2018 Toyota 4RUNNER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
58 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
20,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 36 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 58 complaints (19.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 14 | 24.1% |
| Braking behavior | 9 | 15.5% |
| Engine operation | 5 | 8.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 5 | 8.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 3.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 3.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 11 |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
| Structure:Body | 4 |
Steering: 11; Unknown Or Other: 9; Air Bags: 7; Service Brakes: 6; Engine: 5; Fuel System, Gasoline: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Structure:Body: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 23 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 9 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 23; 25,000 to 49,999: 9; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (23). 22 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2018: 10; 2019: 8; 2020: 14; 2021: 8; 2022: 3; 2023: 3; 2024: 7; 2025: 2; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 14 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11079564 · 2018-03-15 (March 15, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AS THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150.
Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 11079564 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11085111 · 2018-04-15 (April 15, 2018)
TOYOTA "ALL WEATHER FLOOR LINERS" ARE COLLAPSING AT THE SIDES AND BECOMING A TRIPPING HAZARD. TOYOTA PART NUMBER PT908-89160-02. WITHIN WEEK OF BUYING NEW CAR, THE FLOOR LINER ON PASSENGER SIDE WAS COLLAPSING ON THE SIDES. REPORTED TO DEALER. HE CHECKED WITH TOYOTA REP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. WE CONTACTED THE SALES MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP, HE BOUGHT USE NEW MATS. WITHIN SIX DAYS OF NEW MATS, THE SAME PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN, SEE PICTURE. SINCE TOYOTA HAS A HISTORY OF FLOOR MAT ISSUES, ONE WOULD THINK THIS WOULD BE A BE CONCERN TO TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11085111 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11097671 · 2018-05-23 (May 23, 2018)
DRIVING LEGALLY AT 70 MPH ON OHIO INTERSTATE, SHARP CROSS WINDS DURING A PERIOD OF AMBIENT WIND OF 23 MPH, CAUSED VEHICLE TO CROSS DIVIDING LINES IN AN UNSAFE MANNER. VEHICLE IS KNOWN TO HAVE "SOFT" OR "SLOPPY" STEERING, WHICH IS "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THAT VEHICLE ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, AND UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES DOES NOT AFFECT SAFETY. HOWEVER, IN THE WIND, THE REACTION TIME TO CORRECT FROM A CROSS WIND IS SUFFICIENTLY EFFECTED TO THE DETRIMENT OF SAFE HANDLING. IN OTHER WORDS, BY THE TIME YOU REACT TO BEING FORCED OVER THE DIVIDING…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11097671 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11097675 · 2018-05-23 (May 23, 2018)
VEHICLE HAS CONSTANT TRANSMITTED ENGINE VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. VIBRATIONS ARE CAUSING TINGLING, NUMBNESS AND JOINT PAIN. VIBRATIONS ARE WORSE WITH INCREASED ENGINE RPM. VIBRATIONS HAVE BEEN CONSTANT SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN APRIL, 2018. CAR HAS 2400 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY, 5/23/18. LONG TRIP (900 MILES) WAS FIRST TIME THERE WAS TINGLING AND NUMBNESS WHICH WERE UNBEARABLE AT THE 450 MILE MARK AND THE RETURN TRIP WAS QUITE DISTRACTING AND UNCOMFORTABLE TO SAY THE LEAST. FOR 2 WEEKS AFTERWARDS, TINGLING AND NUMBNESS REMAINED. NOW…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11097675 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11105429 · 2018-07-03 (July 3, 2018)
SUN ROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT HOME. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD.
Owner-reported narrative. 11,486 miles reported. Look up ODI 11105429 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11119864 · 2018-08-14 (August 14, 2018)
THE RACK & PINION OR STEERING DOES NOT RETURN TO A "HOME" POSITION. SIMPLY PUT, IF YOU TURN AROUND A CORNER, THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT EASILY RETURN TO "STRAIGHT". IF YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT PATH AND TURN THE STEERING EVEN ONE DEGREE, LET GO OF THE WHEEL, IT WILL CONTINUE THAT PATH UNTIL THE VEHICLE RUNS OFF OF THE ROAD. THIS CAR HAS 2100 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THE CAMBER, THE TOW, THE NUMBERS ON THE ELECTRONIC ACTUATED RACK & PINON. THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR AND AGREED IT WAS NOT CORRECT; HOWEVER IT WAS "IN THE …
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11119864 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11124154 · 2018-09-03 (September 3, 2018)
HHHHH
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11124154 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11139597 · 2018-10-11 (October 11, 2018)
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
Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 11139597 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V763000 · Structure:Body:Hood
Reported: 2017-11-29 (November 29, 2017)
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V831000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2017-12-20 (December 20, 2017)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V753000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2018-10-25 (October 25, 2018)
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and mail them corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began November 28, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET18A.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V670000 · Suspension | Steering
Reported: 2019-09-20 (September 20, 2019)
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. During installation, certain steering and suspension components may not have been properly tightened.
Consequence: Loose fasteners may cause a loss of vehicle control, or cause an accessory to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-tighten the steering and suspension fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 19, 2019. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET19B.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2020-11-04 (November 4, 2020)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
NHTSA campaign record ↗