Electrical System Problems of Toyota 4Runner - part 1

The contact was a police officer calling on behalf of the owner of a 2025 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while the owner was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking spot, the vehicle began to independently accelerate up a hill. The owner then placed the vehicle into reverse(r) as the vehicle continued to accelerate while in reverse. The contact stated that the owner had their foot firmly pressed on the brake pedal as the vehicle continued to accelerate. The owner then struck two parked vehicles and another moving vehicle that was entering the parking lot. The vehicle continued to accelerate in reverse(r), crossed a side street, and entered a grassy area before the vehicle abruptly shut off. The contact was unaware if any warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. The air bags did not deploy at any time during the failure. The officer stated that no injuries were reported and no medical attention was given. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an unknown location. The contact was unaware whether the matter was reported to the dealer or the manufacturer. The whereabouts of the vehicle were unknown. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I am not sure this qualifies but I will submit the problem. All of a sudden, the center console display disappeared. Besides showing the radio tuner, it provides access to the gps, cell phone connection and other devices. It also provides access to the backup camera which does light up when put in reverse. The cell phone connection provides hands free use of the phone which comes in handy during an emergency.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

On at least 3 occasions the multimedia touch-screen display console has gone blank without warning lamps/messages. This causes a hazardous condition for 2 main reasons: 1. The gps navigation system is not visible and one has to pull over in traffic, find a safe place to park, and then change to one’s cell phone system. 2. When this occurs, the reverse camera is no longer visible, thus increasing the chance to crashing into rear crossing traffic or pedestrians. On [xxx], (odometer 16339 mi) I reported it to sw Toyota in lawton ok. They said that other owners had reported this problem but that it would take months to receive the replacement display, so I should take it in to the Toyota dealer in my home dealership in ms. I did so on 1/16/25, (odometer 17637mi). This dealership, j. Allen Toyota, gulfport, ms, inspected the vehicle and said that they could not reproduce the problem. They advised me to return if the display turned off permanently. I asked if there was a TSB or recall on this problem and they replied in the negative. I have just read that Toyota has issued a recall on the 2024 & 2025 tundra, which according to gemini ai shares the same part as the 2025 4runner. Therefore, I strongly recommend that this recall be broadened to include the 2025 4runner. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Digital rear view mirror failure, electrical failure, replaced by manufacturer.

Brakes- when reversing the brakes make loud grinding / squealing noise. I'm worried at times it will give out by not braking. Electrical- my display panel with the reverse camera turns off which at times can cause an accident.

Intermittently, the center console (navigation) screen and system crash at random. All audio stop and the screen turns black for a few seconds, before resetting to the default view and disconnecting all previously connected devices. This has happened at least 10-20 times while driving during my ownership of the vehicle. I can confirm that it happens when my iphone is connected to the vehicle via wireless apple carplay, but I am unsure about other circumstances where this may happen. It had happened regardless of which phone is connected or what operating system version is in use - that is, this issue has persisted across several different iphones and versions of ios, so it does not appear to be related to the mobile device. When this issue occurs while driving it is very jarring and can be disorienting, as any navigation or other audio ceases. The issue has not been reproduced by a dealer, and the components have not yet been inspected. There were no warnings or other symptoms of this problem. The problem first appeared within 1-2 months of purchasing the vehicle.

Saturday morning July 12th after starting my vehicle, a warning was presented “srs airbag system malfunction”. I immediately took it to the dealership where they ran diagnostics. The service advisor admitted he nor his mechanic had ever seen anything like that before. They were unable to detect the issue that day. We planned to return the vehicle Thursday July 17. I dropped it off at 10am and never heard from the dealership again that day. Friday, July 18th I contacted the service advisor around 10 am to get an update in which he said they were looking into it. Friday afternoon, I received a call from the service advisor letting me know that the front passenger occupant ecu had malfunctioned, costing approximately $1000. After researching this, I learned that Toyota has issued many recalls on this issue with other models. I called Toyota headquarters to see how they would rectify this but ended the conversation with no solution other than it is the consumer’s liability. This is a safety issue that should fall back on the manufacturer, especially given the history of recalls issued on this specific defect.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

When turning the steering wheel several things happen. Channels change, phone hangs up, gps stops, air bag light comes on. Dealership inspected and said need to change spiral cable. $1200 dollars.

Camera system, rear, from, 360 degree all are distorted and makes hard to see yellow and white painted lines, pedestrians, and other obstacles while parking. System is defective and do not work as it should.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

My vehicle keeps leaking inside from the ac drip line and it's been cleared multiple times and it still keeps happening and it floods the whole bottom of the passenger side floorboard and becomes soaked through which can cause erosion, electrical issues, mold growth and other problems as well.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I drive for a living and yesterday I was driving while this happened 3 separate times. I was going 70 mph on the highway when my radio, usb ports blower motor and dash cluster power went out. I was terrified that my car would shut off while driving. Upon checking the car over, I noticed the battery mount was broken/missing pieces. The upper portion had become lose due to the broken parts and had stuck itself to my positive battery terminal. Lots of sparks when I tried to remove it. I finally got it broke loose using a piece of wood instead of my hands. Very scary.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Driving along the freeway in winter conditions I used the rear defroster for the back window, this caused the back glass to explode loudly, shattering glass onto belongings, animals and the road behind us. This caused drivers behind us to act evasively and myself as well making a winter driving condition more dangerous, not to mention the spray of glass that reached the back seats of my car with passengers. This has been well documented by other drivers and been acknowledged by Toyota in letters and technician bulletins for replacement of the windows, there are no warning lamps, it just goes from working correctly to exploding.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I have a 2016 Toyota 4runner at 143,011 miles. When it hit 125,000 mile mark the backup camera stopped working intermittently. The screen in the car goes blank. Turning the car on/off or changing gears does not affect this issue. It’s random and seems to becoming more frequent as more miles are put on. I will take it in however when I called them they said since it’s not a known issue I will have to replace it and it’s not cheap!.

Several door lock actuators have prematurely failed. The first to do so was front passenger door in summer 2024; front driver door lock failed a few months after. Most recently, approximately 4 months ago, the lock actuator for liftgate failed. This poses safety hazard in easily exiting vehicle and/or entering it if in dangerous situation. I have been communicating with local Toyota dealership for months about repairing these defective items, they have acknowledged awareness of an issue with the actuators, but have offered no help. I have read there is a class action lawsuit pending about this issue. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Toyota 4runner 2013 VIN# [xxx] lp# xxx the gas needle will be above the half (middle line), and the fuel range on top of the dash would read anywhere from 160-213 miles, going 45 mph up a hill or 70 mph on the freeway, all of a sudden starts to stall and completely shut off while still driving. I would then only have a few seconds to try to pull over due to losing all power, and not being able to shift into neutral because it's a push/start button. The car will only turn back on after putting some gas into it, so I make sure to never let the gas needle go below the middle line or have the gas range reading go below anything around 160-200 miles since the vehicle has shut down at a different amount each time, and there's been multiple times. Also, the fuel level needle never matches with how many miles is shown on the range, displaying inaccurate readings. It has poor acceleration, poor mileage, and now making a loud whining noise that is heard from outside the vehicle near gas tank. I have tried looking up the VIN and it does not show that it falls under the recall, despite it having all the symptoms of a faulty fuel pump/sending unit. I love my 4runner but I am in fear for my life whenever I drive it and not showing accurate fuel levels. I pray that nobody runs into me if the vehicle stalls out in the roadway, while going 30-80 mph (it has done it on regular roads and on the highway). There are no warning lights or check engine light. It's at about 208,000 miles, with the issue slowly getting worse over time. I am requesting for it to be inspected free of charge, as well as getting the necessary repairs that the recall is for free of charge. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

When modifying the "beep" volume which is tied to the audio beep when locking or unlocking the car, the car will then turn off the wireless ability read the key fob when using it to lock or unlock the car. The proximity feature will still function and you are still able to start the car. But you will lose functionality with all key fob buttons; lock, unlock, and panic will not be functional. This is listed in detail in the this 4runner forums group. . Read more...

Picked up a gal to go out on a date. Turned the vehicle on and got about 1 mile down the road when I started to smell , like a hot , burning electrical smoke . My date , sitting in the passenger seat says her seat is get warm , then says , it's getting really hot ! I looked at the seat warmer switch and noticed and said , weird , the switch isn't even on . Then the smoke became very apparent as we got onto the freeway and we were compelled to pull over as the electrical components or wiring were on the verge of catching fire , where the electic seat switch is located .

The rear tailgate window shattered while vehicle was in driveway as soon as it was turned off. Before it shattered there was an odor of something like plastic burning. Fortunately no one was hurt by the exploding bits of glass. The sound the breaking glass make was loud and startled the passengers. Good thing the vehicle was not in motion on the street or highway. On the internet I saw where other people shared the same problem on their Toyota 4runner. Then I saw that Toyota had put out, TSB-0189-17, which stated exactly what happened to my 4runner. Due to this possibly dangerous incident this should be upgraded to a vehicle safety recall.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Apparently rodents have gone to the engine and ate the soy wires to the harness. This in turn has cost me over $1000 to fix. The only warning was when the warning lights came on and four runner started to shake when started.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

My vehicle is throwing the abs light and slamming my breaks. I’ve taken it to Toyota, it’s not showing any codes so they can’t diagnosis it to fix the issue. It may go two weeks and drive fine, and then it does it again. Whether I’m going 10mph or 55mph, it will do this. Very scary and very unsafe.

The contact owns 2007 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, while the vehicle was parked or idling, the electrical system malfunctioned. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, brake lights intermittently illuminated or failed to illuminate as needed, the horn failed to operate, and other undisclosed electrical systems intermittently failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown icmu failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

The contact owns 2000 Toyota the contact stated that after disconnecting the battery from the vehicle it was later discovered that the both the driver and passenger side doors and the hatch door could not be opened both manually or remotely. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 200,000.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

My gear shift became difficult to shift. As I was driving it, when I physically shifted to the drive position, the display didn't confirm "d", but I could drive. As I was driving, the car shifted to neutral without me shifting, but did not show "n" on the display. My car stopped accelerating and revved higher. This occurred as I was driving on the road around 45 mph. I could not tell on the display that I was not in drive. I pulled over safely luckily. I continued to try to get it to drive to get it to a dealership to look at. They reported it was prndl switch issue. Tech found internal corrosion in transmission range sensor creating a physical resistance in sensor which prevented vehicle from properly indicating gear. Tech replaced transmission range sensor, adjusted sensorwith techstream data list, and performed health check this is not the first they have seen either. This would appear to be a common safety issue to drivers. I also had a difficult time confirming the car was in the park "p" position. I believe this issue could have potentially affected the vehicle's ability to engage in park and stay in park, much like the issue with getting into drive and staying in drive.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I was driving my truck and needed to use the horn to warn another driver of a potential collision. My horn did not work. I later noticed that the horn only stopped working when the steering wheel was in the forward position. I researched this online, and it was stated that this was a known issue with many Toyotas including the 4runner. It is the clock spring in the steering wheel which needs replacement. Another issue is the price Toyota is charging for the clock spring at $800 which may deter customers from fixing it. I am fixing mine and ask for nothing except consideration in forcing a recall. This is dangerous. I can send you the defective clock spring if you would like it. I bought the vehicle but live in canada.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I was driving my 4runner and the rear glass exploded and shattered. This is a known issue with Toyota and documented in t-sb-0189-17 and warranty enhancement zg7. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the glass shattering. Toyota refuses to cover the repair costs and the estimate provided by the dealer is $1,200. Photos were taken in my garage when I got home immediately after the explosion occurred.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The horn stopped functioning. This is a safety hazard because I am not able to alert other drivers. The vehicle has only been inspected by the Toyota dealer. No codes and no lights were displayed. Fearing for my family's safety, I paid for the repairs.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at 45 mph, he noticed that the vehicle was shuddering. The contact veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and the vehicle continued to shudder while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that rodents were consuming the food-based wires that were coming out of the wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

I purchased a 2022 Toyota 4runner and 9 days later the wiring harness was destroyed by rodents most like squirrels. Toyota switched to soy based wire insulation without taking precautions in the design to protect the wiring from rodents attracted to the insulation material. The resulting damage cost $8000 to repair and it will take months for the harness to be in stock. This failure caused all safety features to be disabled leaving the vehicle without standard safety functions.

My 2019 Toyota 4runner was inhabited by a rat that chewed the wiring harness in at least 3 different areas. The damage occurred between 8pm and 7am. The vehicle started with lights on the dash illuminated. The car was out into drive and was jerking. Reverse had the same result. After inspecting under the hood of the car wires were seen chewed partially and a few completely severed. A rat was seen under the manifold cover. I used an air hose to evict it and had the car towed to dealership. The bill was just under $1000 to repair. I was warned it could have been worse ($6000) if harness needed changing. I was told “I was lucky”. After researching I discovered this is a problem because of soy based wiring. It’s an attractant for rodents.

Rear view camera cuts out and screen goes black. Similar to the rav4 complaints.

The door lock actuator on the passenger side door is going out. This is clearly a common problem with this make and year model. Several reviews I have read state that this has been an issue specifically with the front driver and passenger doors. I'm not sure why there has not been a recall on this issue. This is obviously a manufacturer issue vs a owner/user issue. Toyota really needs to consider a recall because this is not a cheap fix.

The plastic slider for the sunroof malfunctioned releasing the sunroof so when I went to open the sunroof while driving the airflow caught underneath the sunroof lifting it up and shooting it off and hurtling into traffic behind me and innocent highway drivers, and I completely shocked did not know where it landed or who it landed on. Now I don’t have any protection from the weather and my headliner is coming off due to the wind. Now I have to save money or go to a pick and pull and figure out how to get this fixed before it causes more damage to my vehicle. I do not know if it caused any injuries or crashes or if anyone got hurt being that I was going down the highway at the time of the incident.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

In 2017 I was reporting that the left brake light was working intermittently. In 2018 the socket assembly completely failed and was told that this was not an extended warrenty repair (milage was less then 100,000). In March 2021 the bake lights failed again. The dealership reported that the failure is intermittent but that the socket assembly needs to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

On 3/30/21 it was discovered that my 2021 4runner with 5500 miles caught fire while parked in my enclosed garage. This event happened while my family and I were sleeping. The fire was discovered @5am at which time the fire department was contacted. The fire was contained to the garage. The vehicle was a total loss and was determined to be the source of the fire that destroyed all of the contents in my garage and significantly damaged the garage structure resulting in a rebuild. The fire department performed an initial investigation, a 3rd party fire investigator performed an investigation, and state farm along with a representative from Toyota conducted an investigation. Per my claims adjuster, the investigation determined that the fire originated in the vehicle but the exact cause could not be determined due to the damage to the wiring harness and the proximity to the condenser. This incident could have easily lead to significant injury or death to my family. The vehicle had not experienced any issues, no warning lights had indicated an issue, and the only maintenance that had been performed to the vehicle was a tire rotation at 5000 miles at the Toyota dealership.

The door lock actuator has failed on every door in my car. I've had them fixed but now the warranty is expired.