The Toyota 4Runner has secured itself a rightful place as one of the most reliable, rugged SUVs on the market, conquering off-road trails and providing enough space for family use. However, not every year was a safe bet for the 4Runner. Some years have been marred by severe issues, from rusted frames to failing transmissions, leaving owners frustrated and out of pocket.
This guide takes a deep dive into the Toyota 4runner Years to Avoid, their common issues, and practical tips to help you avoid expensive mistakes when buying a used one.
Why Do Certain Toyota 4Runner Years Stand Out?
Not surprisingly, with a model as long in the tooth as the 4Runner (since 1984), there are bound to be some downsides. Not even the engineering gods of Toyota are immune to the occasional nicks at the rust-prone areas, failing transmissions, or suspension glitches.
Some of these may be traced to manufacturing oversights, while others are born from challenges in building an SUV capable of regular everyday use and extreme off-road forays.
If you want to buy a used 4Runner, here’s what you need to know about the specific years that will drain your wallet through costly repairs.
9 Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid and Why
If you’re thinking about buying a Toyota 4runner, then wait a minute, this legendary SUV isn’t perfect in every model year. While it’s famous for rugged reliability and robust off-road performance, some years will leave you with more headaches than adventures.
From rusted frames to super costly suspension fixes and even dodgy airbags, a few models stand out for all the wrong reasons. Let’s explore the Years to avoid Toyota 4Runner and why you should avoid them.
1. 2003 Toyota 4Runner
The 2003 Toyota 4Runner is known for rust issues, especially for the frame and suspension components. This was the first year of the fourth generation, and the car improved significantly from the previous models but introduced flaws that tormented the vehicle for years.
Rust in the undercarriage, mainly where road salt is widespread, can compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity. Eventually, this rust will weaken the frame, make the suspension fail, and cost a lot to fix. While a few owners have kept these vehicles rust-free, purchase-used involves serious risks. Â
Key Issues:
- Heavy rust on the undercarriage and frame: The 2003 4Runner is notorious for being severely rusted, especially in snowy regions where road salts are used. Rust can extensively consume the vehicle’s framework, posing a significant risk to its structural safety.Â
- Rusty suspension parts that can cause instability: Rust spreads to crucial suspension parts, creating unstable situations, especially during intense off-road or high-speed turns.
- Costly repairs: Rust at a frame or suspension part isn’t something to be fixed cheaply-the item or, worse, even a section of the frame may have to be replaced, costing more than the car is worth.
2. 2004 Toyota 4Runner
The 2004 model mimicked the rust issues of the 2003 but added new nuisances to contend with. One common complaint cited by owners included frequent cracking of the dashboard, which wasn’t cosmetic after all; in time, it could lead to airbags opening.
The undercarriage was still susceptible to rust, again easily identifiable in snowy or rain-intensive areas. The model of this year generally suffered from premature wear to the suspension system. Buyers shopping for a 4Runner in this model year typically experience costly repairs to return the vehicle to a safe, structurally sound state.
Key Issues:
- Dashboard cracking problems: The dashboard materials were susceptible to drying up and cracking under heat or sunlight. With time, such cracks would interfere with airbag deployment, posing a grave risk concerning safety.
- Rust Issues: Like the 2003 model, rust affected the 2004 version of the frame and suspension rust. In due course, the rust compromised the structural strength of the SUV and caused suspension collapse.
- Premature suspension wear: The system wore out despite no sign of rust. Ultimately, the bumpy ride was so expensive with stability repairs that it wasn’t worth continuing.
3. 2005 Toyota 4Runner
The 2005 Toyota 4Runner is known primarily for its flawed X-REAS suspension system meant to enhance the handling and stability of the truck. Even though it was innovative, often, it would seize up early on and thus be rather expensive to fix.
In addition, rust persisted in the 2005 model on some parts of the frame and undercarriage. These problems created a problematic experience for many owners, especially those living in colder climates where rust progresses faster.
Key Issues:
- X-REAS suspension failure: To improve stability and handling, Toyota designed the X-REAS suspension. However, this feature was known to fail prematurely while on the road, leading owners to spend too much replacing it.
- Rust on the frame and undercarriage: Severe rust problems in colder states made this model a pleasure to make unusable for extended periods. Rust affects aesthetics, but it can also compromise the safety level of the vehicle as it can destroy the frame and critical parts.
- Costs of repairs: The suspension or damage due to rust could be difficult and expensive to fix. Therefore, 2005 is more problematic compared to previous years.
4. 2008 Toyota 4Runner
If there’s a Toyota 4Runner year to avoid absolutely, the 2008 model often tops the list. It was one of those issues everyone experienced before the vehicle had gone past 100,000 miles.
Disappointing for an SUV known for longevity, electrical system failures, such as dashboard lighting failure and sensor problems, also plagued the 2008 4Runner. Some drivers have found the remedy for a potential walk-in-fix for the transmission failure, but its cost may discourage some would-be buyers.Â
Key Issues:
- Trans failures under 100k miles: It happens, which is relatively unusual for a 4Runner, and repairs or rebuilds of the transmission can run in the thousands, and even used transmissions are costly to purchase.
- Dashboard lighting and sensor failures: The electrical system was sometimes unreliable, with the dashboard lights shorting out and sensors shorting fire. This results in improper readings for critical metrics, such as speed or fuel level.
- Expensive repair: Electrical problems and transmission failure make the 2008 4Runner one of the more expensive models to keep in working order.
5. 2010 Toyota 4Runner
The fifth generation finally debuted in the 2010 model, but there was still much bad news around this time – brake system issues and lousy ride quality. Many owners complained about mushy brake pedals and premature brake wear, which is especially problematic for urban drivers trapped in stop-and-go traffic.
While excellent for taking the rig off-road, the stiff suspension lessens the comfort of daily commutes. While it improved in some areas, the 2010 4Runner remains a difficult decision for those looking to buy.
Key Issues:
- Mushy brake pedals: Drivers reported a soft or “spongy” feel when pressing the brake pedal, reducing confidence in the vehicle’s braking ability. This problem is hazardous in stop-and-go traffic. Â
- Premature brake wear: Brake pads and rotors wore out much faster than expected, leading to frequent replacements and added costs for city drivers.
- Stiff suspension: While the stiff suspension is excellent for off-road adventures, it’s less than ideal for daily driving. The ride becomes uncomfortable on bumpy or uneven roads, especially for passengers.Â
6. 2014 Toyota 4Runner
Updates regarding the design and feature elements filled out the 2014 Toyota 4Runner, but nothing was perfect. This year’s biggest issue was defective airbags, leading to numerous recalls.
Some airbags failed to open, while others presented hazards to safety, at which the concerned buyers might shudder. Another recurring glitch in the infotainment system was a needlessly frozen screen and untrustworthy connectivity that irked tech-conscious customers.
Key Issues:
- Defective airbags: Airbag recalls plagued the 2014 models. Some airbags did not deploy properly, while others detonated with too great a force, causing a safety risk.
- Glitches in the infotainment system: The touchscreen would sometimes freeze or shut down. One could not even count on smooth Bluetooth connectivity with phones or other devices, nor could one rely on available navigation or hands-free capability, giving rise to tech cravings.
- Neglect of recalls: When these airbag recalls are left unaddressed, driving this model increases your chances of accidents. Always clear the recall history when purchasing a vehicle.
7. 2015 Toyota 4Runner
Major failures did not haunt this model, but the 2015 received complaints about brake wear and poor comfortability during a ride. Owners complained that brakes were wearing off faster than usual, especially in big cities with tons of traffic. A problem was also faced with suspension, which was too hard; riding might not be fun on long road trips or a daily commute.
Key Issues:
- Frequent brake pad replacements: Like the 2010 model, braking on the 2015 4Runner wore out too fast, particularly during city driving, where stop-and-go traffic is expected. The owners replaced pads much more often than they would with other models.
- Rough ride: The stiff suspension setup carried over from Toyota gives a ride that is pretty rugged and uncomfortable for the long run or bumpy roads. The SUV seems more apt for trails instead of daily commutes.
- Infotainment system freezes sometimes: Though not as bad as the 2014 model, freezing and lagging made the infotainment system temperamental in some owners who expect a smooth operation in modern SUVs.
8. 2023 Toyota 4Runner
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is another of the worst years because of its aged powertrain and lack of smoothness. The problem here is a thirsty 4.0-liter V-6 plus a rather outdated automatic transmission, which gives the 4Runner decidedly poor fuel economy and less than adequate power compared to competitors.
The off-road capability is still rugged and has a roomy interior, but cabin materials lack some zip and make for a very firm ride when used on pavement. It’s a great choice for off-roading but not so good as an everyday vehicle due to the bettering performances of newer competitors and the fact that it does have modern competition.
Key Issues:
- Antiquated 4.0-liter V-6 engine with poor fuel economy: The 4.0-liter V-6 found in the 4Runner may have been the epitome of reliability back in its day, but by 2023 standards, it is nowhere near efficient. It sucks down gas at a rate that cannot be ignored, especially with rising fuel costs. While reliable, most buyers will want to see better mileage and power from an SUV in this price category.
- Dated automatic transmission compared to rivals: The unit seems archaic. It feels out of this world compared to the more advanced units in similar competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, especially in terms of smoother shifts and better performance. The old unit drags down the overall driving experience of the 4Runner.
- Interior trim items that feel non premium grade: Step inside the 2023 4Runner, and you’ll find an interior that feels basic at best. The materials look and feel cheap, which is disappointing for a vehicle at this price point. Other SUVs in the segment have moved toward plush, high-quality interiors, leaving the 4Runner far behind.
- Rough on-road handling and truck-like ride quality: Driving this 4Runner on regular roads feels like driving a truck, and not in a good way. The steering feels loose and can be quite bumpy on the ride, especially compared with more refined crossovers and SUVs that seem to glide over paved surfaces.
- Lacks modern infotainment and convenience features: In the modern world, one expects a lot from their infotainment, with numerous connectivity options that work without any glitches. Unfortunately, the 2023 4Runner cannot claim to meet these expectations. The system is archaic, lacking features normally found in this class, such as a bigger touchscreen or wireless smartphone integration.
9. 2024 Toyota 4Runner
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is one of the biggest disappointments in the age of design and laggardly tech. The aging 4.0-liter V-6 combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission feels behind its times, unimpressive for fuel economy as well as for performance. One can appreciate the strong off-road hardware, including locking differentials and upgraded suspensions.
The truck-like ride quality and an outdated infotainment system will make this less appealing for daily duties. Even though equipped with safety features, its decade-old design and lack of innovation make it trail behind the more advanced newer models.
Key Issues:
- Antiquated powertrain with below-average horsepower: The same 4.0-liter V-6 carries over for 2024, and this again yields little power or performance increase. With lagging horsepower beyond any newer models, the 4Runner pulls far behind when fully loaded with passengers or gear.
- It is a low fuel-efficiency vehicle for its class: A part of it is that the 2024 4Runner does terribly on gas mileage by today’s standards. Whether commuting or taking an excursion off-road, you’ll find yourself stopping at a gas station far too frequently, which can be quite inconvenient for drivers with hectic lives.
- Minimal design updates; no major facelift in more than a decade: The 4Runner hasn’t had a major redesign in some time, and it’s clear. While retaining its rugged style, it ultimately shows the lack of updates as looking and feeling old. While competitors have been trying to make their designs neater and more modern, this is leaving 4Runner further behind.
- The infotainment system lags: Tech-savvy drivers will be disappointed with the 2024’s old-fashioned infotainment system. It does not feature features such as a crisp and bright display, rapid response times, or newer connectivity options that buyers expect nowadays.
Common Problems Found Throughout Models
Although specific years of the Toyota 4Runner boast the problems unique to them, several issues reappear multiple times across varied models. Let’s explore these more common problems so you know what to look for.
Rust and Corrosion
- Third and Fourth Generations Hit Hard: Rust is another notorious problem, especially in 4Runners from the late third generation and much of the fourth-generation lineup. It looks at vehicles driven in snowy states or near the coast because of road salt and moisture.
- Frame Weakening: Rust makes things look dreadful and can weaken the frame and undercarriage, thus creating safety issues. In extreme cases, rust can make suspension components fail or parts break entirely.
- Expensive to Fix: Rust damage is more than grinding down the mess and covering it up. Severe rust often needs to be welded or even replaced whole frame sections, thus raising costs.
Suspension Failures
- Early Suspension Wear: The suspension system would go bad prematurely in many models. Also, it tends to happen more specifically to off-road driving of a lot or uneven ground to those who drive the 4Runner.
- Expensive Repairs: Suspension parts like the X-REAS system (on some models) or control arms are complex and costly to replace. Once these fail, you’re looking at a hefty repair bill.
- Impact on Driving Comfort: A failing suspension makes the ride bumpy and unstable, a pain during everyday commutes, and risky on rough trails.
Transmission Troubles
- 2008 Stands Out: The 2008 model had an exceptionally high rate of transmission failures, sometimes occurring under 100,000 miles. Drivers reported issues with shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure.
- While most of these problems were related to automatic transmissions, some owners of manual transmissions also faced difficulty with shifting and clutch performance.
- Not Just One Year: While 2008 is the poster child for transmission trouble, other years had sporadic reports of shifting issues. These problems might not surface until higher mileage, making them hard to predict when buying used.
- Expensive Fix: Replacing or rebuilding a transmission can cost thousands of dollars. Even diagnosing the problem requires labor-intensive inspections, adding to repair costs. Â
Brake Wear
- Ailing Brakes of Fifth-Generation Models: Complaints about brakes wearing out too quickly were rife among many fifth-generation 4Runners. This was particularly prevalent for the city drivers stuck in stop-and-go traffic.
- Frequent Replacements Needed: Drivers often replace brake pads and sometimes rotors too frequently, keeping their repair bills elevated.
- Brake Issues: Some owners also complained of “mushy” brake pedals that made braking feel unreliable, an always-urgent issue for safety-conscious drivers.
Electrical Glitches
- Erratic Sensors: During different years, some owners had issues with sensors – tire pressure, for instance, or fuel levels or speed. Faulty sensors often give the wrong readings or just quit entirely.
- Dash Lights Issues: Others stated that the dash lights would sometimes shut off, which made it difficult to read some gauges in dim lighting, especially at nighttime.
- Infotainment System Glitches: More recent tech had infotainment systems that froze or crashed, lagged in response times, or couldn’t connect. This would irritate those using these systems for car navigation, hands-free calling, etc.
5 Best Years For Toyota 4runner to Consider
If you are seeking a reliable, worry-free-cruising Toyota 4Runner, then you should check out the following standout years:
1. 2009 Toyota 4Runner
This 2009 4Runner is a crowning jewel in the fourth generation. Toyota listened to people’s complaints about rust and frames on some of the earlier models, and this year was a significant improvement. With only 35 complaints lodged with the NHTSA, it was easy to see that Toyota had turned things around. While some drivers found shifting at lower speeds to be more complex than others, the 2009 4Runner stands strong as one of the good used SUV choices.
Key Features:
- Rust-free frame and undercarriage. Â
- Reliable Performance transmission.
- Minimal complaints compared to earlier models. Â
2. 2018 Toyota 4Runner
The 2018 4Runner is an excellent pick if you’re after something newer. It’s part of the fifth generation and received only 67 complaints with the NHTSA—a low number for any vehicle.
Owners adored its rugged design and smooth steering, making it a massive hit on and off the road. In addition, with six trims to pick and choose from and an option for two or three rows of seating, there is the 2018 4Runner for every driver style.
Key Features:
- Excellent reliability and minimal complaints.Â
- Smooth steering and rugged off-road capability.
- Different trims and seating options.
3. 2019-Present Toyota 4Runner
The 2019 4Runner cemented its position as an off-road beast, but it boasted incredible reliability. Complaints were again reduced even further from the previous year, and other than some isolated fuel line issues, this model was essentially bulletproof. With its legendary off-road capability and versatile configurations, the 2019 model and beyond are some of the best available to adventurous SUV devotees.
Key Features:
- Exceptional off-road performance.
- This one has very few complaints, even about fuel issues.
- Significant configurations for almost every budget and need.
4. 2020 Toyota 4Runner
The 2020 4Runner continued the tradition of low complaint numbers, at only 32. There were some minor issues with brakes and airbags, but these were isolated incidents seemingly attached to specific vehicles. Other than the technical desirability gap, the interior space and capabilities make it an incredible value for outdoor nuts, though overdue for a technical refresh.
Key Features:
- Low overall complaints.
- Roomy interior and excellent off-road capacity.
- Good resale value for used buyers.Â
5. 2021 Toyota 4Runner
The 2021 4Runner is the icing on the cake regarding reliability and ruggedness.
It was the top-rated model in its category regarding durability and safety features, with only 36 complaints and no widespread issues.
One issue of a shattered passenger-side window was reported, but it is probably a one-time fluke. With roomy cargo space and plenty of driver assistance features, the 2021 4Runner is perfect for those who want an SUV built for the city and the trail.
Key Features:
- There are plenty of standard safety and driver assistance features. Â
- Best-in-class off-road potential. Â
- Low complaints, with no significant recurring issues.
What’s the best year for a 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner?
The models of 2019 and 2020 are mostly recommended because of their reliability, modern safety tech, and fewer problems reported. They find a sweet spot that combines durability with improved comfort and features compared to the earlier 5th-gen years.
In conclusion, The Toyota 4Runner is a great SUV known for its reliability. However, just like any car on the market, some models are never up to par, so it’s better to avoid cars; these are the Toyota 4runner Years to Avoid: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2014, and 2015 models.
If you’re set on a 4Runner, prioritize models with documented repairs or consider years with fewer reported issues, such as 2009 or 2013. With thorough research and inspection, you’ll be able to find a 4Runner that can handle your adventures with ease.
