Steering Problems of Toyota 4Runner - part 1

Consistent steering wheel shake between 60-65 mph. This is a very well known issue on the 2010-2024 4runners and it drives me and many others crazy, and feels unsafe to drive with. Will happen almost anytime I’m on the highway. My vehicle only has 48k miles. This needs to be addressed.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

While going around turns (left or right) over 30mph the vehicle has knocking that can be felt coming through the steering wheel. This is not the driver assist feedback. If the turn are longer (like highway on ramp) you can hear a slight clunk associated with the knocking that is felt.

See all problems of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I was driving the vehicle and suddenly the steering wheel started to getting hard to turn it and the dash board doesn’t show any failure I went right away to dealership close by they inspected the vehicle they states there is a power steering failure but the car never showed any failure on dashboard or safety system.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

This vehicle was purchased from don chalmers Ford in rio rancho on 1129, 2025, upon purchasing a 2018 Toyota foreigner limited I traded in a 2020 Acura rdx with only 50,000 miles. The salesman seemed to trustworthy. He showed me the carfax clean had no accidents no recalls then I receive some paperwork stating this vehicle is eligible for a buyback. I still have not received the license plate or registration. No one informed me that this vehicle is eligible for a buyback meaning I paid way too much for this vehicle. I’m having problems with suspension brakes steering wheel shaking at high speeds leaks lights on several problems. The dealership promised they would fix everything they have ignored me. I am frustrated. This is not a safe vehicle. I have ptsd from totaling my 1998 Toyota 4 runner October 11 of 2025. I was clear that I need a safe vehicle. My kids were in my vehicle when I totaled my 1998. I have been given the runaround since the second day my son saw oil leaking from the vehicle. Lights went on many different things began to happen like explain this is the second day the seventh day the 14th day and every day once a week after leaving several text messages phone calls I spoke to zach the sales guy steve the guy that purchased his parts he purchased a sensor in a black lining that goes be behind the tire on the passenger side. I have found overspray lights are on something to do with the tires, I am not safe in this vehicle I told them it was not a valid purchase and to please reimburse me give me my 2020 Acura that I only had 50,000 miles. Excellent condition. I didn’t know that I was gonna be manipulated lie to lack of information was disclosed to me. I didn’t know it was eligible for buyback. I overpaid for a vehicle that is not safe and should not be on their lot. I’m ready to go the general manager of the president. I have eight fractures in my spine with head injuries. My 18-year-old was in the car with me thank god we are our life today. I’m sad.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Steering wheel creaking and knocking noise when turning the steering wheel left and right.

I took my 2019 Toyota 4 runner limited edition for maintenance/repair and it was identified the entire under carriage and frame is rusting out creating safety issues. This vehicle has never has never been flooded or exposed to northern salted roads. The garage repair shop was afraid to repair the vehicle as they identified this is a huge safety issue. They could not understand that a 5 year old car with under 65k miles on it would have extensive rust damage and deemed it unsafe. They referred me to take it to the Toyota dealership and to call Toyota brand engagement center headquarters to report the issue. That phone number is 1-800-331-4331. Apparently this is a known issue for Toyota 4runners and other models under their brand as I found many complaints from owners on the web. I reached out to Toyota and they denied any awareness of an issue and responsibility. The case number is #[xxx]. They also told me I need to pay out of pocket to fix whatever the recommendation of the dealership provided to repair and fix. I was appalled at the quick and dismissiveness attitude without any additional further investigation and assistance to help out knowing this is not a normal case of rust for a car. I believe there is a defect and safety manufacturing issue on the vehicle even if is not a current recall and why I am reporting such a huge safety issue. So I took it to the Toyota dealership where they also agreed this is not normal wear and tear for a car of "length of time" and mileage on it and is a safety issue. They also spoke to the case manager at Toyota brand engagement center and also denied them any assistance for repairing of the vehicle. The VIN# is [xxx] . I can provide photos of the damage. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Front skid plate rusted and corroded. Fame rusted and corroded. Suspension parts rusted and corroded. Hole in fame. Called Toyota of America in texas told agent what the problem was. He told me no reports at this time on this make. Also told me no solutions for this at this time. Toyota had this problem with their tacomas they settle lawsuits and made free repairs. 12.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Front struts are leaking which are causing the vehicle to drive inconsistently. The struts should not have to be replaced this soon when the vehicle is being used on normal condition roads. After researching, it appears this is a manufacturer, Toyota, issue, that is known, and Toyota should be issuing a recall for replacement due to the number of incidences that are known on the 4-runner.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front timing cover and found that the component was leaking fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Took 2004 Toyota 4runner sr5 to Toyota dealership to be serviced. Dealership called me to explain unable to do alignment, due to rear back frame excessive rusted through. Dealership advised waste of money to align new tires just purchased, unable to even do alignment and it was dangerous. Now what is to be done? this is my daily driver for work. How did this happen that its unsafe and dangerous to drive.

See all problems of the 2004 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

On [xxx] while driving approximately 60 mph on a straight smooth highway only about 4 miles from my home my 4 runner started violently shaking. The whole vehicle was shaking like the wheels were going to fall off. The steering wheel was shaking and I was shaking due to the amount of vibration. I did not depress the brakes for fear it would flip and crash. I let off the accelerator to slow down carefully and find a spot to pull off the highway. As I got slower I checked the onboard tire pressure which indicated all tires were holding correct amounts of air. About 3/4 to a mile from the time the shaking started it stopped shaking and about a quarter mile later it did it one more time for a few seconds. After that it did not occur again. After making a couple stops along my day I was driving at about 40mph when the big red box that reads break came on while the vehicle made a loud beeping noise over and over until the light went off. There were no vehicles in front of me to cause the anti collision alert to deploy. As of [xxx] Toyota of fayetteville, arkansas has my vehicle to check this issue. They are also replacing my front facing camera that has finally arrived after months of waiting for it to be delivered. It was found to be defective shortly after purchase August or September 2023. I only had the vehicle for a few weeks when the camera stopped working. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

All of a sudden it was so difficult to steer I ended up off my driveway and almost took out my chain link fence. Two hands on left side of the steering wheel and yanked with all my strength. Then across my drive to the left. If this had happened turning onto a highway someone could have been killed.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Car keeps running out of gas while driving, due to faulty readings on the gas gauge and electronic readout. I have been driving this car for 11 years and never ran out of gas until running out 3 times in the past 2 months. Today was the 3rd occurrence, gas gauge showed over 1/4 tank and 85 miles to go until empty. Previous incident was similar with 1/4 tank and showing 65 miles to go. (pictures attached). The miles to go reading seems to be increasing with each incident (1st incident showed 25 miles, second incident 65 miles, then 85 miles today). No low fuel indicator light or warning has appeared on any of these 3 occasions. This is a very dangerous situation potentially causing loss of life as drivers have seconds to navigate their vehicle off the highway, while quickly losing speed and loss of steering. No indication that fuel is low, while instead providing incorrect (inflated) dashboard data. Vehicle is going into the shop tomorrow. Found multiple reports of this same incident on 4runners. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Around 50-55mph, shake can be felt in the steering wheel. Possible needle bearing? common complaint yet Toyota states it is operating "normal". Steering wheel shake is not normal. This has occurred since I purchased the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The frame is rusted almost in half a mechanic said it's not safe to drive it will kill someone. The car lot that is selling me the car said he can fix it but it's being held together by welds and c foam. He wants me to still pay for it. I've complained about not being able to drive over 45 without swaying badly and they keep doing stuff to it saying it's fixed and it's not. It's to dangerous to drive. I have a video of underneath but it won't let me upload it.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The hole underneath frame is rusted into and there is a bunch of wielding done to it and it's very unsafe to drive and the car lot guy keeps saying he wants it back on the road.

Aggressive steering wheel vibration from 55-70 mph from the day I drove the vehicle off the lot. Ignoring the vibration, Toyota claims this 4runner is operating as it is manufactured to do so. This is causing unnecessary wear on the steering and/or suspension. Without a visual warning sign from the vehicle, this could cause catastrophic failure while driving, ultimately putting the driver and other drivers at risk while on the road. Additionally, the vehicle can be hard to control due to the vibration, which could cause excess swerving. Toyota claims it is the tires. Toyota issued me two different sets of tires and the issue persists. It is not the tires, it is a manufacturing defect that is a safety hazard and reduces the value of the vehicle.

The component that failed is the air back clock spring. It’s preventing the horn form functioning properly. In turn can result in an accident from lack of warning other drivers and/or air bag might not go off. It seems to be a known problem on the 13 model year of the 4runners. It has not been inspected as I’m not knowledgeable on what to do in that situation and the dealer says that I’d have to pay for it anyway. No warnings just one day the horn didn’t want to work anymore and seems to be a problem that’s pretty consistent. People have reported that it has gone bad with as little as a 100k miles which the clock spring shouldn’t be a maintenance item to begin with.

See all problems of the 2013 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

I have a Toyota 4runner 2021. I'm actually presenting steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues in the front end during highway speeds more than 60 mph. I when to the dealership and they align and balance the tires. But problem still happens. They said that not problem has been found when they verified the vehicle but they noticed the issue.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Intermediate steering shaft u joint steering is difficult. Vehicle only has 80000 miles just out of warranty as of 5/23.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

There was a clunking noise coming from the front end when steering. Got worse over time. Also had a vibration in the front end at speeds above 45 mph. Dealer recommended replacement of upper steering column shaft assembly and dust boot cover along with lower intermediate steering shaft. The manufacturer knows about this problem because there is a NHTSA campaign number 19v67000 that states the suspension and steering fasteners were improperly tightened. This should be a recall and I should not have to pay for their mistakes! if it had come loose, there would be a loss of control leading to an accident! the dealer/manufacturer did not send out any notice or warning.

I purchased the vehicle from a dealer. During a test drive I noticed a shake in the steering wheel that represented a wheel balance issue. The dealership acknowledged that, according to their techs that it was a wheel issue. A new set of tires was ordered mounted and balanced. I have been dealing with the issue of sometimes excessive steering wheel shake and a feeling of unstable suspension issues in the front end during highway speeds of 60-70 mph. In researching this model of Toyota it appears this is a well documented problem that has not been addressed by Toyota.

We recently looked at this vehicle at Toyota of ann arbor car lot. After taking the vehicle to a private professional certified car inspector we were told that that the passenger side frame had a catastrophic crack that ran 7' from front to back and over the forward facing rear leaf spring shackle support making the vehicle unsafe for any driving. They showed us the frame damage and showed us how wire mesh and foam spray had been used in an attempt to hide it. We were scared to drive it back to the dealer (we drove very slow). We informed them of the damage and they were very rude and asked us to leave. My only goal here is to insure that this vehicle is not put on the road were it could result in death or injury.

Steering shudder at 58-70 mph has become almost unbearable. No warning lights whatsoever - ever! vehicle has had this issue since 30k miles (110k currently) and Toyota always is "unable to replicate the issue" or tells people this is common on the 4 runners and tacoma's. I won't go to dealers anymore since Toyota knows it's a problem and they direct the dealers not to report to keep the issue cluster diluted. Any visible wheel shake, no matter what speed should not be considered "common". Just replaced all 4 tires with pirelli scorpions, did the recommended Toyota road force balance and had everything aligned. Doesn't drive any differently than with the old tires and out of alignment. Perhaps if the Toyota brass had to drive their ownfamily in this vehicle, they would take a different position. Guess it will unfortunately take some highway fatalities in these vehicles before manufacturer or governments act. I'm praying for a class-action suit as there are 1000s of 4 runner customers experiencing the same issue. Many of whom have sold at a loss just to get away from an unsafe vehicle. First Toyota I've owned and it will be the last.

Steering wheel out of control while driving. My car lost control and crashed. I contacted Toyota motor north America. Inc. But they said their inspection didn’t find evidence that the incident was the result of a defect in my vehicle.

At speeds above 45 miles and hour, the steering wheel begins to nibble / shake which creates an unsafe driving situation. Vehicle has had alignment performed, and new tires balanced which still has not resolved issue.

Steering shake at 55mph, seems to go away after tires have warmed up. Tried road force balance with no help.

The drivers side front lower ball joint completely sheared off at around 15 miles an hour. The wheel and tire separated from the vehicle.

See all problems of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Yes vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Steering wheel/steering column/wheels tires/suspension/differential/drive shaft/: steering wheel shimmies, shakes, vibrates, wobbles and usually occurs at 55-68 mph typically closer to the 62-64 mph range and "pulls"/steers very hard to the right during this time. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This could possibly cause me or another driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident that might hurt me or someone else. The vehicle has been inspected by the Toyota dealership more than 6 times in 6 months/6k miles. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. Wheels and tires have been balanced and road force balanced several times. Alignment has been performed several times to varying degrees of castering and adjusting wheels all within manufactures specs. Correct tire pressure is used. Wheels and tires were swapped with another set of wheels and tires from the same year, make, model, and tread depth and it did not fix the issue. No one can fix the shake and wobble in the steering wheel. I purchased this certified pre-owned vehicle with 11k miles on it and now has just over 20k miles. This has been a problem since approx. 12. 5k miles. I took it to the dealership service dept for the first time around 14k miles. The dealership service department has opened 2 tech cases on this and I am set to meet with a Toyota field rep this week. My hope is that they can determine what defect is causing this to happen. There are numerous reports of this happening (just google "Toyota 4 runner shimmy in the steering wheel") and no one can fix it. Is it going to take someone getting hurt or dying for this issue to be resolved?.

There is severe rust on the frame, the rear is listing by 3/4 of an inch due to suspension rust, parts of the frame are perforated and lots of rust can fall out of drain holes when tapped. I am unable to steer the truck due to the intermediate steering column rust. The tacoma was recalled for the same reason, I am assuming the 4runner has not been recalled because it was manufactured in greater numbers, and therefore more costly to repair, the danger of the severe rust is the same in both vehicles.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

My 4runner was purchased from a dealership and serviced there for rust related problems several times but was never told I had a serious rust problem. The problem is the frame has prematurely rusted and now the car is unsafe to drive due to the control arm rusting off the frame.

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

The car shakes when going at speeds as low as 48 mph and as high as 68 mph that I know of. Typically, it shakes heaviest from the mid-50 mph range to the mid-60 mph range. I rarely drive the full speed limit for energy conservation reasons, so I cannot tell you how much higher it goes on the range. The car has had the wheels rebalanced three times (installation, upon purchase from the dealer and on a take back to the dealership), the alignment has been checked twice and I have spoken to the tire manufacturer about the tires being the cause of this. I took the tires into an authorized retailer to no avail. With everything checked, including a road force balancing of the tires, my 4runner still shakes disturbingly. I called a service advisor at another Toyota dealership today (they were not the seller). In describing the problem to him, he cut me off and said it is a known problem. He went on to share that the dealership had been in contact with Toyota corporate. It is disturbing for me as a driver, my passengers and from an engineering standpoint; shaking can never be good. It could easily cause premature and unnecessary wear to drive, suspension and steering parts. It could lead to a serious and fatal accident over time. The shaking, I imagine, could also lead to a problem in less than ideal driving conditions such as rain, snow or ice as well.

My 4 runner only has 147,000 miles and is a great running vehicle but my frame is rotted badly. I have large holes throughout, the front crossmember under radiator with tow hooks has completely rusted off, and now I found where my rear lower drag link bolts to frame is about to come off. I have had to repair rusty brake lines multiple times. My rear axle carrier just sheds large flakes of rust. I love this truck but now it is almost too dangerous to drive and with all the inflation lately I cannot afford another vehicle.

Tires are good ! when I got this SUV it only has 15 k miles I got shimmy on my steering wheel this not acceptable we need a recall on this issues it's very dangerous please Toyota when need to solve this issues.

Driving up to 60mph the steering wheel vibrates excessively. I have taken it to the dealer and got repairs to fix it but 2 days later it returned. I had wheels balanced and rotated with an alignment. I fear I will loose control of the SUV soon.