Toyota 4Runner problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most-documented Toyota 4Runner problems are Takata passenger airbag inflators on 2010–2016 trucks, which were recalled in several waves by region and then replaced again, fuel pumps that can fail on 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 models, floor-mat pedal entrapment on 2009 and older models, and an instrument panel that can stay blank on the 2025 4Runner.

CarWhere lists 7 documented 4Runner issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

4Runner generations at a glance

Toyota 4Runner generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
4th gen2003–2009Accelerator can be trapped by the floor mat (recall 11V113)
5th gen2010–2024Takata passenger airbag inflator can rupture (recall 16V340) · Takata passenger airbag recall expanded to 2014–2016 (recall 19V005) · Earlier Takata replacement inflators replaced again (recall 19V741) · Fuel pump can fail on 2014–2015 4Runners (recall 20V012) · Fuel pump can fail on 2018–2019 4Runners (recall 20V682)
6th gen2025–present2025 instrument panel can stay blank at startup (recall 25V595)

4th gen 4Runner problems (2003–2009)

Accelerator can be trapped by the floor mat (recall 11V113) (2003–2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
4th gen (2003–2009)
Years:
2003–2009
Powertrain:
All

An unsecured or incompatible driver’s floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal wide open on 2003–2009 4Runners (and 2006–2010 RAV4 and 2008–2011 Lexus LX570). Dealers modify or replace the accelerator pedal and replace any Toyota all-weather floor mat.

Symptoms

  • Pedal catches on the floor mat
  • Pedal does not return fully

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
  • Use only one driver’s mat that clips to the factory retaining hooks

NHTSA recall: 11V113 (2011-02) · 1,363,244 vehicles

Sources: [1]

5th gen 4Runner problems (2010–2024)

Takata passenger airbag inflator can rupture (recall 16V340) (2010–2011)

Safety recall
Generation:
5th gen (2010–2024)
Years:
2010–2011
Powertrain:
All

Takata passenger frontal airbag inflators can degrade after long exposure to heat and humidity and rupture in a crash, spraying metal fragments. Recall 16V340 covered 2010–2011 4Runners first registered in high-humidity “Zone A” states and territories. Later recalls added 2012 (17V006), 2010 and 2013 (18V024) and 2014–2016 (19V005) trucks by region.

Symptoms

  • No symptoms before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
  • Confirm both the original and any follow-up Takata campaigns show complete

NHTSA recall: 16V340 (2016-05) · 1,754,517 vehicles

Sources: [2][3][4]

Takata passenger airbag recall expanded to 2014–2016 (recall 19V005) (2010–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
5th gen (2010–2024)
Years:
2010–2016
Powertrain:
All

Recall 19V005 extended the Takata passenger inflator campaign across all three regional zones: 2014–2016 4Runners in Zone A, 2011–2016 in Zone B and 2010–2016 in Zone C. Dealers replace the passenger inflator or the whole airbag assembly.

Symptoms

  • No symptoms before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 19V005 (2019-01) · 1,299,448 vehicles

Sources: [5]

Earlier Takata replacement inflators replaced again (recall 19V741) (2010–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
5th gen (2010–2024)
Years:
2010–2016
Powertrain:
All

Some 2010–2016 4Runners had their frontal airbag inflator replaced under an earlier recall with an inflator of the same design, which can also degrade and explode. Recall 19V741 replaces those parts again with a different inflator or airbag assembly.

Symptoms

  • No symptoms before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
  • Check for this campaign even if the truck already had a Takata recall done

NHTSA recall: 19V741 (2019-10) · 928,220 vehicles

Sources: [6]

Fuel pump can fail on 2014–2015 4Runners (recall 20V012) (2014–2015)

Safety recall
Generation:
5th gen (2010–2024)
Years:
2014–2015
Powertrain:
All

The low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail and stall the engine. Recall 20V012 was expanded in March 2020 to include certain 2014–2015 4Runners; 2018–2019 4Runners were moved out of this campaign and into 20V682. Dealers replace the fuel pump.

Symptoms

  • Rough running or hesitation
  • Check-engine light
  • Engine stalls or will not restart

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V012 (2020-01) · 1,830,752 vehicles

Sources: [7]

Fuel pump can fail on 2018–2019 4Runners (recall 20V682) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
5th gen (2010–2024)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

Recall 20V682 covers 2018–2019 4Runners among more than 1.5 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles whose low-pressure fuel pump can fail and make the engine stall while driving. Dealers fit an improved fuel pump assembly.

Symptoms

  • Rough running or hesitation
  • Check-engine light
  • Engine stalls or will not restart

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V682 (2020-11) · 1,525,742 vehicles

Sources: [8]

6th gen 4Runner problems (2025–present)

2025 instrument panel can stay blank at startup (recall 25V595) (2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
6th gen (2025–present)
Years:
2025
Powertrain:
All

A startup software error can leave the instrument panel blank on 2025 4Runners and many other Toyota and Lexus models, so speed and brake and tire-pressure warnings are not displayed. Dealers update the software, over the air for non-plug-in models.

Symptoms

  • Blank gauge display after starting

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
  • Start the truck several times and confirm the display comes on each time

NHTSA recall: 25V595 (2025-09) · 591,377 vehicles

Sources: [9][10]

Related 4Runner research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a 4Runner was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Toyota build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Toyota build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Which 4Runner years have Takata airbag recalls?

2010–2016 4Runners are covered by Takata passenger-inflator recalls rolled out by region, including 16V340, 17V006, 18V024 and 19V005. Recall 19V741 replaces earlier same-design replacement inflators again.

Does the 4Runner have a fuel pump recall?

Yes. Recall 20V012 covers certain 2014–2015 4Runners and recall 20V682 covers 2018–2019 4Runners. In both, the low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine, and dealers replace it free.

Are there recalls on the 2025 4Runner?

Recall 25V595 covers 2025 4Runners among other Toyota and Lexus models whose instrument panel can stay blank at startup. The fix is a software update, done over the air for most vehicles.

Was the 4Runner part of the floor mat recall?

Yes. Recall 11V113 covered 2003–2009 4Runners whose accelerator could be trapped by an unsecured or incompatible floor mat. Dealers modified or replaced the pedal and replaced Toyota all-weather mats.

How do I check a used 4Runner for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup or Toyota’s recall site, or ask a Toyota dealer. Recall repairs are free regardless of mileage or owner.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 11V113: PEDAL ENTRAPMENT (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  2. NHTSA recall 16V340: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  3. NHTSA recall 17V006: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  4. NHTSA recall 18V024: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  5. NHTSA recall 19V005: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  6. NHTSA recall 19V741: Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  7. NHTSA recall 20V012: Fuel Pump May Fail (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  8. NHTSA recall 20V682: Fuel Pump May Fail (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  9. NHTSA recall 25V595: Instrument Panel Failure (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
  10. Toyota Recalls Certain Toyota and Lexus Vehicles: 12.3-inch instrument display (Sept. 11, 2025) — Toyota USA Newsroom

More Toyota tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor North America or any Toyota distributor. Toyota, TRD, i-FORCE MAX, Hybrid Synergy Drive and the model names are trademarks of their owners.