Few midsize SUVs are as reliable as the Toyota 4Runner. However, models from 2010 to 2017 have serious airbag problems that can leave passengers at risk. Compared to rivals, though, the 4Runner looks to be far more dependable.
Key Points
- The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner is a bit long in the tooth, running from 2010 to 2022. Toyota is expected to revamp the midsize SUV for 2023.
- Most worrisome are the airbag recalls, which concern front airbags that may not deploy as expected. Instead, the units may rupture and cause harm.
- Additionally, in September 2021, an investigation was opened over the same airbag problems, suggesting the recalls did not solve the issues.
- Toyota 4Runners from 2018 and 2019 are likely to experience fuel pump failure. The engine stalling while in motion is a common symptom.
- From 2010 to 2022, the 4Runner accumulated just 747 owner complaints. In comparison, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee alone has over 1,500.
Toyota 4Runners from 2010 to 2017 Under Investigation Over Takata-made Airbags that May Rupture and Cause Harm
Toyota debuted the midsize 4Runner SUV for 1984. Nearly 40 years later, the vehicle sits as a staple of the automaker’s lineup, much thanks to the model’s sturdy, body-on-frame design and solid reliability.
Looking back at the latest 4Runner generation (2010 to present), the SUV is mostly dependable, with few registered complaints. However, models from 2010 to 2017 are under investigation over Takata-made airbags that may rupture during deployment.
Fifth-gen. Toyota 4Runners contain one of two types of propellant: 2004 or 2004L. The former can degrade after extended exposure to high temperatures and humidity, causing it to burn faster. In some cases, this can lead to the airbag rupturing during deployment and harming occupants.
The investigation began in Sept. 2021, which is worrying as there had already been four major recalls covering the same problem. These date as far back as 2018 and affect as many as 4,610,203 Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Early Fifth-generation 4Runners Recalled as Many as 12 Times, Covering Faulty Wiring, Hot Exhaust Tips, and More
While later years are more reliable, the 2010 Toyota 4Runner has been recalled 12 times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Four concern the previously mentioned Takata airbags. Two more pertain to seat heater wiring that may short and ignite. The issue affects nearly 11,000 Toyotas, including 4Runners from 2005 to 2011.
As many as 2,955 Toyota 4Runners from 2010 to 2015 were recalled for aftermarket exhaust tips that could become hot and cause burns when touched. Techs will replace the recalled tip with a redesigned version that’s less likely to cause harm.
Three more recalls affected 4Runners from 2005 to 2011, though the issue is rather minor. Up to 432,360 Toyota and Scion vehicles have misprinted load-capacity labels. Should owners overload the SUV, handling may faulter, upping the odds of a wreck.
Finally, as many as 3,235 Toyota, including 4Runners from 2009 to 2012, have occupant sensing systems that may not work as intended. Should the system malfunction, the front-passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash, raising the risk of injury.
Later Toyota 4Runners Have Fewer Problems and Recalls, but Models From 2018 and 2019 are Likely to Experience Fuel Pump Failure
Issued in Nov. of 2020, up to 1,525,742 Toyota and Lexus models, including 4Runners from 2018 and 2019, have fuel pumps prone to failure. The problem presents itself as engine stalling, as the pump can’t deliver enough fuel to keep the motor running. To resolve the issue, Toyota will replace the faulty pump with a sturdier unit.
Unfortunately, registered owner complaints show that as recently as March of 2021, parts to complete the replacement are on backorder.
Several other recalls were issued from 2010 to 2022, but most are minor, like incorrect GVWR labels or a plastic grille insert that may detach from the SUV.
Limited Customer Complaints Show Toyota 4Runners from 2010 to Present are Far More Dependable Than Most Rivals
Two close competitors to the Toyota 4Runner, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder, have far more complaints registered with the NHTSA. From 2010 to 2022, the 4Runner has received 747 owner complaints, mostly spread across categories like seats, wheels, stability control, and exterior lighting.
Looking at the Grand Cherokee, the 2011 model alone has over 1,500 complaints, roughly double the total of the 4Runners. What’s more, many of the Jeep’s complaints pertain to key parts of the vehicle, including over 300 for the brakes and more than 600 across the different powertrain components.
The same goes for the Pathfinder, which from 2013 to 2015 also racked up about 1,500 complaints. Again, many of these concern major components like the powertrain and brakes.
Toyota’s Midsize 4Runner is a Reliable SUV, Just Make Sure to Check for Open Recalls
The most worrying issue with Toyota 4Runners from the last decade or so is regarding the airbags. From occupant sensors that may affect deployment, to degraded propellants that may cause the airbags to explode.
Thankfully, most reported airbag problems already have a recall in place to resolve the issue free of charge. Beyond that, the Toyota 4Runner is one of the most dependable SUVs you can buy, with fewer overall problems than most rivals.
Photos: Toyota
