2010 Toyota 4Runner Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 92 3 crash 2 injury

“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 fe…”
NHTSA complaint #11694956, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND TIRE AREA . NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED THERE IS OVER 8,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MOVING 35+ MPH AT IMPACT SO NOW ALONG WITH THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER BRUISES AND SEAT BELTS CUTS THERE MENTAL DAMAGE SHE FEEL THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT WHEN REPAIRED IN CLOSING I FEEL AT THE SPEED OF TRAVEL ON IMPACT THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10597794, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“DURING A WREAK GOING ABOUT 40 MPH THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR FLIPPED AND HIT A TREE THEN LANDED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAR LEFT THE STREET AND WENT ONTO GRAVEL ROAD PRIOR TO LOOSING CONTROL.”
NHTSA complaint #10870179, 2016 · crash

Structure 12 1 crash 1 injury

“MY WIFE WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND TIRE AREA . NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED THERE IS OVER 8,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MOVING 35+ MPH AT IMPACT SO NOW ALONG WITH THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER BRUISES AND SEAT BELTS CUTS THERE MENTAL DAMAGE SHE FEEL THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT WHEN REPAIRED IN CLOSING I FEEL AT THE SPEED OF TRAVEL ON IMPACT THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10597794, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 comp…”
NHTSA complaint #11649198, 2025

“I own a 2010 Toyota 4Runner VIN # [XXX]. I bought the vehicle late last year and found that the vehicle paint was peeling. I took my 4Runner to the one and only dealer here in Laredo, Texas. They told me to take it to their company body shop. The body shop looked at my 4Runner, took pictures and submitted everything to Toyota. This was late November or early December 2021. I called the body shop back in January. The body shop manager told me it had been approved to paint all the metal panels on the truck, but that I would have to wait until May of 2022. In May of 2022 I physically went back…”
NHTSA complaint #11477363, 2022

Service Brakes 11 2 crash

“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 W…”
NHTSA complaint #11184444, 2019 · crash

“TOYOTA RAV4 2010 - ON STOP AND GO TRAFFIC I WAS GOING ABOUT 5 MPH AND I LOOKED DOWN FOR A SECOND AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR. BEFORE I HIT THE CAR I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND BASED ON MY MANY YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE (12+) I BELIEVE THE CAR SHOULD HAVE STOPPED BUT IT DID NOT. THE INCIDENT WAS VERY MINOR. MY CAR HAS A FEW SCRATCHES THAT MAY GO AWAY WITH JUST SOAP AND WATER. THE OTHER CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE. I DID HAVE NECK PAIN ALL WEEK AND I STILL HAVE IT ON AND OFF. AFTER THE INCIDENT I TRIED, ON SAFE CONDITIONS, TO GO UP TO 20 MPH AND BRAKE SUDDENLY AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR LOOSES BRA…”
NHTSA complaint #10305405, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, PLANNED TO INSPECT AND TEST THE BRAKE SYSTEM HIMSELF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES HAD BEEN BLED EXTENSIVELY; HOWEVER, THE REAR BRAKE CYLINDER FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT ISSUED ANY BRAKE SYSTEM RECALLS; HOWEVER, A TSB WAS ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 (T-SB-0141-13) FOR THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.…”
NHTSA complaint #11121273, 2014

Vehicle Speed Control 8 2 crash

“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 W…”
NHTSA complaint #11184444, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3,500. UPDATED 10/20/10 *BF UPDATED 10/16/10*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10346822, 2010 · crash

“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 warn…”
NHTSA complaint #11558871, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE FRONTAL PASSENGER INFLATOR; HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10971704, 2016

“VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND SUDDENLY REVS ITSELF BOTH FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND WHILE DRIVING. WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL AND I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO REV ITSELF AROUND 3000 RPM THEN WHEN I START TO TRAVEL UPHILL IT WILL DOWN SHIFT TO ABOUT 1500 RPM. THIS SEEMS BACKWARDS. TAPPING BRAKES DOES NOT CAUSE IT TO DOWNSHIFT AS NEEDED, DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT TO APPLY BRAKES AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO REV ITSELF HIGHER NOR DOES IT SEEM RIGHT TO TAKE FOOT COMPLETELY OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO REV UP. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO IDLE IS TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE GAS P…”
NHTSA complaint #10871126, 2015

“AFTER STARTING MY VEHICLE THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND NEVER WENT OFF. MY ANTI LOCK BRAKING AND TRACTION CONTROL DO NOT WORK NOW. I JUST FOUND OUT TOYOTA IS RECALLING SEVERAL MODELS FROM 2012 AND 2013 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND MY VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED. DO I HAVE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY BEFORE IT IS ADDED TO THE RECALL??? SOUNDS LIKE A LAWSUIT TO ME. I HAVE A 2010 4RUNNER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10564692, 2014

Power Train 5

“VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND SUDDENLY REVS ITSELF BOTH FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND WHILE DRIVING. WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL AND I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO REV ITSELF AROUND 3000 RPM THEN WHEN I START TO TRAVEL UPHILL IT WILL DOWN SHIFT TO ABOUT 1500 RPM. THIS SEEMS BACKWARDS. TAPPING BRAKES DOES NOT CAUSE IT TO DOWNSHIFT AS NEEDED, DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT TO APPLY BRAKES AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO REV ITSELF HIGHER NOR DOES IT SEEM RIGHT TO TAKE FOOT COMPLETELY OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO REV UP. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO IDLE IS TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE GAS P…”
NHTSA complaint #10871126, 2015

“PERIODICALLY SEEMED STIFF WHEN SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THEN THE "4 LO" LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. I TRIED PUTTING THE RANGE SELECTOR IN 4 LO WHICH RESOLVED THE FLASHING LIGHT A FEW TIMES. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG BECAUSE THERE WERE NO CODES. THE LAST TIME I IT HAPPENED, IT STUCK IN 4 LO AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. NOT A GOOD SITUATION TO BE FAR FROM HOME WITH A VEHICLE STUCK IN 4 LO. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG AND SAID THE CODE INDICATED A "RANGE PROBLEM" WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY RESET THE CODES. NOW THE 4 LO…”
NHTSA complaint #10807095, 2015

“I WAS DRIVING INTO TOWN (APPROX. 12 MILES) AND SLOWED TO ABOUT 40 MPH AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT. I HAD TO APPLY ALL MY WEIGHT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE DID NOT RETURN TO IDLE SPEED WHEN I WAS STOPPED. I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND THE RPM INDICATED 1500 REVS. I KICKED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE SPEED, 700 REVS. THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOWHERE NEAR THE PEDAL. I CAN NOT FIND ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. IS THERE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10475440, 2012

Steering 5 1 crash 1 injury

“MY WIFE WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND TIRE AREA . NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED THERE IS OVER 8,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MOVING 35+ MPH AT IMPACT SO NOW ALONG WITH THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER BRUISES AND SEAT BELTS CUTS THERE MENTAL DAMAGE SHE FEEL THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT WHEN REPAIRED IN CLOSING I FEEL AT THE SPEED OF TRAVEL ON IMPACT THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10597794, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 warn…”
NHTSA complaint #11558871, 2023

“THIS 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WAS BEING DRIVEN LESS THAN 30MPH WHEN A KNOCK WAS HEARD COINCIDING WITH SLOPPY HANDLING. TAIL PIPE WAS RIPPED FROM MUFFLER. 4W DRIVE HAD BEEN IN USE FOR A FEW DAYS DUE TO SNOW, THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS PUT BACK INTO 2WD. BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO MY MECHANIC THINKING STEERING/SUSPENSION PROBLEM, WRONG! WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND COULDN'T BE FIXED. MY MECHANIC REMEMBERED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A FEW TACOMA PICKUPS AND SUGGESTED LOOKING FOR RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM. THERE AREN'T ANY. HOWEVER, IF YOU DO AN INTERN…”
NHTSA complaint #10561743, 2014

Suspension 5 1 crash 1 injury

“MY WIFE WAS AT A RED LIGHT WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE WHEN SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND TIRE AREA . NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED THERE IS OVER 8,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MOVING 35+ MPH AT IMPACT SO NOW ALONG WITH THE WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER BRUISES AND SEAT BELTS CUTS THERE MENTAL DAMAGE SHE FEEL THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT WHEN REPAIRED IN CLOSING I FEEL AT THE SPEED OF TRAVEL ON IMPACT THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10597794, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The undercarriage of my truck is so rusted, that parts are starting to fail. I can not install new tires on the truck at this point until $3000 of rust-damaged parts are replaced and possible frame replaced. I was told that the damage is so extensive, the costs outweigh the repairs, and that in the near future the truck will not be driveable.”
NHTSA complaint #11463313, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BUCKEYE TOYOTA (740-654-3943, LOCATED AT 1903 RIVERWAY DR, LANCASTER, OH 43130) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR END OF THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND DAMAGED THE SUSPENSION. THE HEAT SHIELD WAS ALSO RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE HEAT SHIELD, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM (WHICH WAS ALSO RUSTED) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT CALL THE CONTACT BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 241,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11296671, 2020

Wheels 5

“The undercarriage of my truck is so rusted, that parts are starting to fail. I can not install new tires on the truck at this point until $3000 of rust-damaged parts are replaced and possible frame replaced. I was told that the damage is so extensive, the costs outweigh the repairs, and that in the near future the truck will not be driveable.”
NHTSA complaint #11463313, 2022

“I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE 5,000 MILE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. WHILE I WAS THERE TWO OF THE STUDS ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. BECAUSE I HAD RECENTLY HAD NEW TIRES ON MY VEHICLE THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED THE PLACE WHO PUT THE TIRES ON. I HAVE GONE TO THE SAME TIRE PLACE FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS. WHEN HE PUT THE NEW TIRES ON, HE BROKE ONE STUD BUT REPLACED IT AT HIS COST. HE DID WARN ME THAT THERE WERE OTHER STUDS THAT DID NOT LOOK RIGHT AND THAT HE COULD SEE OTHERS BREAKING IN THE FUTURE. THIS PLACE HAS CHANGED THE TIRES AT LEAST 4 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE AND ARE VERY CAREFUL…”
NHTSA complaint #10497880, 2013

“I BROUGHT MY 4RUNNER IN TO A REPUTABLE TIRE STORE FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION. THE TECHNICIAN SNAPPED A LUG STUD. I THEN HAD TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO A SEPARATE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE STUD REPLACED. I ATTRIBUTED THE INCIDENT TO A POORLY TRAINED TECHNICIAN. RECENTLY, I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN FOR ANOTHER TIRE ROTATION. AGAIN, THE TECHNICIAN BROKE A LUG STUD. THE MANAGER INSISTED THAT THEY ALWAYS USE A TORQUE STICK SET TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS AND THAT THERE WAS NO TECHNICIAN ERROR. HE ALSO SAID THAT THE SHOP HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS OF THIS VINTAGE. I THEN TOOK THE T…”
NHTSA complaint #10631060, 2011

Electrical System 4

“IN 2017 I WAS REPORTING THAT THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. IN 2018 THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY FAILED AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT AN EXTENDED WARRENTY REPAIR (MILAGE WAS LESS THEN 100,000). IN MARCH 2021 THE BAKE LIGHTS FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT BUT THAT THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.”
NHTSA complaint #11406443, 2021

“DECEMBER 2014, FOUND MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT OUT. REPLACED THE BULB TWICE; DID NOT WORK. REPLACED THE FUSE; DID NOT WORK. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN MARCH 2015 WHICH FOUND THE TAIL LIGHT HAS AN "EXCESSIVELY HIGH VOLTAGE" WHICH CONTINUES TO BURN OUT THE BULB. THE REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $290. THERE WAS NO RECALL OR TSB SO REPAIRS CAME OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE. THIS VEHICLE IS DESIGNED TO HOLD MULTIPLE PASSENGERS, OF WHICH MY TWO CHILDREN OFT…”
NHTSA complaint #10701328, 2015

“THE SATELLITE RADIO ANTENNA HAS FAILED. IT ONLY RECEIVES A SIGNAL WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA AND LEXUS OWNERS, BASED ON CHAT BOARDS. THE DEALER "FIX" RUNS OVER $1000, AND INVOLVES REPLACING THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF ANTENNA HARNESS; UNDERNEATH HEADLINER.”
NHTSA complaint #11022957, 2014

Traction Control System 4

“22DEC12 49F ENTERED CORNER AT 50MPH, ROADS SLIGHTLY WET. 4RUNNER DECIDED THE CAR WAS SLIPPING AND THE PANIC BEEPS WENT OFF AND THE CAR APPLIED BRAKES. UNFORTUNATELY THE COMPUTER STRAIGHTENED THE CAR OUT AND POINTED IT OFF THE ROAD. IT TOOK ALL MY STRENGTH TO TURN THE CAR BACK INTO THE CORNER AND FINALLY THE COMPUTER STOPPED THE PANIC. AFTER THIS I WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL VIA THE ENABLE/DISABLE BUTTON UNTIL I HAD TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. I WAS FOLLOWING A CAR INTO THE CORNER AND THAT CAR NAVIGATED THE CORNER FINE. ALSO, SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE, 10 TIMES IT HAS ASSUM…”
NHTSA complaint #10497803, 2012

“THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE NEW 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND HANDLING FOR THIS VEHICLE. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL TRAVELS A CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE SOUNDS SQUEAKY AND NOTCHY AND DELAYS IN STOPPING. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DO NOT INTERACT QUICKLY AND OFTEN TIMES ENGAGED AT THE VERY END OF THE BRAKE DISTANCE AND CREATES A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSETTLING FEELING. THE HEIGHT CLEARANCE IS ALSO A CONCERN BECAUSE WHEN CROSS WINDS HIT THE VEHICLE IT CREATES A VERY UNSETTLING FEELING AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SWAY AND GET UNDER THE VEHICLE MAKING PRONE…”
NHTSA complaint #10341587, 2010

“2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, IN THIS CASE A 4 WHEEL DRIVE. PANIC BRAKING AT 55MPH+ IS DANGEROUS. IF YOU SUDDENLY REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND SUDDENLY APPLY FULL BRAKING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR LURCHES DOWNWARD INTO A NOSE DIVE SO VIOLENTLY THAT IN ONE CASE I WOULD SWEAR THE REAR TIRES LOST CONTACT WITH THE ROAD. THE TWO TIMES I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS I WAS ON DRY PAVEMENT AND IT IS SCARY, I CAN'T IMAGINE WET CONDITIONS. IN THE INCIDENT WHERE I WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 65 MPH THE BRAKING APPLICATION WAS SO SEVERE THAT I BACKED OFF THE PEDAL COMPLETELY AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO APPLY B…”
NHTSA complaint #10339387, 2010

Engine 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 28 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAD IT TOWED TO IRA TOYOTA OF DANVERS (99 ANDOVER ST, DANVERS, MA 01923), BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE JUNE 26, 2019 AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. THE VIN WAS UN…”
NHTSA complaint #11222865, 2019

“TIMING CHAIN COVER OIL LEAK I'VE BEEN INFORMED THAT MY TIMING CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING BY THE SERVICE AT THE TOYOTA DEALER. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND DISCOVERED IT'S QUITE FREQUENT AND HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR OVER A DECADE. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY TOYOTA AS IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE. THE REPAIR IS CLOSE TO $2000 OUT OF POCKET. DO A QUICK SEARCH AND YOU WILL DISCOVER THE PROBLEM IS PERSISTENT AND FREQUENT AND TOYOTA IS TRYING TO TREAT IT AS A NORMAL WEAR ISSUE. WHICH IT IS NOT. PLEASE FORCE A RECALL OF THE TIMING CHAIN COVER IN THE 2010 TO PRESENT 4RUNNERS. THANK YOU,…”
NHTSA complaint #11218635, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING ALONG AT SLOWER SPEEDS THE ENGINE SEEMS TO QUIT FOR ABOUT 5SEC THEN IT COMES ON AGAIN. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION. THIS COULD HAPPEN ANYTIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11161493, 2018

Seats 3 2 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE HEATED DRIVER'S SEAT UNINTENTIONALLY ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THEY MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF THE HEATED SEAT, HOWEVER, THE SEAT CONTINUED TO HEAT UP. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND AFTER THEY WAITED, THEY ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, THEY NEEDED TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE HEATED SEATS BURNED THEIR SKIN HOWEVER, NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TOYOTA WORLD OF NEWTON (66 ROUTE 206…”
NHTSA complaint #11342026, 2020 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11436084, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V743000(SEATS) AND 16V340000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #10927165, 2015

Unknown Or Other 3

“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 comp…”
NHTSA complaint #11649198, 2025

“I own a 2010 Toyota 4Runner VIN # [XXX]. I bought the vehicle late last year and found that the vehicle paint was peeling. I took my 4Runner to the one and only dealer here in Laredo, Texas. They told me to take it to their company body shop. The body shop looked at my 4Runner, took pictures and submitted everything to Toyota. This was late November or early December 2021. I called the body shop back in January. The body shop manager told me it had been approved to paint all the metal panels on the truck, but that I would have to wait until May of 2022. In May of 2022 I physically went back…”
NHTSA complaint #11477363, 2022

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 70 MPH WITH NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED AND GLASS WAS EVERYWHERE.”
NHTSA complaint #11353232, 2020

Equipment 2

“NEW LED TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE TOO BRIGHT. THEY ARE SO BRIGHT THEY CAUSE EYE PAIN AND DISTRACTION ON CLEAR NIGHTS. THEY MAY BE A SAFETY FEATURE ON AN OPEN ROAD ON A DARK AND RAINY NIGHT, BUT IN BUMPER TO BUMPER DRIVING ON A CLEAR NIGHT THEY ARE DANGEROUS DISTRACTION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10370581, 2010

“THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE NEW 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND HANDLING FOR THIS VEHICLE. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL TRAVELS A CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE SOUNDS SQUEAKY AND NOTCHY AND DELAYS IN STOPPING. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DO NOT INTERACT QUICKLY AND OFTEN TIMES ENGAGED AT THE VERY END OF THE BRAKE DISTANCE AND CREATES A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSETTLING FEELING. THE HEIGHT CLEARANCE IS ALSO A CONCERN BECAUSE WHEN CROSS WINDS HIT THE VEHICLE IT CREATES A VERY UNSETTLING FEELING AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SWAY AND GET UNDER THE VEHICLE MAKING PRONE…”
NHTSA complaint #10341587, 2010

Exterior Lighting 2

“DECEMBER 2014, FOUND MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT OUT. REPLACED THE BULB TWICE; DID NOT WORK. REPLACED THE FUSE; DID NOT WORK. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN MARCH 2015 WHICH FOUND THE TAIL LIGHT HAS AN "EXCESSIVELY HIGH VOLTAGE" WHICH CONTINUES TO BURN OUT THE BULB. THE REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF $290. THERE WAS NO RECALL OR TSB SO REPAIRS CAME OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE. THIS VEHICLE IS DESIGNED TO HOLD MULTIPLE PASSENGERS, OF WHICH MY TWO CHILDREN OFT…”
NHTSA complaint #10701328, 2015

“NEW LED TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE TOO BRIGHT. THEY ARE SO BRIGHT THEY CAUSE EYE PAIN AND DISTRACTION ON CLEAR NIGHTS. THEY MAY BE A SAFETY FEATURE ON AN OPEN ROAD ON A DARK AND RAINY NIGHT, BUT IN BUMPER TO BUMPER DRIVING ON A CLEAR NIGHT THEY ARE DANGEROUS DISTRACTION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10370581, 2010

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“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 warn…”
NHTSA complaint #11558871, 2023

Parking Brake 1 1 crash

“TOYOTA RAV4 2010 - ON STOP AND GO TRAFFIC I WAS GOING ABOUT 5 MPH AND I LOOKED DOWN FOR A SECOND AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR. BEFORE I HIT THE CAR I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND BASED ON MY MANY YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE (12+) I BELIEVE THE CAR SHOULD HAVE STOPPED BUT IT DID NOT. THE INCIDENT WAS VERY MINOR. MY CAR HAS A FEW SCRATCHES THAT MAY GO AWAY WITH JUST SOAP AND WATER. THE OTHER CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE. I DID HAVE NECK PAIN ALL WEEK AND I STILL HAVE IT ON AND OFF. AFTER THE INCIDENT I TRIED, ON SAFE CONDITIONS, TO GO UP TO 20 MPH AND BRAKE SUDDENLY AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR LOOSES BRA…”
NHTSA complaint #10305405, 2010 · crash

Seat Belts 1

“TAKADA RECALL. WHY IS MORE BEING DONE TO VOLKSWAGON FOR THEIR DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO ALTER EMISSIONS TESTS (WHICH IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD), THAN IS BEING TO TAKATA AND THE CAR COMPANIES WHO CONTINUE TO USE THEIR DEFECTIVE DEADLY AIRBAGS. AND WHY ARENT THE CAR COMPANIES BEING FORCED TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS FROM OTHER VENDORS (LIKE SUBARU HAS DONE)? AND WHY ARENT THE OWNERS BEING COMPENSATED, LIKE THEY ARE FOR THE NON SAFETY ISSUE WITH VOLKSWAGONS? WE ARE BEING LEFT TO DRIVE AROUND CARS WITH DEADLY AIRBAGS WITHOUT EVEN ANY PROJECTED DATE OF WHEN THEY WILL BE FIXED. THIS IS JUST UNACC…”
NHTSA complaint #10899384, 2016

Tires 1

“THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE NEW 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND HANDLING FOR THIS VEHICLE. UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL TRAVELS A CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE SOUNDS SQUEAKY AND NOTCHY AND DELAYS IN STOPPING. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DO NOT INTERACT QUICKLY AND OFTEN TIMES ENGAGED AT THE VERY END OF THE BRAKE DISTANCE AND CREATES A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSETTLING FEELING. THE HEIGHT CLEARANCE IS ALSO A CONCERN BECAUSE WHEN CROSS WINDS HIT THE VEHICLE IT CREATES A VERY UNSETTLING FEELING AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SWAY AND GET UNDER THE VEHICLE MAKING PRONE…”
NHTSA complaint #10341587, 2010

Visibility/Wiper 1

“FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALONG BASE ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD DE-ICING HEATER ELEMENT OVERNIGHT. CRACK WAS APPROXIMATELY 3 FEET LONG. CAR WAS DRIVEN LIGHTLY ~10 MILES AT 30 MPH ON FRIDAY, NOV 9, 2103 AND PARKED OUTSIDE AT 10 PM. HIGH DAYTIME TEMP WAS 53 F. LOW TEMPERATURE WAS 35 OVERNIGHT ACCORDING TO HTTP://WWW.WUNDERGROUND.COM/HISTORY/AIRPORT/KPWT/2013/11/12/MONTHLYHISTORY.HTML#CALENDAR. CRACK WAS NOTICED AT 8:30 AM ON SATURDAY, NOV 10TH, 2013. THERE WAS NO FROST OR CONDENSATION ON THE WINDSHIELD AT THAT TIME. THERE WERE NO NOTICED CRACKS, DINGS OR DEFECTS AT THE FAILURE LOCATION.”
NHTSA complaint #10551987, 2013