Frame rust / corrosion
Severe structural rust affecting suspension components and overall integrity
Check engine light: Off
The single largest problem for this generation: severe frame deterioration, with owners describing rust that can be poked through with a finger, affecting suspension components, control arms, and structural integrity. Multiple owners note this mirrors prior Toyota frame-rust recalls on the closely related Tacoma and Tundra — but no specific recall or campaign number has been found for the 4Runner itself. Treat this as a genuine, serious structural problem.
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Rear window / defroster failure
Spontaneous shattering when defroster activated; some reports of burnt wires
Check engine light: Off
Rear windows spontaneously shattering when the defroster is activated — one owner described it going "from working correctly to exploding" without warning. Some reports include burnt wires and fire incidents.
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Brake system malfunction
ABS failures, pedal traveling to the floorboard, complete brake loss
Check engine light: On
ABS failures, the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard, and master cylinder/hydrobooster assembly failures, with complete brake loss reported in several incidents.
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Steering intermediate shaft failure
Steering difficulty, components corrosion-seized and unable to be serviced
Check engine light: Off
Steering intermediate shaft failures, in some cases complicated by excessive corrosion that prevents affected components from being replaced normally — likely related to the frame rust described above.
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Electrical / door lock and tailgate handle issues
Door lock failures, melted tailgate handle residue
Check engine light: Off
Door lock failures and melted tailgate handles leaving a black, tar-like residue. Some wiring harness issues are attributed to rodents chewing rice-hull-based wire insulation — a known industry-wide issue with soy/rice-hull wire coatings across multiple manufacturers, not specific to this vehicle.
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Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages
Automatic transmission does not shift correctly at high mileages
Check engine light: Off
Automatic transmission does not shift correctly at high mileages. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 263 owner reports on file.
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EVAP System Fault Due to Failed Charcoal Canister
EVAP system fault caused by a failed charcoal canister
Check engine light: On
EVAP system fault caused by a failed charcoal canister. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 81 owner reports on file.
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Car Won't Start Due to Worn/Corroded Starter Solenoid Contacts
Car won't start due to worn or corroded solenoid contacts in the starter
Check engine light: Off
Car won't start due to worn or corroded solenoid contacts in the starter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 100 owner reports on file.
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Power Steering Pump May Leak on Higher Mileage Vehicles
Power steering pump leaks on higher-mileage vehicles
Check engine light: Off
Power steering pump leaks on higher-mileage vehicles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.
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Blend Door Actuator Failure
Blend door actuator failure
Check engine light: Off
Blend door actuator failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 27 owner reports on file.
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Throttle Position Sensor Out of Adjustment Due to Wear/Carbon Build-up
Throttle position sensor out of adjustment due to wear or carbon build-up
Check engine light: On
Throttle position sensor out of adjustment due to wear or carbon build-up. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 26 owner reports on file.
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Worn Shift Bushings Will Cause Manual Transmission to Pop Out of Gear
Worn shift bushings cause the manual transmission to pop out of gear
Check engine light: Off
Worn shift bushings cause the manual transmission to pop out of gear. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 24 owner reports on file.
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The most significant problem for this generation is severe frame rust and corrosion — some owners describe being able to poke holes through the frame — affecting suspension components and overall structural integrity. Several owners note this mirrors prior Toyota frame-rust recalls on the related Tacoma and Tundra, but no 4Runner-specific recall or campaign number has been confirmed. A separate, severe problem involves rear windows spontaneously shattering when the defroster is activated, with some reports of burnt wires and fire risk.