Engine Problems of Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner owners have reported 20 problems related to engine (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 4Runner.

1 Engine problem of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 05/28/2010

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated when accelerating there was an abnormal sulfur smell emitting from the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The contact stated the catalytic converter was previously replaced and stated the failure had returned. The manufacturer advised that the contact have a diagnostic test performed before the vehicle could be repaired. The dealer advised they were awaiting approval from the manufacturer before proceeding with repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 19,200.

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2 Engine problem of the 2008 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 01/21/2010

Started my 2008 Toyota 4runner. Never touched the accelerator pedal. Engine raced uncontrollably to around 7-8000 rpm and shuddered terribly. Immediately turned the engine off and then tried it again. Did same thing. Took vehicle to the dealership where they said they couldn't duplicate the symptoms and said there weren't any codes stored in the computer. Was told they would call Toyota technical to report issue. Never have been contacted. This incident only reinforces the belief that Toyota has issues other than the "recall fix". I believe that it is an electrical/computer problem. It should be noted that my vehicle is not even on the recall list.

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3 Engine problem of the 2009 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 09/01/2009

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.

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4 Engine problem of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 05/25/2009

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.

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5 Engine problem of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 05/13/2009

Highway merge ramp at almost full throttle twice, once passing another vehicle on highway at also high throttle usage, accelerator pedal was stuck open vehicle continued to accelerate felt like cruise control was engaged but wasn't. I stepped on brakes but that didn't help, I then hit the accelerator pedal with my right foot and the pedal went back to normal.

6 Engine problem of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 02/16/2007

V8, 4wd. Idle rpm is way too high. When a/c compressor kicks in idle can be as high as 1500 rpm. Have to be very careful pulling into garage, as the brake is very difficult to modulate at that rpm. Twice into dealer for this and told ". . . It is normal". Wife afraid to drive into the garage and I have to be very aware when a/c is on. Have never seen a vehicle idle at this high an rpm. Difficult to hold at stop sign and will idle away at a good pace with no accelerator applied.

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7 Engine problem of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 11/30/2005

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.

8 Engine problem of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 06/10/2005

2000 Toyota 4 runner engine seized up after the vehicle lost all of its oil. This was a result of the technician forgetting to tighten the oil filter and the oil drain plug during a oil change. ** answer required***. The manager offer to partially compensate the consumer for the engine but the consumer was not pleased with the offer, especially since the failure occurred as a result of their neglect.

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9 Engine problem of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 06/10/2005

2000 Toyota 4 runner engine seized up after the vehicle lost all of its oil. This was a result of the technician forgetting to tighten the oil filter and the oil drain plug. *** the oil change facility only offered partial reoimbursement for the cost of a new engine. The consumer believes that since they are fully responsible that they should cover the entire cost of a replacement engine.

10 Engine problem of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 05/25/2005

I was driving on hwy. 45 about 65 mph. My sister and nephew were in the vehicle with me. All of a sudden, we heard a loud pop. I felt the power go out of the vehicle and proceeded to pull over to the shoulder of the freeway - almost hitting another vehicle. My nephew said it sounded like we got a flat tire. Then we noticed smoke coming out from under the hood of the vehicle. When we go tout, we noticed oil on the ground -under the vehicle. We lifted the hood - and noticed a hole in the engine block. The vehicle had to be towed to a gas station, and then picked up the next day by the repair shop. The vehicle is under warranty with gap insurance. The repair shop is telling me the warranty does not cover it, and that it is not a manufacture malfunction. I also had just within less than a month ago, had to have the starter replaced, prior to this happening.

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11 Engine problem of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 12/11/2004

With 50 000 miles, connecting rod broke while during normal use, shot out the engine block, fluid spilled, engine seized and catastrophic damage to engine block; new engine required.

12 Engine problem of the 2002 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 11/01/2004

2002 Toyota 4-runner engine problem. Like other Toyota engines, this one at 48,000 miles, has a severe sludge build up problem despite maintenance that has followed recommened preseciptions in the owner's manual. Toyota refuses to honor its power train warrantee in repairing or replacing the engine despite the malfunction. Musson patout has acted in a dishonarable and disreputable manner in repairing this automobile according to warrantees purchased with the vehicle.

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13 Engine problem of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 10/05/2004

Steering wheel and gas pedal high frequency vibration when accelerating at 1500 rpm to 1800rpm (in various speed). I had taken this concern to my local Toyota dealer. The dealer service was good, but no solution provided. The reason was "all 4 runner v8 4x4 do this, and there is no TSB solution for it". I have seen complains about this annoying vibration in '03 and '04 4runners in various place - edmunds. Com, this site, and etc. Should Toyota consider this a defect of the vehicle and provide a solution?.

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14 Engine problem of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 08/07/2004

We were on vacation driving from atlanta, GA to damariscotta, me. On the morning of Saturday August 7, we began our second day of travel just outside of harrisburg, PA. We were entering the interstate when we heard a loud pop and the car began to shake badly. We immediately took the car, a 1998 Toyota 4runner with fewer than 60,000 miles on it, to harrisburg Toyota. The dealer eventually told us we had a broken rod and need a short block replacement, for which we were charged $5500, including $3900 in parts.

15 Engine problem of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 11/01/2003

Steering wheel and pedals vibrate in 1600-2000 rpm range at various speeds.

16 Engine problem of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 08/17/2001

Premature failure of head gaskets, Toyota refused to cover replacement.

17 Engine problem of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 01/18/1998

Blown head gasket.

18 Engine problem of the 1996 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 04/12/1997

While driving the vehicle smoke came from the front engine and there was a fuel smell. Manufacturer said defective head gasket was the cause. Consumer stated if manufacturer was aware of problem, why not notify the consumers.

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19 Engine problem of the 1996 Toyota 4Runner

Failure Date: 01/25/1997

Notice a lea in garage after parking vehicle, pink liquid (coolant fluid), took vehicle into dealership, was informed of a crack in engine head gasket.

20 Engine problem of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner

While accelerating 55 mph engine seized up, losing complete power. Owner drifted truck over to the side of the road. Dealership stated that engine threw a rod. Please describe details.



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