Best and worst Toyota 4Runner years — which to avoid

Buying a Toyota 4Runner can be a great move considering the reliability of this off-road capable SUV, but only if you avoid the worst-rated model years. Sadly, not all of the 4Runner years have been created equal and that left our team wondering about the best years to buy and worst Toyota 4Runner years to avoid so we can help you with your buying decision.

On our way to evaluate those, we’ve encountered numerous model-specific concerns submitted to NHTSA and similar platforms. We’ve scanned through hundreds of pages of 4Runner reliability reports, common ownership complaints, and feedback from real drivers, so read on to see our findings.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Toyota 4Runner years

In the making of this guide, our team used valid sources to evaluate the best and worst 4Runner model years. We started with NHTSA reports and made our way through the Toyota 4Runner recalls listed on their official page, as well as platforms like Cars.com and Car Complaints.

After going through the main complaint records and recall information, we also checked what other drivers think of certain 4Runner years through reputable forums like Toyota Nation and Reddit.

Finally, we made our lists of the best and worst years of the model based on all this information and official reviews on Edmunds and KBB. Initial problems have appeared with the third-gen model, so that’s where we’ll start our search:

Most common Toyota 4Runner problems

It’s a good thing that the Toyota 4Runner didn’t have many serious issues down the drain regardless of the model year, especially considering the overall engine reliability. However, according to the user reports on platforms like Car Complaints, some issues would make you steer away from certain model years, so let’s take a look.

1. Rust

Rust is a common problem for most SUVs, trucks, and old cars. The Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, has been reported to have serious rust issues at times when it shouldn’t. There are reports of extra rust on the vehicle due to improper treatment of the frames.

The older vehicle versions were plagued with rust issues to the point where Toyota paid $3.4 billion as settlements to owners. Even to this day, the vehicle still has rust issues but within certain limits. That is why you need to inspect a 4Runner, especially older models, for rust before deciding to purchase.

2. Brake issues

The brake system problems were common for 2014 to 2017 4Runner models—the complaints centered on the brakes locking up temporarily or failing. The brake master cylinder and front rotor were most prone to premature wear and warp issues.

3. Transmission faults

The 4Runner model was notorious for developing serious transmission faults from 1990 to 2016. Drivers regularly experience symptoms of bad throttle position sensor, solenoid, or shift to fix this issue. Without the fix, they would experience frequent loss of power and rough shifting.

4. Body and paint problems

The body frame of many 4Runners was shown to be badly corroded after about 150,000 miles. Over time, this rust spreads from the frame and manifests more on the vehicle’s body the longer the issue is not dealt with. 

4. Failing airbags

The dashboard issue is a leading factor in the failure of airbags on the 4Runner. Since the dashboard material was not strong enough to stand against the sun’s rays, it easily melted and obstructed the original design of the dashboard in a way that affected the airbag. Therefore, when needed, the airbag would not deploy. The worst thing is – sometimes the SRS light wasn’t even displayed, so drivers couldn’t know about the airbag fault.

Toyota had to recall most of the cars with this problem. It is not a severe issue if you notice it without being placed in an uncomfortable emergency, and it has an easy fix.

Worst Toyota 4Runner years to avoid

Our team used trustworthy driver reviews of different Toyota 4Runner years and NHTSA reports to create a list of the worst Toyota 4Runner years to avoid:

• 2000
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005

As you can see, only a handful of model years prove to be unreliable for this SUV, so that makes your job easier. However, we want to give you thorough explanations of what could go wrong if you opt in for one of these, so let’s take a look.

Third-generation Toyota 4Runner (2000-2001 model years)

The first issue drivers noticed with this generation of 4Runners was its decreased off-road capabilities. The reduced performance was because Toyota removed the locking gear differential and manual transmission, which drivers were familiar with and could handle demanding off-road ventures.

The following severe issue 4Runners in this generation suffered,  perhaps even more than the other generations, is rust. Models in this generation suffered from frequent paint and rust problems, making them not too pleasing to the eye even when they are still relatively new. So, unless you enjoy spending money on regular bodywork and paint upgrades, you should avoid the cars in this generation by all means.

Fourth generation Toyota 4Runner (2003-2005 model years)

The fourth-generation 4Runners have many bad reports that make drivers avoid them. The most severe issue common for this model is the head gasket problem.

Seeing how expensive the head gasket is and how essential it is for the vehicle’s running, it put the 4Runner in a bad situation. Because of the head gasket issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) received more than 400 complaints for this generation of 4Runners.

A less severe problem common for this generation of 4Runners was dashboard cracking. It did not affect the quality of rides with the vehicle but reduced its aesthetic appeal. It usually went unattended but deterred many new drivers from wanting the car.

What are the best Toyota 4Runner years to buy?

Through this guide, we’ve proven that Toyota 4Runner has quite a few decent-rated model years. However, your biggest question most likely is – what are the best Toyota 4Runner years to buy? The best Toyota 4Runner years are 1996, 2007, 2009, and 2019, but here’s a full list:

• 1995  
• 1999
• 2000
• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2010
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019

The 4Runners from the first and second generations with the 2.4-liter I4 engine were excellent for their time and were most preferred for their reliable transmission, which gave many drivers confidence on any track.

2000, 2001, and 2002 4Runners enjoyed a winning streak as the “most dependable midsize SUV” in 2003-2005. They are not fuel efficient but have excellent towing capacities with relatively good ride quality.

The 2008 4Runner model also won the title of “most dependable midsize SUV” in 2011, delivering a quality and reliability score of 87.

1996 Toyota 4Runner

The 1996 is one of the legendary 4Runner models with excellent off-road capabilities and dependable engines that easily push more than 200,000 miles. Now, more than 3 decades after, the model only received less than 100 concern reports made to NHTSA which is impressive for such an old model.

Most of these were related to body/paint issues, and few mentions of seatbelt linkage issues and suspension problems.

2007 Toyota 4Runner

Even though the 2007 4Runner faced some problems with differential leaks and driveshaft issues, it still remains one of the most reliable models up to date. It comes right after the 1996 model with less than 200 reliability logs issued to NHTSA.

On top of that, it received great customer feedback with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Edmunds and similar automotive rating platforms.

2019 Toyota 4Runner

Since the 2009 model had more or less the same benefits and issues as the 2007 4Runner, we’ve decided to focus straight on the 2019 model as it’s one of the most recent ones. With a total of 60 complaints on NHTSA as of the time of writing this article, it’s among the most reliable options out there.

However, it’s good to bear in mind that we might see more reliability reports as the model goes older.

Is the Toyota 4Runner worth buying? 

The 4Runner’s reputation stems from its reliability in the most challenging situations. It works better with age and, with proper maintenance, can rake you through any path for many years.

However, to get the best Toyota 4Runner, avoid its first generation model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and its second generation of 1990-1995. They both develop severe engine problems that drain your pocket, making the vehicle an unpleasant investment.

Tapping into genuine feedback from car enthusiasts and thorough investigative work, we’re dedicated to enhancing your car selection experience. If you’re looking to bypass the problematic years, our detailed articles like Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid, Ford Explorer years to avoid, and Nissan Pathfinder years to avoid will provide you with all the answers. Step forward in your search for the perfect vehicle, fortified with the knowledge and confidence that our comprehensive guide provide.