Here Are The 5 Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you in the market for a Toyota 4Runner? Before you make your purchase, it's important to know which years to avoid. While the 4Runner is a popular and reliable car model, there are certain years that have been plagued with issues. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the Toyota 4Runner years to avoid and the specific problems that have been reported by owners and official recall statistics.

Worst Years of Toyota 4Runner by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2004 454 2003 405 2000 356 2005 299 2006 270

What are the Biggest Problems with Toyota 4Runner?

2002 Toyota 4Runner

BODY > STRUCTURE 61 SUSPENSION 27 POWER TRAIN 24 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 17 SERVICE BRAKES 9

The Toyota 4Runner from 2002 seems to have a range of issues according to complaints from owners and official recall statistics. The body structure, suspension, power train, unknown or other components, and service brakes have all been identified as problematic areas. It's a shame to see such a popular and reliable car model encountering these issues. However, it's important to address these problems and ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle. Overall, I hope Toyota takes these complaints seriously and works to improve the quality of their cars.

2003 Toyota 4Runner

BODY > STRUCTURE 169 SUSPENSION 71 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 65 SERVICE BRAKES 33 STEERING 22

As a car enthusiast, it's always disheartening to hear about car problems, especially with a reliable brand like Toyota. Unfortunately, the 2003 Toyota 4Runner seems to have its fair share of issues. The suspension and steering problems are concerning, as they can affect the car's overall safety and handling. The unknown or other problem is vague, but it's never a good sign when the cause of an issue is unclear. And of course, any issue with the service brakes is a major concern. Lastly, the body structure problem may not affect the car's performance, but it's still an annoyance for owners who want their car to look and feel its best. All in all, these problems are a reminder that even the most reliable cars can have their faults.

2000 Toyota 4Runner

BODY > STRUCTURE 167 SUSPENSION 81 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 50 UNDERBODY SHIELDS > FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE 40 FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE 31

Well, let me tell you folks, this Toyota 4Runner from the year 2000 is not looking too good. We got some serious issues with the body structure, the suspension, and even some unknown or other components. And don't even get me started on the underbody shields and frame and members - they're all affected too. This car needs some serious TLC before it's road-ready again.

2001 Toyota 4Runner

BODY > STRUCTURE 47 SUSPENSION 18 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 17 UNDERBODY SHIELDS > FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE 17 POWER TRAIN 17

Now, this 2001 Toyota 4Runner, it's a decent enough car, but it's not without its flaws. The suspension can be a bit finicky, and the underbody shields tend to rust out pretty quickly. Plus, the powertrain can be a bit sluggish at times. But, let's not forget, it's got that classic Toyota reliability and off-road capability that makes it a popular choice among adventure seekers.

2004 Toyota 4Runner

BODY > STRUCTURE 171 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 70 SUSPENSION 58 SERVICE BRAKES 47 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 29

This 2004 Toyota 4Runner is a great off-road vehicle with a solid structure and suspension. However, it's known to have issues with the service brakes and vehicle speed control, which can be a safety concern. If you're in the market for a 4Runner, make sure to have these areas thoroughly checked before making a purchase.

Common Issues with Toyota 4Runner

SUSPENSION 418 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 398 AIR BAGS 383 SERVICE BRAKES 183 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 160 POWER TRAIN 156 STEERING 152 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 118 ENGINE 100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 89

Source

Conclusion

If you're considering purchasing a Toyota 4Runner, it's important to be aware of the common problems reported by owners. According to complaints and official recalls statistics, the 4Runner has had issues with its body structure, suspension, power train, service brakes, steering, and underbody shields. These issues have been reported across multiple years, including 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. It's important to thoroughly research and inspect any potential purchase to ensure these issues have been addressed.