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The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is designed to give families a spacious SUV to spread out in. The automaker claims it helps customers “arrive with attitude,” but most drivers have been far from impressed. This model struggles with its engine, electrical system, suspension and visibility.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Engine | |
| Steering | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Power Train | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Suspension |
Problems with the Engine
What is the most important part of any vehicle? Most people agree that it’s the engine. However, this 4Runner has encountered some troubles.
Just look at this Edmunds review. “Brought this Toyota 4runner limited 2019 3 months ago [dealership] and last week I took it for first service and they found leak in the engine and they refuse to replaced me with another 4runner but end up take an engine down and fix it.”
While Toyota hasn’t specifically addressed any engine problems, the company is looking into what the customers are saying. Service Bulletin #T-TT-0615-20 Rev talks about how the automaker is “looking to better understand our customers’ expectations regarding vehicle drivability. Specifically, we are looking at vehicle surge/hesitation condition (inconsistent acceleration).” However, there has been no resolution or possible fix discussed with these hesitation problems. The “attitude” for now is one where the company just listens and makes customers think that it cares.
Problems with the Electrical System
With today’s modern electrical system, an enjoyable ride down the road can quickly turn into a nightmare.
That’s what this NHTSA complaint talks about. “I had been driving for two minutes on a city road going approximately 30 mph, when my car suddenly stalled and all the indicator lights came on. Then the car started on its own and I was able to turn into a parking lot. Then the car stalled again and I noticed smoke coming out of the hood in front of the windshield. I put it in Park and took the key out of the ignition. I got out of the car and the car restarted and stalled on its own a few more times after that. It also made a loud beeping sound that sounded like a car alarm but we don’t have an alarm installed. The entire front half of the vehicle was annihilated.”
With the 4Runner starting on fire and restarting itself, it would only make sense that Toyota would address the issue. But that’s not the case. Instead, the company is busy talking about minor electrical system concerns, like that of Service Bulletin #T-TT-0484-18-Rev. This document addresses customer concerns about echoes over the Bluetooth line when making a call, but pushes it off on the volume being too low. While 4Runner owners are trying to stay safe on the road with their Bluetooth, they are constantly asking, “Can you hear me now?”
Problems with the Suspension
A look at the 4Runner’s suspension system reveals even more problems.
Here is one NHTSA complaint to examine. “The contact owns a 2019 Toyota 4runner. While driving 65 mph, a high-pitched whining noise was heard from the rear axle. Each time the accelerator pedal was released, the whining noise went away. The vehicle was taken to [dealership] where it was test driven. The technician informed the contact that it sounded like the pinion gear was not assembled properly. The contact asked why the whining noise only occurred when depressing the accelerator pedal and was informed that it was due to the torque being applied. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided [case number]. The approximate failure mileage was 5,300.”
Sadly, this vehicle was not repaired, even though there was a future recall related to the suspension system. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V670000 says that some vehicles came equipped with steering and suspension parts that were not completely tightened. If these fasteners were to come loose, the driver could lose control over the SUV. It could also lead to an accessory coming off of the vehicle completely. Either of these situations could be deadly if it caused an accident. It appears that the “attitude” of some assembly workers was one of not caring what happened to the occupants.
Problems with the Visibility
Rounding out the list, it’s important to look at some visibility concerns. Without a properly functioning windshield, it can be dangerous to drive. However, the 4Runner’s auto glass seems to be compromised.
Here’s yet another NHTSA review. “I was sitting at a stoplight and the windshield cracked in the middle from the bottom up. Nothing hit it, just sitting at the stoplight and the windshield cracked.”
In this case, Toyota has nothing to say. Maybe the company thought it had said too much with the other complaints or it simply ran out of excuses. After all, you can only tell a customer so many times that you are “listening” and “gathering information” before they no longer believe you. When it comes to the 4Runner, the only attitude this SUV offers is one of disappointment.
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Complaint Data
| Category | Steering, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 02, 2023 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Feb 14, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Shaking steering wheel 60-70mph |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump |
| Date | Oct 27, 2022 |
| State | WV |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving 50-55 mph and attempting to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was a 15-second delay in the vehicle response. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. |
| Category | Latches/locks/linkages, Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls |
| Date | Oct 26, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while attempting to lock the doors with the key fob, the front passenger's side door failed to lock as desired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the actuator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. Shortly after the repair, the front passenger's side window failed to lower and raise. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer and reattached the window's wiring harness due to the harness detaching. Shortly after the second repair, the same window failed again and the lock on the driver's door failed to lock. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | May 01, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Abs lights and and trac light on by itself without reason. |
| Category | Structure:body, Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts |
| Date | Apr 13, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that he noticed corrosion underneath the vehicle and on the lug nuts. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to locate any failure on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to second local dealer, clearwater toyota (21799 us hwy 19 n, clearwater, fl 33765: (800) 667-9051) and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing multiple unknown components and serial bolts to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. Toyota case number is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).â€*jb |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Feb 10, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Dec 20, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | 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 00 to repair. I was warned it could have been worse (00) if harness needed changing. I was told “I was luckyâ€. After researching I discovered this is a problem because of soy based wiring. It's an attractant for rodents. |
| Category | Tires:sidewall, Tires:tread/belt |
| Date | Nov 23, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | I was driving. A 2019 suv with about 16,100 miles on it at about 60 mph in highway traffic on a perfectly smooth road and without any warning and out of nowhere there was a very loud bang in the back driver side of the suv. The road was smooth, there were no potholes, and I didn't hit anything. I had to pull over to get off the road and out of traffic. I was only able to pull about eight feet off the road onto the dirt to get out of moving traffic and when I got out to see what had happened. I was shocked to see that my drivers's rear tire was completely flat and smoking. I was also shocked to see that the outer sidewall of the tire had 14 large bulges / bumps circling the entire 360 degrees of the tire's outer sidewall surface. Being in a very dangerous situation on the highway in heavy fast moving traffic I had a call to 911 emergency come to assist me and they changed the defective tire. After the tire had been removed it turned out that the only visible condition seen was on the tires outer sidewall. The inner sidewall looks perfectly fine, all the condition seems only concentrated on the outer tire sidewall's area. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Nov 22, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact waited an hour and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that while her mother was driving 5 mph, she heard abnormal grinding sounds, and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact also stated that she had smelled a strong burning odor while driving and the subframe of the vehicle was corroded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Steering, Wheels |
| Date | Nov 05, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Anytime you go above 60mph the car and steering wheel shake pretty violently. If you take your foot off the gas it goes away temporarily. The same happens at times when braking, the car and steering wheel will shake. Tires have been balanced, rotated, and replaced with no improvement. This seems to be a well known and wide spread problem with toyota offering no real solution. The vehicle seems hard to control and could be dangerous at speeds above 60. I am around 50,000 miles on my 4runner and the problem seems to have started when my tires were replaced a few months ago. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Oct 08, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | Vehicle steering wheel shakes at speed of 50-60 mph. Wheels and tires have been rotated and balanced numerous times as my fiancé is a manager at a tire shop. Alignment has been checked and does not need one. Correct tire pressure is used. Tires have been rotated and balanced by dealer and my fiancé's tire shop with thorough inspections. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 22, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | bluetooth is not correctly working with iphone 11pro max or any iphone or any andriod. The connection is awful, robotic and static sound! Cant use the bluetooth at all for calls. Toyota dealership told me there is no remedy for that! Unacceptable! |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jul 28, 2021 |
| State | LA |
| Description | Manufacture defect |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Jul 02, 2021 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | Steering wheel shakes and wobbles. At times violently. Occurs at 55-65 mph. Wheels and tires have been balanced countless times. Alignment is in spec. Correct tire pressure is used. Truck has been inspected by dealer. Tires have been balanced by dealers and local shops. No one can fix the shake and wobble in the steering wheel. This has been a problem since the vehicle was new and now has over 20,000 miles. There are thousands of complaints as I have found on line forums. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Jun 30, 2021 |
| State | UT |
| Description | Component: possible steering rack issue safety concern: vehicle steering wheel shakes at speed between 60-62mph. A lot of new 4runner affected by this issue. Problem is confirmed by toyota dealership |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 21, 2021 |
| State | NV |
| Description | I had been driving for roughly 4 hours when my sunroof exploded/shattered from the inside out. I heard a loud noise and then the sound of the outside air. I couldn't see a broken window. I pulled off of hwy 202 (phoenix metro area) onto the next exit and got out and stepped up on my running board and saw that their was a large hole in the center of my sunroof glass. There was no other damage that I could see to the roof. When the damage occurred I had no other traffic around me and I there was not an overpass in sight, behind or in front of me. My headliner was closed so no glass entered the cabin of the vehicle. There was no damage to the headliner. The claim has been reported to toyota and also to my insurance company. My passenger was my 15 year old foster son. No one was injured in this event |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Jun 03, 2021 |
| State | KS |
| Description | The contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Apr 05, 2021 |
| State | OR |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle started jerking, loss motive power and failed to respond with the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to gresham toyota (950 ne hogan dr, gresham, or 97030, (503)667-1135) to be diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The contact felt unsafe driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 2,200. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Apr 05, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Big two toyota of chandler (1250 s gilbert rd, chandler, az 85286 phone: (480) 898-6000) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 30, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | General brake use. When pressing to the brakes the pedal has to be pressed on all the way to the floor before the car begins to stop. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Mar 22, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I bought a new 2019 toyota 4 runner sr5 premium june 2019, I received by mail a recall notice re: fuel pump in feb 2020, then notified again it was not a recall between march-may 2020. Then, in oct 2020 toyota issued the same recall re: fuel pump but I wasn't notified until jan/feb 2021 by mail. I took it to the dealer in feb, they called toyota who said they didn't have the parts for a remedy. We know what the problem is with the fuel pump because it was disclosed re: the impellars & what occurred during the mfg phase. Anyhow the dealer couldn't replace it as I was going to pay out of pocket. I'm very irritated because I bought an unreliable vehicle & can't make a long distance road trip fearing the fuel pump will fail. I'm still waiting for a remedy which is a new fuel pump. It's obvious toyota doesn't care for people putting their lives at risk driving around with a bad fuel pump. This needs to be resolved once & for all. They need to beef up the re-mfg of the fuel pump & take care of their customers like me that spent 44,000 on a cruddy vehicle. I'm ready to get rid of it. Please help. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Mar 15, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called precision toyota of tucson (700 w. Wetmore rd, tucson, az 85705, (520) 795-5565) where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Mar 04, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Recall still does not have resolution identified. Unsafe to drive at high speeds |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Feb 02, 2021 |
| State | AL |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called sand mountain toyota (9167 us-431, albertville, al 35950, (256) 878-0789) however, the contact did not receive a callback. The contact stated that she saw online that the remedy would not be available until march of 2021. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jan 21, 2021 |
| State | MD |
| Description | While driving my 4 runner at about 45 mph, it just stopped working. Engine was still running but it would not go. It was like it was stuck in neutral. I pressed the gas all the way to the floor and nothing. I was stuck in the middle of the road and unable to go. About 30-45 seconds and it began to work again. I took it to newark toyota and reported the problem but they said since they were unable to duplicate there was nothing they could do. They claimed maybe the floor mat got stuck under the pedal- it is a secure floor mat and I am positive the floor mat was not in the way. I was able to push gas pedal all the way to the floor with no movement of the car. Also I was already driving the car without any issues before it completely stopped working. I am just lucky it didn't happen on an interstate - as I would not have been able to get out of the way of fast moving traffic. |
| Category | Seat Belts |
| Date | Jan 15, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | While the vehicle was parked in a driveway, running but not yet in gear or in motion, 5 year old child secured in carseat in 2nd row moved the shoulder/lap seatbelt in such a way that it encircled his waist and would not allow any slack, cinching around the child's waist. The seatbelt retractor would only allow the seat belt to get tighter and would not release any slack. As bystanders attempted to free the child, the seat belt continued to get tighter and tighter. This resulted in the child being limited to taking shallow breaths. The child became very frightened and asked repeatedly if he was going to die. Bystanders had to find tools to remove the seatbelt from the frame of the car in order to free the child and allow him to breathe without constriction. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Oct 29, 2020 |
| State | OH |
| Description | The trd pro tuned fox shocks make audible hollow 'thunk' sounds when traveling over small bumps or cracks in concrete at low speed ( |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 19, 2020 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Bluetooth is not correctly working with iphone 11pro max |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Sep 10, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that when driving at 10 mph and proceeding to turn left on green light, another vehicle driving at high speeds failed to yield and crashed into the contacts vehicle front passenger area door and the front bumper pushed the contacts front passenger door and bumper out of alignment. The contact mentioned that the other driver attempted to flee the scene of the accident. The contact stated that the driver's air bag failed to deploy and caused the contacts face to hit the steering wheel and the driver's door window. The contact suffered injuries to the neck and upper back where medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Apr 21, 2020 |
| State | HI |
| Description | Most of the time that I pass a speed bump and I accelerate the vehicle make a weird vibration when goes from the first to the second gear. After the second gear doesn't make the vibration any more. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Mar 26, 2020 |
| State | NY |
| Description | 2019 toyota 4 runner. Consumer writes in regard to vehicle stalling while driving and to the recall no. 20v-012. *as the consumer stated the vehicle stalled twice. On one occasion the heat seting changed and the dashboard lights went out. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. *js |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 20, 2020 |
| State | IL |
| Description | With under 12,000 miles on my brand new vehicle, I have had to replace the whole windshield 4 times now. Each crack/chip has occurred with vehicles going in the opposite direction on a two lane highway. We have continued to call the dealership (where we purchased the vehicle) and toyota's headquarters about the issue of the brittle/delicate windshield on the 2019 4runner. I have researched forums to see if other consumers were having this problem with a lot of concurring about the thin windshield. I hope that toyota can possibly come out with another windshield (preferably more durable) option for the ones who use the 4runner on rural roads. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Mar 04, 2020 |
| State | LA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was informed that the vehicle was subjected to nhtsa campaign number: 20v0120000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was taken to bohn toyota located at (3800 lapalco blvd, harvey, la 70058, 504-341-3300) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and it was confirmed that the vin was included. The approximate failure mileage was 14,649. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 26, 2020 |
| State | NE |
| Description | I had been driving for two minutes on a city road going approximately 30 mph, when my car suddenly stalled and all the indicator lights came on. Then the car started on its own and I was able to turn into a parking lot. Then the car stalled again and I noticed smoke coming out of the hood in front of the windshield. I put it in park and took the key out of the ignition. I got out of the car and the car restarted and stalled on its own a few more times after that. It also made a loud beeping sound that sounded like a car alarm but we don't have an alarm installed. The entire front half of vehicle was annihilated. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Feb 24, 2020 |
| State | TN |
| Description | My issue is primarily with toyota corporate and how they are handling the fuel pump recall. A brand new vehicle with less than 5000 miles has a recall for a random fuel pump failure, and toyota does not have a 'remedy' available nor do they have a timeline for when the remedy may be available. They are requiring their customers to assume the risk of the stall or car wreck while they are trying to figure out the cheapest way to replace the fuel pumps in 700,000 vehicles. I am no vehicle engineer, but if the fuel pump is the issue, and they have isolated to a faulty batch of fuel pumps, it seems that the 'remedy' would be replacing the fuel pump. My guess is that toyota is trying to only partially replace or fix parts on the fuel pump to save a few dollars per fix instead of putting their customers first. The least they could do would be to be forthcoming about the timeline or why there is a delay. Instead, they are either putting their customers at risk in a car that they have acknowledged can have a random fuel pump failure leading to bodily harm or injury, or they force their customers into a subpar loaner/rental car (I initially went from a 4runner to a minivan) and having to return to the rental car company to sign a new contract every 30 days. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Feb 18, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Need to remedy this open recall of driving a vehicle that can shut off while driving at high speeds. I have been calling toyota on a weekly basis asking for a remedy, but have not been provided an answer. How are people supposed to keep driving a vehicle that could just shut off and lose control? |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Feb 01, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | I recently purchased a 2019 toyota 4runner from stadium toyota. In the beginning of november 2019, I began to hear a squeaking noise coming from the car when ever I would back-out of my garage first thing in the morning and lightly release the breaks. I recorded the noise and scheduled an appointment with the dealer. I showed the video to the service technician, who acknowledged the problem but was unable to replicate it. 2 days after the service, the squeaking sound, which sounds like metal rubbing against metal, came back. In the beginning, the sound would happen first thing in the morning, after I haven't driven for 12 hours. Now, the sound can be sometimes heard even after the car have been parked for an hour. I fully respect the opinion of the service technician, who was unable to find the source of the problem, but I will not accept that the squeaking sound is a normal sound of the vehicle, and I want the issue to be resolved. I purchased the vehicle with 4 miles on it and currently has ~4000 miles on it. I have attached the first correspondence between me and toyota headquarters in which I detail the the issue to them. I mention that the squeaking sound is coming from the front, but after my meeting with the service technician, I was let know that the squeaking sound could be coming from the back as well. I have been to the service technician 3 times so far without an solution privileged. After I come back from the dealer, the squeaking sound comes back after 3 days. The technician always tells us that the squeaking is because of moisture and break dust, but I do not understand why my 2016 toyota 4runner, which was purchased in the beginning 2017, brand new from the same dealer and same sales person, does not have this issue. The 2019 4runner has been garage stored since the day it was purchased. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jan 14, 2020 |
| State | CT |
| Description | This sr5 was b rand new purchased in march 2019. It has never been driven off road with the exception being I drive it up a hill to my barn over lawn using 4wd high. I've heard this grinding noise two to three time when shifting from reverse into drive when the truck is stationary and on a hill. I haven't checked if this occurs in each of the transmission modes. I believe I have heard it both in 2wd and 4wd high but have not checked yet if it happens also in 4wd low. This is alarming and for now, I avoid putting it in drive by drifting back to level ground when possible. I am concerned the transmission is being damaged internally when I hear this. I plan to see what the toyota dealer has to say about this. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 09, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I was sitting at a stoplight and the windshield cracked in the middle fron the bottom up nothing hit it just sitting at the stoplight and the windshield cracked |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Dec 17, 2019 |
| State | KS |
| Description | This brand new 4runner makes loud groaning sound from the first day until now, every time when transferring from reverse to drive or drive to reverse on a hill road, no matter an alley or a parking way. People who heard of it said it should be a transmission problem and it's bad. Because it sounds like something inside is being broken and not sure when it's totally dead suddenly and the vehicle would lose control. I don't know car. I didn't let any mechanic touch it yet because I'm looking for a third party legally to check it and their report would be also accepted by toyota. So I don't have any report about the problem now and I don't know what I should do either. But I really want to know how bad it is and if it's safe to drive. I've been told by a toyota mechanic that another customer who purchased 4runner too from the same dealership shop complained about this sound too. So I report it here. Hope you can help! I have over dozen records of the sound, I'd like to sent them by email or mail to you. Thank you! |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 12, 2019 |
| State | WA |
| Description | By design, which toyota motor sales usa inc. Acknowledges, the 2019 4runner sr5 windshield and front window defrost functions with external air only, and will not function with recirculated vehicle cabin air. This exposes vehicle occupants to potentially hazardous external air conditions during winter driving. I've personally been exposed to this health hazard on multiple occasions while operating the 4runner windshield defrost hvac in inclement weather: in heavy freeway traffic and exposed to vehicle exhaust-laden external air, and in mountain winter driving and exposed to external diesel exhaust from snow removal vehicles. As an asthma sufferer such exposure during normal operation of the vehicle is a health risk. On at least one occasion I've experienced significant respiratory distress due to this 2019 toyota 4runner design defect. I'm concerned about continued exposure and related health hazards for me and other vehicle occupants while operating a integral vehicle feature, one that is necessary for safe driving during inclement weather conditions. |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Oct 30, 2019 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. While driving 70 mph, the contact heard an abnormal popping noise as the sun roof exploded. The vehicle was taken to don mcgill toyota (11800 katy fwy, houston, tx 77079, (281) 496-2000) and the contact was informed that an object struck the sun roof. The sun roof was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they were adhering to the dealer's report. The failure mileage was 7,983. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Jun 12, 2019 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 toyota 4runner. While driving 65 mph, a high-pitched whining noise was heard from the rear axle. Each time the accelerator pedal was depressed, the whining noise occurred. When the accelerator pedal was released, the whining noise went away. The vehicle was taken to big two toyota of chandler (located at 1250 s gilbert rd, chandler, az 85286, (480) 989-6000) where it was test driven. The technician informed the contact that it sounded like the pinion gear was not assembled properly. The contact asked why the whining noise only occurred when depressing the accelerator pedal and was informed that it was due to the torque being applied. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 1904182303. The approximate failure mileage was 5,300. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 20, 2019 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My model is a trd off road 4runner with the "bold" package which includes a non-functional hood scoop. The unsafe factor is that the design of the hood scoop allows for bright sunlight to be reflected directly into the driver eyes, effectively blinding the driver. Although it takes the right combination of direction of travel, time of day, etc. This has occurred three times in the 5 months I have owned the vehicle. I have personally solved the issue by applying a non reflective decal which has eliminated the issue. I attempted to bring this to the attention of toyota customer care with negative results. I would like to see that your agency suggest toyota apply a non-reflective decal as part of the manufacturing process (as they already do on the toyota tacoma pickup). |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I used to work for Toyota and to meet gas mileage and emissions the paint is thinner and probably the glass to. They saved 6 pounds by thinning the paint. I assume they found more and things are not built quite as good.