Automatic Transmission Problems of Toyota 4Runner

2009 4 runner transmission: same as other complaints about slipping and lag time in engaging into gear at low speeds (like when slowing down to make turns or go over speed bumps). Obviously not shifting correctly and is a safety issue when turning across traffic and the vehicle does not respond properly when the accelerator is depressed. Toyota needs to investigate this as it looks like a recurring problem for this year and a safety issue.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I was driving on the freeway at 60 mph and tapped on the gas pedal and it became stuck and rapidly accelerated the car. I had to shift the car to neutral and tap the brakes in order to get the gas pedal unstuck. The car had been on cruise control earlier but at the time that the gas pedal was stuck cruise control was off. Hitting the brake did not immediately disengage the gas pedal as would be expected if it was on cruise control.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Transmission had to be replaced on late 2007 Toyota 4runner with only 63,000 miles on it. Additionally, oil pan system had to be replaced. Toyota claimed it was aftermarket parts, yet Toyota is has regularly changed the oil and performed all maintenance on the vehicles as records show. Toyota covered the cost of the transmission but charged the customer labor despite being out of warranty, which makes the customer think this is a known issue with the year and model.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

There appears to be something dangerously wrong with the transmission. I have experienced this randomly, maybe a dozen times, over the last week since I have owned the car. It takes up to two seconds for the car to respond after pressing the gas pedal. This has happened when slowing down and then having to give the car gas, again. Other times it has happened from a stop or an idling roll. There is a significant hesitation. This does not happen every time, which makes it that much more dangerous - being unpredictable.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

2010 Toyota 4runner fails to accelerate intermittently when gas pedal is pressed. Has failed to respond to accelerator for a full three seconds at one point. Commonly, delayed response lasts 1-2 seconds. Took vehicle to dealership. They were unable to duplicate the problem. Service tech said this could be caused by the electronic traction control. Issue occurs regardless of traction conditions.

1999 Toyota 4runner, the left rear wheel axle seal is leaking gear oil all over the left rear wheel and brake. I have had the rear axle seals replaced 5 - 7 times: December 2006, June 2007, December 2007, June 2008, December 2008, and now again it is leaking February 2010. The independent auto repair business where I take my vehicle subscribes to "all data which assists mechanics all over the country in sharing work done on vehicles; assisting in diagnosing similar problems, etc. There are a tremendous number of similar left rear axle seal failures on Toyota 4-runners and pickups 1999 - 2001 which use the same axle listed in the all data web site. Many of these list multiple times the seal as failed on the same vehicle. . I my case we have been getting the seals from Toyota. The rear brake on the left side is covered in axle grease which in my opinion will seriously limit my braking ability and could contribute to and accident. I was not able to stop and rear ended another vehicle in the summer of 2007. Fortunately no one was injured in this accident.

See all problems of the 1999 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

We have a 2008 Toyota 4runner sport. When going from reverse to drive the vehicle does not always go into drive. You press the gas and nothing happens. You then have to put the vehicle back into neutral and then into drive to be able to move the vehicle. Took to the dealer numerous times and they said it was "normal". This is a major safety issue as if we are backing up onto a road or anywhere by that means and we have to spend the extra time putting the vehicle back into neutral and then into drive it waste valuable time. This issue does not occur all the time, but approx 70% of the time. We do not know what else to do.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

We have a 2008 Toyota 4runner sport. When going from reverse to drive the vehicle does not always go into drive. You press the gas and nothing happens. You then have to put the vehicle back into neutral and then into drive to be able to move the vehicle. Took to the dealer numerous times and they said it was "normal". This is a major safety issue as if we are backing up onto a road or anywhere by that means and we have to spend the extra time putting the vehicle back into neutral and then into drive it waste valuable time. This issue does not occur all the time, but approx 70% of the time. We do not know what else to do.

I own a 2008 Toyota 4runner sr5 4wd. I purchased it new from my local Toyota dealership in November, 2008. By the fall of 2009 I noticed a sporadically occurring delay in the automatic transmission while switching from reverse to drive, lasting approximately 5 seconds. This would happen while backing out of a driveway or parking lot, or in the middle of a u-turn. Still under warranty, I first took the car into the local dealership in November of 2009. Unable to determine the cause, they reset the car's "cpu" and I returned home, only to have the problem continue. After three more visits to the dealership, the last in may, 2010, the dealerships service department stopped returning my phone calls and failed to resolve the problem. Since February 2010 I have documented over 45 occurrences of the problem, which have occurred as frequently as 4 times in one day and as infrequently as a month apart. The most disturbing incidence was in the middle of a busy urban street while making a 3-point u-turn. With the delay lasting a solid 5 seconds, it is an unsettling experience not knowing when and where this problem will occur. The dealership service department acknowledged that they would/could not do anything under warranty without getting the car to repeat the problem. I finally videotaped the experience while in the car, but when I shared it with the service people, it proved futile. I also discovered an online Toyota 4runner forum (t4r. Org) in which other Toyota 4runner owners shared the same experience. The dealership failed to acknowledge this fact, and stopped making any attempt to resolve the problem as of last June. I am frustrated by my experience and would like to have the problem resolved so I can drive with the peace of mind knowing that my car is safe. To date, no repairs or parts replacements of any kind have been made by Toyota to correct the problem.

While driving in cruise control, and foot completely off of the gas pedal. The car will suddenly surge ahead in what feels like going into passing gear. It does this at various times. And without any warning. Slamming on the brake seems to stop it.

I purchased my 2009 4runner new last year. From the minute I drove it off the lot I noticed a problem with the transmission. Any time the vehicle slows below 15mph and then the accelerator is depressed, the engine revs to a high rpm as if searching for a gear and does not accelerate as commanded. This is very prevalent in slow traffic, slowing for a yield sign or turning corners. The biggest safety concern is in slippery road conditions. When the vehicle finally does find a gear to shift into, it lurches forward. The shifting into gear from a high rpm on slick surfaces could cause the wheels to spin out. I almost experienced a loss of control of the vehicle because of this. I've brought it in to get repaired at the dealership twice. All they do is flash the ecm and the problem persists. Most importantly, Toyota has acknowledged this exact same problem on the 2010 model by issuing a TSB. (TSB-0166-10) from reading several Toyota 4runner forums, this TSB fixes the problem. Please put pressure on Toyota to issue a fix for the 2009 model before someone gets injured or killed.

While driving on the highway at the speed limit (60 mph), the vehicle surged/jolted forward pulling to the right. I was unable to regain control of vehicle causing me to merge into the direction of a tractor trailer. I tried to turn away from tractor trailer to avoid collision. My vehicle hit the rear tire of the tractor trailer and I began to swerve out of control. My brakes didn't seem to help either, they didn't function. This resulted in the vehicle rolling over 3+ times, the car was totaled. All passengers were hospitalized but no other vehicles or people were hurt from the accident. My concern is regarding the periodic engine surge and/or jolting and lack of brake control. This is a safety hazard that must be addressed in order to avoid future incidents. We were very lucky to have not been killed in this auto accident.

See all problems of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Vehicle parked in driveway (running) with transmission in park and the emergency brake fully engaged. Vehicle rolled out of driveway, across street, over curb, and down a steep ravine hitting a tree. Broached local dealer concerning any safety issues or vehicle problems and they indicated none had been reported to them or your website and questioned circumstances as reported. Customer paid for all damages and repairs.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

We have a 2008 Toyota 4runner sport. When going from reverse to drive the vehicle does not always go into drive. You press the gas and nothing happens. You then have to put the vehicle back into neutral and then into drive to be able to move the vehicle. Took to the dealer numerous times and they said it was "normal". This is a major safety issue as if we are backing up onto a road or anywhere by that means and we have to spend the extra time putting the vehicle back into neutral and then into drive it waste valuable time. This issue does not occur all the time, but approx 70% of the time. We do not know what else to do.

New, from 15,000- 25, 000 miles, 2008 Toyota four runner, jerking when accelerated on the freeway. It is as if the shift gear or transmission is not properly working. This has occurred multiple times after the 15, 000 mile service. First dealership workers stated nothing wrong. Current dealership has not checked for cause nor have they offered a solution. Car remains at dealership. Second issue, most recent incident, same vehicle at 25, 000 miles when accelerated on the freeway, jerked uncontrollably, worst than before, accelerated to fast speed (floor mat was secured), would not brake. Driver attempted to move to exit. Engine remained revved up. Brakes slowed but did not stop vehicle. Able to move to exit. . . Heavy traffic. I could have reared ended many vehicles. Smoke and burning odor from brake area. Dealership states floor mat was stuck which is not true, as witnessed by a passenger in the front seat. Vehicle has manufacturers warranty and extended warranty. Dealership refused to permit owner to retain loaner vehicle until problem is resolved. Dealer has no explanation for jerking or shifting/transmission issue nor burning odor/smoke issue. Refuses to provide owner with corporate contact or district manager information. Driver needs vehicle to transport child to medical appts. One hour away from homesite on weekly basis.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The vehicle was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The contact stepped out of the vehicle with the child in the front passenger seat. The child released the gear shift to reverse, and the vehicle drifted and crashed into a house. The child was not injured. There was property damage , along with damage to the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact stated that there should be a safety mechanism on the gear shift. The failure and current mileages were 11,500. Updated 09/10/08. The vehicle suffered minor damage. Updated 09/16/08.

A control valve within the radiator burst, causing engine coolant to get into the transmission and seize it. Mechanic diagnosed the problem. Indicated that transmission was to be removed, system flushed, new radiator installed, transmission either rebuilt or replaced and for the whole system to be road tested. Approximate costs vary from $1700. 00 to over $3000. 00.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I have a 2004 toy 4-runner, v-8 all wheel drive that I am generally satisfied with, but there is one issue that is frightening. When I come to an abrupt stop there is a forward lunge that feels like I have been hit from behind. The vehicle lunges forward the brakes do not always contain this forward motion. I have narrowly adverted hitting the car in front of me several times. This is obviously a safety issue that frankly scares the !@#$% out of me.

We own a 2006 Toyota 4runner - during the first year we took it in three times and told them that when we are at a stop the SUV would shift fwd while still applying the brake. We took it back again the 2nd year, still with the same complaint. Each time they had no answer as to what the problem was cause they could never get the problem to repeat. To date the SUV still does it and would say at least once every two days so much so we have just become used to the problem.

I had a complete failure of my automatic transmission in my 2000 4runner sr5. I was traveling at about 65 mph when I completely lost power. There were no indications of a problem with the vehicle prior to this. The motor was racing but no power was getting to the wheels. It was a sudden and total loss of power transmission. I had to coast across three lanes of traffic to get to the right and was fortunate to be able to exit the freeway. I then tried all gears including reverse but none worked the transmission had to be replaced. A used transmission was used (rebuilt was also available for considerably more money). No real diagnosis was made of the cause of failure. The vehicle and transmission had about 82000 miles usage at the time. The transmission fluid was periodically checked and always was fine but had never been replaced (the owners manual says to check it every 30000 miles, but doesn't say to replace it unless operating under special conditions like towing which I never did).

While stopped, my 2005 4runner moves forward when compressor engages. The rpm at idle will fluctuate between 750 and 1100. During the later portion of fluctuation, abnormal brake pressure is needed to keep the 4runner from moving forward. Idle speeds can reach 25 mph on flat surface and 45 on moderate slope. If you are cruising at 60 mph and remove pressure from accelerator, vehicle idle will retain 55 mph. Toyota claims this is normal. Please investigate before this causes a severe accident. If you forget to apply massive force to brake pedal while stopped. . . Someone may idle through an intersection.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

1. No given indication that there was a problem before the "check engine" light came on. . Trasnmition failure. Requirement of a complete new transmition. . Replacement of transmition.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Resonance through steering wheel during light to heavy acceleration when trans was shifting. Dealer, at this time says it is a characteristic of this vehicle. 1000's rpms and up sometimes worse then others.

Gated shifter, on 2003 Toyota 4 runner, allows you to shift the vehicle past neutral (into reverse or even park) while driving, with out depressing the brake pedal. If you push straight up on the shifter it locks it out (against the staggered plastic of the gated shifter). But if you accidentally hit the shifter on an angle, it can slide past neutral and into reverse or even park!.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

My wife was driving her 2003 Toyota 4runner limited,v8 when the transmission popped out of gear. She had it in 4d gear for normal driving. She pulled over and put it in 4d gear again and it popped out a second time. The check engine light also appeared. She pulled over again and turned off the air conditioner and she proceeded to drive to her destination without the gear popping out. She called our son to pick up the car to take it to the dealer for service. They found nothing wrong with the vehicle. They said it had to happen while they were testing the car to fix the problem but they couldn't repeat the same thing that happened when my wife was driving it. This situation could be potentially dangerous. Where do we go from here,who do we contact? my wife's work number is 412-875-1481.

Complaint: defective vehicle severely rolls backwards when in 'forward drive' on a hill. Toyota states that the vehicle was road tested and found vehicle operating to specifications. my observation is that the Toyota 2002 4runner is an unsafe and defective vehicle that should be recalled immediately. Toyota is unwilling to admit that there is a problem, but I intend to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Toyota 2002 4runner is defective and unsafe to drive. The problem presents a serious safety concern. When I purchased the vehicle I lived in a flat area (morris plains). Recently we moved to a location with a steep driveway (700 feet). Since moving to our new home my wife and I have experienced several occasions where the vehicle severely rolls opposite the desired direction when transitioning from the brake to the gas pedal while at a stop on a steep hill. The problem is exaggerated when the roads are slick, as the car also spins sideways due to loss of momentum for which the vehicle is forced to compensate creating total lost of traction and driver control. My wife and I purchased the vehicle because Toyota advertised it as the vehicle that can take you to the ends of the world. Toyota actually shows a vehicle climbing a very steep mountain. That is false advertising! we purchased the vehicle because it is supposed to handle steep hills safely under a four-wheel drive capability. The vehicle is very difficult and nearly impossible to park on a hill without hitting another vehicle. In good faith, I have proceeded to address the matter with the manufacturer and do not believe that an injury or death has to occur prior to the manufacturer recalling the product for correction. Toyota has corrected the problem on the 2003 4runner but will not correct it on previous vehicles because they don't perceive it as a problem.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

The cruise control system malfunctioned, causing vehicle to kick into high gear, coming out of the overdrive and revs up to 3500 mph which almost caused an accident. Cause unknown.

See all problems of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

When cruise control is on and going up a hill, transmission downshifts.