A global offering of Toyota’s 4Runner has undergone five generations since 1984. At the time of its introduction, the 4Runner was proportionally smaller than a compact SUV. From 2016 to 2018, Toyota 4Runner sales surpassed 100,000. There are expectations that the model will sell more than 100,000 units by 2024.
As a result, the 4Runner’s worst years were prior to these years. Regardless of whether you are looking for a 2016 or newer model, you shouldn’t limit your search to only 4Runners. A review of the 4Runner’s best and worst years might surprise you.
Also Read: GMC Acadia Years to Avoid.
Table of Contents
The Worst Toyota 4Runner Model Years
Off-road performance is limited on first-generation models. Second-generation 4Runners feature improved user interfaces compared to first-generation vehicles. As long as it lasts, it does not necessarily represent a good investment.
Two Runners were at their best during their second generation. We only found one significant problem with the Toyota 4Runner: the rear suspension was sagging.
Introducing Toyota’s second-generation vehicle was a big deal. To avoid Hilux’s parts-sharing image, Toyota spent a considerable amount ensuring it was right. Our budget should have been larger. In a large SUV with passengers and luggage, the four-link rear coil suspension is put under a lot of stress. Toyota was unable to compensate for the suspension performance deficit despite upgrading to a coilover suspension. Easily fixable problems can be solved by upgrading the suspension.
Avoid: 2000
In 2000, the Toyota 4Runner experienced its first serious season of defects, which resulted in at least five crashes.
Five hundred and forty-six incidents were reported by the NHTSA about the 4Runner in 2000, making it the first year in which it suffered a lot of complaints. Rust started to develop on 4Runner frames during this year, according to owners. In addition, there were 177 complaints about the 2000 4Runner’s frame.
NHTSA has received reports of five accidents involving faulty frames. There were 5 collisions resulting in serious injuries to the drivers and passengers in four of them. Rusted frames were the primary cause of frame issues, which were discovered by owners soon after the fact.
Avoid: 2003
Toyota’s 4th generation 2003 4Runner has a few noteworthy features. There are several reasons for this, including poor maintenance records.
Avoid the Toyota 4Runner model from the 4th generation, which was released in 2003. Additionally, the head gasket had a problem. According to carComplaints.com, this affected the vehicle’s performance immediately.
There were over 40 complaints about engines received by the NHTSA alone. The exterior of the vehicle was the subject of 192 complaints, specifically about rust developing soon after the purchase. As time went on, dashboard cracks appeared, despite the warranty covering them.
Avoid: 2004
Due to the 910 overall complaints filed with NHTSA against the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, it is recommended that you avoid it.
It is recommended that you avoid Toyota 4Runners manufactured after 2004 because they are regarded as the worst since they were launched in 1984. Total NHTSA complaints amounted to 910, 293 of which dealt with peeling paint and rust. A recent report from CarComplaints.com indicates that the 4Runner has poor ratings for rear impacts.
Even though there were no deaths, there may have been additional injuries as a result of the poor rear impact test results. The NHTSA also received 94 complaints about antilock braking systems malfunctioning, a major concern for potential auto buyers. It frustrated owners to find that dashboard cracks were still present after the vehicle was delivered.
Avoid: 2005
Among Toyota’s 2005 4Runners, the vehicle ranks third in complaints reported to the NHTSA.
Fourth generation 4Runners are having their third worst year in a row, continuing a poor luck streak. There were more than 617 complaints filed with the NHTSA in 2017, 181 of which were regarding dashboard cracks and rust. At this point, Toyota was unable to quickly resolve these problems since they knew the source of the issue.
Furthermore, rust problems were reported in 2005 as well as head gasket issues. If the extent of the damage is severe, all of these issues could add up to a repair cost of up to $3,000. There is no doubt that this model year should be avoided at all costs once again.
Avoid: 2006
Despite 2006 being one of the most difficult years for this generation, NHTSA complaints have been declining since 2006.
During its fourth generation, the Toyota 4Runner had its last truly bad year in 2006. A drop in NHTSA complaints showed some improvement in paint and rust issues. The suspension issue remains a point of concern, despite the drop in complaints.
The suspension has been the cause of crashes in at least three cases. As a result of rear impact tests performed on the 2006 model, the model received poor ratings. Several accidents and four fatalities occurred as a result of poor speed control in the 2006 model.
The Best 4Runner Years
Most producers do not invest in their first few years of production. The automotive industry hasn’t changed much in recent years. Most manufacturers have teething issues during their early years, which makes later model years more desirable. It is generally more reliable than the first generation 4Runner. The fifth-generation model is expected to attract many buyers.
There is a lot in common between the 4Runner and Tacoma. Initially, only turbocharged four-cylinder engines were available for both cars. Only entry-level models are expected to have manual transmissions.
Best: 2009
One of the most notable Toyota 4Runners of the fourth generation is the 2009 model.
A lot of the problems plaguing Toyota’s 4th generation model have finally been resolved. As a result, you will find that the 2009 model is one of the best options available today. Although the 2009 model had no significant upgrades, customer reports indicate it had no major problems.
A dramatic drop in complaints to the NHTSA from 2003-2006 was observed. There were no complaints about rust or frame issues for Toyota. This model has only one major flaw: shift times become slower above 15 mph.
Best: 2018
There have been very few complaints registered against the 2018 Toyota 4Runner by the NHTSA, making it a reliable vehicle.
With the next Toyota 4Runner model coming out in 2018, it is the best model to own. It is encouraging to see that only 67 complaints were received by the NHTSA about Toyota’s largest SUV, indicating that the company is on the right path. This year’s model release was not upgraded in any significant way, but it still worked. A very positive review of the overall design was received and the design was produced since 2012 (and continues to be produced).
There were many positive reviews for the ruggedness, smooth steering, and rugged features of the Toyota 4Runner from its owners. Six trim levels are available, so you’re sure to find something you like. Seating can even be arranged in two or three rows, depending on your cargo needs.
Best: 2019
In 2019, the 4Runner offers excellent off-road capabilities in a new generation.
Compared to 2018, the 4Runner has one less NHTSA complaint in 2019. Its reliability is widely regarded as one of the best on the market. Fewer than five complaints have been filed about fuel line issues, despite a few complaints.
The 2019 model was packed with exciting features, especially considering it maintained the 4Runner’s record of excellent off-road ability. When it comes to price and size, the 4Runner may be an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The configuration options are also extensive.
Best: 2020
You can customize the 2020 Toyota 4Runner to meet your needs.
According to NHTSA, Toyota’s 5th generation continued to be a success in 2020. There were 32 complaints total, mostly related to airbags and brakes. If fewer than five complaints are generated, it’s likely that the problem isn’t larger.
A 4Runner in 2020 was an exceptional value depending on whether you built it to your exact specifications or found a used one that met your needs. Off-road, it continues to outperform its competitors. We can overlook what’s new in infotainment, since there are a lot of outdoor opportunities.
Best: 2021
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner served as a representative of multiple categories.
For 2021, NHTSA reports 36 complaints, which are significantly lower than 2021 issues. As far as notable incidents in 2021 are concerned, there has been only one passenger-side window burst, which could have been a freak accident.
This off-road-ready Toyota 4Runner offers plenty of driver assistance and safety features, as well as a variety of off-road capabilities. The 4Runner’s versatility was reaffirmed in the 2021 models as usual. It only takes a little more horsepower for Toyota to increase its fuel economy.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Toyota 4Runner Years to Avoid
Q: Can you tell me which years of the Toyota 4Runner you should avoid if you aren’t mechanically inclined?
The 4Runners 2003-2005, 2001-2002, 1990-1995, 2Runners with 3.0-liter V6, and 1988-1989 are best avoided by those who don’t want to deal with extensive repairs or who don’t want to deal with extensive work.
Q: What model years are less likely to have problems?
There are fewer reported issues with the five-generation 4Runners from 2010-2016, the four-generation four-runners from 2006-2007, the third-generation four-runners from 1996-1998, the second-generation four-cylinder 4Runners from 1990-1993, and the first-generation four-cylinder 4Runners from 1986-1987.
Q: What makes the 2003-2005 Toyota 4Runner inferior?
There are two major problems with Toyota 4Runner models between 2003 and 2005: body rust and undercarriage rust. Several 2004 models have been identified as having a serious cracking problem on the dashboard. It is, however, the most severe problem for this model year-failure of the head gasket.
Q: What makes the 3.0-liter V6 engines in the 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner problematic?
Toyota 4Runners from 1990-1995 are known to suffer frequent head gasket failures, even after being repaired. A few thousand miles into these models, their suspensions sag, and the power steering leaks.
Q: Is the Toyota 4Runner usually reliable?
There are many positive reviews of the Toyota 4Runner when it comes to dependability. It isn’t guaranteed, however, that every model year will be perfect. Although some issues can be traced back to age (the 4Runner has been around for 40 years), others are more associated with a particular year’s problems.
Q: Is it common to find used Toyota 4Runners for under $30,000?
Obtaining a Toyota 4Runner at an affordable price is very difficult, which drives up the price. A tight market will likely lead to price increases even for older examples. Based on CoPilot Price Pulse data, a typical 2008 4Runner sells for $14,064, a 39% premium. (Excluding an 8% premium), a 2020 model costs on average $42,028.
Q: What is the value of the Toyota 4Runner?
With the right information, the Toyota 4Runner can be a great vehicle. You can find out which years of Toyota 4Runner are most reliable by researching them. An incorrect 4Runner can cause you a great deal of headache and expensive repairs.
Conclusion
As we discussed in previous articles, we have experienced some highs and lows with the 4Runner. Now that you’ve gained knowledge, you’ll be able to make intelligent decisions.
Fans of 4Runners, we have a question for you:
Is there a particular year that stands out to you most?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Those of us looking for a 4Runner may find you an enlightening beacon.
