Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2015 Toyota 4runner — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2019 to Dec 2017
The most reported issue is air bags problems (12 complaints). 10 complaints involved crashes.
Open Safety Recalls (9)
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: 17V763000
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Toyota 4Runner vehicles equipped with an accessory Billet Grille Overlay installed by SET or provided by SET and installed by SET dealers. The U-nut that secures the overlay grille may fracture, allowing the Billet Grille Overlay to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the Billet Grille Overlay detaches while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will replace the securing U-nuts with upgraded hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17C.
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: 16V228000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 22, 2014, to March 23, 2016 and equipped with accessories installed by Gulf States. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk: An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will install an accurate label, free of charge. The recall began on June 1, 2016. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Gulf States' number for this recall is 16R2.
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 85)
Suspension →3 issues
Your 4Runner's front coil spring may develop cracks due to how it's designed where it connects to the spring seat. A cracked coil spring could cause sudden loss of control while driving, especially at highway speeds, and broken pieces could fly out from under the vehicle and cause injury or property damage. The fix would involve replacing the damaged front coil spring with a new one.
Parts you may need:
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Your 4Runner's KDSS suspension valve under the driver's door has corroded and is leaking oil from the suspension system. A warning light appeared on your dashboard before the leak became noticeable. If the system loses all its fluid, you may experience poor handling and suspension control when steering or braking at high speeds or making sharp turns. The fix will involve replacing the corroded KDSS valve and refilling the suspension system with fresh fluid.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2015 4Runner's X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension System has developed leaking front shocks, and Toyota dealership service recommends replacing the entire system (front and rear shocks, lines, and actuators) at a cost of around $4,000. You're concerned about this recurring problem across multiple 4Runners you've owned and worry the suspension could fail while driving and cause an accident. The repair will likely involve draining and replacing the suspension fluid lines, shocks, and electronic actuators that control the adaptive suspension system.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →3 issues
Your front airbags failed to deploy in two separate front-end collisions — once when you hit a deer at 75 mph on the interstate, and again when you T-boned another truck at 35 mph hard enough to spin it around. Both collisions caused over $10,000 in front-end damage and resulted in injuries to you, yet the airbags never activated. A diagnostic inspection of the airbag system's sensors, wiring, and control module will be needed to determine why the system failed to deploy during these high-impact events.
Parts you may need:
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Your 4Runner was hit on the passenger side at an intersection by a heavy-duty pickup truck traveling at least 40 mph. The airbags failed to deploy during the impact, even though the collision was severe enough to cause the vehicle to malfunction.
Parts you may need:
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Your airbag system needs repair, but the dealership hasn't been responsive to your requests to fix it. This is a safety-critical issue that requires immediate attention from the manufacturer or another qualified service center if your dealership continues to be unresponsive.
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Steering →3 issues
Your steering suddenly became extremely difficult to turn, requiring you to use both hands and pull with all your strength to control the vehicle. You nearly drove off your driveway and almost hit a fence. This sudden loss of steering control could be dangerous in highway conditions where a collision might occur.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering wheel shakes noticeably between 58-70 mph, and this vibration has persisted since 30,000 miles. Even after replacing all four tires with new Pirellis, having them professionally balanced, and getting a wheel alignment, the shaking continues unchanged. The issue may require inspection of steering and suspension components to identify the root cause of the vibration.
Parts you may need:
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Your steering wheel shakes and vibrates when you drive at speeds between 55-65 mph. You've already had the wheel alignment checked and the wheels balanced multiple times, but the problem persists. This likely requires inspection of suspension components, rotors, or other steering system parts that affect vibration at highway speeds.
Parts you may need:
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Fuel/propulsion System →3 issues
After driving your 4Runner on an empty tank and then refueling, your car is stalling and having trouble starting. The engine won't stay running once it does start. This may require fuel system cleaning or fuel filter replacement to remove debris that entered the tank when it was empty.
Parts you may need:
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After having your fuel pump recalled and serviced, your 4Runner has had trouble starting—the starter engages but the engine won't turn over. Once it does start, the engine RPMs surge up and down unpredictably, sometimes causing the engine to stall while you're driving. Multiple service visits haven't resolved the issue.
Parts you may need:
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Your fuel pump failed while you were driving. Toyota has issued a recall for this exact problem, but the company refused to repair it for free or reimburse you for the repair costs. Fixing this issue typically requires replacing the fuel pump assembly in your vehicle.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your door locks frequently fail to work with either the key fob or physical key, leaving you unable to enter or exit your vehicle reliably. You may only be able to access your 4Runner through the trunk at times. Even after the dealer replaced the driver and passenger door locks under warranty and out-of-pocket, they failed again within weeks, creating a serious safety concern if you need emergency exit or entry.
Parts you may need:
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Your 4Runner's frame and radiator support cross member are showing signs of rust. This is a structural issue that should be inspected and addressed to prevent further corrosion and potential structural weakness. Repairs will likely involve rust removal, treatment, and possibly welding or replacement of affected frame components.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →2 issues
When you put your 4Runner in reverse, the backup camera display becomes blurry, shakes rapidly, and shows static with neon-colored lines that make the image unusable. This problem occurred intermittently over 2 years, and despite multiple service visits where you asked for help, the dealership initially said they couldn't reproduce it and only updated the software. After you provided video evidence of the problem, Toyota corporate eventually acknowledged the issue was happening in other vehicles and approved replacement of the display computer at no charge. The fix involves replacing the vehicle's infotainment computer module that controls the camera display.
Parts you may need:
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Your passenger side door won't lock or unlock. A Toyota dealer diagnosed this as a faulty door lock actuator that needs to be replaced. The issue happened around 50,000 miles. Fixing this will involve replacing the broken lock actuator mechanism in the passenger door.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your engine is stalling and hesitating during highway driving, causing loss of power steering and difficulty controlling the vehicle. This happened twice — once briefly while climbing a mountain at 70 mph, and again for about 10 seconds in heavy traffic, nearly causing accidents. The owner believes this started after a fuel pump recall part was improperly installed at a Toyota dealership. The fix will likely involve the dealership properly reinstalling or replacing the fuel pump assembly and related components.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your transmission suddenly failed without any warning signs, even though your vehicle has been regularly serviced at a Toyota dealer since purchase. The dealer never mentioned any transmission problems during these service visits. Your transmission is now on back order for repair, leaving you without a vehicle and unable to get a rental car since this wasn't covered as an accident or recall. The repair will likely require transmission replacement or major internal repair work.
Parts you may need:
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Latches/locks/linkages →1 issue
Your door lock actuators on both front doors have failed, leaving you locked in or out of your vehicle unexpectedly. This is a known issue affecting multiple Toyota models, and Toyota dealers have confirmed the actuators need replacement at approximately $805 each. In an emergency situation, a stuck door lock could pose a serious safety risk. The repair will require replacing the faulty door lock actuators on both the driver and passenger sides.
Parts you may need:
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Structure →1 issue
Your vehicle's frame on the passenger side is showing rust, particularly at the solder joints where pieces are joined together. This rust may affect the structural integrity of your vehicle, which could be a safety concern when driving. The fix would likely involve having a mechanic inspect the rusted areas and potentially treating or replacing the affected frame sections.
Parts you may need:
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