE, ALMOST IDENTICAL STORIES INVOLVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME YEAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS, UNPREDICTABLE AND HAS LEFT ME VEHICLELESS IN A FINANCIAL BIND. I WILL ALSO MENTION THIS WASNT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED UNWARRANTED. THIS JUST HAPPENED TO BE THE FIRST TIME IT CAUSED SERIOUS ISSUES.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11184444 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
5

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 1premature wear 1
A recent report: THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL IS MUCH TOO SENSITIVE. AS A TURN IS TAKEN AT SPEED THE VEHICLE ELECTRONICS TAKE OVER AND CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY. FOR EXAMPLE, IF TURNING ON A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, IF IT…
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THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL IS MUCH TOO SENSITIVE. AS A TURN IS TAKEN AT SPEED THE VEHICLE ELECTRONICS TAKE OVER AND CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY. FOR EXAMPLE, IF TURNING ON A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, IF IT SENSES A TIRE ROTATION DISCREPANCY IT STEERS THE VEHICLE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS REPRODUCIBLE DEMONSTRATING THAT THIS IS THE WAY THAT IT IS DESIGNED AND NOT AN UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE. CHANGING TIRES HELPS SOMEWHAT BUT DOES NOT MITIGATE IT ENTIRELY. I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN MANY TIMES TO TOYOTA UNDER WARRANTY AND NOTHING IS FOUND AND NOTHING IS DONE TO IMPROVE IT. ONLINE HELP DIRECTLY WITH TOYOTA LIKEWISE HAS NOT LEAD TO ANY IMPROVEMENT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MANY REASONS INCLUDING DIRECTING THE VEHICLE INTO TRAFFIC AND IT IS VERY DISCONCERTING TO SUDDENLY HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEN NEGOTIATING A TURN, PARTICULARLY ON NARROW ROADS OR SHARP TURNS. I EVEN HAD TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11040940 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
92

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 4airbags deploying unexpectedly 4
A recent report: My 4Runner was involved in a collision where the airbags did not deploy, and I was knocked unconscious from hitting the steering wheel. The vehicle now shows an SRS fault code and is subject to an…
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My 4Runner was involved in a collision where the airbags did not deploy, and I was knocked unconscious from hitting the steering wheel. The vehicle now shows an SRS fault code and is subject to an open Takata airbag recall. Toyota corporate initially stated they would cover towing for the recall repair, then reversed that decision, claiming an airbag fault does not prevent the vehicle from starting. Because of the failed airbag deployment and recall defect, the vehicle is unsafe to drive until the recall is completed. Toyota’s refusal to provide towing prevents me from safely completing a federally mandated safety recall. I am requesting NHTSA assistance in ensuring Toyota fulfills its obligations under federal recall law.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11694956 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
11

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 7software faults 1
A recent report: Frame is starting to rot despite undercoating. Has several soft spots.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11484044 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
8

Most reports here involve unintended acceleration. Of these, 1 mention an injury.

unintended acceleration 1software faults 1
A recent report: Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally file a complaint against Toyota regarding their failure to notify me of a recall related to the clear coat peeling from my vehicle’s paint. I was never informed…
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Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally file a complaint against Toyota regarding their failure to notify me of a recall related to the clear coat peeling from my vehicle’s paint. I was never informed of this issue through a recall notice, nor did it appear in my vehicle’s history. I only became aware of the recall when a friend, who owns the same make and model in the same color, experienced the same problem and was able to have it repaired under the recall. When I contacted my local Toyota dealership, I was told that I am now outside the recall window and that the repair can no longer be completed under the recall. However, had I been properly notified in a timely manner, I would have taken my vehicle in for the necessary repairs. I believe Toyota’s failure to send me the recall notice has unfairly prevented me from receiving the repair I was entitled to. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in addressing this matter, as Toyota’s lack of proper notification has left me with an unresolved defect. Please advise on the next steps I can take to ensure Toyota takes responsibility for this issue. Thank you for your time and assistance. Best regards, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] UANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11649198 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 145 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2010 and 2025, roughly 9 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.