Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2014 Toyota 4runner — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2020 to Dec 2018
The most reported issue is electrical system problems (19 complaints). 5 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fire.
Open Safety Recalls (7)
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: 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: 14V828000
Component: EQUIPMENT
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
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.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V012000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. 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 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 75)
Unknown Or Other →5 issues
Three of your four door locks stop working on and off, making it impossible to open the doors with either your key or key fob. This is a serious safety concern — your car was broken into because of the faulty locks, and you won't be able to access your vehicle in an emergency. Fixing this typically requires replacing the faulty door lock actuators or entire lock assemblies.
Parts you may need:
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Your left rear brake caliper failed and needed replacement. Additionally, both front struts and both rear shocks were found to be worn out and required replacement. These repairs involve replacing the brake caliper on the left rear wheel and both suspension components.
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Your door lock actuators are failing on multiple doors, starting with the front passenger side ($950 repair) and now the front driver side won't lock either. The replacement actuator on the passenger side is also malfunctioning, causing the door to open and close improperly. This creates a security risk since unlocked doors make your vehicle vulnerable to break-ins. Fixing this will require replacing the faulty door lock actuators, likely at a dealership or with an aftermarket replacement part.
Parts you may need:
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Your 4Runner's hands-free calling system produces heavy echo and distortion that makes it impossible for you or the other person to understand each other during calls. This makes the hands-free feature unusable while driving. The issue likely involves the vehicle's microphone, audio processing system, or Bluetooth connectivity, which may need troubleshooting, recalibration, or component replacement.
Parts you may need:
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Your 4Runner's blue paint is peeling, similar to issues Toyota has recalled for white paint on this model. You're concerned that Toyota should cover this defect under warranty or recall rather than requiring you to pay for repairs out of pocket.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel/propulsion System →3 issues
You noticed your gas wasn't lasting as long as expected, and when refueling, you saw gasoline pouring out from the top of your fuel tank. The dealership diagnosed the problem as a faulty charcoal canister, canister assembly, and purge valve assembly, which they repaired for $953.48. This situation posed a fire hazard since leaking fuel near the fuel tank opening could potentially ignite while driving.
Parts you may need:
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Your 4Runner has trouble starting and stalls when you come to a stop. Once the engine finally starts, it shuts off unexpectedly at red lights or other stops. This could involve cleaning or replacing fuel system components, checking the ignition system, or having the engine computer scanned for fault codes.
Parts you may need:
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Your fuel level gauge may not read accurately because the fuel level sensor inside your gas tank isn't working properly. This means you might not know how much gas you actually have, which could leave you stranded if you run out of fuel unexpectedly. The fix will likely involve replacing the fuel level sensor assembly inside the fuel tank.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →2 issues
During a front-end collision where your vehicle rear-ended another truck, your front left bumper was severely damaged and your chest struck the steering wheel, but your front airbags did not deploy as expected. This is a critical safety concern since airbags are designed to protect you during impact. The issue may require diagnostic testing of your airbag system, including the sensors, wiring, and airbag modules.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle was in an accident, but the driver side airbag failed to deploy when it should have. A fire also occurred during the incident. This is a serious safety issue that requires immediate investigation by a dealer.
Parts you may need:
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Steering →2 issues
Your steering wheel became almost completely unresponsive while driving, making it difficult or impossible to turn. A repair shop found that the intermediate steering shaft and U-joints had rusted and seized up, even though your vehicle only has 55,000 miles and doesn't live in a coastal area. The shop replaced these parts and your steering now works normally, but this could have been dangerous if it happened at highway speeds. The fix involved replacing the corroded intermediate steering shaft and U-joints.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering feels difficult to turn, and the issue appears to be with the intermediate steering shaft u-joint. This happened at 80,000 miles, just after your warranty expired. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the u-joint component in the steering shaft.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your exhaust pipe rusted and separated from the muffler, causing hot exhaust gases to shoot upward into the cargo area. The extreme heat melted a rubber grommet on the floor, the carpet backing, and foam insulation underneath. This poses potential fire and carbon monoxide safety risks, especially during long drives. The fix will likely require replacing the rusted exhaust components and inspecting the cargo area for damage.
Parts you may need:
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Visibility →1 issue
Your sunroof suddenly shattered and exploded while you were driving at 55 mph, with no impact or accident involved. This created a significant visibility hazard and safety concern. The dealer was contacted but did not diagnose or repair the problem. Fixing this will likely require sunroof replacement or repair of the glass panel and sealing mechanism.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your gear shift became hard to move, and the display stopped showing which gear you were in—even though the car was still responding. While driving at 45 mph, your car unexpectedly shifted into Neutral on its own and stopped accelerating, but the display didn't warn you. The dealership found internal corrosion in the transmission range sensor, which prevented the car from correctly displaying or staying in the selected gear. The fix involved replacing the transmission range sensor and recalibrating it with diagnostic equipment.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,service Brakes →1 issue
When you brake, your steering wheel shakes violently, making it difficult to control the vehicle — especially at highway speeds where the brakes feel extremely ineffective. You've had the front rotors replaced multiple times by a certified mechanic (at 71K, 83K, and 100K miles, including with genuine Toyota parts), but the violent shaking returns after 10,000-18,000 miles each time. This recurring issue suggests the problem may extend beyond the rotors themselves, possibly involving brake calipers, brake pads, or wheel alignment. A comprehensive brake system inspection and likely replacement of additional brake components beyond just the rotors will be needed to resolve this.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →1 issue
Your four Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra tires (245/60/R20) developed cracks on the sidewalls and around the tire beads after only about 20,000 miles of use, even though they were relatively new replacement tires installed in 2022. The tire dealer told you this was normal wear, but you've reported it to the tire manufacturer as a potential defect. Bridgestone may need to inspect the tires or provide a warranty replacement if the damage is found to be a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
Your 4Runner is stumbling, stuttering, and hesitating when you accelerate. The dealership performed a tune-up and fuel system service, but the problem continued. They diagnosed a faulty torque converter that required a complete transmission replacement to fix.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →1 issue
Your horn has stopped working, which makes it difficult to alert other drivers on the road. The Toyota dealer inspected the vehicle but found no diagnostic codes or warning lights. A non-functioning horn is a safety concern since you can't warn other drivers in emergency situations.
Parts you may need:
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Visibility/wiper →1 issue
Your windshield has developed a crack. This reduces your visibility while driving and may worsen over time, affecting your ability to see the road clearly.
Parts you may need:
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