Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2013 Toyota 4runner — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2020 to Dec 2017
The most reported issue is air bags problems (8 complaints). 1 complaint involved crashes.
Open Safety Recalls (6)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V005000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
NHTSA Campaign: 19V741000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V425000
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V024000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V577000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16D.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V515000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Risk: Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 35)
Air Bags →5 issues
Your horn has stopped working because the air bag clock spring (a component that allows the horn to function while the steering wheel rotates) has failed. This is a safety concern because you won't be able to warn other drivers, and the air bag system may not deploy properly in a crash. This appears to be a known issue affecting 2013 4Runner models, with some owners experiencing failure at relatively low mileage.
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During a crash, both side airbags deployed, but the front airbags did not. The front right passenger was injured by the side airbag, suffering puncture wounds and severe gouges on the upper right arm and forearm. The passenger recalls something shooting out from the A-post (the pillar between front and rear doors). A broken piece of white hard plastic was later found in the front passenger seat. Inspection of the airbag cover trim and A-post mounting hardware may be needed to determine why the side airbag deployed with such force.
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All of your side airbags deployed while you were driving normally at about 20 mph on a flat road with no damage to the vehicle. The car's computer incorrectly reported a rollover was happening when it wasn't. Toyota says your 2013 4Runner isn't covered under the Takata airbag recall, but you believe it should be, and the company is taking 30+ days to review the computer data before deciding on a repair or recall.
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Your 4Runner is subject to a Takata airbag recall, and both Toyota dealerships you contacted say replacement parts are on back-order with no clear timeline for availability — potentially months away. In the meantime, Toyota has instructed you not to allow passengers in the front seat due to the risk these defective airbags pose. You'll need to wait for replacement airbag modules to arrive and be installed at a dealership.
Parts you may need:
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Your horn isn't working because a spiral wire in the steering wheel (which also controls your airbag) has shorted out. Since the horn and airbag share the same wire set, you can't be certain your airbag will deploy in a crash. The fix will likely involve replacing the steering wheel spiral wire assembly or the entire clock spring unit.
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Unknown Or Other →4 issues
Your door lock motors may fail, trapping you inside the vehicle. When this happens, you can't open the doors by pulling the interior handle or using the manual lock lever, even though the locks appear to function normally when the motor works. The failure typically starts with warning signs like missing beep sounds when locking via key fob or doors not locking when shifting out of Park. Repair involves replacing the small electric motor inside the door lock assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle has outstanding Takata airbag recalls that need to be addressed with your dealer. Your 4Runner requires inspection and potential airbag replacement to ensure your safety systems are functioning properly.
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Your air conditioning system is producing a constant moldy or mildew smell. This odor is coming from the A/C system itself. Fixing this typically involves cleaning or replacing the A/C evaporator core and cabin air filter to eliminate the mold growth causing the smell.
Parts you may need:
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Your door handle inserts are cracked, which shouldn't happen under normal use. You've also noticed a low or sagging area in your dashboard. These issues are primarily cosmetic but may need replacement of the affected parts.
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Fuel/propulsion System →2 issues
Your fuel pump and gasket failed simultaneously without warning, causing your 4Runner to lurch forward about 5 feet before stalling completely. This unexpected failure left you stranded and requires about $1,000 in repairs. While Toyota has issued recalls for fuel pump issues on some model years, your 2013 is not currently covered by those recalls.
Parts you may need:
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Your 4Runner has stalled unexpectedly on the highway three times over six months, even though the fuel gauge showed about a quarter tank remaining and the low fuel warning light never came on. This suggests a fuel delivery or engine issue rather than running out of gas. You'll likely need fuel system diagnosis to identify whether it's a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or a problem with the fuel gauge itself.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →2 issues
Your 4Runner's horn clock spring (the part that lets the horn work when you press the steering wheel center) may fail, which is a safety concern since you won't be able to sound the horn. Your dealership quoted about $1,000 to replace it. The fix involves replacing the clock spring assembly in the steering wheel hub.
Parts you may need:
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Your horn doesn't work because the clock spring (a component behind the steering wheel that connects electrical signals) is faulty. This part is known to fail on other Toyota models and has been subject to recalls. Fixing this will likely require replacing the clock spring assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 4Runner's engine is suddenly shutting off while driving, even when the fuel gauge shows you have gas remaining — forcing you to quickly pull over with no power steering or ability to shift into neutral. The fuel gauge readings don't match the estimated range display, and you're hearing a loud whining noise near the fuel tank. The problem has occurred multiple times at different fuel levels, and you're now avoiding driving the car and staying above a half tank out of safety concerns.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your 4Runner's engine suddenly failed while driving at highway speeds due to a problem with the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) oil control system, specifically a broken exhaust cam gear that damaged the timing chain. This left your vehicle stranded in traffic, creating a serious safety risk. A complete engine replacement was needed, costing over $5,000. The fix will require removing and replacing the entire engine.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →1 issue
While driving, your steering wheel pulled strongly to the right, and you discovered your right front tire was completely flat with bulging areas visible on the sidewall. The tire shop determined it was defective rather than punctured or damaged. The tire was replaced under warranty at no cost to you. This issue may involve replacing the defective tire with a new one that meets proper specifications.
Parts you may need:
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Structure →1 issue
Your 4Runner's rear hatch developed rust about 2 years after purchase, but dealership complaints weren't documented and warranty coverage was denied. By 2021, the rust had eaten through the metal securing the hatch latch from the inside out, causing the hatch to become unsecured while driving and triggering a warning. The structural failure means only a small piece of corroded metal now holds the latch in place, potentially allowing the hatch to open while driving and leaving occupants and cargo unsecured. The repair will likely involve replacing the corroded hatch latch assembly and addressing the underlying corrosion protection.
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your vehicle's speed control system has malfunctioned four times while driving — once at a stop sign, twice while slowing down for red lights on the highway, and once in a drive-thru line. Each time the vehicle was in motion. You haven't taken it to a dealer yet due to safety concerns. The exact cause hasn't been documented, but this is a recurring issue that needs professional diagnosis.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your engine shut off while driving, and when you restarted it, it would only run for 5 to 60 seconds before stalling again. This problem continued for 3 days with multiple stalls and restarts, though the vehicle eventually started normally after about 30 minutes. Your Toyota dealership couldn't find the cause when you brought it in 9 days ago, and the problem seems to have resolved itself for now, but you're concerned it may be related to a fuel pump recall affecting newer 4Runner models. The fix will likely involve inspecting or replacing the fuel pump if the issue returns.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,engine →1 issue
While driving at 30 mph, your 4Runner's check engine light came on and the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral, preventing acceleration. The dashboard also failed to show which gear the transmission was actually in. A mechanic diagnosed a faulty neutral safety switch that was preventing the transmission from changing gears properly. The switch will need to be replaced to restore normal transmission operation.
Parts you may need:
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