Rear subframe / frame rust causing wheel collapse
Corroded subframe and mounting points, documented driver-side wheel collapse events
Check engine light: Off
Corrosion of the rear subframe and frame rails/mounting points, concentrated in salt-belt states, has caused documented driver-side wheel collapse events — one complaint describes the driver-side wheel collapsing, discovered just in time. Vehicles have been deemed unsafe to pass inspection, and some owners report being forced to scrap otherwise-drivable vehicles. No recall was identified covering this defect.
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Driver seat bracket failure
Seat bracket breaking during normal operation, seat rocks or collapses backward
Check engine light: Off
Seat brackets breaking during normal operation, causing the seat to rock or collapse backward — a serious safety concern in the event of a collision given the compromised seat structure.
176,000 – 202,000 mi
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Electrical system issues, including fire risk
Low-beam headlight failures, dashboard/wiring fires, battery drainage
Check engine light: On
Low-beam headlight failures around 150,000 miles; vehicle fires originating in the dashboard/wiring; battery drainage when the vehicle sits unused for 4+ days; climate-control button lights burning out prematurely.
around 150,000 mi (headlight failures)
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Stability control (VSA) malfunction / unintended acceleration
Automatic brake engagement without driver input, VSA warning light after battery disconnect
Check engine light: On
Automatic brake engagement without driver input, and the VSA warning light staying illuminated after a battery disconnection. Separately, unintended acceleration events were reported; no recall was identified covering this.
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Brake shudder from warped front rotors
Warped front brake rotors cause vibration when braking
Check engine light: Off
Warped front brake rotors cause vibration when braking. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 530 owner reports on file.
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Map light stays dark when a door opens
Map light does not turn on when opening the door
Check engine light: Off
Map light does not turn on when opening the door. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 126 owner reports on file.
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Water leak at the side marker wiring
Water leak due to a poor seal at the side marker wire harness
Check engine light: Off
Water leak due to a poor seal at the side marker wire harness. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 99 owner reports on file.
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Front end knock from the stabilizer links
Knocking noise from the front end tied to stabilizer link issues
Check engine light: Off
Knocking noise from the front end tied to stabilizer link issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 84 owner reports on file.
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Judder in turns (worn differential fluid)
Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown
Check engine light: Off
Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 58 owner reports on file.
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Dead rear blower (power resistor)
A failed power resistor causes the rear blower to stop working
Check engine light: Off
A failed power resistor causes the rear blower to stop working. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 48 owner reports on file.
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Rough running and hard starts
Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting
Check engine light: On
Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 38 owner reports on file.
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Oil weeping from a porous block
Porous engine block casting causes engine oil leaks
Check engine light: Off
Porous engine block casting causes engine oil leaks. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
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Erratic idle and stalling
Engine idle speed is erratic, or the engine stalls
Check engine light: Off
Engine idle speed is erratic, or the engine stalls. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light and D4 both flash
Check engine and D4 lights flash simultaneously
Check engine light: On
Check engine and D4 lights flash simultaneously. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 31 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light from sticking rocker pins
Check engine light due to sticking rocker pins
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to sticking rocker pins. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.
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Shim to Correct Chirping Timing Belt
A shim corrects a chirping timing belt
Check engine light: Off
A shim corrects a chirping timing belt. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.
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Long cranking before start
Check engine light on, and the engine takes too long to start
Check engine light: On
Check engine light on, and the engine takes too long to start. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.
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Sticking throttle from carbon buildup
Throttle sticks due to carbon buildup on the throttle body
Check engine light: Off
Throttle sticks due to carbon buildup on the throttle body. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.
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The most serious problem on this generation is rear subframe and frame-rail corrosion, concentrated in salt-belt states, that has caused documented driver-side wheel collapse events. Vehicles have been deemed unsafe to pass inspection, and some owners report being forced to scrap otherwise-drivable vehicles. No recall was identified covering this specific defect. Similar frame and subframe rust is documented on the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and Mitsubishi Outlander.