What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2003–2009) 4Runner?

4Runner owners have made 301 complaints about the 2003–2009 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 58th out of 81 Toyota generations in overall reliability, with some body and interior concerns.

Compare With Other 4Runner Generations

Common 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation 4Runner owners have to deal with.

  1. Toyota Truck Frame Rust

    There are thousands of Toyota trucks and SUVs that are one stiff breeze away from turning into a pile of corroded dust. The automaker has been accused of not properly applying corrosion protection to their vehicles, leading to multiple laws…

    Continue reading article "Toyota Truck Frame Rust"

  2. Melting Dashboards

    One of the automotive world's worst science projects is coming to an end. Toyota dashboards have long been known to melt under the heat of the sun. The melted dashes warp and extrude a strange, goo-like substance that is oddly shiny and sti…

    Continue reading article "Melting Dashboards"

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2003–2009) 4Runner Key Numbers

  1. 7 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 301 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 58th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 81 eligible generations.

Recent 4th Generation (2003–2009) 4Runner News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A lawsuit says 2005-2011 4Runners weren’t properly treated to protect against corrosion.

    In May 2018, the plaintiff was driving his car on the highway when the steering wheel allegedly started vibrating so violently the 4Runner went off the road. A mechanic said the right front control arm fractured because of excessive corrosion and rust. Toyota may deny knowing about rust problems in court, but that argument should crumble even faster than their frames.

    In 2016 the automaker settled a massive corrosion lawsuit for similar model years of the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia vehicles. That was the same year as a recall for 690,000 trucks with corroding rear suspension leaf springs.

    keep reading article "Did 4Runner Frames Not Receive Enough Anti-Rust Treatment?"

  2. It's been a while since Toyota announced their extended warranty program for melting dashbord in 3.5 million vehicles.

    So, how are things going? According to [a] lawsuit, when Toyota first announced the warranty program the automaker notified customers and said it could take months to gather the replacement parts. However, Toyota then sent a second notice that removed the information about a timeline for repairs.

    Oh, well it can't be too long before everyone gets their replacement dash, right?…

    keep reading article "Owners Are Still Waiting For Replacement Dashboards"

  3. Is there a design flaw in the 2005 4Runner's automatic door locks?

    The SUV has been involved in multiple carjackings and now the victims are suing the automaker. The Toyota 4Runner lawsuit alleges the owner of the SUV had no idea the doors would automatically unlock when the SUV was shifted into PARK. The plaintiff blames Toyota for not informing consumers about how the door locks work and the dangers of doors automatically unlocking, especially in urban areas.

    Yes, you can argue the merits of the case, but the carjackings have all resulted in terrible stories --- from sexual assault to the death of an entire family. No matter what the judge decides, your heart have to be with those affected.

    keep reading article "Are the 4Runner's Door Locks Leading to Multiple Carjackings?"

  5. How hot do you like your seat heater in the winter?

    If you like it really toasty — as in, with an actual flame — you’ll probably love one of 7,700 Toyota vehicles with seat heaters that catch on fire. The vehicles have been recalled because fire and cars don’t get along, what with their tanks of highly flammable liquids and all. All the affected vehicles are equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that contain copper strand heating elements. The recall is being handled by Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) which is the world’s largest distributor of Toyota and Scion vehicles.

    The recall is expected to begin on July 14, 2016 and the seat heaters will need to be disconnected. Owners will be reimbursed.

    keep reading article "Toyota Wants to Stop Seat Heaters From Setting Owner's Buns on Fire"

  6. One of the automotive world's worst science projects is coming to an end. Toyota dashboards have [long been known to melt and warp][19] under the heat of the sun.

    The deformed dashes have also been known to extrude a strange, goo-like substance that is oddly shiny and sticky; like something you'd find in a toddler's coat pocket. This led to some understandably upset owners and a couple of lawsuits. Feeling the heat of pending litigation, Toyota announced they will extend warranty coverage on the dashboards in 3.5 million vehicles rather than go to court. I guess they wanted to avoid a sticky situation (I never promised that the jokes would be good, folks).…

    keep reading article "Toyota Tries to Get Out of Sticky Dashboard Situation with Warranty Extension"